WAYZATA — A familiar chapter in Wayzata’s downtown story neared its final page yesterday morning, as construction crews gathered in front of 641 Lake Street East—the soon-to-be-demolished former home of Caribou Coffee and Jewelweed. With the structure slated for demolition this spring, the team gathered curbside to coordinate next steps, ushering in a new phase of development for a site that has long held a special place in the community’s collective memory.
The redevelopment, led by Marquee Place, LLC, will replace the existing one-story commercial building with a new two-story structure reaching 30 feet—the maximum height allowed in the C-4B Lake Street District. While the new building complies fully with current zoning requirements and does not require a public hearing or City Council approval, its significance runs deeper than the administrative paperwork might suggest.
This parcel is part of a broader legacy tied to the Carisch family, who first made their mark on Lake Street in 1932 with the opening of the Wayzata Theater at nearby 619 Lake Street East. Designed by renowned architects Liebenberg & Kaplan, the theater was a glowing Art Deco gem known for its neon-lit marquee—a beacon that drew locals for decades. It screened its first film, The Tenderfoot, and soon became a cherished anchor of downtown Wayzata life.
The theater eventually closed in 1985, but the Carisch family’s connection to the community continued. In its place, they developed the block-long “Marquee Place,” a nod to the iconic theater marquee that once illuminated Lake Street. The current redevelopment at 641 Lake Street East, also under the Marquee Place name, carries forward that legacy.
Though modest in scale—the existing building stands at about 22 feet—the upcoming construction reflects a continued commitment to thoughtful redevelopment rooted in Wayzata’s history. Select renderings prepared by Mohagen Hansen Architecture show a modern structure that fits within city guidelines, with clean lines and street-facing transparency that will activate the pedestrian corridor.
According to city records, the design review application was officially deemed complete and approved by the City of Wayzata on November 25, 2024. No variances or design deviations were requested. The transition marks not just the next chapter in commercial development, but a quiet tribute to the Carisch family’s longstanding influence on Wayzata’s downtown fabric.
Questions about the project can be directed to Community Development Director Alex Sharpe at 952-404-5312 or asharpe@wayzata.org.
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