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Home My WebLink AboutAutumn 2018 About TownAboutTownAboutTown Magazine City of Edina 4801 West 50th Street Edina, MN 55424 EdinaMN.gov ***ECRWSS***POSTAL PATRONCAR-RT-WS PRESORT STD U.S. POSTAGEPAID TWIN CITIES MN Permit No. 3932 Leverage the global power of Coldwell Banker®. Contact your neighborhood specialist today. Real estate agents affiliated with Coldwell Banker Burnet are independent contractor agents and are not employees of the Company. ©2018 Coldwell Banker Burnet. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker Burnet fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Owned by a subsidiary of NRT LLC. Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker Logo are registered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. 436922MN_8/18 EDINA REGIONAL OFFICE 952.844.6000 | 7550 France Ave. S, Suite 340 COLDWELLBANKERHOMES.COM . Stephane Cattelin 612.703.8229 Beth Andrews 612.801.2041 Tom and Kari Cartier 612.910.9556 Amy Cohen 952.484.7577 Daniel and Julie Desrochers 612.554.4773 Holly Firehammer 612.388.7579 Isaac Johnson 612.280.9991 Seth Johnson 612.810.5124 Karen Moe 612.418.6840 Ellyn Wolfenson 612.644.3033 Jerry and Stella Rezac 612.720.6942 Steve Schmitz 952.484.6045 Wade Thommen 952.994.2035 Diana Johnson 612.720.6031 Mary Frances Miller 952.300.7874 Matt Goldstein 612.599.1106 Apply today for the U.S. Bank FlexPerks® Gold American Express® Card at your local U.S. Bank branch, or visit flexperks.com. ©2018 U.S. Bank. The creditor and issuer of the U.S. Bank FlexPerks® Gold American Express® Card is U.S. Bank National Association, pursuant to a license from American Express. American Express is a federally registered service mark of American Express. Keep your shoes on with an $85 credit for TSA Pre ® City Council, Governor, Congress Races On November Ballot Page 12 AUTUMN•2018 Official Magazine of the City of Edina AboutTown AboutTown Volume 29, Number 4 Circulation 25,000 Autumn 2018 Official Publication of the EdinaMN.gov City of Edina, Minnesota 4801 West 50th Street Edina, Minnesota 55424 952-826-0359 Editors: Jennifer Bennerotte and Kaylin Eidsness Designer: Katie Laux Contributing Writers: Jennifer Bennerotte, Krystal Caron, Dick Crockett, Kaylin Eidsness, David Katz, Jake Omodt and Debbie Townsend. Photographer: Michael Braun Publisher: City of Edina About Town is produced by the City of Edina. To advertise in About Town, call Alice Tank Van Dyke, 612-308-6982 . Copyright 2018 by City of Edina, 4801 W. 50th St., Edina, MN 55424. About Town is published quarterly by the City of Edina. The purpose of the magazine is to keep Edina residents informed of news, activities and programs that are important to them. We include articles of interest about our residents and community history as well. About Town is printed on recycled paper to conform to City conservation guidelines. Cover photo by Jerold Wilson Selvaraj Table Of Contents Calendar Of Events ..............................................................1 Autumn Calendar Highlights .............................................4 A Word From The Mayor ...................................................5 Edina Realty Built On Integrity, Savvy Of Woman Who Started It (Part II) ........................................................6 It’s Not Only Neighborly ... It’s The Law .......................11 City Council, Gubernatorial, Congressional Races On November Ballot .................................................................12 Six Campaign For Edina City Council ............................14 Golfers Improve Their Game Year Round At Braemar .........................................................................18 Holiday Shoppers To Benefit From More Free Parking, Valet Service At 50th & France .................20 Oasis For Youth Provides Shelter From The Storm of Homelessness ......................................................................26 City Makes Affordable Housing A Priority, Hires Affordable Housing Development Manager ..................30 Restored Lake Cornelia Rambler Wins 2018 Heritage Preservation Award ............................................................34 New Edina Art Center Leader Brings Plethora Of Ideas And Passion.........................................................38 Edina Liquor Embraces Craft Brewers And Distillers ..40 Foundation Strengthens Community Through Indoor Public Art ................................................................44 Edina Completes SolSmart Certification.........................48 Planning Matters ................................................................50 The Last Word .....................................................................54 a blue print for success. remodeling & design Imagine your life transformed. Remodel your home. Imagine your life transformed. Contact us about remodeling your home. CA US TO SET UP YOUR FIRST HOUSE VISIT. Transforming homes and lives for over 40 years. 612.861.0188 | sylvestremn.com We’ve got one. It’s called the 360˚ Remodeling Plan. Our 360˚ Remodeling Plan is more than a ballpark estimate and a quick sketch. It delivers comprehensive planning and customer-centric design, setting the stage for a highly successful remodeling experience. Call us to explore how our 360˚ Plan can make it easier to bring your remodeling dreams to life. Tear Here Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 27 p.m., City Council, Edina City Hall. 3 4Noon, Jolly Pops, Edinborough Park. 5 610 a.m.-noon, Fire Department Open House, Fire Station No. 1. 14 p.m., Edina Community Solar Garden Grand Opening, Public Works & Park Maintenance Facility. 77 p.m., Somewhat Dixieland Band, Edinborough Park. 86:30 p.m., Community Health Commission, Edina City Hall. 97 p.m., Heritage Preservation Commission, Edina City Hall. 7 p.m., Parks & Recreation Commission, Edina City Hall. 107 p.m., Planning Commission, Edina City Hall. 117:30 a.m., Housing & Redevelopment Authority, Edina City Hall. 7 p.m., Energy & Environment Commission, Edina City Hall. 126:30-8 p.m., The Fall Ball (Ages 3-8), Braemar Golf Course. 1310-11 a.m., The Author’s Studio: The Bold Untold North – nonfiction poems by Scholars of John A. Johnson, Edina Art Center. 147 p.m., St. Paul Police Band, Edinborough Park. 15 167 p.m., City Council, Edina City Hall. 17 199:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Day 2 MEA Break Play & Clay (ages 6-10), Edina Art Center. 209 a.m., Walk with the Mayor, Grandview Square. 217 p.m., Richfield Symphonic Band, Edinborough Park. 28 7 p.m., First John Philip Sousa Memorial Band, Edinborough Park. 22 234:30 p.m., Arts & Culture Commission, Edina Art Center. 7 p.m., Human Rights & Relations Commission, Edina City Hall. 247 p.m., Planning Commission, Edina City Hall. 257:30 a.m., Housing & Redevelopment Authority, Edina City Hall. 4:30 p.m., Arts & Culture Commission Edina Art Center. 266-8 p.m., Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, Edinborough Park. 2711 a.m.-1 p.m., Pumpkin Festival, 50th & France. 30 3129 October 189:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Day 1 MEA Break Play & Clay (ages 6-10), Edina Art Center. 6 p.m., Transportation Commission, Edina City Hall. About Town Calendar 2018 AUTUMN • 1Tear Here 2 • AUTUMN 2018 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1Noon, Wendy’s Wiggle, Jiggle and Jam, Edinborough Park. 2 3 47 p.m., LaDolce Vita Jazz, Edinborough Park. 5 6Election Day. 77 p.m., City Council, Edina City Hall. 8Noon, Teddy Bear Band, Edinborough Park. 7 p.m., Energy & Environment Commission, Edina City Hall. 9 1010-11 a.m., The Author’s Studio: Sparkle On – women aging in gratitude, Edina Art Center. 117 p.m., Star of the North, Edinborough Park. 12Veterans Day. City Hall closed. 137 p.m., Parks & Recreation Commission, Edina City Hall. 7 p.m., Heritage Preservation Commission, Edina City Hall. 147 p.m., Planning Commission, Edina City Hall. 164:30 p.m., Arts & Culture Commission, Edina Art Center. 6:15 a.m., Fitness on the Field – Orangetheory Fitness, Braemar Field. 179 a.m., Walk with the Mayor, Braemar Field. 10 a.m.-noon, Town Hall Meeting, Edina Senior Center. 