Tag: Wayzata Conservancy

Spring Splash to Celebrate Community, Lakeside Season, and Historic Vision for Wayzata’s Shoreline

April 25th, 2025

Submitted image.

WAYZATA — The lakeside season kicks off with a family-friendly celebration on Saturday, May 3, as the Wayzata Conservancy hosts Spring Splash, a free community event from 10:00 a.m. to noon at Panoway Plaza on Lake Street.

Set along the shores of Lake Minnetonka, the event will feature hands-on activities, previews of local summer camps, and treats from McCormick’s and Ben & Jerry’s. Highlights include a make-your-own tie-dye station, interactive booths from the YMCA, Three Rivers Park District, and Wayzata Community Ed, plus live performances from youth dance troupe Dance Esteem.

More than just a seasonal sendoff, Spring Splash offers a glimpse into Wayzata’s civic vision, highlighting plans to restore one of the city’s last surviving railroad-era landmarks: the Section Foreman House.

File photo.

Constructed around 1902, the house once served as living quarters for the railroad foreman who oversaw track maintenance along this historic stretch of the Great Northern line. It stands today as a quiet witness to the city’s working-class heritage—and as a symbol of what’s to come.

Currently in the fundraising stage, the Wayzata Conservancy plans to restore the building and repurpose it as the Sandvold Lakeshore Learning Center—a future destination for STEM education, environmental programming, and community events on the waterfront.

“Spring Splash is about coming together,” said Peter Hitch, executive director of the Wayzata Conservancy. “We’re inviting the community not only to enjoy a great day at the lake, but to help us shape the future of this shoreline—where learning, history, and lake life intersect.”

The Section Foreman House, located just west of the Depot, forms one end of the larger Panoway on Wayzata Bayproject. On the opposite end stands the historic Wayzata Depot, a preserved reminder of the town’s grand rail-era beginnings. These two structures—each with deep roots in the city’s railroading past—bookend the Panoway and tell the story of Wayzata’s growth from trackside village to lakeside destination.

With the new Lakewalk now connecting them, Panoway is more accessible than ever—offering residents and visitors alike a chance to stroll the shoreline and experience Wayzata’s evolving blend of legacy and public space.

Spring Splash is free and open to the public. No registration is required.

For more information or to support the Section Foreman House restoration, visit: WayzataConservancy.org
Wayzata Conservancy Chair Sandvold Gives Panoway Fundraising Update and Answers Questions from Mayor Mouton

November 13th, 2024

At a recent city council meeting, Blake Sandvold, Chair of the Wayzata Conservancy, provided updates on the Panoway project, its funding, and future phases. Despite enthusiasm over progress made, Mayor Mouton raised questions about outstanding financial commitments and future fundraising efforts.

$3,000,000+/- Raised from 300+ Donors

Sandvold began by emphasizing the Conservancy’s success in completing phases one and two of the Panoway project, including the Lake Street Plaza and the Lakewalk and Docks. He underscored the Conservancy’s mission of fostering public-private partnerships and its role in advocacy, project funding, and ongoing maintenance. To date, the Conservancy has raised approximately $3 million from over 330 donors, including individuals, families, corporations, and foundations.

“Generosity is alive and well,” Sandvold said, pointing to community events like Spring Splash and collaborations with local nonprofits.

Looking forward, Sandvold detailed plans for phase three, which includes restoring the Section Foreman House as a Lake Shore Learning Center, developing an Eco Park, and enhancing Depot Park. Initial fundraising efforts have secured $500,000 for this $10 million phase, about half of which has been contributed by Mr. Sandvold’s own family.

Financial Concerns from Mayor Mouton

While the presentation celebrated achievements, Mayor Johanna Mouton raised questions about fundraising shortfalls. Specifically, she expressed concerns over a delayed $120,000 pledge tied to dock construction.

“We relied on those funds,” Mayor Mouton stated. “Our numbers are based on having that money in the bank, and we don’t have it.”

The delayed pledge, originally expected in June, has left the city in a a bit of a challenging position as it faces upcoming financial obligations, including an $91,000 payment due in January.

Sandvold assured the council of his confidence in the donor’s intent, citing personal and confidential reasons for the delay. “It hasn’t swayed me from believing that it won’t come through,” he said, while acknowledging the challenges inherent in fundraising.

