Lake Minnetonka, MN June 2024

The Men's Issue

The Men's Issue

Welcome to our Men’s issue! As we celebrate Father’s Day this month, I’m reflecting on things I learned from the men in my life while I was growing up in Minnesota. I learned a lot from my father: a work ethic, stability, the reward of things needed but entitled and humor. My dad has a wonderful sense of humor and the gift of being an amazing storyteller. I often thought that if he hadn’t been a CPA, standup would have been his second calling.

From my grandfathers: one demonstrated the virtue of calm and patience and was taken from me too soon. The other was bigger than life to me and appreciated everything he had been blessed with in his life. He loved food. I never saw anyone appreciate a meal so much. He fished and shared his wisdom readily to a grandson who was all ears. No matter what, they shaped me.

Men in our lives, whether they are fathers, coaches, teachers, pastors, or even our sons, have impacted our lives, and we thank them for everything they do.

This month, we wanted to spotlight several men and businesses in our community who are making a difference. First up is a legacy business of impeccable quality that opened its Twin Cities doors in the neighboring Galleria: J.H. & Sons Men’s Clothiers. 18/8’s Andrew Hulse shares a bit on Men’s Haircare 101, and Thomas Brown shares the story of a local Olympian’s rise to the podium. Chris Dennis reveals a unique home for all to see, and co-owner of Union Place, Brian Duggan, shows us how best to have a cinematic experience in our own home. Our columnist, Jen Fortner, sums it all up in Life Minded with a look at Father’s Day in all its imperfect reality.

Also, we wanted to honor a life well lived with the passing of Jerry Rockvam. Jerry was a lifelong Lake Minnetonka businessman, longtime mayor of Spring Park, and valued client. Lake Minnetonka Lifestyle extends condolences to Joyce, Roxanne, and the whole Rockvam family.

So, before the month slips away, let your father or a father figure in your life know how much he matters to you. And if you are a dad, let us be the first to say - thank you. You are invaluable to the people who know and need you, as well as the community around you.

Happy Father’s Day!

And with that, I will take Jerry’s advice and “Get Back to Work.”

DAVE ROBERTSON, PUBLISHER

June 2024

PUBLISHER

Dave Robertson | dave.robertson@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Lauren Beaubaire | lauren.beaubaire@citylifestyle.com

PUBLISHER ASSISTANT

Kristin Schuette | kristin.schuette@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Kendra Johnson, Hannah Harms, Thomas Brown, Graham Johnson, Lauren Beaubaire, Daniel Schowengerdt, and Jen Fortner

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Anna Kostochko, Maria Claire Photography

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Zach Miller

LAYOUT DESIGNER Andi Foster

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

1-4: Jason Kallsen, owner of Twin Cities Wine Education, hosted a Sauvignon Blanc Masterclass at The Vine Room in Hopkins, where guests enjoyed a delicious wine tasting and interesting history of Sauvignon Blanc. 5-7: Runway for Hope event at the Edina Galleria. The sold-out event benefited the Hope Chest for Breast Cancer Foundation. Attendees enjoyed a fashion show and reception with a silent auction, raffle, on-site shopping vendors, photo op, and a live DJ.

JOSLYN MUNSON

JOSLYN MUNSON

JOSLYN MUNSON

JOSLYN MUNSON

Beth Ulrich Awarded "2023 Female Realtor of The Year" Award

A huge congratulations to Beth Ulrich of Ulrich Real Estate Group! At this year's Twin Cities Real Producers Realtor® Choice Awards, Beth was nominated and took home the award for "2023 Female Realtor of The Year." This awards event takes a look back at the previous year and is designed to honor the top performers in the Twin Cities market and celebrate their successes and the incredible work they do. Congrats again!

Refresh Your Summer Wardrobe at Amore & Fede

Elevate your summer style at Amore & Fede! Explore their curated collection perfect for the sunny days ahead. Plus, you'll unlock exclusive rewards as you shop. Now through June 30th, earn a $10 store credit when you spend $50+ or double your credit to $20 when you spend $100+. With stylish options for every occasion, now's the perfect time to update your look and embrace the summer vibe and savings at Amore & Fede.

Lago Tacos Opens their 3rd Location in Plymouth

Plymouth recently welcomed another fantastic restaurant to the area: Lago Tacos! Lago Tacos celebrated its opening with a ribbon-cutting celebration and a meet-and-greet with the owner, Jason Hines, and the team. Enjoy a modern spin on Mexican food. They're known for their creative taco mashups, house-made sauces, and delicious margaritas. With a hip vibe and sports streaming, you can always count on a good time and great food.