187 p.m., Westwind Big Band, Edinborough Park. 196:30 p.m., Community Health Commission, Edina City Hall. 207 p.m., City Council, Edina City Hall. 7 p.m., Classic Brass Quintet, Edinborough Park. 21 22Thanksgiving Day. City Hall closed. 23City Hall closed.241-5 p.m., Small Business Saturday, 50th & France. 5 p.m., Tree-Lighting Ceremony, 50th & France. 274:30 p.m., Arts & Culture Commission, Edina Art Center. 7 p.m., Human Rights & Relations Commission, Edina City Hall. 26257 p.m., First John Philip Sousa Memorial Band, Edinborough Park. November 2018 287 p.m., Planning Commission, Edina City Hall. 297:30 a.m., Housing & Redevelopment Authority, Edina City Hall. Noon, Jack & Kitty, Edinborough Park. 30 157:30 a.m., Housing & Redevelopment Authority, Edina City Hall. 6 p.m., Transportation Commission, Edina City Hall. About Town Calendar 3 • AUTUMN 2018 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 11-3 p.m., Winter Market, 50th & France. 27 p.m., Jazz on the Prairie Big Band, Edinborough Park. 3 47 p.m., City Council, Edina City Hall. 7 p.m., Prior Lake Windjammers, Edinborough Park. 5 6Noon, Music with Kernsey, Edinborough Park. 76:15 a.m., Fitness on the Field – F45 Training, Braemar Field. 88:45 a.m. or 10:30 a.m., Breakfast with Santa, Braemar Golf Course. 10-11 a.m., The Author’s Studio: Christmas In The Northern Lands, Edina Art Center. 9 7 p.m., The Percolators, Edinborough Park. 106:30 p.m., Community Health Commission, Edina City Hall. 117 p.m., Heritage Preservation Commission, Edina City Hall. 7 p.m., Parks & Recreation Commission, Edina City Hall. 127 p.m., Planning Commission, Edina City Hall. 14 159 a.m., Walk with the Mayor, Southdale Center. 1-3 p.m., Winter Market, 50th & France. 16 7 p.m., The Jazz Standards, Edinborough Park. 17 187 p.m., City Council, Edina City Hall. 7 p.m., St. Louis Park Community Band, Edinborough Park. 19 204:30 p.m., Arts & Culture Commission, Edina Art Center. 6 p.m., Transportation Commission, Edina City Hall. 214:30 p.m., Arts & Culture Commission Edina Art Center. 22 25Christmas Day. City Hall closed. 24Christmas Eve. City Hall closed. 23 December 2018 26 27 28Noon-4 p.m., Cocoa & Cookies at Cornelia, Cornelia School Park outdoor ice rink. 5-8 p.m., Pre-New Year’s Eve Party, Edinborough Park. 137:30 a.m., Housing & Redevelopment Authority, Edina City Hall. 7 p.m., Energy & Environment Commission, Edina City Hall. 30 31 About Town Calendar 29 4 • AUTUMN 2018 Autumn Calendar Highlights Other Dates To Remember Oct. 9 7 p.m., Zuhrah Shrine Band, Edinborough Park. Oct. 11 Noon, Brodini, Edinborough Park. Oct. 18 Noon, Mary Hall & The Pipsqueeks, Edinborough Park. Oct. 18 5-8 p.m., 34th-annual Members’ Juried Exhibition opening reception, Edina Art Center. Oct. 23 7 p.m., Honeywell Concert Band, Edinborough Park. Oct. 25 Noon, Bob the Beachcomber, Edinborough Park. Nov. 13 7 p.m., Celebration Brass Quintet, Edinborough Park. Nov. 15 Noon, Westwood Hills Nature Center, Edinborough Park. Nov. 15 5-8 p.m., Up North Holiday Gift Gallery opening reception, Edina Art Center. Nov. 17 10:30 a.m.-noon, Etiquette with Alice (ages 5-8), Braemar Golf Course. Dec. 11 7 p.m., Eden Prairie Community Band, Edinborough Park. Dec. 13 Noon, Richardson Nature Center, Edinborough Park. Not-So-Scary Halloween Party What: Start your Halloween weekend off with a party at Edinborough Park! Trick-or-treating, games, special “kid-friendly” entertainment and crafts round out this exclusive annual family event. Costumes are encouraged, but not required, and admission price includes full access to Adventure Peak and the Great Hall play areas. Adults are free with paid child admission. When: 6-8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 26 Where: Edinborough Park, 7700 York Ave. S. Cost: Pre-Registration by Oct. 25; $10/child for ages 12 months-12 years Day-of-Party Registration; $11/child for ages 12 months-12 years Info: 952-833-9540 or EdinboroughPark.com Town Hall Meeting What: Residents are encouraged to attend the next Town Hall meeting, which will serve as a forum to ask questions and share perspectives about topics facing the City in a casual setting. When: 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, Nov. 17 Where: Edina Senior Center, 5280 Grandview Square Info: 952-826-0364 Breakfast With Santa What: Enjoy a fun-filled morning with Santa in a casual environment. Visit with Santa and have your picture taken by our photographer. A buffet-style breakfast will be served. Space is limited, so register early! When: 8:45 a.m. or 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 8 Where: Braemar Golf Course, 6364 John Harris Drive Cost: $15 per person Info: 952-903-5750 or BraemarGolf.com File PhotoTear Here A Word From The Mayor 2018 AUTUMN • 5 The City of Edina is committed to making Edina a welcoming place for all. The City Council formed the Race & Equity Task Force over a year ago with the aim of making recommendations on policies, practices and strategies to identify and, if necessary, eliminate race-based disparities in City facilities, services and institutions. Their report, presented to the City Council in May 2018 was the culmination of thousands of hours of work and discussion by community residents and City staff. Race & Equity Task Force Co-Chair James Pierce summed up the work well, saying, “Culture is defined as a set of shared values, behaviors and beliefs that are practiced. Our history shows that we have established norms that, if not challenged, will continue to impact our goal, to achieve Edina’s goal, to foster an inclusive and engaged community.” The Task Force found five key areas where the City should focus their implementation initiatives: • Actively foster a community culture that goes beyond racial inclusion and generates a sense of belonging for all. • Visibly demonstrate our commitment and accountability to eliminate racial inequities and create an inclusive and engaged community. • Ensure our policies and procedures eliminate practices that may create or perpetuate racial inequities.• Implement changes in our community that focus on building relationships with people of color.• Improve the ability to leverage data and analytics to drive desired outcomes. The Council requested staff to evaluate the Task Force recommendations and, for the most part, staff proposed a nearly complete implementation of the Task Force’s 21 recommendations. Due to the scope and scale of the recommendations, which had dozens of sub-points, staff proposed a phased implementation plan to do the work at the level of quality and success that is expected by the community and us as elected officials. Some of the work we can expect to see completed includes: • Revising the 2019 Quality of Life Survey to determine whether residents of color believe they have an opportunity to participate in community and government matters and have their voice heard, as well as making other changes to the survey tool. • Preparing an annual report and presentation for the Human Rights & Relations Commission and City Council on racial equity advancement.• Creating an intentional community engagement plan to reach under-represented residents.• Setting a goal to increase the percentage of full-time staff who are people of color and/or fluent in a language other than English.• Naming a public facility after BC and Ellen Yancey, black pioneers who helped shape Edina as a community.• Evaluating community outreach programs of the Police Department.• Developing a clear City message regarding expectations related to race equity and post that message within all of the City’s recreation facilities.