Edina, MN March 2024

Home Issue

For the Homebody

What a strange winter we have had! It was nice to have a bit of a break this year. It made me feel like I lived out of state, but I was still able to be home. If anyone is guilty of being a homebody, it’s me. Home is a base and a launchpad. It is where we start and end each day, and oftentimes it centers and grounds us. March is our annual Home issue, and it is always a fun edition to put together. Even if the particulars of home look different for each of us, the meaning and value it holds is undeniable. So, whether you have the perfect space, or are thinking about changes big or small, we hope you find inspiration in our pages this month.

Buying and selling a home is serious business, and Art Hays is no stranger to it –or to the community of Edina. Working and living here inspires him to stay closely connected, while helping others along in their journey to finding an ideal home.

If building a home is in your future, we caught up with Ron Clark, Mike Waldo, and Sarah Dulong on family, business, and some fun facts about the Ron Clark tenured team.

Carpet and vinyl and tile – oh my! Sometimes making smaller tweaks to your existing space can transform a home into a whole new world. The team at Hopkins Carpet One Floor & Home can help you decide what’s right for your needs and your family. Shopping online can be effective, but when it comes to visualizing, measuring and choosing the right option, this showroom is a lot of fun.

Last, but not least, we get some insider tips from interior designer and owner of Davis Interiors, Jennifer Davis, on current trends in color and texture.

Our team feels like the lucky ones as we get to learn more about the businesses and individuals that comprise the Edina community. As you flip through the pages of this issue, we hope you’ll feel encouraged and connected to the people around you, in your neighborhood, and most all of -- your home.

Enjoy the issue,

ALEXANDRA PATTY, PUBLISHER @EDINA_LIFESTYLE

March 2024

PUBLISHER

Alexandra Patty | alexandra.patty@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Sarah Knieff | sarah.knieff@citylifestyle.com

MARKET SUPPORT COORDINATOR

Kassi Miranowski | kassi.miranowski@citylifestyle.com

SALES SUPPORT COORDINATOR

Susan Shannon | susan.shannon@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Jennifer Davis, Sue Baldani, Sarah Knieff

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Spacecrafting, Tammy Brice Photography

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein

AD DESIGNER Whitney Lockhart

DESIGNER Kelsi Southard

business monthly

A New Barefoot Shoe Company Hits the Market

Local entrepreneur, Delaney Smith, launches a new barefoot shoe company, Minnemals, with the purpose of prioritizing foot health without compromising style. After learning the negative effects excess cushion and external support can have on the foot and whole body, Delaney strives to correct the misinformation she herself experienced as a consumer and practitioner. Shop and learn more at minnemals.com.

Visit Parc for Excellent One-on-One Customer Service

Established in 2008, Parc came to life as a small brick-and-mortar shop in the heart of Minneapolis. Today, the store has built a strong reputation for one-onone customer service. “When you walk through our doors or shop online, I want Parc to feel unpretentious, aesthetically beautiful with racks and tables full of beautifully curated pieces from independent designers and makers,” Founder Thao Nguyen says. See what the store is all about at parcboutique.com.

Little Details Make a Big Difference

As a homeowner, you know every luxurious detail makes a difference, so feel at ease by putting your vision in the hands of Ispiri's all-in-one team of award-winning builders, interior designers and architectural designers. These designers don’t rely on outside contractors during the building phase, which means your vision stays a top priority from blueprint to final reveal. Choose Ispiri, and know you’ll have access to an easy-to-reach, single point of contact for all of your design and construction needs. ispiri.com.

What can we make possible for your business?

The Art of the Move

ARTICLE BY SUE BALDANI

Art with teammates Connor and Chelsey.

Photo by Tammy Brice Photography.

Art Hays, more than just a realtor, proudly dons the title of a real estate advisor, weaving a narrative that transcends the traditional realm of property transactions. His philosophy revolves around three pivotal pillars, delivered with unwavering dedication.

Firstly, Art is not just about closing deals; he's on a mission to enlighten his clients. In his words, "I want my clients to be educated along the way. I want them to know what's going on, what it means and how it impacts them." It's not just about properties; it's about empowering clients with knowledge.