Photography by Ulrich Real Estate Group

Photography by Anna Kostochko

Photography by Wayzata Chamber

A LIFE WELL LIVED

Nearly 700 people packed Lord Fletcher’s restaurant this past April to honor the life of Jerry Rockvam, who passed away after a short battle with cancer.

Lifelong Lake Minnetonka resident, long-time Spring Park mayor, and valued partner of Lake Minnetonka Lifestyle, Jerry left his mark on so many. Jerry and his wife Joyce opened Rockvam Boat Yards in 1961, successfully expanding over the next few decades, and in 1966, Jerry became Minnesota’s youngest mayor and served as Spring Park’s mayor for nearly four decades, caring deeply for the community he served.

Jerry received countless recognition throughout his life, including the Orono High School Distinguished Alumni Award, named the 2002 Westonka Chamber of Commerce Business Person of the Year, and was inducted into the North Central Marine Association

Celebrating the life of Jerry Rockvam

Hall of Fame. But, perhaps what most knew Jerry for was his unwavering work ethic. His friends and family affectionately dubbed the celebration of life event at Lord Fletcher’s the “Get Back to Work Party.”

The city of Spring Park put out the flags on the streetlights, and during the event at Lord Fletcher’s, a nautical tree was displayed at the front of the restaurant, one of Jerry’s Christmas traditions. “He decorated the tree every year in our house,” shares his daughter Roxanne. “It was his project - seriously, he would not allow us to help!” A pontoon salute was also held in Jerry’s honor, escorted by the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Water Patrol.

We will certainly miss Jerry, and we thank him for all his incredible contributions to making our community a place we love to call home.

ARTICLE BY LAUREN BEAUBAIRE

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANNA KOSTOCHKO

Jerry Rockvam with his wife Joyce and daughter Roxanne

Building A Capsule Wardrobe from J.H. & Sons

ARTICLE BY HANNAH HARMS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARIA CLAIRE PHOTOGRAPHY

J.H. & Sons is a family-owned and operated menswear retailer that began in 2014 by a father-son duo, Jeff and Jaime Halberstadt. This past December, the family opened their third location at the Galleria on W 69th Street in Edina.

Although J.H. & Sons opened in 2014, their family ties in the retail industry extend back to 1975, when Jeff’s father, James, opened Halberstadt’s. This first location embodied James’ beliefs of delivering unmatched style, value, and service to his community.

How a local men’s retailer is helping men gain confidence through clothing

Since he retired, James handed down the business to his son, Jeff, who has since opened stores with his son in Sioux Falls, Rapid City, Des Moines, and now Edina. Together, Jeff and Jaime have continued their pursuit of providing an elevated retail experience with a curated collection of the world’s best menswear designs in the Midwest.

J.H. & SONS EXPERT ADVICE ON HOW TO BUILD YOUR CAPSULE WARDROBE

1. Be open-minded. Before you start searching for the perfect pieces to add to your closet, you need to make sure you’re in the right headspace. Go in with an open mind! Who knows, your new favorite weekender outfit may be something you never would’ve imagined wearing.

2. Think about your lifestyle. What do you do for work? What activities do you like to do on the weekends? Your lifestyle can play a significant role in what clothing you gravitate towards.

3. Choose high-quality clothing. Invest in timeless, high-quality pieces that will last you for years to come.

4. Pick versatile pieces. Versatile clothing easily pairs with other garments in your closet. It’s important to start with a base filled with neutral, functional clothing you can wear with multiple different items. Then, you can accessorize with fun patterns and colors.

The expansion into the Galleria was driven by a desire to provide an effortless and enjoyable retail experience to their new and existing clients. “The team – Jeff and Jaime Halberstadt, Chuck Simpkins, Dinh Nguyen, and I found the Galleria to be the perfect location for this elevated client experience. We want to immerse our customers into a beautiful setting with the world’s best collections and deliver unmatched style, value, and hospitality,” says Kevin Luedke, store manager at the Galleria.

J.H. & Sons introduces a wide range of offerings from ready-to-wear, casual fashion to sleek, made-to-measure options. Here, you can find the perfect polo for a weekend golf trip or get fitted into a one-of-a-kind, made-to-measure tuxedo for an upcoming black-tie wedding. With collections from Canali, ETON, Brioni, Kiton, and Magnanni, there are plenty of options to choose from.

