Tragic News: Alexander McQueen Found Dead

Many would consider Alexander McQueen to be one of the greatest fashion designers of our time, so the breaking news that "Lee" McQueen was found dead in his London home early Thursday morning sent shock waves through the fashion world. McQueen's death is labeled as an apparent suicide; he was only 40 years old.

McQueen caused great concern when he posted alarming updates on Twitter when he lost his mother, Joyce, only a week before his death. The talented fashion designer also dealt with the loss of a dear friend, Isabella Blow, three years ago when she committed suicide. Blow was highly respected for her work as a magazine editor and fashion icon. Style was always a part of her life and had a superb eye for new talent and was responsible for discovering McQueen and famously purchasing his entire collection - leading to the rise in his part of the fashion industry. For McQueen's Spring/Summer 20008 collection, he dedicated the show in memory of his dear friend, Isabella.

Controversy has never held the rebellious fashion designer back from making outrageous and thought-provoking designs. Even with avant-garde creations, he never failed to impress with impeccable tailoring. McQueen was honored in 2003 when Queen Elizabeth II appointed him a Commander of the British Empire for his fashion leadership. Another accomplishment of his career was receiving England's designer of the year four times between 1996 and 2003.

One of McQueen's lines was scheduled to show later Thursday afternoon in New York Fashion Week, but out of respect the show is cancelled.

May Alexander McQueen rest in peace.

$53.5 Million Pillsbury Estate up for Auction

A true piece of history recently went up on the auction block, but you have better get your wallet ready for the sticker shock. This remarkable (and spendy) piece of real estate is situated in none other than Orono, Minnesota on Lake Minnetonka. Just outside of beautiful Wayzata on Bracketts Point lies the prized estate on 13 acres of sprawling lawn and commands priceless lake views. And what an estate this is! Famously called Southways by the Pillsbury family, the estate features the historic 40,000 square foot mansion, in-ground swimming pool, tennis complex, smoking house, a tea house, caretaker's cottage with greenhouse and formal gardens. Just to name a few.

Southways has only been on the market once before in 1991, following Eleanor Pillsbury's death at the age of 104. James Jundt, a former hedge fund manager and once co-owner of the Minnesota Vikings, and his wife, Joann, bought the lavish property in March of 1992. The couple purchased Southways knowing that the home needed severe restoration. This included converting the house from a summer residence to a year-round home. New wiring, plumbing, air conditioning, double-paned windows and other mechincal systems were installed. Southways was recently on the market for a record-breaking $53.5 million but was taken off by the current owners. Many felt the historic estate would be better suited for an auction listing, where it would reach more potential buyers from across the country and around the world.

Designed by New York architect Harry T. Lindeberg in the early 19th century, the estate still shines with the orignal character. The Jundts were careful to preseve the grandness of the home but while adding more warmth. Even James and Joann have a humble view on Southway's restoration - "The house belongs to the whole country, we're just the caretakers."

Photos courtesy of www.southwaysestate.com
Quote courtesy of the new book: Legendary Homes on Lake Minnetonka

Minnetrista Ignores Community Anger & Builds Police Station

Minnetrista recently announced that they are moving ahead with the plans to build a new $7.3 million police and public works facility, despite the recession. Though the residents aren't so keen on the idea; in fact, many of them are angered with the city. Minnetrista is a small town of 4,358 people but has the 7th highest city taxes per capita in the state of Minnesota and many feel this will only allow the city to be doomed. This opposition is made clear from numerous campaign-style signs along the road to city hall and websites as Save Minnetrista, which states residents will be robbed because of the project. Save Minnetrista wants residents to be able to vote on this issue - which the citizens currently don't have a voice in the construction.

However, the 18-year old police station in Minnetrista does need to be updated. The "multi-purpose" meeting room is also a lunch room, gun cleaning room, city staff and police conference room, and emergency command center. Right across the hall is the interrogation room, secured with a wooden door. To make it more shocking, the wall separating the interrogation room from the nearby holding cell is flimsy enough to talk through. Extra caution is used when working in the current police station - considering there's just not enough room. Public works employees work out of a construction trailer and their lunch room also double as a water testing lab. Even the garages are so compact that the drivers of city trucks take extra time to park in a specific order and police cars sit outside.

