Scene in Wayzata: the new Wayzata Lakewalk on a beautiful September day. Image copyright Wayzata.com, reuse prohibited without written consent.
Wayzata.com is thrilled to launch “Scene in Wayzata,” a new initiative offering nearly daily snapshots of life in our beautiful lakeside community. From peaceful moments along Lake Minnetonka to lively downtown scenes, this series captures the essence of our community. We’re inviting readers and photography enthusiasts to join in—submit your favorite Wayzata photos for a chance to be featured! Send your submissions to dan@wayzata.com and help us showcase the charm and spirit of Wayzata through your lens. As always, if you have a story idea or suggestion we would like to hear from you as well!
Our first Scene in Wayzata is the Lakewalk, a key feature of the Panoway on Wayzata Bay project, which offers a scenic pathway along the shores and over the waters of Lake Minnetonka, perfect for walking and simply enjoying the view. This beautiful boardwalk connects the heart of downtown Wayzata to the water’s edge, providing residents and visitors with direct access to the lake while offering stunning vistas of sailboats and sunsets.
Designed to enhance the waterfront experience, the Panoway Plaza also includes seating areas, native plantings, and public art, creating a serene space for recreation and relaxation.
Assistant City Planner Val Quarles, former City Council Member Jeff Buchanan, Planning Commission Chair Larissa Stockton, City Council Member Jeff Parkhill, Mayor Johanna Mouton, Council Member Molly MacDonald, Council Member Alex Plechash, and City Manager Jeff Dahl celebrate the opening of the Panoway Lakewalk in downtown Wayzata. Submitted photo.
The long-anticipated ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Lakewalk drew an enthusiastic crowd on Saturday.
Andy Mullin and Blake Sandvold celebrate the ribbon cutting on the Lakewalk.
City staff estimated that approximately 700 people attended the event, eager to witness the official opening and enjoy the picturesque views along the shoreline.
Panoway Lakewalk. Submitted photo.Formor Wayzata Mayor Ken Willcox, Dave Dudinsky, Winnie, Willcox, and Charlie Schoen celebrate.
The celebration featured speeches from local officials, live music, and activities for all ages, marking a significant milestone in the community’s ongoing efforts to enhance its public spaces.
Elanie & Bob Ambrose, Andy Mullin, Dan Koch, and Blake Sandvold celebrate the ribbon cutting.
The Lakewalk project has roots stretching back over a century, reflecting the community’s long-standing vision for a vibrant and accessible waterfront.
In recent years, this vision transformed into a concrete plan through nearly two decades of intense planning and fundraising efforts.
Local leaders, residents, and businesses collaborated tirelessly to turn this historic dream into reality, navigating challenges and securing the necessary support to bring the Lakewalk to life.
Their dedication culminated in the creation of a stunning, welcoming space that honors Wayzata’s rich history while offering new opportunities for recreation and connection.
The highly anticipated Lakewalk in Wayzata is open to the public today.
Wayzata.com publisher and Coldwell Banker Realtor Daniel Gustafson walked the full length of the Lakewalk today at approximately 4:30 am from the docks at CōV and Panoway Plaza to the Wayzata Depot and Depot Docks, as did other members of the public–as shown in the video below.
No official notification from the City of Wayzata has been issued.
Stretching 1,200 feet along the picturesque shores of Lake Minnetonka, the Lakewalk offers residents and visitors a scenic path perfect for walking along the shoreline of Lake Minnetonka in downtown Wayzata.
Watch for more information on a ribbon cutting and grand opening ceremony in the future.
As the curtains draw to a close on 2023 and we embark on the journey that is 2024, it’s time to reflect on the events that shaped the Wayzata community, capturing the essence of a year marked by resilience, growth, and change.
In this comprehensive year in review, we will delve into the top stories that unfolded within our community, exploring the triumphs, setbacks, and notable moments that defined Wayzata’s journey throughout the past 12 months.
A $500,000 gift from the Carisch Family significantly boosted the Lakewalk construction and operations funding. Shortly thereafter Jennifer Zhi-Roth also pledged $500,000 to honor her late husband Gunther. Peter Hitch and the Wayzata Conservancy procured the major gifts to the City; and the City subsequently accepted the gifts with gratitude and thanks to the donors.
The Wayzata Gateway mixed use project, located at the corner of Wayzata Boulevard and Superior got underway after the Mithun Family initially received approval from the City of Wayzata for the development in 2022. Upon completion, the project will feature a modern and more compact Wells Fargo bank building, an office complex, along with 67 rental apartments, 9 townhomes, and a park.
After receiving multiple denials for the redevelopment of the former TCF Bank headquarters located at 200 East Lake Street, Lake West Development owner Curt Fretham initiated a lawsuit against the City of Wayzata seeking a neutral third party to weigh in on what can and should be allowed/built on the site.
In today’s economic landscape, coffee shops must adapt with a drive-through as part of their operations. Unfortunately, Caribou Coffee was denied a development application in 2022 for a new store on Wayzata Boulevard with such a drive through; sometime later the location on Lake Street in Wayzata shut its doors in January to the dismay of both Caribou Coffee and Wayzatans. Penny’s Coffee Shop also closed its doors citing trouble staffing the store.
Crew Car Wash opens
Ribbon cutting ceremony at Crew Car Wash. Image courtesy Wayzata Chamber.
Gerrish’s Car Wash underwent a complete transformation in 2023 after being sold and is now the revamped Crew Car Wash on Wayzata Boulevard. The Wayzata Chamber hosted a ribbon cutting in November.