“My personal favorites in the store include our extensive collection of soft jackets. This type of jacket offers the versatility required for the world we live in today. Easy to take on the road, elevate your look throughout the day, and wear casually into the evening,” says Kevin.

Each of their garments is made of the finest fabrics sourced from reputable mills like Loro Piana, Vitale Barberis Canonico, and Carlo Barbera. These fabrics possess unmatched comfort and an extraordinary feel. Whether you’re searching for a tailor-made garment or luxe casualwear, J.H. & Sons will ensure you find the perfect match and fit to take your wardrobe to the next level.

J.H. & Sons is the perfect place to go to build your new, elevated collection. The team recommends that you visit the store with an appointment so you can connect with one of their experienced style consultants. Their team will help you find your perfect fit and introduce you to the latest seasonal must-haves.

Learn more: https://www.jhandsons.com/

ARTICLE BY THOMAS BROWN

Our Own Local Olympic Gold

MINNETONKA NATIVE BILL ALLEN SHARES HIS JOURNEY TO THE PODIUM AT THE 1972 MUNICH OLYMPICS

Like the lustrous quality of the metal itself, Olympic gold medalists are not only known as masters of their sport but as pillars of society. Often overcoming overwhelming odds, they reach the apex of athletic achievement, as witnessed and admired by millions around the world. They become the heroes of their sport and the nations they represent. As we recall the names of the likes of Jesse Owens, Herb Brooks, and Jesse Diggins, we acknowledge their athletic accomplishments, but we also recognize their stewardship to their sport and society in general.

Olympic Gold Medalist Bill Allen

Lake Minnetonka has been a bastion for competitive sailing for well over one hundred years. Lake Minnetonka sailors and coaches are recognized and respected the world over.

We have such a person amongst us here in Lake Minnetonka: Bill Allen, gold medalist in yachting (sailing) from the 1972 Munich Olympic games. Recently I had the good pleasure of speaking with Bill and absorbing a little bit of his history and genius.

Before going into Bill’s story, it is important to understand the nuance of Lake Minnetonka in relation to competitive yachting (sailing) on the world stage. Despite its remoteness from any ocean, Lake Minnetonka has been a bastion for competitive sailing for well over one hundred years. Lake Minnetonka sailors and coaches are recognized and respected the world over. Case in point: we will have representation in sailing at the upcoming 2024 Olympics in Paris from Shoreview native Lara Dallman-Weiss.

Bill Allen is a product of that legacy. As a quintessential Lake Minnetonka native, Bill grew up on the lake with summers sailing and winters on the ice playing hockey. His youngest days were spent at their family’s cabin in Cottagewood, which they acquired in the late 1940s when Bill was still a toddler. Both Bill’s parents were already experienced sailors by this time, so their move to the lake offered a chance for young Bill’s sailing skills to blossom. Sailing started for Bill in the early 1950s, and he recalls fondly that his mother was his earliest boat “skipper.” He began his own competitive sailing career in 1957 while competing against and befriending other well-established sailing superstars on the lake and region.

From left to right: Bill Bentsen, Buddy Melges, and Bill Allen at the 1972 Munich Olympics

Bill, Buddy Melges, and Bill Bentsen (whom they called ‘Doc’) comfortably took the gold medal podium in the Soling class.

During Bill’s college years, he kept sailing when he was at home, but his ambitious pursuit at the time was the Colorado College hockey team. Colorado College was one of the top teams in the country in the early seventies and was pegged to contribute players to the next Olympic games. Bill had spectacular years on the team through his junior year. However, much to the chagrin of his father, the Colorado College team did not work out as planned in his senior year, and he ended up dropping from the team.

However, as we all know so well, often, when fate closes one door, another one opens. Bill, by this time, was already a national champion in two intensively competitive classes of sailboats: the E scow and Finn. Almost on cue, as Bill’s hockey career was fading, Buddy Melges, by then an already accomplished Olympic gold medalist, invited him to be part of a championship crew for a different class of boat, the Soling, in Canada. The legend goes that Bill flew to Chicago O’Hare from Minneapolis, where Buddy was there waiting for him at the arrival curb, Soling boat in tow and all. Bill climbed in the car, drove to Kingston, Ontario, and helped Buddy handily win the championship. The rest, as they say, is history.

He is also a supporter of the lake’s sailing schools, Wayzata Sailing and Minnetonka Sailing School, where he is a tireless mentor for young sailors.