While many residents feel that the construction is too excessive for the current economic environment, the city argues that the economic conditions are favorable for building now because interest rates and construction costs are low. "Contractors are hungry. People are looking for work," city Administrator Mike Funk said. Funk said another reason now is the time to build is because the city is nearly finished paying off the bonds issues for the current police station, which he said was built to trim costs than to fill the needs of the city.

Although the City Council haven't given final approval for the project, construction is scheduled to begin in May and finish early in 2010.

(Photo courtesy of http://www.kare11.com/)

Frank Lloyd Wright - Wayzata Windows Sold

Interestingly enough, it seems as to where ever you go, the Wayzata mystique will follow. I found out (by accident) that Bernard Goldberg Fine Arts of New York City recently had a set of six windows that were originally designed and installed in the Francis W. Little House in Wayzata up for sale. These superb windows were designed by no other than the famous Frank Lloyd Wright between 1912 and 1914 and priced at $650,000. This was Wright’s second time working for the Littles, following his design of their previous residence in Peoria, Illinois in 1902. The second Little House was one of Wright's final residences designed in the Prairie School vein. With its emphasis on horizontally and spatial continuity, and its fusion of interior and exterior spaces, the house was a sublime refinement of the Prairie School style. Although the house was torn down in 1973, the living room and most of its furnishings survived intact, and have been installed in the American Wing of the Metropolitan Museum of Art since 1982.

The windows were previously owned by American Epress and the wooden frames are replacements. Sadly, the originals were destroyed in a warehouse on 9/11.

(Photos courtesy of Bernard Goldberg Fine Arts)

Tom Petters Trial to Remain in Minnesota

Last month local Wayzata resident demanded to have his trial moved to another state because of bad publicity from the news media, websites and everyday chatter that he feels is harming his case. However, the federal judge with the case denied to have the trial moved to another state, at least not for now. Petters is accused of running a $3.5 billion Ponzi scheme, is charged with fraud, money laundering and conspiracy and wants his trial be moved to Wisconsin or Iowa. Petters argues that he won't get a fair trial due to all the media attention in Minnesota. The U.S. attorney's office argued against a venue change. They said a change would be costly and Petters himself fostered pretrial publicity. While the judge sided with the U.S. attorney, he did leave open the possibility of moving the trial if the court finds during jury selection that a fair jury cannot be seated. The judge also wrote that the court could consider "other procedural safeguards" other than moving the trial once jury selection begins.

Tom Petters is pleading not guilty and the trial is set to start in June.

(Photo courtesy of http://www.publicradio.org/)
Tom Petters, on far right, presenting check

Pilgrim Lane Elementary to Close Doors

All across the nation, School Boards are constantly thinking of different ways to save the school district money. Most of the time, this includes severely cutting back on everything. This threat is also causing the #1 city in America to suffer as well - Plymouth. The Robbinsdale Area School Board decided to close Pilgrim Lane Elementary in Plymouth, as well as Sandburg Middle School in Golden Valley and Sunny Hallow Elementary in New Hope. These unfortunate school closings are expected to save the school district $2 million annually.

An issue that's recently been up for discussion at Plymouth City Council meetings are what they should do for Pilgrim Lane's 11.5 acre site. In respect for everyone that lives in the neighborhood by the closing school's site, it was up for discussion to hold public meetings. Public meetings would ensure everyone could have their input as to what they prefer for the land. Council members opted against proactively approaching neighbors as they were concerned that if they chose a private developer's plan than what everyone else would want for their community, than the community would feel misled.

Pilgrim Lane Elementary is expected to close the doors at the end of this year and because they don't have plans as what to do for the site, the school will sit vacant for the 2009-10 school year.

