The Problem
The project site presented several development constraints that required extensive planning and coordination with local stakeholders and regulatory agencies.
A significant portion of the property was designated as a Woodland Preservation Area (WPA), encompassing approximately 3.37 acres, or nearly 30% of the total site. City regulations limited disturbance within this protected area to 25%, requiring careful site design to balance development goals with environmental preservation.
In addition to environmental constraints, the project faced several entitlement and access challenges. Hennepin County permitted only a single access point from Plymouth Road, limiting roadway design options. The previous vacation of the Burlwood Road right-of-way by the City eliminated a planned future access connection, further constraining site circulation.
Furthermore, the project team faced the challenge of designing the lots around mature oak woodland ecosystems while maintaining economically feasible lot configurations and preserving the character of the surrounding neighborhood.
The Solution
The development team conducted extensive analysis of the site's topography, tree inventory, and environmental resources to create a design that minimized disturbance while maximizing preservation.
The final plan clustered development in areas most suitable for construction while protecting significant portions of the existing woodland. House pads and roadway alignments were strategically positioned closer to internal streets, reducing impacts along the perimeter of the property and increasing privacy for neighboring homeowners.
Tree preservation became a central component of the design strategy. Rather than evaluating trees individually, the team analyzed groupings based on species, health, and ecological value to identify the most beneficial preservation areas. This approach allowed the project to satisfy environmental requirements while maintaining the overall health and integrity of the woodland ecosystem.
To address access limitations and site constraints, the development utilized a single access point from Plymouth Road and established a new driveway connection for the existing residence through the Emerald Trail cul-de-sac. Variance requests were carefully justified based on environmental preservation objectives, neighborhood buffering, and the unique hardships created by access restrictions and existing site conditions.
Building Result
Elevare transformed the assemblage of parcels into a cohesive estate-lot residential community that balances development with environmental stewardship. Lake West partnered with Swanson Homes as the designated builder. This neighborhood is extremely unique, with building packaged ranging from $3-$5 million dollars with homes designed by Charles Stinson, something not seen anywhere else in Minnetonka, other than on Lake Minnetonka. This development has become one of the most unique and sophisticated neighbors that Minnetonka has ever seen.
The final plan created 10 new single-family homes, each having over an acre of land. The development successfully incorporated extensive tree preservation measures and maintained compliance with Woodland Preservation Area disturbance limitations.
By leveraging the site's natural topography and mature woodland character, the project created a distinctive residential neighborhood that offers privacy, natural screening, and integration with surrounding communities. The collaborative planning process between the development team, City staff, County officials, and neighboring residents helped shape a project that addressed environmental concerns while delivering additional housing opportunities within an established suburban neighborhood.
Elevare serves as an example of how thoughtful infill development can successfully navigate environmental constraints, entitlement challenges, and neighborhood concerns to create long-term value for residents and the broader community.