The 1972 Olympic game venue for sailing was in Kiel, Germany, hundreds of miles from the main venue of Munich. While the Munich games were marred with tragedy and controversy, Bill, Buddy Melges, and Bill Bentsen (whom they called ‘Doc’) comfortably took the gold medal podium in the Soling class.

An interesting twist to this story is that some of Bill’s teammates from Colorado College won bronze medals as part of the US hockey team at the Munich Olympics, while he won a gold in sailing. Life truly is a box of chocolates.

Bill’s accolades don’t stop with the Olympics, however. It would be fair to say that he has also attained apotheosis status in other sailing competition realms, with too many to mention dominating wins and titles in national and world sailing.

These days, Bill can be seen around Wayzata and Minnetonka Yacht Clubs with his multigenerational family, where he continues to compete and set the bar higher for his fellow yacht club competitors (I know because I’m one of them).

He is also a supporter of the lake’s sailing schools, Wayzata Sailing and Minnetonka Sailing School, where he is a tireless mentor for young sailors.

Bill Allen: genuinely one of our own local Olympic golds that has not dulled with time.

ARTICLE BY KENDRA JOHNSON

Men’s Hair Care 101

18/8 Fine Men’s Salon’s owner, Andrew Hulse, shares how to achieve your best hair ever

Believe it or not, but not all shampoo is created equal. And your hair, whether coarse or fine, curly or straight, may require a different type of care than your best friend or family members. That’s why Andrew Hulse, owner of 18/8 Fine Men’s Salon, is offering some expert advice for when to begin caring for your hair, how to do it properly, and the impact well-kept hair can have on your confidence.

If you’re interested in learning some hair care tips for yourself or to help out your son or nephew, the first step is to learn about what kind of hair you or they have so you know how to care for it properly. One unique thing about 18/8 Fine Men’s Salon is their commitment to getting to know each client and helping them learn how to care for their hair.

For first-time clients, their ‘New Client Executive Cut’ blocks off an hour to ensure the stylist has enough time to get to know you and your hair and teach you how to best care for it. Andrew says it’s a good idea to start a hair care routine young, especially if your sons or nephews are active.

“As our kids start to grow up, we put them in all sorts of activities, and some of those activities can be very damaging to their hair. For example, swimming.

The chlorine and everything in the water can be very damaging. So, based on their activities, you want to make sure you’re incorporating a good hair care routine,” Andrew says.

It’s also important to consider how healthy hair and beard care can go a long way toward helping teens with oily skin and acne. But, the most critical part in mentoring your kids about their hair is to have conversations about what they want and to set expectations.

“We see quite a bit where there’s a disconnect between what haircut the parents want the kid to have and what haircut the son wants to have. So I think the thing that helps is to have a conversation with your child and include them in the decision making, especially if they’re a little older, about what hairstyle they’re going to get,” Andrew says.

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And when it comes to actually caring for your hair, Andrew says conditioner is the item men tend to neglect the most. Finding a good conditioner to pair with a shampoo that is right for your hair type is important.

A common misconception is that all hair is essentially the same and therefore any product can be used to clean and maintain it. But some shampoos can actually

important as learning how to style it. And similarly, learning how to properly trim your beard can make a world of difference. “The important thing about a beard trim is you need to get the lines right where the beard starts and stops. You want to shape your beard so it strengthens your jawline — that’s what makes a beard look good.”

dry out or damage your hair if it’s not the right product for your hair texture.

And the same can be true of beards. Beard oil paired with some conditioner can help soften the beard whiskers, but be sure to check that the products you’re buying are compatible with your hair type.

The products you use aren’t the only important part of a proper hair care routine. Knowing what your lifestyle allows in terms of styling your hair is just as

If, at this point, you’re thinking, “This is great and all, but what’s the point?” The mindset of 18/8 Fine Men’s Salon is to help men look better so they feel better and perform better.

“We all know we feel good when we’ve got a good haircut. It just helps give us a little confidence… and that confidence tends to roll itself through many aspects of your life, including how you perform, whether on the job or in your everyday life.” https://eighteeneight.com/wayzata-mn/

We

UNION PLACE CO-OWNER BRIAN DUGGAN SHOWS US HOW YOU CAN BRING HOME THE CINEMA EXPERIENCE

The Ultimate Home Theater

ARTICLE BY GRAHAM JOHNSON

Brian Duggan, co-owner of Union Place

There is something magical about walking into a theater for a movie. It is an experience unlike almost any other: losing oneself to the darkness, feeling the bass in your chest. The world fades away for 90 minutes, and maybe that’s part of the charm. But what if you could create that experience in your own home?