(Photo of Pilgrim Lane's Principal courtesy of http://www.rdale.k12.mn.us/)

Wells Fargo Ranked Safest Bank in the US

Every year, Global Finance Magazine ranks the World's 50 Safest Banks and the 2008 results have recently been released. Wells Fargo & Co. was the top-rated bank in the United States. Only three other US banks made the list, while European banks dominated the rankings. This list shows the effect of the sub prime mortgage meltdown and credit crisis brought on by large Wall Street players. Now, more than ever, it is very important to know the creditworthiness of your bank; the banks are selected through comparison of the long-term credit ratings and total assets. Ratings are from Moody's, Standard & Poor's and Fitch. "These banks have demonstrated an appropriately prudent approach to risk in providing international financial services" stated Global Finance publisher, Joseph D. Giarraputo.

Four German banks were ranked in the Top 10, with state-owned development bank KfW Bankengruppe at No. 1. However, Spain’s Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, which operates BBVA Compass bank branches in the U.S., was ranked at No. 13. Other United States banks that made the list are US Bancorp at No. 26, The Bank of New York Mellon at No. 35, and JPMorgan Chase & Co., which recently merged with Washington Mutual Inc. at No. 47.

Wayzata is proud to have a Wells Fargo located at Wayzata Blvd. East that offers many services, including The Private Bank.

(Photo courtesy of http://www.wayzatalifestyle.tk/)

Recession Stalls Bay Center Development

Everyone is going to have to wait another year for any further progress to be made to the Bay Center right in downtown Wayzata. Due to the (horrible) recession, any construction for the Bay Center is put off for next year - meaning the current tenants in the mall will be able to stay longer. Though everyone in the mall was in the process of moving out - just really uncertain grounds. "We were expecting the recovery to show up in the mid part of this year but that doesn't look realistic anymore," according to Ed Briesemeister - spokesperson for the developer. Though the developer's redevelopment plan was approved in June of 2008, there's nothing anyone can do for a while now.

Waiting for the new Bay Center, which is valued at $225 million, is going to be difficult for many of Wayzata's residents - not to mention the local businesses. "I think one of the other downsides is that it continues to leave our retail presentation, for lack of better words, in limbo," stated Mayor Ken Willcox. One of the main problems now for the Bay Center is trying to keep the mall from being completely vacant. But for some, this is a great relief, meaning more time to find a new location for their store; the other half is greatly disappointed.

(Photo courtesy of www.wayzatabaycenter.com)

TCF Bank Headquaters Moving to Sioux Falls

Our very own Wayzata-based TCF Financial Corporation is planning to move TCF Bank headquarters from Minneapolis to Sioux Falls by April 1. TCF isn't the first bank to move to the area as South Dakota is widely known as a bank-friendly state; In fact, some of the nation's most relaxed laws on lending and taxes are in South Dakota. The planned move makes sense as TCF has to constantly adjust its policies to comply with the various laws in each state where it operates. TCF spokesman, Jason Korstange stated, "It'll allow us to use the South Dakota laws and regulations throughout our eight states that we'll be doing business," Korstange said. "So that'll save us money on legal costs, operational costs and processing."

TCF Financial Corporation announced last November that it had received $360 million from the U.S. Treasury as part of the government's TARP program, though company officials say TCF is financially strong. On the company's Web site, CEO Bill Cooper says TCF was not involved in any of the risky financial deals which collapsed some major U.S. banks. It is also known that no jobs Minnesota jobs will be lost during this move.

(Photo courtesy of http://www.wayzatalifestyle.tk/)

Wayzata Home With 18th Century Period Rooms

Wayzata is defiantly known for the distinctive and beautiful homes; Wayzata resident, Kristi Oman, goes over-the-top with her home. Everyday she feels like royalty as her bedroom and living room were both part of an 18th-century Parisian chateau. Oman's bedroom is really one of a kind, "It's a treat to wake up in that room - you feel like a princess," Oman said. The Louis XVI bedroom proudly displays whitewashed wood paneling, gold-leaf detailing and inset floral paintings - which would make anyone feel special! Oman's living room is also a stunning masterpiece. Both rooms were built in France in the early 1700s, then imported to the United States (walls, woodwork, fireplaces and all) about 200 years later by a French banking heiress. She apparently had so many French rooms she couldn't use them all. The two rooms remained in storage in New York for a few decades before ending up in Wayzata.