• Providing more training for employees. In this last quarter of the year, City Manager Scott Neal will define roles, assign responsibilities and develop a timeline for staff to implement changes within our local government. To be successful in these endeavors as a community, we’ll need the support and commitment of our residents on these City initiatives designed to create a more welcoming place for all. These are important goals that will take time, but our community will be even better for it in the future. James B. HovlandMayor Tear Here Edina Realty Built On Integrity, Savvy Of Woman Who Started It Editor’s Note: This is Part II of a two-part series. Part I appeared in the Summer 2018 edition of About Town. Refer to the previous issue for details on Emma Rovick’s early life and the story of Edina Realty’s first decade. By David Katz, Contributing Writer Movin’ On UpAs the family enterprise grew, Emma Rovick’s sons Roger and David took on a greater share of Edina Realty’s day-to-day responsibilities. In 1969, that included meeting with City officials to discuss solutions to an acute parking shortage outside their 3907 W. 50th St. headquarters. In a propitious bait and switch, the City suggested that Edina Realty consider relocating to the soon-to-be-vacated Employers Mutual Insurance Company building at 6500 France Ave. Emma accepted the offer to tour the 9,500-square-foot complex with some trepidation. As she explained in a September 1978 company newsletter: “I was overcome with the space! Every square inch was occupied by people, people, people. I could hardly wait to get out of the building. I asked Roger what in the world we were wasting our time for… I’m practically in hysterics over the hugeness of the place!” Lo and behold, Edina Realty would make this second move official on Jan. 1, 1970. Seven years later, however, it would be Emma herself who instigated the firm’s next headquarters upgrade. One day on her way into work, she noticed that the so-called Modern Medicine Building on West 65th Street (located across France Avenue from Fairview Southdale Hospital) had a “for sale” sign on it. This time, it was Roger and David’s turn to voice skepticism in their mother’s “ego buy.” Nevertheless, Emma prevailed on David to learn full details while out hunting with a good friend – a friend who just so happened to represent Modern Medicine Building listing agent Coldwell Banker. After a whirlwind three weeks of negotiations and inspections, Edina Realty owned 5015 W. 65th St., as well. In a jubilant all-company memo, Emma gushed: “Just like the Jeffersons’ theme song of TV fame, I feel this move means we’re ‘movin’ on up’ into the big time!” Edina Realty Beyond EdinaEven as the firm doubled down on Edina, Emma’s leadership team also established west metro satellite locations. By its 15th year of operation, Edina Realty boasted offices in Bloomington, Burnsville, Hopkins and Minneapolis. As mentioned in Part I of this series, regional manager Ron Peltier’s move into Maplewood had also given Edina Realty a beachhead into the lucrative Saint Paul market by the late ‘70s. Along the way, the company quietly but strategically snapped up rivals’ assets. Edina Realty bought out local agency Award Realty, as well as Real Estate Masters and Keller Corp. of Saint Paul. The residential division of Eberhardt Realty was also purchased, plus select Twin Cities franchises that had previously belonged to industry heavy hitters Century 21 and Realty World. 6 • AUTUMN 2018 Not content to rest on their laurels, the Rovick family branched out into other areas of real estate throughout the 1970s, as well. Among other initiatives, Emma established Edina Realty Investment, Inc., to sell limited partnerships in apartment buildings. Her earliest such partnership project, the four-building Chateau Apartments at Diamond Lake Road and Nicollet Avenue, offered Minneapolis investors and renters 220 new units in the up-and-coming Tangletown Neighborhood. Unit shares started at $2,500 each. Naturally, an enterprise on this scale brings uncertainties, but Emma was never one to eschew risk. In a 1970 interview with The Minneapolis Star about the Chateau Apartments, Emma summed up her reasoning by quoting famous 1920s vaudeville performer Will Rogers: “Real estate? Well, better buy some – they aren’t making any more.” Passing The BatonIn December 1977, the Edina Chamber of Commerce bestowed on Emma Rovick an honor she would treasure for the rest of her life: Edina Businessperson of the Year. (This award would become an annual one, but Emma holds added distinction as the inaugural recipient.) One suspects it was not a particularly hard decision for the judging panel. Edina Realty’s annual sales volume had climbed steadily from $8 million in 1961, to $53 million in 1971. By 1978, residential real estate sales had surpassed the $250-million mark, vaulting Edina Realty to No. 1 in the State of Minnesota. This astronomical figure corresponds to an equally impressive boots-on-the-ground commitment. By that year, Edina Realty’s ranks had swelled to 375 full-time sales associates spread out across 13 offices. At their 1978 recognition ceremony, Chamber leaders commended Emma for “doing more to promote the Edina name throughout the Twin Cities” than anyone before her. Emma went out on top. In 1984, after a long transitional period, she sold Edina Realty to sons Roger and David. She and husband, Odd, enjoyed a deserved retirement split between Minnesota and Florida. (continued on next page)Photo courtesy of Rovick FamilyIn December 1977, the Edina Chamber of Commerce named Emma Rovick, left, its inaugural Edina Businessperson of the Year. 2018 AUTUMN • 7 From afar, she watched as Edina Realty reached still further heights. By 1987, the year of her death, her three-person shop had swelled to 1,500 sales associates spread across 25 offices. Company agents handled a dizzying $2 billion in transactions that year. Emma, aged 77, died at home in Edina on Jan. 2, 1987. Family held a funeral at her beloved Colony Park Baptist Church, and interred her at Lakewood Cemetery in Minneapolis. Odd survived his wife by nearly a quarter century, and was buried alongside her in 2011. Photo courtesy of Rovick FamilyIn June 1988, the Greater Minneapolis Area Board of Realtors rededicated the plaza outside its Minneapolis headquarters as the Emma Rovick Courtyard. Family gathered for the occasion. Left to right: husband Odd, daughter Janice, son David, daughter-in-law Terri, granddaughter Dana, daughter-in-law Carol, son Roger, and granddaughter Jennifer. Odd Kermit RovickA popular old saying claims that “behind every successful man is a strong woman.” In the case of Edina Realty, it’s the other way around. Emma’s husband, Odd, grew up in the Powderhorn Park Neighborhood of South Minneapolis. Before finding his calling as an electrical engineer, Odd spent time as a door-to-door salesman for the Fuller Brush Company. After paying a visit to the Minneapolis apartment building where Emma resided, he told his brother Cliff: “This morning, I met the woman I’m going to marry.” They would remain inseparable until her death in 1987. Odd served for a time as a nominal Vice President of Edina Realty, but he never dove full bore into the enterprise like sons Roger and David. He worked at Bell Northwestern Telephone for four decades, and played an active role in several civic and religious organizations besides. These included Hospitality House Youth Development of Minneapolis, Greater Minnesota Association of Evangelicals (now Transform Minnesota) and the YMCA Men’s Club. Emma quipped that Odd moonlighted as her first and most stalwart supporter. He died at age 100 on March 22, 2011, and is interred alongside his wife at Lakewood Cemetery. 