Communication is Art's second forte. He lives by the mantra that over-communication trumps silence. He wants his clients to be well-informed, eliminating uncertainties that often accompany real estate dealings. A touch of psychology comes in handy, acknowledging the emotional roller coaster that often accompanies significant transactions involving the most substantial investment in a person's lifetime – their home.

Crafting a tailored plan is the third dimension of Art's approach. He's not just pushing properties; he's sculpting strategies that align with his clients' expectations. It's a personalized journey, not a one-size-fits-all approach.

Rooted in a family legacy spanning over a century in real estate, Art carries forward the torch with passion. His decade-long journey has seen him ascend to the top echelons, ranking among the top 25 out of 14,000 agents in the state for the last three years. Joining Lakes Sotheby's International Realty in 2017 was a pivotal move, offering a platform to serve clients globally.

CONTINUED >

Art thrives on assisting clients in the Minneapolis-St. Paul Metro area, a region he proudly calls home. Extolling the virtues of the area, he paints a vivid picture – expansive park systems, a plethora of lakes, a burgeoning food scene, a rich music and theater tradition, and a robust job market. It's not just a transaction; it's an invitation to a lifestyle.

For Art, real estate isn't just bricks and mortar; it's a holistic experience. Partnering with City Homes, he extends his services beyond conventional boundaries. Rebecca Remick, the visionary behind City Homes, doesn't just build houses; she deciphers lifestyles. Art values her open-book policy, ensuring clients see everything and experience expectations surpassed.

Beyond the business, Art's personal life reflects a commitment to family and community. With four children and a penchant for travel and culinary exploration, Art and his wife, Stephanie, epitomize a balanced life. Their passion for giving back resonates, as they actively engage in volunteer work, bridging gaps in both affluent and less privileged communities.

Art Hays, the real estate advisor, transcends the transactional stereotype, creating a narrative where every property holds a story, and every client becomes a part of a legacy.

arthaysrealtor.com.

Ron and Sandy Clark

RON CLARK CONSTRUCTION & design

ARTICLE BY SARAH KNIEFF PHOTOGRAPHY BY SPACECRAFTING

Building a home should be fun: that is the motto at Ron Clark Construction & Design.

“We work diligently during the building and construction management of a home to keep stress levels at a minimum, communication flowing and the excitement building,” Owner and Founder Ron Clark says.

Ron is originally from Ohio, but once he moved here for a sales job after college, two major things happened: he met his wife, Sandy, and noticed a big opportunity in the housing market.

“Sandy was born and raised in Edina, and her father was also a builder,” he says. “We decided to stay in this area because of family and community, but also, being a businessman, I knew I could create something special here.”

Ron founded his company in 1975 with the construction of his first twin-home in Edina. He continued to develop homes and soon established a reputation for building top-quality, luxury single-family homes and townhomes in the Twin Cities market.

To date, his company has built over 800 homes in Eagan, Eden Prairie, Edina, Golden Valley, Minnetonka, Prior Lake, Savage and Wayzata.

The team behind those homes brings decades of experience to their work.

“Ron’s employees have been with him for years,” Sarah Dulong, director of marketing, says. “60% of the employees have worked for him for over 10 years and 40% have been here for over 20. That is a lot of knowledge and experience that this team has.”

Dulong herself has worked with Ron for over 25 years.

“Our staff is excellent,” Mike Waldo, Ron’s business partner, says. “They make sure that the building of a home goes smoothly from the very beginning.”

Mike has been in the construction industry for 40 years and with Ron for the last 12. He handles all the day-to-day management of the company.

“We all measure our work by Ron Clark’s philosophy: Deliver all that we promise. And more than anyone expects,” Mike says.

This philosophy combined with the idea of having fun guides the company and sustains the high level of commitment and pride each employee feels for their work –and in each client’s new home.

“No matter the size of the project, we begin by sharing a rundown of what to expect, making sure each potential client understands exactly how the process works,” Mike says.

From start to finish, each home can be broken down into five steps.

Step 1: Purchase Document Process

The initial reservation is the first step toward owning a new home.

Step 2: Selection Process

Design choices and selection of appliances, cabinets and interior finishes.