During the Gilded Age, it was fashionable to bring entire rooms over from Europe, However, it was really odd to do so by the early 1950s - when Oman's house was built. "It's fairly rare around here," said Donna Haberman, senior objects conservator for the Midwest Art Conservation Center. "There are a few more examples on the East Coast." Oman's beautiful home is built in the woods on a 5-acre lot and designed by Guy Crawford. Crawford was sought-after during the '50s for his keen eye in French design. It is certain that this home is wonderfully French in every way.

The Oman home is currently up for sale for $3.8 million.

(Photos courtesy of http://www.northstarmls.com/)

Local Luxury Beauty Boutique

Settled right in the beautiful downtown of Wayzata is a quiet and charming European-style beauty and fragrance boutique that's as posh as its name - Cherie. When you enter this prized boutique, you feel instantly as if your in a good friend's closet. One thing Cherie prides themselves on is personalized service and offering top-of-the-line products to their customers. Cherie offers a wide-range of fragrances as well as candles, jewelry, skincare and makeup. Another way they are set apart from the crowd is that they offer the classic (and customizable) Longchamp bags! With the amazing products and service comes an amazing foundation as Diane Wissink and her two daughters founded Cherie Boutique about four years ago. You are sure to have a wonderful (and informative) visit with well-knowledged sales associates that will kindly assist you from start to finish.

(Photo courtesy of http://www.cherieusa.com/)

Hendel Homes Feature Open House

Just a little outside of the Wayzata city limits lies a luxurious residential area with a great deal of potential. This area is also known as Executive Woodlands and the prized Hendel Homes is taking this amazing land under their wing. They have already constructed two beautifully superb homes and their current one is absolutely jaw-dropping. Hidden away in the back on this quiet and plush street features a modern-day French chateau. This dream home has the authenticity, presence and detailing of true French styling. This stunning $3.8 million-dollar home is available for open house at Executive Woodlands Fourth Avenue North, Plymouth. Please contact Hendel Homes for hours.

Hendel Homes make sure that they create and renovate truly superb homes: one at a time. This ensures each home is unique, authentic, highly detailed and perfectly crafted. Their amazing attention to the entire process of constructing a home makes them some of the Twin Cities most premier residences. With each new project, Hendel has a passion for authenticity, the finest craftsmanship and distinction. Hendel Homes makes it their responsibility to ensure every client as the utmost care of all aspects of design and everything will be taken care of to meet and exceed your expectations to have the ultimate luxury destination every time you and friends or family enter your home.

Hendel Homes are located on Wayzata Boulvard in Wayzata.

(Photos belong to http://www.wayzatalifestyle.tk/)

Tom Petters New Demands

Being locked away as an inmate at the Sherburne County jail wouldn't be my first guess that a well-respected and admired entrepreneur from the area would be confined. Apparently many news programs, online sites and everyday chatter is starting to be a problem for the infamous Tom Petters. According to the Minneapolis Star Tribune, Tom Petter's lawyers report in a memorandum that this case is a “public spectacle" and that Petters won't get a fair trial in Minnesota because of all this pretrial news. Another reason Petters wants the trail moved to another state because he strongly feels that the government is "misbehaving" and not handling the case properly. His next trial is in June, so his lawyers already sent a motion for this issue.

Petters is accused of masterminding a massive multibillion-dollar fraud scheme, though he is already demanding to be released from jail. The U.S. attorney's office stated it would respond to Petters' motions at a later date. A March 9 hearing is scheduled before U.S. Magistrate Judge Arthur Boylan on a number of pretrial matters. All of this has been called by many as the business story of the year and I'm sure the story is just going to get much larger.