Home theaters are becoming more and more of a reality for many as it becomes easier to find and stream high-quality films, and the costs of the equipment necessary to recreate that theater experience in your own home are within reach.

Brian Duggan, co-owner of Union Place, is no stranger to both the movie-going experience and home theaters. “I live, eat, and breathe these things,” says Brian, and here, he offers us a tour through the “ultimate” home theater.

The ultimate home theater is a “dedicated room with a projection system primarily used for watching sports or TV,” says Brian. While many spaces, including some home theaters, are designed with many purposes in mind, to Brian, the ultimate home theater is a space entirely dedicated to the TV-watching experience.

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To that end, the projector and screen are the most essential parts of any home theater. Union Place’s screens start at around 110 inches and go up to 220 inches. Those sizes are way up even from a few decades ago when sub-100-inch screens were standard.

Depending on the size of the screen, projectors need to be able to shoot 4k to 8k resolution, which is pretty common and available even for new films. 4k streaming is often available soon after a movie is released and is perfect for a home theater. “You can catch a movie in your home theater while it’s still relevant,” says Brian. Projectors can average anywhere from $5,000-$20,000 but can go for much less or much, much more, and that is what’s most likely to get replaced in a theater due to time or technological processes. “You’re dating your projector; you’re married to your screen,” says Brian.

Speakers are the next most important part of the ultimate home theater. Beyond the mere scope of a theater, the sound quality is the biggest difference between watching something at home versus in a theater. True surround sound with a bass you can truly feel is what separates the wheat from the chaff. In times gone by, a standard setup for a home theater would be what’s called 5.1. That means five speakers would be set up around the room to provide surround sound with a single subwoofer. These days, the ultimate home theater would be something closer to 13.4.4. That means there would be 13 speakers scattered around the room, 4 subwoofers, and 4 ‘atmo’ or atmosphere speakers, which are placed above the plane of the other speakers in order to ‘show’ vertical space for sound like an object whizzing just over the camera.

Sound design and mixing for theaters versus home release has increasingly become a mainstream consideration in how a movie should be experienced. Many modern movies come with a track designed for a space like the 13.4.4 described above to take full advantage of each speaker. Even if a film lacks these tracks, the speakers can come with software to adapt a movie’s tracks to any speaker setup.

Lastly, the seats in the ultimate home theater deserve mention. Long gone are the days of fold-up chairs, even in most modern cinemas. “They’ve stolen the idea from the home theater,” says Brian. The seats allow an added personal touch to the theater. Some opt for a full-themed theater ranging from Star Trek to the Golden Age of Hollywood. Plain leather chairs are perennially popular, too. Worth noting is the ability to add chaise lounges to the front row of a home theater, allowing viewers to actually lay down and provide a homier atmosphere to the space.

Here ends Brian’s tour of the ultimate home theater. Other details, like the ability to change the aspect ratio of your screen, control the projector and screen with a tablet, project movies in 3D, and integrate video game consoles into a home theater, are all other options, too. But those will have to be saved for the next tour. https://unionplace.com/

Dinner served daily 4:00pm - close

Wine and Cocktails

227 Water Street, Excelsior

(952) 283-1952 | coalitionrestaurant.com

Flipping the calendar to June always makes me think about the end of the school year. Graduations, tournament games and final performances, big tests and me releasing my useless grip on micromanaging kid homework, closing

FATHER’S DAY

out of one rhythm and beginning a summer rhythm. And somewhere in the middle of all that, our household needs to jam in a meaningful Father’s Day.

It’s not easy.

If I put myself in my husband’s shoes and imagine an ideal day from his perspective, it might include a family day of fishing on a quiet lake. He’d like lunch that includes sushi but also

Life Minded

cheese balls. He would enjoy a luxurious nap not interrupted by a barking dog and appreciate nobody wasting money on cheap socks that feature a dad joke. But putting together that day and executing it with all the personalities involved? Well, there are better odds of us being struck by lightning while fishing. My husband will not see a nice, quiet lake day because he has not been blessed with a nice, quiet family.