Step 3: Pre-Closing Inspection

The pre-closing inspection and orientation is an introduction to a new home.

Step 4: Closing Process

The home will be finished and ready for move-in. This is a relaxing get-together for signatures, keys and coffee.

Step 5: Warranty Process

The warranty process typically lasts one year for service items that need to be addressed; however, the Ron Clark team stays in contact with homeowners for longer as questions arise.

“During the whole project, we have several staff available to answer questions and assist in any way we can,” Sarah says. “It’s great to see the final product and the client’s happy faces.”

In 2022, Ron and the company won the Lifetime Achievement Award from Housing First Minnesota for his years of service, partnership and dedication in the home-building industry.

“The award is such an honor for me, but it really is an honor to our whole team,” Ron says.

For those interested in working with Ron Clark Construction & Design, visit ronclark.com or call 952-947-3000.

You’ll Be Floored in Hopkins

ARTICLE BY SUE BALDANI

“We cater to designers, home builders, remodelers and realtors as well as high-end clientele all the way down to the do-it-yourselfers.

Flooring has come a long way in recent years, and now there are more options than ever. While that may be a good thing, it can also be overwhelming, since flooring sets the stage for an entire room.

You may ask yourself – should I get hardwood, vinyl, tile or carpeting? The answer depends on a multitude of factors such as the type of room and how it will be used, your budget, your lifestyle, and your style.

Fortunately, Hopkins Carpet One Floor & Home has the experts and the inventory to ensure you get exactly what you need and want. The store has been in business for over 40 years, but since Elissa Merritt took over ownership in 2021, it has been better than ever.

An incredible interior remodel made everything fresh and bright, and the 6,500-square-foot showroom allows customers to see and feel all the available merchandise. And of course, the same incredible staff, many of whom have been working together for more than 20 plus years, are there and have the knowledge to guide you in the right direction.

“We also have new technology to help customers visualize the flooring in your home,” says general manager, Casondra Brady. “Our samples have QR codes on them and when you scan a sample, it will bring up a display of colors and all the specs.” You can then use the calculator to find out how much a certain room will cost if you choose that option.

You can also upload a photo you’ve taken of your space and visualize the flooring. If you don’t have a photo, there are pre-designed rooms available so you can compare different styles and see how they look on an actual floor.

This is a whole different experience than shopping online. In the store, you can touch the flooring material and see its true color, which can sometimes look different on a screen. You can also take samples home to see how it will look with the lighting in your home during the day in the sunlight and in the evening with whatever type of lighting you have.

The other problem with shopping online is it’s very difficult for laypeople to figure out the square footage they will need, especially when there are closets, hallways and stairways involved. “While

you can go online and see the price, what does that mean for your space?” she says. “And what about installation and everything else it entails?” Hopkins does it all – from measuring and ordering to arranging the installation.

If you haven’t been shopping for flooring in many years, products have improved greatly. There is a wide variety of vinyl flooring, which looks more like natural wood these days, and many also come in a variety of patterns like herringbone. “There is also waterproof wood, which is actually a very thin layer of veneer wood glued to the vinyl,” says Casondra. Vinyl tile is another option that resembles the real thing.

For spaces that call for warmer surfaces, such as bedrooms and playrooms, many people still prefer carpeting, whether wall-to-wall or area rugs. Carpet is also great for noise reduction, and is often visually interesting, especially with the designer prints. It adds texture and color to a space as well.

“There are many with excellent stain resistance where you can essentially put bleach on it and it's not going to discolor the carpet,” she says. “There are also waterproof carpets, so if your pet has an accident, that stain doesn't go all the way to the carpet, through your cushion, and into your subfloor.”

The store can accommodate a wide range of customers. “We cater to designers, home builders, remodelers and realtors as well as high-end clientele all the way down to the do-it-yourselfers.” There are also great financing options, which allow customers to pay for new flooring in a way that fits their budgets.

Another huge benefit of ordering from Hopkins Carpet One Floor & Home is its Beautiful Guarantee. “For our Carpet One Private Label products, after installation, you have 30 to 120 days to let us know if you don’t like it for any reason and we'll replace it for free as long as you're choosing another Carpet One carpet,” says Casondra.