(Photo courtesy of http://www.daylife.com/)

SEARS Imports Sues BMW

The legendary (and flashy) Mercedes-Benz and BMW has always been the highest standard for luxury cars. At Sears Imported Autos, you were able to choose from one of the prized automobile makers from the same respected lot. Though things aren't so great for Sears Imported Autos as they filed a lawsuit against BMW of North America, alleging that the automaker failed to pay the dealer about $670,000 in rebates, according to the Star Tribune.

BMW refused to pay the rebates unless the dealer completely remodeled the store, opened a second location that would sell only BMWs or sold its franchise. Sears wanted to go the route of redeveloping the dealership, but those plans were put to a sudden end because of zoning restrictions. Unfortunately, plans to buy a nearby site and build a new BMW facility was put to an end because of financial problems, the Star Tribune reports. However, the Pohlad Group bought Sears’ BMW franchise last May. Sears Imported Autos is currently selling BMWs at the Minnetonka location, but is planning to move to a different site about a mile away. And, of course, Sears is still selling superb Mercedes-Benz vehicles. Since Sears Imports sold the BMW franchise, BMW paid Sears some of the rebate money it was owed. Although, Sears states it is still owed payments for some of 2007 and part of May 2008, the Star Tribune reports. Hopefully the wonderful and highly trustworthy dealership of Sears Imported Autos will continue to stay a major part of our community.

Photo courtesy of http://www.searsbmw.com/

Innocent Tom Petters?

Wayzata is all over the news media now (for reasons we are all ashamed of) since local Wayzata businessman Tom Petters was accused of a multi-billion dollar fraud scheme this past September. Since Petters is the main-man in this large scam, his business and home were swarmed by federal agents. This fraud scheme lured and earned trust of investors with empty promises based on lies, according to documents unsealed Friday in federal court. In a sworn statement used to obtain nine search warrants, authorities said Petters used the capital raised through his equity company, Petters Co. Inc. (PCI), "for his other business ventures and to support his extravagant lifestyle."

Petters is chief executive of Petters Group Worldwide; a prized holding that always won him repect. At an early age, Petters developed business skills in his father's fur store: Petters Fur & Fabrics. With only a high school diploma, he founded Petters Group Worldwide in 1988. This past September, he had 3,200 employees and a massive amount of $2.3 billion in revenue. Petters Group is a privately owned company with investment/ownership in more than 60 companies worldwide; including Sun Country Airlines, Petters Warehouse Direct and Polaroid. Petters' attorney, Jon Hopeman, said, "Mr. Petters maintains his innocence and intends to fight this if he is charged." Petters declined to comment after the infamous raid, but he had told a gathering of friends and business associates that the federal investigation was an "unnecessary situation.''

However, the government claims that Petters and a circle of associates played freely and didn't care about the investors' money and created the impression of a successful retail business that bought and sold phantom goods for more than 10 years. One of Petters' associates in the alleged scheme was secretly recorded estimating the fraud could be "in excess of $2 billion," the government affidavit said. This makes everyone doubt his remarkable success and golden touch for business. I just think it's remarkable how Tom Petters can live from day-to-day at others' expense.

Photo courtesy of http://www.startribune.com/

Redstone Owner, Dean Vlahos in Trouble

With the drama and embarrassment of Tom Petters, you'd expect everything to settle down again in the area. Although, according to the Star Tribune - things are just getting started for local resident, Dean Vlahos. Vlahos is the prominent restaurateur of the always trendy (and crowded) Redstone, the two lawsuits filed Wednesday by Signature Bank of Minnetonka allege that the close associate of the infamous Tom Petters defaulted on two business loans last fall worth more than $5.5 million.

According to the lawsuits, one loan was for $4 million and the other was for $1.5 million. In addition to the amount due for the loans, the bank is also seeking interest and attorney fees from Vlahos. The bank is also seeking interest and attorneys fees from Vlahos. Vlahos business and personal finances may be up for stake; Vlahos called himself a "victim personally and financially" of Petters via written statement through a public-relations firm. Vlahos later claimed that Petters owes him $16 million.