He, like many fathers, has ended up with a plethora of useless gifts collected over time. Ties. Socks. Fishing equipment he should have picked out himself. Handmade clay objects that required far too much explanation. Clothing he doesn’t want. Coupons for chores that will never be redeemed. The list is long but heartfelt. The best Father’s Day gift we ever gave him, bar none, was a black leather Lazy Boy Recliner. Is it beautiful? No. Does it contribute to a more pleasing room aesthetic? No. Has he sat in it 50,000 times? Yes.

So, it may not be about the tangible but more about the intangibles. Just being together under any circumstances. Any circumstances. We can’t guarantee to make it special. We can only guarantee to make it memorable.

A few years ago, we had a quieter Father’s Day at home and grilled on our deck. People were crabby (I won’t name names). I couldn’t get the crowd under control. Then conversation picked up, and I had a glimmer of hope. But then it took a weird turn as the kids fixated on whether or not Dad had ever punched anyone in the face. It turns out we all learned something interesting that day. He had. In 7th grade. Our kids were delighted with this revelation, if not slightly disappointed it was his only violent act. In moments like this, I always wonder what the normal families talk about over burgers.

Last year, on Father’s Day, we were flying to a lacrosse tournament in Colorado for our youngest son. My husband told me to sit with our son, and he would sit alone in the bulkhead seat.

His sacrifice did not go unpunished. It was a disaster. He ended up sitting next to an eighty-pound service dog. The dog sat on my husband’s foot and spewed his hot breath into his face for the duration of the flight. I’d like to say we were sympathetic, but my son and I were two rows behind him across the aisle, and we cried laughing watching this unfold. We took pictures. Such is the work of fatherhood. Taking one for the team. Managing mayhem. Enduring the crises. Eating the leftovers. Absorbing the metaphorical dog breath so others can be spared and enjoy clean air.

To all the fathers and father figures out there…we know you’d love peace and quiet for one complete day. We would love to honor that. But it isn’t going to happen. It’s just not in the cards, but ironically, you will get a lot of handmade cards. So, can we interest you in a funny graphic t-shirt or some hot sauce that will make you ill? If not, we know you will do your best to act like it was exactly what you were hoping for all along.

Minded

COLUMN BY JEN FORTNER

Jen Fortner is a freelance writer who enjoys asking friends and strangers far too many questions. She spends her spare time sitting in inclement weather watching youth sports, traveling, cooking, and searching for the very best baked goods. She lives in Shorewood with her husband, three children and the most spoiled dog.

Selina Martire Ins Agcy Inc

Selina Martire, Agent www.selinamartire.com

selina@selinamartire.com Bus: 651-776-8328

You know I’m always here with Good Neighbor service. But I’m also here with surprisingly great rates for everyone. Call me for a quote to see how much you can save. You might be surprised.

Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.®

Inside One Minnetonka Home Unlike

See the unique features and learn the fascinating story behind this historic Bavarian Tudor

ARTICLE BY LAUREN BEAUBAIRE

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SPACECRAFTING

The house that has stood steadfast on 2653 Plymouth Road since 1936 is home to an incredible piece of Minnesota history. Few are like this beautiful Bavarian Tudor. “The house was originally designed by the architectural firm Magney & Tusler, who was the firm behind iconic Minnesota landmarks like the Foshay Tower, the post office downtown, the Calhoun Beach Club, and the MacPhail music school,”

shares current owner of the home Jonathan Watson. “Magney & Tusler designed very few private residences. This home is one of only six or seven that they designed.”

While the house has undergone extensive renovations since 1936 to bring it into the modern age, this beautiful home has kept its original charm. “That’s what attracted me to this home. I love the character of old houses. But what stunned me when I walked through for the first time was that it felt like new construction but with all the unique charm of an old home.”

The kitchen appliances, driveways, electric gates, and bedrooms have all been updated, but details like the wooden oak beams and lumber used throughout the home were from trees felled on the original property. The stucco is original, and while the roof was replaced with titanium, the decorative tiles on top of the roof are also original to the home. Above the garage are two staff quarters that were reserved for the gardener and housekeeper. You’ll even find a little cupboard to the outside for when the milkman would deliver your cold glass bottles of milk.

Little, unique features are scattered throughout the home. “All the light switch plates are machinebrassed instead of plastic. Most of the pulls and knobs are original to the property and were cast in a foundry in Ohio,” shares Jonathan. “The majority of the windows are also original. There’s so much light in the house. Every room is full of light. It’s one of the main things I love and what drew me to the home. It creates an intimate but also very open space.”