To find out how Hopkins Carpet One Floor & Carpet can make your home more beautiful, go to hopkinscarpetone.com.

907 Hopkins Center | 952-933-8944

For our Carpet One Private Label products, after installation, you have 30 to 120 days to let us know if you don’t like it for any reason and we’ll replace it for free as long as you’re choosing another Carpet One carpet.

MARCH 2024

events

ALL MONTH

Alice in Wonderland

Children’s Theatre Company

Enter this wonderfully wacky world of rhymes and ridiculousness, checkerboards, cheeky cats, Mad Hatters, and mayhem as Alice chases the White Rabbit through the audience, attends the most absurd tea party in history, and faces off with the ragingly red Queen of Hearts, all amidst a melee of teeny tiny songs! childrenstheatre.org.

MARCH 1ST - 3RD

Minneapolis Up North Expo

Minneapolis Convention Center

Whether it's a resort or vacation rental hideaway, a teardrop trailer under the stars, or a beloved family cabin, you'll find everything for your getaway lifestyle at the new Up North Expo! Enjoy fun activities and connect with companies who embrace the Northwoods vibe with quality products or services. upnorthexpo.com.

MARCH 6TH - 10TH

Big Ten Women's Basketball Tournament Target Center

The best of the Big Ten Conference returns to Minneapolis this season! For a second straight year, you can experience one of the nation's most prestigious postseason events at the Target Center. targetcenter.com.

MARCH 14TH - 17TH

Northwest Sportshow

Minneapolis Convention Center

The Midwest’s largest outdoors show, the Discover Boating Northwest Sportshow, in partnership with Progressive Insurance, makes its return to Minneapolis. Guests are invited to

find inspiration for all outdoor adventures – both big and small – and peruse their favorite travel destination or sales on the newest products and accessories for fishing, hunting, camping, boating, and more. northwestsportshow.com.

MARCH 23RD

Hot Dash

Nicollet Island | 9:00 AM

Shake off winter’s frost by celebrating community and movement – Minnesota-style. Bingo, pull tabs, meat raffles, and more! Enjoy post-race food, a free beer, firepits and outdoor fun. Choose from the Old Dutch Little Chippers Tator Trot (kids run free), the 5K or the 10K. Join friends, family, and community in our races for all paces! tcmevents.org.

MARCH 30TH

Spring Egg Hunts

Braemar Golf Course | 10:00 AM

Join the city of Edina for its annual Egg Hunt on the Braemar Golf Courtyard and photo with the giant Bunny. This event is geared toward ages 1-6. Registration is required per child. edinamn.gov.

Jennifer Davis

interior design trends 2024

Earthy Tones, Textured Elements and Tech Gadgets

ARTICLE BY JENNIFER DAVIS PHOTOGRAPHY BY SPACECRAFTING

In the ever-evolving world of interior design, 2024 promises a return to warmth with the resurgence of brown tones, marking a monumental departure from the once-dominant reign of gray. We will see moody, earthy vibes that bring in cozy and natural elements evoking a feeling of being surrounded by nature's colors and textures. Terra cotta tiles will grace floors, while a spectrum of earth-inspired hues – from rich browns to mossy green – will adorn walls. A surge in biophilic design will bring nature indoors, with plants becoming integral elements of interior spaces, promoting a sense of tranquility and connection to nature.

Beyond mere color palettes, texture will replace the conventional painted wall, offering a tactile and sensory experience. Textured plaster treatments, inviting grasscloth wallpapers, and the understated elegance of linen and leather-clad walls will add depth and character.

As homes evolve into tech-savvy havens, the integration of advanced technology is becoming seamlessly woven into the fabric of design. From smart home systems orchestrating lighting that is becoming more intuitive, adjusting brightness and color temperatures to mimic the natural light patterns of the day, to innovative gadgets seamlessly integrated into furniture pieces, the functionality and aesthetics of interior design are converging. This fusion of technology and design not only augments convenience but also represents a new dimension in the way homes are experienced and perceived, setting a futuristic tone for the year ahead. Davis Interiors