Vlahos states, “It’s more hurtful that I thought I had a best friend and didn’t know that this was going on. The money is secondary to me.” Vlahos hasn’t spoken to Petters since the arrest, said he never knew about the scam and has never been contacted by investigators. “I wasn’t a party to any of it,” Vlahos said. “I’m a victim in this deal just like everyone else is. I really didn’t know what was going on — and now I’m glad I didn’t. That’s the silver lining. I really didn’t know.”

"I will rebuild," Vlahos wrote in his statement. "The ongoing and unwarranted coverage of my personal life is only more hurtful to my friends and family, many of whom are also victims in the Petters and [Bernard] Madoff cases. Redstone is a great restaurant and a successful concept. It will continue to grow, and is not impacted by my personal challenges."

It appears to be obvious that his personal finances are taking a hard hit as Home Federal Savings Bank of Rochester moved to foreclose on his charming Deephaven mansion on gorgeous Lake Minnetonka, which is owned by the Vlahoses. Homes Federal Savings Bank claims the family owe $11.5 million. That bank also is suing Vlahos for unsecured loans of $500,000 in 2003 and $1 million in 2007. Vlahos is currently attempting to sell his Deephaven home for $10.5 million (with $11.5 million worth of mortgages against the property), plus two homes in Florida, for $33.6 million.

Vlahos made his fortune by franchising and growing Champps Sports Bar in the 1990s, and eventually selling all of his holdings. He had dreams that Redstone would grow to be a national chain as well, though the economy and more importantly, the Petter troubles will put that to a sudden halt.

Photo courtesy of http://www.mspmag.com/
(Dean Vlahos on far left, with his estranged wife beside him)

SouthWays - The Pillsbury Estate

Tucked hidden away in the wooded area of Brackett's Point in Orono,Minnesota lies an estate that is both outstanding of it's time and historic for the large amount of information behind the home. The Pillsbury family also has a deeply rich history and in 1916, John S. Pillsbury Sr. and his wife, Eleanor, contacted the sought-after architect Harrie T. Lindeberg. Lindeberg was famous during this time for designing country homes and for two years he designed the massive 32,000 square foot home. In 1918 construction began for the estate, which sits on 13 acres on the famous Lake Minnetonka and includes a 10,000-square-foot guest house, caretaker's cottage/greenhouse, pool complex, smoke room and tea house . The home also features an Olympic-size pool, 12-car garage, greenhouse, a 5,000-bottle wine cellar, beautiful gardens, dock, indoor spa and a clay tennis court.

Sadly, Eleanor Pillsbury passed away in 1991 and the estate was for sale for the first time. Mr. And Mrs. Jundt, with the help of Beyer Blinder Belle bought Southways in 1992 and the estate went through a drastic renovation and restoration where the Jundts paid close attention to detail. You can surely expect perfection and preservation in this home

For the second time since being built in 1918, the home is currently up for sale for a large amount of $53,500,000 - Yes, $53.5 Million. The Jundt family are planning on moving down south to Arizona to down-size, so this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to move into a historic and prized gem on Lake Minnetonka. That is, if you have that extra cash.

Image courtesy of www.southwaysestate.com

Everyday in Wayzata is like a Vacation

Overtime, my dream of leaving my small hometown one hour south of Minneapolis and fleeing to a rushed city such as New York or Chicago have completely vanished as I have grown accustomed to my new home: Wayzata. Everyday that I drive through downtown by the beautiful Lake Minnetonka, I cannot believe how amazing of a place it truly is. It has everything that a person could ask for: kind and caring residents, beautiful homes and landscaping, amazing history and foundation, a small-town feel - but with the beautiful and posh environment of being a mere 15 miles from Minneapolis... just really a hidden gem.

I've been traveling a lot since moving up to Wayzata and I can't wait to share those stories and photos on this blog! Since I'm so fascinated with this town, I'll share my findings from studying the rich history and my personal perspective of the place we call home. I also would be more than happy to hear your stories about Wayzata!

I'm so excited for this website because if there is one town in the Midwest where all the residents are deeply proud of where they live - than it's defiantly Wayzata!