Balancing Future and Current Phases

Council member Molly MacDonald also questioned the decision to allocate restricted funds for phase three while obligations for phase two remain outstanding. Sandvold explained that such practices are common in fundraising, where donors often earmark contributions for specific components of a project.

Mayor Johanna McCarthy pressed further, saying, “It seems counterintuitive to fundraise for a future phase when current obligations are unmet. Shouldn’t we focus on finishing phase two first?”

Sandvold responded by highlighting the complexities of donor preferences, noting that some contributions are restricted to specific phases.

Procedural and Fiduciary Responsibilities

Mayor Mouton and other council members reiterated their fiduciary responsibility to Wayzata taxpayers. “We’re accountable when we’re putting the money out and relying on pledges,” Mouton said. “If these pledges don’t materialize, it puts us in a precarious position.”

City Manager Jeffrey Dahl assured the council that ongoing discussions with the Conservancy include updates on funding events and progress. However, the council signaled the need for more clarity on when and how funds will be secured to cover current obligations before committing further resources to phase three.

Looking Forward

Despite the challenges, Sandvold expressed optimism about the Conservancy’s ability to meet its goals. “This project is something I believe in deeply,” he said. “We’re continuing to engage donors and build momentum for the final phase.”

The council plans to revisit the issue in upcoming meetings, with a focus on balancing immediate financial responsibilities and long-term ambitions for Wayzata’s lakefront.
Jennifer Zhi-Roth dontates $500,000 to Panoway Lakewalk in honor of her late husband Gunther Roth

July 31st, 2023

A second major donor to the Panoway Lakewalk has been identified in recently by Wayzata Conservancy director Peter Hitch: Wayzata resdient Jennifer Zhi-Roth.

Zhi-Roth desired to honor her late husband Gunther Roth through the major gift towards the Lakewalk as recognition of the time they spent living in Wayzata on Ferndale Road and in Harrington House.

The gift was the second major donation to the City of Wayzata via the Wayzata Conservancy to help fund the construction and maintanance of the Lakewalk. The first major gift received earlier this year was from the Carisch Family.

Jennifer submitted the following letter commemorating the life of Guether:

Guenther was born and raised in the beautiful State of Bavaria in Germany. He studied classical music since the age of 12; earned his master’s degree in musical conducting; and became a professional musician and conductor.

Guenther immigrated in 1954 to Minnesota, a state he was proud to call home for more than 65 years. He began his career as a musician/conductor; expanded into the world of business
and entrepreneurship; and then found further joy and fulfillment as a philanthropist.

He purchased a classic Frank Lloyd Wright-style home on Ferndale Road West in the early 1990s, spending more than two years to restore it. Many in his Wayzata neighborhood considered the result to be one of the most beautiful homes – his for 20 years — in the area.

In more recent years, we wanted both to remain in Wayzata and to find safe and convenient one-floor living. The penthouse in Harrington House provided the perfect answer, overlooking Wayzata Bay and the beautiful lakefront. We quickly fell in love with the home – for its wonderful neighbors and its panoramic view of the City we both loved!

Guenther’s Wayzata neighbors knew well his practice of power walking through the neighborhood seven days a week – sometimes twice a day! – with me at his side. While some did not know our names, they knew us by sight for our everyday ritual on Ferndale Road West and on Lake Street.

Guenther was also well known in the surrounding area as the endearing, gifted, classically trained musician. He entertained the neighbors with the joyful spirit of his piano-playing. At Christmastime, we hosted parties at our home where Guenther played the piano so beautifully
that he inspired the neighborhood guests to sing enthusiastically.

Everyone joined in at the top of their voices to sing some 20 Christmas songs. When a piano was not nearby, Guenther turned to another passion – motorcycling!

He especially enjoyed riding his BMW motorcycle. He spent countless hours riding through the Alps when in Europe, and of course back home in Minnesota, he came to know virtually every street and avenue in the Twin Cities metro area.

Guenther quietly created a private charitable foundation focused on serving the needs of single-parent minority families’ children. For many years the foundation has helped fund educational opportunities for these children in the hope of building more productive and fulfilling futures.