8 • AUTUMN 2018 Emma’s LegacyEmma Rovick’s indelible impact on the Twin Cities real estate industry is shown by three posthumous honors. Throughout her career, Emma was an active member of the Greater Minneapolis Area Board of Realtors. She served on numerous committees over the years, and for a time on that industry body’s board of directors. In a special ceremony on June 15, 1988, the Board of Realtors rededicated the plaza outside its Minneapolis headquarters as the Emma Rovick Courtyard. This celebration of “the grande dame of Twin Cities real estate” culminated in the unveiling of a plaque commemorating Emma’s “high ethical standards and strong [industry] support.” Later that same month, sons Roger and David launched a long-running tribute all their own: Edina Realty’s annual Emma L. Rovick Memorial Award. Affectionately called the “Emmy,” this employee recognition program recognizes key contributors who exemplify Emma’s three core virtues of “honesty, integrity and commitment.” Roger and David selected their mother’s life-long friend and longtime colleague Ellen Johnson, who had been with Emma from Edina Realty’s hardscrabble early days, as the inaugural recipient. Last but not least, in 2011, the Shenehon Center for Real Estate (housed at the University of St. Thomas) inducted Emma into its Real Estate Hall of Fame. Her class included brothers Bruce and Donald Dayton, developers of Southdale Center and Rosedale Center, and Robert Hoffman, a renowned land-use attorney without whom the Mall of America in Bloomington may never have been built. That’s not bad company for a humble housewife from Edina, who entered the field with the modest goal to earn enough pocket money to buy her daughter Janice a piano. Postscript: Edina Realty TodayRoger helmed the company until 1995. He oversaw its sale first to Fargo-based Metropolitan Financial Corporation in 1988, and ultimately to First Bank Systems (now U.S. Bank) in 1994. (continued on Page 10)Photo courtesy of Rovick FamilyRoger and David selected their mother’s friend and colleague Ellen Johnson as recipient of the first Emma L. Rovick Memorial Award. Ellen had been with Edina Realty from almost Day 1. In point of fact, “lifers” were not a rarity in Emma’s workforce. In a true testament to her fairness and leadership acumen, Edina Realty was in business a full decade before even a single staffer left for greener pastures. In the dynamic world of real estate, that’s a rare distinction indeed. 2018 AUTUMN • 9 Subsequent leaders included early standout Ron Peltier, the resourceful regional manager who had worked with Emma to break Edina Realty into the east metro market 20 years before. Peltier formed a corps of investors to buy Edina Realty back from U.S. Bank, and immediately merged it with Iowa-based Mid-American Energy. Under the Mid-American umbrella, Peltier then founded real estate brokerage firm HomeServices of America Inc. in 1998. That venture proved a tremendous success. In the years that followed, with Peltier leading the way, Minneapolis-based HomeServices bought up a number of smaller agencies across the Upper Midwest. Moreover, in a move that would have made Emma proud, HomeServices instituted several of Edina Realty’s agent training practices and modules across the company’s many divisions. Looking to make inroads into the real estate market, conglomerate Berkshire Hathaway (helmed by billionaire investor Warren Buffett) purchased HomeServices of America in 2000. It proved a mutually beneficial arrangement. As of 2017, HomeServices was the second-largest real estate brokerage operation in the country, and making market share gains nearly every quarter. Inside of this growing conglomerate, Edina Realty maintains its Edina headquarters, unique brand and Midwest focus. In fact, the Edina Realty name is more prevalent today than ever before. Its assets now include Edina Realty Title, the largest full-service title operation in Minnesota, and Edina Realty Mortgage, an in-house lending arm established long before financing services were an industry norm. It continues strong today. Emma’s fingerprints are still in evidence, for anyone looking. Edina Realty’s mission statement promises: “We set the standard of professional service in our industry through our tradition of honesty, integrity and commitment, as we help our customers achieve the American dream of home ownership.” It’s a paraphrase of the real estate philosophy that Emma espoused all her life. Primary resources referenced come from collections maintained by the Rovick Family, the Minnesota Historical Society, Hennepin County Library, and the Shenehon Center for Real Estate at the University of St. Thomas. Books of note include: From the Barber’s Chair: 50th & France Avenue 1936-1988, by Vern Swanson and Tom Clark (1988), and American Property: A History of How, Why, and What We Own, by Stuart Banner (2011).Photo courtesy of Rovick FamilyAt the time of her death, one obituary hailed Emma Rovick as “the grand dame of Twin Cities real estate.” 10 • AUTUMN 2018 2018 AUTUMN • 11 It’s Not Only Neighborly … It’s The Law The Law: Edina City Code Chapter 24, Article II, Sec. 24-21 – Prohibited encumbrances or obstructions. “… No person shall obstruct, encroach upon, encumber or interfere, wholly or partially, with any street, boulevard, alley, sidewalk, easement, park or public ground by placing or installing … refuse, as defined in Article III of Chapter 20.” What it Means: Keep fallen leaves out of the street to help prevent clogging the storm sewer, which can lead to water runoff, backups and flooding. In the fall, three street sweepers work four to six weeks, collecting leaves throughout the city. If residents rake leaves from their yards into the streets, the street sweeper will not be able to keep up. Residents should compost their leaves or contact their refuse hauler for proper disposal. Licensed haulers in the city are Aspen Waste Systems, 612-884-8000; Republic Services, 952-941-5174; Curbside Waste, Inc., 763-504-2872; Vierkant Disposal, 612-922-2505; Suburban Waste Service, 952-937-8900; and Waste Management, 952-890-1100. For more information on street sweeping, contact the Public Works Department at 952-826-0376. For more information on recycling and solid waste, contact Environmental Health Specialist Solvei Wilmot, 952-826-0463. The Law: Minnesota Statute 211B.045. From 46 days before the Primary until 10 days after the General Election, campaign signs may be posted. What it Means: During a state General Election year such as 2018, Edina’s sign ordinance is overruled by State Statute. Through Nov. 16, residents can post campaign signs of any size in any number on their properties. Minnesota State Statute and the Edina City Code regulate the placement of campaign signs on the residential properties, though. Following is a short summary of some of the regulations:• Signs cannot be placed in the right of way without the permission of the property owner.• Signs should not interfere with regulatory signs and traffic control devices.• Signs cannot be placed on parkland or other publicly owned property or bridges/overpasses. Campaign signs posted in connection with the elections held at times other than a state General Election are subject to the following:• Maximum size of campaign signs is six square feet.• One sign is allowed for each candidate per frontage.• No sign can be located in a place that impedes the view at intersections.• Signs cannot be attached to trees, rocks or power poles. For more information, contact City Clerk Debra Mangen, 952-826-0408. Leaves Election And Lawn Signs 12 • AUTUMN 2018 www.smilesatfrance.com 4999 France Ave. South, Suite 230 • Edina / Minneapolis • 612-824-7033 Enhancing Smiles... Building Confidence... Changing Lives Complimentary,Cosmetic,Restorative & Implant Consultation Located at50th &France C M Y CM MY CY CMY K EdinaOnTheGoAd-SK.pdf 1 8/2/18 5:36 PM By Debbie Townsend It may not be a presidential election year, but the November General Election will decide Minnesota’s next governor and which party controls the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House. In Edina, the election also will determine who fills two City Council seats. Council Members Bob Stewart and Kevin Staunton are both running for re-election. Challengers are Ron Anderson, Stan Davis, Janet Kitui and Ray Meifert. The new Council term starts in January and runs through 2022. Campaign signs are not allowed on public property, which includes parks, utility poles and street signs. Before putting a sign on private property, make sure to have the owner’s permission. Signs on private property must be placed where they do not interfere with a driver’s view. For more on the sign rules, visit EdinaMN.gov. Absentee voting for the General Election is already underway. Absentee voters can submit their ballots by mail or can cast their ballots in person at Edina City Hall, 4801 W. 50th St. Absentee voting hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays. Extended hours for regular absentee voting will be 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Oct. 18 and 25. Hours for direct ballot absentee voting in which voters will put their ballots into the ballot counter will be 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Oct. 30-Nov. 2, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 3 and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 5. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 6. All polling places will be open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Polling places are set by precinct. If you don’t know which of the 20 precincts in Edina you fall under, you can visit pollfinder.sos.state.mn.us to find out where to vote. One polling place has changed since the last General Election. Precinct 15 votes at the Church of St. Patrick Mahon Center. Also, voters in Precinct 16 should enter Cornelia School from the southwest corner and enter the new gymnasium to cast their ballots. To request an absentee ballot or for more information on voting, visit EdinaMN.gov/Administration or call 952-826-0363. City Council, Gubernatorial, Congressional Races On November Ballot 2018 AUTUMN • 13 Precinct 1AShepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church 500 Blake Road Precinct 1BChapel Hills United Church of Christ 6512 Vernon Ave. Precinct 2Edina Senior Center 5280 Grandview Square Precinct 3Mercy Commons Covenant Church 4201 W 50th St. Precinct 4Weber Park Shelter 4115 Grimes Ave. Precinct 5Good Samaritan United Methodist Church5730 Grove St. Precinct 6Countryside Elementary School 5701 Benton Ave. Precinct 7 Normandale Lutheran Church 6100 Normandale Road Precinct 8South View Middle School 4725 South View Lane Precinct 9Concord Elementary School 5900 Concord Ave. Precinct 10St. Alban’s Episcopal Church 6716 Gleason Road Precinct 11New City Covenant Church 6400 Tracy Ave. Precinct 12Arneson Acres Park 4711 West 70th St. Precinct 13Centennial Lakes Hughes Pavilion7499 France Ave. Precinct 14Edina Community Lutheran Church 4113 West 54th St. Precinct 15Church of St. Patrick Mahon Center6820 St. Patrick’s Lane Precinct 16Cornelia Elementary School 7000 Cornelia Drive Precinct 17Southdale Community Library7001 York Ave. Precinct 18Edinborough Park Great Hall7700 York Ave. Precinct 19Calvary Lutheran Church6817 Antrim Road POLLING PLACES 14 • AUTUMN 2018 Six Campaign For Edina City Council Editor’s Note: The following City Council candidate profiles were submitted by those seeking election to the Edina City Council. Answers were edited for consistency with AP Style, but were otherwise unaltered. Six candidates are vying for open seats in the race for Edina City Council. Candidates for the four-year terms are Ron Anderson, Stan Davis, Janet Kitui, Ray Meifert, Kevin Staunton and Robert J. Stewart. Staunton and Stewart are incumbents, each seeking a second term. The municipal election will be held Nov. 6, in conjunction with the State General Election. The top vote-getters will begin their four-year terms in January. Ronald C. AndersonAddress: 5728 Kemrich DriveYears in Edina: 30Website: andersonforcitycouncil.com What do you like best about living in Edina?• Edina has the convenience of a first-ring suburb, but has a small-town feel.• The Edina Public Schools have been second to none.• Residents of Edina have a genuine sense of pride in their community.• Edina is a wonderful place to raise a family.• Edina has always been a safe and stable place to build a home or start a business. What would you like to help the City improve?• Overdevelopment threatens our infrastructure. For instance, the Grandview Lid project is a financial drain that would worsen traffic congestion.• Hyperdense development is incompatible with our existing neighborhoods. Specifically, I oppose the construction of high-rise apartment buildings within residential neighborhoods.• Traffic congestion must be alleviated, most notably around 50th & France. Outsized developments that would increase congestion must be curtailed.• My top priority is to improve communication between Edina’s citizenry and its municipal government. The Council exists for our benefit. What are the areas of emphasis in your campaign?• The City Council’s agenda must align with the interests and wishes of Edina’s citizens. This requires transparency and accountability.• All city development projects should be compliant with existing building codes; variances and exceptions should be contingent upon demonstrated hardship.• Development in Edina has accelerated like a runaway train. City planning initiatives should reflect our common values and interests. Stan DavisAddress: 5509 Woodcrest DriveYears in Edina: 20 What do you like best about living in Edina?• I love being so close to nature Ronald C. AndersonSubmitted PhotoStan DavisSubmitted Photo (continued on next page) 2018 AUTUMN • 15 with our creeks and parks.• I love my neighbors and the schools.• I love the waterfall and beautiful willows in Arden Park … soon to be lost!• The “walkability” in my neighborhood to 50th & France and several parks.• The ability to do a lot of efficient shopping around France Avenue and Southdale. What would you like to help the City improve?• I would like to help the City improve its communication with the citizens.• I would like to help the City improve its awareness of how its current processes hurt civic engagement.• Help the City improve its care of parks, like Arden Park, without destroying their beauty and natural state.• I would like to help the City improve its core function of citizen safety and infrastructure maintenance.• I would like to help the City improve its leadership capability. What are the areas of emphasis in your campaign?• Raise awareness of Edina’s plans to waste $4 million destroying the waterfall in Arden Park and removing over 300 trees. • Make people aware of how Edina wants to spend $100 million in essence to build a fancy bridge.• The City Council/constituent interface is poor at best. I’ll prioritize early and often communication. • The City Council transparency is primarily opaque. I’ll make information more available to people.• I will study the facts of a project harder than anyone. I’ve done it with the disingenuous Arden Park project. Janet KituiAddress: 4225 Valley View RoadYears in Edina: 7Website: janetforedina.com What do you like best about living in Edina?• I like the Edina Public Schools. That is the reason I moved to Edina.• The services in Edina are world class. Snow removal is prompt.• Edina is a nice neighborhood, quiet with tree-lined streets and also close to businesses and shopping. What would you like to help the City improve?• Strengthen the City of Edina Ethics policy• Advocate for reduction of the aviation noise• Preserve the mature trees by adhering to Edina Tree policy What are the areas of emphasis in your campaign?• Help the City spend the recent war chest of $1.4 million received for affordable housing• Representative and good transparent governance• Slow-growth policies that fully engage the community• Strong environmental policies that reduce our carbon footprint• Transportation options and connections for pedestrians and bicyclists Janet KituiSubmitted Photo 16 • AUTUMN 2018 Ray MeifertAddress: 6501 Biscayne Blvd.Years in Edina: 39 What do you like best about living in Edina?• It has a small town feel and personality• Easy access to downtown Minneapolis, shopping and airport• The excellent parks system• The demographics of the city What would you like to help the City improve?• Advance the city as an inviting place to live and prosper• Allow the city to successfully improve its commercial districts while not infringing on the tranquility of its neighborhoods • Establish and improve our traffic patterns as our commercial districts increase in density• Successfully manage the growth of the city What are the areas of emphasis of your campaign?