But, perhaps the most unique feature of the home is the fire hoses. Yes, fire hoses. House historian Kathleen Kullberg reveals, “The original owner of the home, Albert Horton Dietz, who lived there with his wife Alice King Nash Dietz, was deathly afraid of fire. He built a closet on each floor that housed an old-fashioned commercial fire hose. Only one hose is left for nostalgia just outside the kitchen.”

Kathleen explains where wooden joists would normally be used on the first floor, Dietz instead used firebrick and rebar. So, if there was ever a fire from the oil fire furnace in the basement, it would be contained, and he wouldn’t have to worry about the fire spreading throughout the rest of the home. And what is now a beautiful multi-level wine cellar completed by Jonathan once held a large holding tank for water that was used for the fire hose system.

“The cellar maintains the perfect temperature yearround for wine,” says Jonathan. “We built a 500-litre wine cask right into the wall.”

The home’s delights don’t end there. Heading down to the lower level, the home seemingly transforms into a log cabin. “It feels like you’ve gone somewhere completely different. Like you’ve been transported to the Northwoods,” says Jonathan. But, his favorite space in the home is the sunroom. “The sunroom is just beautiful. With big, arched wooden beams, it just has so much character. It’s a fantastic place to sit and look out into the woods with a nice cup of coffee in the morning.”

“The property was originally over 40 acres until it was developed in the 1980s for the Bent Tree Subdivision, and eventually, the land was replatted into three lots,” shares Kathleen. “The property is surrounded by nature and backs up onto a pond that was used for swimming by previous owners and their children.”

Jonathan adds, “With the house tucked back away from the road, it feels like you’re living in the woods, but you’re only about three minutes away from Ridgedale.”

This home is truly unlike any other, steeped in a rich history. And while Jonathan and his wife are selling the property, Jonathan expresses how much he will truly miss the home. “I’ve had over a dozen properties in my lifetime, and this is by far the nicest property I’ve been in. There’s not a day I don’t wake up and say this is just a gorgeous home, I’m so lucky to live here.”

If you’re interested in becoming the next owner of a one-of-a-kind Magney & Tusler Bavarian Tudor, connect with Chris Dennis at Lakes Area Realty: https://www. lakesarearealty.com/agents/76647/Chris+Dennis

BUYERS LOVE MY SELLERS’ HOMES

16821 Enclave Cir, Eden Prairie, MN 55347 3 Bd | 3 Ba | 2 Car | 3,479 SF | $849,900

Discover luxury single-level living in the Enclave development in Eden Prairie! This townhome features a main floor owner’s suite, office, large kitchen, and laundry—ideal for one-level living. Entertain guests in the screened back porch, deck, and patio during the summer months. The lower level offers two bedrooms, full bathroom, and family room—perfect for guests. Located on a private cul-desac, this home offers an open floor plan with a cozy gas fireplace. Grounds and streets maintained by the HOA. Conveniently located just 10 minutes from all Eden Prairie amenities.

Property Highlights:

• 3,400+ square feet

• One level living

• Private cul-de-sac

• High-quality fit & finish

• Gas fireplace

• Maintenance free property

• Screen porch

• Beautiful landscaping

WORK WITH A RESULTS-DRIVEN REALTOR

CHRIS DENNIS, ASSOCIATE BROKER

Lakes Area Realty Excelsior 37 Water Street, Excelsior, 55331 (612) 229-9322

Chris@ChrisDennisGroup.com LakesAreaExcelsior.com

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

JUNE 6TH

Opening Day at the Excelsior Farmers Market Water Street, Downtown Excelsior 2:00 PM

Save the date for opening day at the Excelsior Farmers Market! The market returns with farm-fresh delights, local treasures and community vibes. Be among the first to explore the stalls bursting with seasonal produce, artisanal crafts, and delicious treats. Market hours are from 2pm-6pm.

JUNE 8TH

Excelsior Art on the Lake Downtown Excelsior | 9:00 AM

Don't miss out on this unforgettable celebration of creativity and culture by the lake! The 2-day Excelsior Art on the Lake event will be from Saturday, June 8 to Sunday, June 9. Over 120 gifted artists will showcase their original creations. Enjoy live music and a tasty array of culinary delights from food vendors. The event is open to everyone, and admission is free!  https://www.excelsiorlakemin netonkachamber.com/art-on-the-lake/