Vegan burger joint Stalk and Spade closed its doors in November. Rumor has it serial entrepreneur and franchisor Steele Smiley will likely bring another restaurant concept to the building in the future.
Red Cow is a popular and upscale restaurant that serves gourmet burgers and wine among other things. It opened in October within the Promenade and near the Hotel Landing.
Anthropologie and the Promenade commenced litigation over rental rates and occupancy by other first class tenants within the commercial shopping development.
Wayzata Bait & Tackle closed in 2023 after 48 years in business, making way for a potential car dealership along the frontage road abutting Interstate 394 just into Minnetonka.
Wayzata Public Schools
Wayzata Public Schools announced $7 million budget shortfall in February
Superintendent Chace Anderson attributes budget challenges to the pandemic’s financial impact, decreased student enrollment, prolonged inadequate state funding for education, and inflationary pressures on operational functions like a 13% increase in the transportation budget.
Wayzata Public Schools are confronting financial challenges and seeking ways to trim the budget. One contemplated idea was to change the block schedule that has been in place since the 1990’s. This initial plan, intended to save $1.2 million through staff cuts, faced opposition from the community in the form of a petition bearing over 2,600 signatures as well as feedback from stakeholders delivered directly to Wayzata School Board members through emails, phone calls, and text messages.
Wayzata Public Schools acquired an office building for administration for $7.5 million
The Wayzata School District elected to purchase a 31,780 square foot office building for $7.75 million near Carlson Parkway and Xemium Lane to house its administration. The decision was made in February of 2023, and the transaction closed near the end of the year, according to an eCRV filed with the State of Minnesota. Officials indicate existing bond proceeds were utilized to pay for the building, so no funds came from the general fund.
CCX Media’s Kevin Miller reports on the purchase of the office building.
Three Wayzata School Board Members terms expired
Three Wayzata School Board members—Cheryl Polzin, Bonita Lucky, and Linda Cohen—conclude their combined 44 years of service at Wayzata Public Schools in December. Polzin, who had served most recently as Treasurer, has been chosen for the Minnesota School Board Association. Linda Cohen, the longest-serving member in the history of Wayzata Schools, finished her service as the Vice-Chair. The new Board members—Sheila Prior (re-elected), Paras Bhende, Dan Ginestra, and Valentina Eyres—will start their term on January 9, 2024.
Wayzata Trojans
Wayzata Boys Basketball won Class AAAA State Title in overtime
Third state title for Wayzata Boys Basketball after defeating Park Center at Target Center. Junior Jackson McAndrew scored 8 of Wayzata’s 9 points in the overtime to secured the 75-71 victory at Target Center.
4th consecutive State Title achieved for Wayzata Girls Volleyball
University of Minnesota recruit Olivia Swenson, a senior outside hitter, led a balanced attack with 14 kills and junior middle hitter Katie Kelzenberg added 10. Senior setter Stella Swenson, Olivia’s twin sister and fellow Gophers recruit, ran the show with 32 assists as Wayzata Girls Volleyball defeated New Prague in 3 straight sets to win the 4th consecutive State Title.
In the battle of last undefeated teams in the big-school field, Wayzata needed just 2 minutes and 12 seconds into the game to grab the lead it wouldn’t lose. Junior forward Aiden Judickas had the honors by scoring on a header off a corner kick by senior midfielder Charlie Piller. Those two combined again midway through the first half on a similar scoring play to double the Trojans’ advantage.
Wayzata Boys and Girls Cross Country won State
The Wayzata boys cross country team secured their unprecedented third consecutive Class AAA state title, marking a historic achievement for the program. Will Weber led the Trojans, finishing third with a time of 15:21, contributing to the team’s overall score of 63. Meanwhile, the Wayzata girls cross country team clinched their second consecutive state championship, guided by Jazleen Malherek-Osorio, who finished third overall in 18:00.
The Wayzata boys tennis team completed an outstanding season with a 5-2 win over Rochester Mayo in the state class AA championship match. The Trojans swept the singles matches on the way to the win. Wayzata finished undefeated against Minnesota teams this spring, with their only loss to a team from Illinois. It’s the fifth state title in program history for the Trojans. Courtesy CCX Media.
Wayzata History
Wayzata Historical Society merged into Lake Minnetonka Historical Society
Last but not least, you simply cannot forget about the Wayzata Chamber‘s annual events including James J. Hill Days, which includes big-time music shows known as the Wayzata Beach Bash–produced by Rick Born. This year the headliners were Brad Paisley & Cody Jinks, who put on awesome shows.
Other great Chamber events in 2023 included: the Wayzata Chilly Open, the Wayzata Art Experience, Wayzata Boo Blast, and more.
Hosted by the Wayzata Chamber, James J. Hill Days is an annual celebration in Wayzata, bringing the community together for a lively event filled with festivities, entertainment, and local charm. 2023 was an amazing celebration of everything that is Wayzata.
Lake Minnetonka is backdrop for Guiness Book of Records
330 people floated on individual pool noodles in Brown’s Bay on Lake Minnetonka in September to set a Guiness World Record. The event was hosted by Project Got Your Back, a Minnesota Foundation that helps to support veterans.
Conclusion
As we wrap up the Wayzata Year in Review for 2023, we invite you to join the conversation! Share your thoughts, agreements, disagreements, or any highlights we might have missed. Your input adds depth to our community narrative. Let’s continue celebrating Wayzata! Comment below and be a part of the discussion. Oh, and by the way – Happy New Year!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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