• Ensure Edina retains its personality as a vibrant community while accommodating new growth • Establish and reinforce neighborhood characteristics through architectural standards to ensure the long-term preservation of the look of Edina• Make Edina a well rounded community supporting both recreational opportunities, venues, arts and culture• Ensure Edina is well-connected through aesthetically pleasing and safe multi-modal routes on which to walk, bike and drive• Eliminate the perception that decisions are made before the community is asked for input Kevin StauntonAddress: 5277 Lochloy DriveYears in Edina: 20Website: StauntonForCouncil.com What do you like best about living in Edina?• Our People – it’s a privilege to live and work in a community with such talented, engaged and generous people.• It’s a Great Place to Live – our schools, parks, neighborhoods and housing stock make Edina the envy of other communities.• We’re Multi-Generational – I love that families with young children, seniors and everyone in between are proud to call Edina home.• A Great Business Community – healthcare, retail and other businesses contribute to our tax base and quality of life.• Our History of Excellence – for generations, we have anticipated changes and found ways to make a great town even better. What would you like to help the City improve?• Update our 20th century infrastructure to meet our 21st century needs.• Add a variety of types and affordability of housing while maintaining low-density, single-family Kevin StauntonFile PhotoRay MeifertSubmitted Photo 2018 AUTUMN • 17 neighborhoods organized around great schools and parks.• Helping our community reach our goal of reducing our carbon footprint. • Continue to build value that enables us to deliver extraordinary community amenities, services and infrastructure while maintaining exceptionally low taxes.• Continue to foster an inclusive and welcoming community. What are the areas of emphasis in your campaign?• Maintaining and improving our extraordinary community amenities, infrastructure and services.• Planning for and implementing connected and sustainable future development.• Fostering an inclusive and engaged community.• Collaboration – I have a record of building consensus by identifying what we can agree on before debating what we can’t.• Listening and Leading – I have shown that I can successfully balance innovative and authentic public engagement with decisive leadership. Robert J. StewartAddress: 6147 Arctic WayYears in Edina: 41Website: bobstewart4edina.com What do you like best about living in Edina? • Edina is a vibrant community with many opportunities for intellectual, spiritual and physical development.• A tradition of quality and excellence in education, government and business.• A diversity of nearby shopping, eating and entertainment.• Good City services at reasonable tax rates.• Great neighbors and a welcoming community. What would you like to help the City improve?• Proactive, long-term planning must be put in place and followed – including promoting access to affordable housing.• Budgeting – costs must be kept in check.• Transparency in government proceedings and active community engagement.• Public infrastructure must be maintained.• City services must continue to be provided at a high level. What are the areas of emphasis in your campaign?• Sensible use of public resources to enhance life in Edina.• Fostering a welcoming community for everyone who lives in, works in or visits Edina. • Keeping Edina the metro-area community with the best public services and the lowest municipal tax rates.• Establishing a discipline for keeping Edina’s infrastructure healthy through regular maintenance and a structured schedule for replacing aging infrastructure elements.• Respect for property rights. Robert J. StewartFile Photo By Kaylin Eidsness When avid golfer and Edina resident John Morton visits Braemar Golf Course, he feels at home. “You’re not just someone paying a green fee and getting pushed on and off the course,” said Morton. “The course is nice. The people are nice. It’s fun to pretty much know everyone. They make you feel at home.” Morton, who’s lived in Edina since 1974 and has golfed at Braemar since 1978, will be the first to tell others that Braemar Golf has some of the best practice facilities in the area. “No other public courses even compare,” he said. This includes the remodeled driving range, featuring 114,000 square feet of natural grass turf, which means there’s real grass to hit off of with fewer divots and no need for mats. The range can accommodate up to 68 golfers at one time and measures 300 yards total. Aside from the Championship 18, which will open in the spring of 2019, one of the newest projects at Braemar Golf Course includes the addition of an 11,500-square-foot practice green. The new green brings the total square footage of putting and chipping greens to 31,000 square feet. “Between the size and condition of the driving range and the addition of the new practice green, the improvements solidify us as the best public practice facility in the region,” said Braemar Golf Course General Manager Joe Abood. “Most public golf courses don’t dedicate as much real estate to the practice facilities as we do.” Abood also mentioned that the Academy 9, which was renovated in 2016 to become a Par 3 course for players of all abilities, is a great first step into golf for many. The course features greens with two pin placements, and offers an easier flagstick with larger six-inch cups for the novice golfer. There are three tee boxes for golfers to choose from, and the holes vary in length from 70 to 194 yards. The practice facilities also include Braemar Golf Dome, which is open (weather permitting) Nov. 1 through April 1, at 7420 Braemar Blvd. In 2015, the Dome was named one of the Top 50 Stand-Alone Ranges in the country by the Golf Range Association of America (GRAA). “Once the driving range reopened, we were named one of the Top 50 Public Facilities in the country by the GRAA,” said Abood. “We’ve received that award the last two years.” Golfers Improve Their Game Year Round At Braemar 18 • AUTUMN 2018 PGA Golf Pro Debi Knudson is one of five golf professionals who work at Braemar Golf Course and give lessons throughout the year, including in the Braemar Golf Dome during the winter months. File Photo The Dome, with 46 tees on two levels, allows golfers to practice their tee shots and putting year round as well as take lessons during the “off season.” The Dome also features 10 TrackTee dividers, which calculate the distance and speed after each shot. Morton enjoys extending his golf season by visiting the Dome often throughout the winter months. “You get to see your actual shot, because the dome is so large, and there are fun targets,” he said. “Most domes feel cold and not welcoming, but at Braemar, it feels as good as it can get. It’s well lit and warm. It’s a nice place.” For those who may look to Braemar Golf Course for something other than golf, the facility recently opened Braemar Courtyard, a 10,000-square-foot multiuse green space that will serve as an area to host weddings, leagues and corporate events. Visitors can also use the space to play bean bags and bocce ball, lawn bowl and more. In the cooler months, people can warm up next to the new fire pit as well. Braemar Golf Course is located at 6364 John Harris Drive. For more information, call 952-903-5750 or visit BraemarGolf.com. 2018 AUTUMN • 19 Memberships start at less than $7 a month*, and offer: AAA.com | 952-925-2244 | 7151 France Ave S. With so many benefits, you can’t afford not to join aaa. • Emergency Roadside Assistance for your car and bike • Discounts at over 100,000 partner locations in the U.S. • Free identity theft monitoring with ProtectMyID • Perks at our award-winning AAA Travel Agency • Complimentary maps, travel guides and Trip Tiks™ • Savings at our independent insurance agency • Exclusive member savings at the AAA Travel Store • Teen and Senior Driving Class discounts Visit us online or stop by your neighborhood AAA located in Edina behind Lunds and Byerly’s. Open Monday-Friday from 9am-6pm and Saturday from 9am-3pm. *$82 Basic membership, billed annually About Town Ad 08-2018.indd 1 8/16/18 10:37 AM By Jennifer Bennerotte With more free parking and valet service through December, the merchants in downtown Edina are gearing up for a busy holiday shopping season. 