Guenther R. Roth’s story is a true American story. He worked hard as a new immigrant to use his intelligence and skill to be the best he could be in all the pursuits to which he devoted himself. He encouraged others to pursue their own dreams too, rallying them to “go for it!”

And when he personally succeeded, his kind and loving nature prompted him to give back to the country that had been so good to him, his wife and his family. I am pleased to help honor my dear, elegant, generous husband with this lasting gift to the The Wayzata Conservancy for the City of Wayzata.

Sincerely, Jennifer Zhi-Roth
Lakewalk Construction Underway!

July 17th, 2023

A pile driver and an excavator float on a pair of barges on Wayzata Bay. Photo by Daniel Gustafson.

The City of Wayzata held a “Sand Breaking” event to commerate the beginning of construction of the Lakewalk (Phase 2A) of the Panoway project on July 11th, 2023.

Custom One Homes – New Construction

Additional construction timeline updates can be found on by visiting this website.

Sandbreaking video: Bob Ambrose, Molly MacDonald, Jeff Parkhill, Johanna Mouton, Jeff Buchanan.

Scott Jordan of Civets addresses a crowd gathered to celebrate the beginning of construction the Cakewalk. Submitted photo by Jameson Johnson.

City Manager Jeff Dahl speaks at the Sand Breaking. Submitted photo by Jamie Tjornehoj.

A sign showing the future Lakewalk that will be built. Submitted photo by Jamie Tjornehoj.
Carisch family considering $500,000 pledge towards Panoway boardwalk

April 14th, 2023

A potential one time gift seeks to help fund boardwalk and could rename the structure to Lakewalk; Council to discuss on April 18th Workshop at 5:50pm

A DRAFT letter from William Sternberg, Director, Business Development & Philanthropic Advisor of the Minneapolis Foundation was published in the April 18th Wayzata City Council Workshop agenda packet, and stated:

“The Minneapolis Foundation (the “Foundation”) is pleased to approve a grant of $500,000.00 to The Wayzata Conservancy (the “Conservancy”) to support the Boardwalk section of Wayzata’s Panoway Project. The Boardwalk section, or “lake walk” is the proposed lakeside walkway that will stretch approximately 1,000 lineal feet from the COV RR Crossing to the Wayzata Depot, adjacent to Lake Street in downtown Wayzata. This grant is awarded from the Carisch Family Fund of the Minneapolis Foundation.“

Included in the draft pledge from the Carisch Family is a request to rename the boardwalk to “Lakewalk”; with the specific signage to read:

Enjoy the Lakewalk – The Carisch Family

The proposed donation will be made from the Minneapolis Foundation on behalf of the Carisch Family Fund, to the Wayzata Conservancy in order to help fund construction, operations, maintenance, upkeep, restoration, etc. of the Boardwalk.

Proposed signage included in the Workshop packet.

According to the City Manager’s Memo attached to the letter, “The Conservancy will present a draft proposal and Pledge Agreement for a $500,000 donation to the Conservancy from the Carisch family through the Minneapolis Foundation. It includes a request to name the boardwalk as the “Lakewalk” and include signage as shown in the updated signage standards. After the Council’s preliminary review of the draft proposal and Pledge Agreement, the Conservancy is prepared to present this donation at the next Council meeting on May 2.“

Advertisement

Organizers hope other large donors may step forward to fund the project as well given the pledge.

A bit about the Carisch Family:

Marquee Place in Wayzata

Business partners Lyle Carisch and Ray Lee built the Wayzata Theater on the 600 block of Lake Street; it operated from 1932 until 1985. The family operated 100’s of theaters across the country, and later expanded into Arby’s franchises across the nation.

The family also owns the 600 block of Lake Street, known as Marqee Place, which houses many of Wayzata‘s favorite businesses and restaurants.

The 600 Block of Lake Street, known as Marquee Place is situated in front of Panoway on Wayzata Bay, and the proposed boardwalk.

Stay tuned to Wayzata.com on this evolving story.

This post was edited to reflect that the letter in the Workshop Packet is a DRAFT, and that both sides are considering the matter.
Panoway boardwalk, docks, & Section Foreman design approved

August 17th, 2022

The council approved the design of the Panoway boardwalk, docks and Section Foreman House renovation by a 4-1 vote on Tuesday.

Proposed Wayzata Boardwalk. Image courtesy City of Wayzata.