JUNE 12TH

Concerts in the Commons

The Commons Park in Excelsior 5:00 PM

Enjoy free music in the park all summer in Excelsior with the Concerts in the Commons! The next concerts are on June 12 with a performance by Pop Rocks and June 26 with a performance by California Dreamin'. The concerts start at 7pm but be sure to come early to enjoy great food trucks and beverages that start serving at 5pm. https:// www.excelsiorconcerts.com/

JUNE 15TH

Lake Minnetonka Triathlon

Excelsior | 5:30 AM

The Lake Minnetonka Triathlon is celebrating their 20th year! Sign up to race or come cheer on the participants. The Excelsior Commons is the central hub of the race and is where you will find race day packet pick-up, body markings, the mandatory pre-race meeting, transition area, finish line, awards ceremony, refreshments, bathrooms, first aid, vendor booths, and live music!  https:// lakeminnetonkatriathlon.com/

JUNE 21ST-23RD

Growth + Gravel Women’sOnly Weekend Clinic

Gear West Ski + Bike | 12:00 PM

Gear West Ski + Bike is hosting a women’s-only weekend clinic from June 21st - 23rd on how to build unstoppable confidence and experience exceptional physical and mental health as you age. During the weekend, you’ll enjoy several guest speakers, workouts, breakfasts, lunches, treats, sauna + cold plunge, bike clinic, wine and chocolate, and all the inspiration you need to live a healthy life. Sign up and learn more here: https://www.gearwest.com/ pages/women-empowering-women

JUNE 22ND

Wayzata Art Experience

Downtown Wayzata | 10:00 AM

The Wayzata Art Experience is back for another year! The 2-day celebration of art, music, food and fun will take place on Saturday, June 22 from 10am – 6pm and Sunday, June 23 from 10am – 4pm. Event goers will enjoy a Beer + Wine Garden, Activity Zone with hands-on activities and projects, live music all along Lake Street, FREE sailboat rides courtesy of Wayzata Sailing, and of course incredible art!  https://artexperience. wayzatachamber.com/ Want

Whether you are a new golfer or have been playing for decades, we all want the same thing—to be a single-digit handicap (or better). In some professions, golfing with clients is a must, and slicing off the tee box can kill the deal.

ARTICLE BY DANIEL SCHOWENGERDT

01.

Get fit for equipment.

If you’ve been playing with the same clubs for 5+ years, it’s time to take advantage of the new equipment. Newer clubs have lower and deeper center of gravity (CG), creating an easier launch off the face. Even off-center strikes can produce a straight shot with the right set of clubs. Any major golf store will fit you for free—just make sure you get the correct length club and size grip.

On drivers and hybrids, some of the newest equipment have premium shaft options off the rack. The shaft is the engine of the club, so getting custom shafts will add distance and forgiveness—guaranteed.

As for the putter, you use it more than any other club in your bag on every round of golf. It should be the most tailored club in your bag.

Perfecting Your Golf Swing

02.

Read quality golf books for a higher golf IQ.

There are thousands of golf books, but don’t worry, you only need to read a handful of them to up your golf IQ. Here are some top reads:

Short game: Dave Pelz’s Short Game Bible by Dave Pelz

Mental game: Golf is Not a Game of Perfect by Bob Rotella Mechanics: Practical Golf by John Jacobs

Ball flight laws: The Practice Manual by Adam Young (only read the first 50 pages)

03.

Practice your short game every day.

You don’t even have to spend time away from your family while practicing if you don’t have a golf simulator. You can practice putting and chipping on the carpet while watching TV with your family.

Chipping and the bump and run: The only mechanical advice I will give is the most important lesson you can learn in the short game. When you miss your approach shot you must be able to chip the ball within 8 feet of the hole for a one putt. Try this shot from Dave Peltz’s short game book. It gets me up and down from 25 yards out to just off the green.

Your Boat Club:

We boating! are

These late-model, meticulously maintained fishing boats, ski boats, and pontoons have served our members well. Most of our boats have been in service for only three years and are regularly detailed and refurbished. It is simply time to replace them with brand-new models and find them a new home!

The average age of our fleet is 1.5 years old- meaning our members- and you- get to experience the newest boats in the market. Because our boats are in service, they are cared for better than the average boat.

Especially after the initial depreciation, boats tend to hold their value extremely well. If you are considering buying a boat, why not eliminate the risk of overpaying and save all of that expense?

When it comes to your family’s next great adventure, you can trust Your Boat Club. With decades of experience and an unmatched love for boating, you can rely on us. We are boating! Find out more at www.YourBoatClub.com/buy-a-boat today!