50th & France features more than 175 retailers, restaurants and professional services. Retailers include apparel for men, women and children; jewelers; and many specialty and gift boutiques. Restaurants range from casual and contemporary to fine dining. “The corner” also features bakeries and cafes, spas and salons and the art-house movie theater, Edina Cinema. Several businesses recently opened, including Crisp & Green and Moderna Kouzina on West 50th Street in Edina and Minneapolis businesses Hydrate IV Therapy, Sakana Sushi and Wink. A new oil and vinegar store, Coccinella, will open at 4946 France Ave. this fall. The commercial district is thriving, despite a major construction project in the area. An expansion of the North Ramp on Market Street was recently completed, providing more than 500 free parking spaces. The project is one component of a major effort to improve vibrancy and the customer experience at 50th & France, especially on Market Street. The second phase, a private development under way now, includes a new apartment building, Nolan Mains, with new street-level shops and below-grade public parking. The new building is designed around new outdoor public plazas and pedestrian walkways to complement the charm of the existing businesses. Construction is expected to be complete in the fall of 2019. Planners anticipate that when the mixed-use development is complete, downtown Edina will be considered by all to be the premier shopping and lifestyle destination in the Twin Cities metropolitan area. “The project is going to be great when it’s finished,” said Dr. Richard Anderson of Anderson Dental Care whose practice has a bird’s-eye view of the construction site. “It’s going to be great for 50th & France. The design layout is very good and the development will bring more people to the area. There will be a lot more interest and interesting things going on here.” Customers, clients and guests who want to avoid the construction can park in the South Ramp or use the free valet service, offered through Dec. 31. Valet stations are on Halifax Avenue across the street from US Bank and Market Street near Spalon Montage. Hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday. Tipping is not required or expected. Holiday Shoppers To Benefit From More Free Parking, Valet Service At 50th & France 20 • AUTUMN 2018 36th-annual Pumpkin Festival11 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 27 Small Business Saturday1-5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 24 Tree-Lighting Ceremony5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 24 Winter Market1-3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 1 Winter Market1-3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8 Winter Market1-3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 15 Be Part Of Fun Community Events At 50th & France VISIT 50TH & FRANCE BUSINESSES! “Valet is complimentary through the holidays, making holiday shopping so convenient,” said Rachel Thelemann, Executive Director of the 50th & France Business & Professional Association. “Support and shop local; our boutiques offer unique and locally made gifts for the holidays, hostesses or house-warming gifts.” For more information about the businesses at 50th & France, visit 50thandfrance.com. For more information on the Nolan Mains construction project, visit nolanmains.com. 2018 AUTUMN • 21 Unwind at your neighborhood wine bar 4950 France Avenue South Edina, MN 55410 • beaujos.net Wink Gifts & Boutique Receive 20% any item With this ad until 11/15/18 Jewelry Clothing Unique Gifts Home 5019 France Ave South Thank you for choosing us! Best Edina Gift Shop! Sun Current 2018 LUX FIBERS + HANDMADE GOODS + DELIGHTS We offer classes! 3922 West 50th St, Suite 105 952-500-9724 Bring in this ad for $10 OFF your next class 22 • AUTUMN 2018 5014 France Ave S 952 475 2684 A curated collection of your favorite contemporary brands. CIRCUIT TRAINING CROSS FITNESS WEIGHT LIFTING YOGA LOCAL QUALITY WORKOUT APPAREL GEAR ACCESSORIES 3906 50TH ST MINNEAPOLIS MN 55424 TOOTHXNAIL.COM 952-920-9726 R.F. M OELLERJEWELER Celebrating Your Milestones Diamonds ◆ Jewelry ◆ Watches Expert Jewelry & Watch Repair VISIT 50TH & FRANCE BUSINESSES! 952-985-4118 5023 France Ave. S. Einda MN 55410 Facebook Instagram pretty things & cool stuff 2018 AUTUMN • 23 50thandfrance.com #50thandfrance Complimentary Valet Monday-Saturday Shop Local Boutiques Restaurants Professional Services Find us atedina6800.edinarealty.com Find us atedina50thandfrance.edinarealty.com EDINA 6800 FRANCE EDINA 50TH & FRANCE We were born here. Bringing you real estate insights since 1955. Edina 50th & France 952.920.1960 Edina 6800 France 952.927.1100 WeSellEdina.com Aaron Ouska 612-940-8020 Chris Willette 612-388-8828 Cindy Jarvis 612-600-4119 Dan Willette 952-927-1694 Danya Spencer 952-237-6611 Deb Langevin 651-343-0404 Ginna Raming 952-210-8342 Jane Larson 612-720-1048 Jane Oelfke 952-200-5712 Jeff & Diane Anderes 952-927-2842 Jim Starr 612-247-5898 John Everett 952-927-1646 John MacKany 952-927-1163 John McDonald 952-927-1197 Jude Dugan Olson 952-927-1186 Keenan Olson 952-240-4903 Kim Melin 952-201-4758 Laura Bergman 612-644-7799 Margie & John Sampsell 952-927-1195 Mark Granlund 612-803-8129 Mary Krieter 612-719-0665 Ruthann Holetz 952-927-1624 Susan & Gary Wahman 952-334-4663 Tom & Erick Ries 952-393-6600 Winnie Crosbie 612-741-9556 Alli Deckas 612-306-3735 Amy Deckas 612-735-7430 Andy &Teresa Mitchell 612-242-4514 Anna Mae Lambert 612-730-3121 Barby Collins 612-801-0027 Brad, Amy, Meghan McNamara 612-805-8785 C + C Group 612-926-9999 Connie Cauble 612-751-3930 Dave Anderson 612-750-2209 Jane Paulus 612-702-5694 Karen Daly 612-751-0663 Kristin Smith 612-965-0030 Krysta Clark 612-644-3173 Kyle Litwin 612-803-5595 Linda Smaby 612-325-7972 Lisa Eckert 952-240-7890 Lisa Heim 612-382-9672 Mark Kouatli 612-708-8400 Martha Webb 612-384-4413 Meg & Tom Meyers 952-924-8712 Meg Boehne 952-240-4417 Pam Aagaard 952-261-7576 Sara Moran 612-720-7560 Sheila Cronin 952-913-2129 Sylva Zoraqi 612-710-8081 24 • AUTUMN 2018 Find us atedina6800.edinarealty.com Find us atedina50thandfrance.edinarealty.com EDINA 6800 FRANCE EDINA 50TH & FRANCE We were born here. Bringing you real estate insights since 1955. Edina 50th & France 952.920.1960 Edina 6800 France 952.927.1100 WeSellEdina.com Aaron Ouska 612-940-8020 Chris Willette 612-388-8828 Cindy Jarvis 612-600-4119 Dan Willette 952-927-1694 Danya Spencer 952-237-6611 Deb Langevin 651-343-0404 Ginna Raming 952-210-8342 Jane Larson 612-720-1048 Jane Oelfke 952-200-5712 Jeff & Diane Anderes 952-927-2842 Jim Starr 612-247-5898 John Everett 952-927-1646 John MacKany 952-927-1163 John McDonald 952-927-1197 Jude Dugan Olson 952-927-1186 Keenan Olson 952-240-4903 Kim Melin 952-201-4758 Laura Bergman 612-644-7799 Margie & John Sampsell 952-927-1195 Mark Granlund 612-803-8129 Mary Krieter 612-719-0665 Ruthann Holetz 952-927-1624 Susan & Gary Wahman 952-334-4663 Tom & Erick Ries 952-393-6600 Winnie Crosbie 612-741-9556 Alli Deckas 612-306-3735 Amy Deckas 612-735-7430 Andy &Teresa Mitchell 612-242-4514 Anna Mae Lambert 612-730-3121 Barby Collins 612-801-0027 Brad, Amy, Meghan McNamara 612-805-8785 C + C Group 612-926-9999 Connie Cauble 612-751-3930 Dave Anderson 612-750-2209 Jane Paulus 612-702-5694 Karen Daly 612-751-0663 Kristin Smith 612-965-0030 Krysta Clark 612-644-3173 Kyle Litwin 612-803-5595 Linda Smaby 612-325-7972 Lisa Eckert 952-240-7890 Lisa Heim 612-382-9672 Mark Kouatli 612-708-8400 Martha Webb 612-384-4413 Meg & Tom Meyers 952-924-8712 Meg Boehne 952-240-4417 Pam Aagaard 952-261-7576 Sara Moran 612-720-7560 Sheila Cronin 952-913-2129 Sylva Zoraqi 612-710-8081 2018 AUTUMN • 25 26 • AUTUMN 2018 By Jake Omodt Before Oasis for Youth opened its Drop-In Center in 2010, a small group of area residents shared a serious concern for youth experiencing homelessness in their communities. This group is referred to as the “Founding Mothers” of Oasis for Youth and without their passion and drive, the nonprofit might not be as impactful as it is today. Oasis for Youth is a Bloomington, Minnesota-based nonprofit with a goal to positively impact and support youth