Phase 2a and 2b of the project will now move for the construction design step in the process. This is where city staff and its consultants will fine tune the details of the project, including a cost estimate, before putting the project out to bid.

Jessica Houlihan, founder of development consulting firm Onyx Strategic Partners, outlined the timeline of what is to come. Her expectation is construction design will be finished to return in front of council by December. Once the designs are approved, the project will go out to bid. After a contractor is chosen, construction could begin as soon as March 2023.

Panoway on Wayzata Bay Phase 2 Schedule, courtesy City of Wayzata.

“We walked all the way through the schedule with one firm and it’s about a six month project,” Houlihan said. “We should be done in the fall.”

Phase 2a, the boardwalk and shoreline, carries a $6.78 million budget while the docks are estimated at $770,000. The budget for the Section Foreman House, Phase 2b, is $1.27 million.

The city has secured $4 million in bond funding for the project. It will draw an estimated $2.62 million from tax increment financing and the remaining portion is slated to come from private or ‘other’ sources. The Wayzata Conservancy has pledged funding for the Section Foreman House, which it is currently fundraising for, as well.

Wayzata Section Foreman House. Image Dan Gustafson.

“What we’ve done is plan for the maintenance and operations for 10 years,” said city manager Jeff Dahl. “The Wayzata Conservancy, to decrease the burden on the city, have agreed to fund maintenance and operations for the remainder of the project so taxpayers of Wayzata won’t be burdened with that.”

According to community development director Emily Goellner, the conservancy has raised about $250,000 for the Section Foreman House and will also pay for construction design plans for that part of the project.

Proposed Section Foreman House. Image courtesy Cushing Terrell.

Councilor Cathy Iverson was the lone council member to vote against approving the design.

“Can we feel confident telling the residents this will not be a tax burden,” Iverson said. “I have a lot of concerns about how it’s going to be paid for.”

Advertisement. Lake Minnetonka Real Estate.

Mayor Johanna Mouton noted a better picture of the costs will not come until after construction design is completed. Councilor Alex Plechash said he also had reservations about the funding, but not enough for him to vote against the design. The mayor and other members of the council said they were comfortable with the funding sources.

“We’ve been steadfast that we would not levy the taxpayers of Wayzata to pay for this,” Mouton said. “We have not done so.”

Baja Haus outdoor patio approved

The council unanimously approved a conditional use permit for a seasonal outdoor patio at Baja Haus, 830 E. Lake Street.

Applicant and co-owner Josh Friedt said his restaurant’s temporary outdoor patio was helpful for his business during the height of the coronavirus pandemic in 2020-21.

“To me it was a huge success,” Friedt said. “I don’t want to say it saved my business but it was definitely a big help.”

The request was to use four parking spaces outside of the restaurant for a temporary pergola. Inside it would fit eight tables seating four each. The patio would be used from May to October. When not in use, the space would be opened back up for parking.

“The people I spoke to that used the outdoor patio during the pandemic really loved it,” Iverson said. “I only heard positive things from the community.”

Former Wayzata Texaco Site

The council also approved a lot combination, comprehensive plan amendment and rezoning of two parcels at 1022 E. Wayzata Blvd.

These parcels were discussed for development in front of the council in April with the proposal of adding a drive thru coffee business. The property is home to a gas station which is no longer in use. To the south, there is a small residential parcel which is considered difficult to develop because of its size and location.

The rezoning of the property changes the newly combined parcel to a C-3 property for retail use.

The planning commission unanimously recommended approval and the council voted 4-1 in favor.

Tag: Wayzata Conservancy

Spring Splash to Celebrate Community, Lakeside Season, and Historic Vision for Wayzata’s Shoreline

Wayzata Conservancy Chair Sandvold Gives Panoway Fundraising Update and Answers Questions from Mayor Mouton

$3,000,000+/- Raised from 300+ Donors

Financial Concerns from Mayor Mouton

Balancing Future and Current Phases

Procedural and Fiduciary Responsibilities

Looking Forward

Jennifer Zhi-Roth dontates $500,000 to Panoway Lakewalk in honor of her late husband Gunther Roth

Lakewalk Construction Underway!

Carisch family considering $500,000 pledge towards Panoway boardwalk

Panoway boardwalk, docks, & Section Foreman design approved