The Wayzata Bay Center was a 1960’s era shopping mall located on 14 acres of swamp land in downtown Wayzata, Minnesota.
It has been redeveloped into the Promenade of Wayzata, a mixed use project with commercial and residential occupancy.
Join us as we travel back in time to discover more about the Wayzata Bay Center.
It was unanimously approved by the Wayzata Planning Commission for the construction of the Wayzata Bay Shopping Center.
Spearheaded by Richard W. Anderson and Ed Baker, the project received the commission’s endorsement, marking the beginning of a new era at the east end of Lake Street in the swampy region.
The approval, however, came with a set of carefully negotiated stipulations – 21 in total – agreed upon by both adjacent residents and commission members.
Among these conditions was a commitment by Anderson and Baker to cover 50% of the cost for traffic signals if increased traffic warranted them.
The duo also pledged to maintain a peaceful atmosphere by prohibiting outdoor music on electronic devices, establishing a 50-foot buffer zone, and ensuring ample parking space.
Of particular concern were issues related to traffic safety and drainage, echoed by residents during the meeting.
Fears were voiced about potential complications to traffic hazards and the creation of drainage problems on Gleason’s Creek if the swampy land for the center were filled in.
In response to these concerns, Anderson reassured the community that the center would be strategically located in the middle of the site, with parking areas on all sides sloped downward toward diverting ditches along the edges.
This engineering approach aimed to mitigate potential drainage issues and address worries about traffic safety.
The approval process was not without its share of unexpected events.
As Chairman William O’Laughlin called the meeting to order, the town fire alarm sounded, prompting various reactions.
While doubtful that it was a pre-arranged signal, the alarm added a touch of unpredictability to the proceedings.
Looking back, the Wayzata Bay Shopping Center stands as a testament to collaborative decision-making and foresight, with its development carefully navigated through a maze of stipulations and community concerns.
Today, it has been redeveloped and reshaped into the Promenade of Wayzata, a mixed use development with over 1,000,000 square feet of condos, a boutique hotel, restaurants, heated streets, underground parking, and much much more.
It was home to many of Wayzata residents favorite businesses, including The Foursome, the Wayzata Bar & Grill, Wayzata Wine & Spirits, The Original Pancake House, Lindblom Jewelers, Kraemer’s True Value Hardware store, Youngsted’s Goodyear Service Center, Bob’s Shoe Repair, the Blue Water Theatre Company, Barber’s Inn, and many more over the years.
Information sourced from a variety of sources including the Minnetonka Herald and the Lake Minnetonka Historical Society.
Wayzata Bay Center news:
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Condo Conversion Faces Denial as Wayzata City Council Expresses Concerns Over Promenade Leasing Efforts
The Wayzata City Council voted 4-1 to instruct staff to draft a resolution for the denial of an application submitted by Presbyterian Homes on Tuesday, January 9th. The proposal sought to convert the former Lunds & Byerly’s retail space at the Promenade’s Superior Block into loft-style condominiums. City Staff is expected to present findings of…
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Presbyterian Homes Proposes Changes to Wayzata Bay Center Redevelopment Agreement
As indicated in a recent memorandum to the City of Wayzata, Presbyterian Homes is seeking significant alterations to the Wayzata Bay Center Redevelopment Agreement. The proposed changes include adjustments to the number of blocks to be developed, an extended timeline for completion, and modifications to the Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District. Here’s a breakdown of…
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Last pancake served signals end of an era
August 15, 2011 at 3 p.m., the Original Pancake House closed. The Wayzata Bay Center has been the home to OPH for the past 17 years, but it is no longer. Due to the reconstruction of the Bay Center, the Pancake House will be moving to Plymouth. Wayzata Bay | Lake Minnetonka Real Estate When…
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Wayzata Resident Questions Future of Bay Center Development During City Council Meeting
In a recent Wayzata City Council meeting, local resident Jeff Shore took the floor during the public forum, posing challenging questions about the progress and future of the Wayzata Bay Center development. Shore’s concerns revolved around whether Presbyterian Homes, the developer behind the project, would adhere to their original commitments. “Are we holding Presbyterian Homes…
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Presbyterian Homes Clears Path for The Promenade of Wayzata Construction
Presbyterian Homes and Services has achieved three significant milestones, marking a clear path for the commencement of construction on The Promenade of Wayzata, also known as The Wayzata Bay Center Redevelopment project, by the year’s end. The first milestone involved the successful mediation with the Original Pancake House, resulting in the buyout of their remaining…
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Original Pancake House Set to Depart Wayzata Bay Center, Paving the Way for Redevelopment
The Original Pancake House has formally agreed to vacate the Wayzata Bay Center by October 1. Ken and Karen Savik, the owners, were the final long-term tenants within the Bay Center, a notable landmark named after Wayzata Bay on Lake Minnetonka. The agreement between Presbyterian Homes and the Original Pancake House was officially concluded on…
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Presbyterian Homes and Original Pancake House enter mediation on Wayzata Bay Center lease
Since the purchase of the Wayzata Bay Center property and approval of the Bay Center Redevelopment plan, Presbyterian Homes has been working with Bay Center tenants to help them relocate their businesses or to buy out their leases. Lease resolution for all but one of the tenants was completed in 2008 and 2009, with the…
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Presbyterian Homes Announces Branding For The Bay Center Redevelopment Project And Information Meeting Dates For Senior Housing
Presbyterian Homes and Services has announced that the Wayzata Bay Center Redevelopment project will be named The Promenade of Wayzata. It was also announced that the senior housing component of the project will be named Folkestone. When asked to comment on the names, Deb Black, Executive Director of Marketing for Presbyterian Homes and Services, commented,…
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