experiencing homelessness in Bloomington, Richfield and Edina, though no youth experiencing homelessness is turned away from services. To provide those positive impacts and support systems, Oasis offers four services: a Drop-In Center, Outreach Program, Housing Support Program and an Employment Support Program. Being a nonprofit, Oasis for Youth receives funding from many sources, including foundations and contracted services, though almost 75 percent of funding comes from private donations. All of Oasis’ program and office space is rent-free from Oak Grove Presbyterian Church and Mall of America. “Oak Grove is an awesome partner. A lot of their members are volunteers here and donate clothes, money and other items,” said Elyse Arvin, Development and Communications Officer for Oasis. “They are very intentional about investing in their community.” The Drop-In Center is open 2 to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and is located at 2200 West Old Shakopee Road. Youth who visit the Drop-In Center can connect with case managers, pick up food and personal hygiene items, take a shower, do laundry and more. Last year, the Drop-In Center had over 2,500 visits. The number of Drop-In Center visits has grown every year since the program started. “Oftentimes, we find the young people need some time to build trust with us,” Arvin explained. “We let them lead that conversation rather than be too invasive. Oasis For Youth Provides Shelter From The Storm of Homelessness Oasis for Youth has an open door policy for youth experiencing homelessness. If you or someone you know is struggling with homelessness, stop by the Oasis for Youth Drop-In Center at 2200 West Old Shakopee Road 2-5 p.m. Monday through Friday.Submitted Photo 2018 AUTUMN • 27 It’s important to build that trust to be able to make a difference in their lives.” Oasis helps connect students in nine schools around the area to various support and service groups as well. The nonprofit’s outreach can be seen at Normandale Community College as well as high schools and alternative schools in Edina, Bloomington and Richfield. Oasis also provides street-outreach that offers mobile access to all of Oasis’ services. “In addition to school-based outreach, we also do community-based outreach,” said Arvin. “We have a case worker who’s out wherever young people hang out. She could be at transit stops, the malls and cafes – anywhere young people are – and she can provide immediate assistance like bus tokens, hygiene products and other support systems.” In addition to the outreach programs and Drop-In Center, Oasis also provide housing solutions for the youth they serve. Oasis helps youth navigate the complex affordable housing system, provide eviction prevention help and even provide a small rental subsidy program to a few youth in need. “If we can prevent a young person from going through the trauma of homelessness, we will,” said Arvin. Perhaps their most unique service, Oasis works with the Mall of America to provide on-site employment case management to support young employees of the Mall who may be dealing with homelessness or on the verge of homelessness. This on-site employment services approach is the first of its kind in the nation, and shows the innovative and creative approach Oasis takes to create opportunities and provide assistance for the youth they serve to thrive in. “For example, a lot of the employees take the bus and are coming from other jobs, so we coach youth in negotiating their schedule with their supervisor,” said Arvin. “We also train supervisors to understand what our youth are experiencing outside of work.” Oasis tries to give the youth they support their own voice, but advocates for them when asked to do so. “We’ve been really impressed with the Mall of America staff because we see how much they care about and invest in their employees,” shared Arvin. “They are a great partner and we love them a lot.” These programs would not be possible without the grants and donations Oasis receives from various partners. In 2017, the City of Edina’s Human Services Task Force awarded Oasis $3,000 for services in 2018 and 2019. Jessica Wilson, the City’s liaison to the Task Force, shared some of the thoughts from the Task Force. “We awarded them more than the amount they asked for actually,” she said. “They applied for $2,500 and we gave them $3,000.” (continued on next page) 28 • AUTUMN 2018 In a memo to the Mayor and City Council, the Task Force members said they want to see Oasis grow its work and recommended giving more than requested because: • Oasis for Youth is in Edina schools and communities • Oasis proactively works to find solutions to the challenges of homeless youth • Oasis focuses on “boots on the ground outreach” and collaboration with many other organizations “I think the Task Force thought Oasis for Youth’s ‘boots on the ground’ approach was really effective,” said Wilson. “They provide services to a niche market – one the task force thought was very important. They’re in our schools and their focus on youth is something I think the Task Force really valued.” With a current full-time staff of nine, and soon to be full-time staff of 11, Oasis relies heavily on volunteers. Last year, almost 40 volunteers spent time at Oasis helping at the Drop-In Center, providing transportation and doing much more. To date, Oasis has served over 1,000 young people, including the 328 young people served in 2017. Last year alone, the Drop-In Center provided more than 4,400 bus tokens and more than 1,200 personal hygiene items. Oasis is always looking for financial donations as well as clothing and personal hygiene items. To donate, contact Oasis for Youth at 952-512-2061 or visit its website at www.oasisforyouth.org. If you or someone you know is battling with homelessness, contact Oasis for Youth at 952-512-2061 or visit during Drop-In Center hours, 2-5 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more information on the City of Edina’s donation to Oasis for Youth, contact Wilson at jwilson@EdinaMN.gov or 952-826-0445. CONCRETE WORKS 612-861-4243HageConcrete.com LifetimeNo CrackGuarantee. TEDxEdina Returns Saturday, October 13 HEAR 14 local speakers with “Ideas worth spreading” INTERACT with neighbors and friends ENJOY a day of ideas, community and conversation NEW LOCATION Fick Auditorium at Edina High School 6754 Valley View Road in Edina TICKETS ON SALE AUGUST 1 www.TEDxEdina.com Presented by 2018 AUTUMN • 29 30 • AUTUMN 2018 City Makes Affordable Housing A Priority, Hires Affordable Housing Development Manager By Kaylin Eidsness In the 2017 biennial Quality of Life survey, residents were asked to write what they felt was the most serious issue facing Edina. In 31 percent of the responses, the comments were related to concerns about teardowns, over-development and affordable housing. “This was the highest-ranked serious concern offered by Edina residents,” wrote City Manager Scott Neal in his March proposal to the City Council and Edina Housing Foundation to hire a new Affordable Housing Development Manager. “It’s time that we … decide to make Edina’s most serious issue a more serious organizational priority.” By June, Affordable Housing Development Manager Stephanie Hawkinson was hired. “Hiring Stephanie for the position was the easiest hiring decision I’ve ever had to make,” said Community Development Director Cary Teague. “Everyone who interviewed her had the same conclusion: She’s going to be great.” Neal echoed Teague’s comment. “When you see her credentials and experience, it’s pretty impressive,” said Neal. “We wanted someone with experience. She’s done this before and quickly rose to the top of the list.” Hawkinson, who holds a bachelor’s degree from Duke University in North Carolina and master’s degrees in Social Work and Public Policy from the University of Minnesota, brings both public and private sector experience to the table. She began her career with the Project for Pride in Living in Minneapolis, where she worked with neighborhood groups on designing and implementing housing rehabilitation programs. Her next career move was serving as the Executive Director of a redevelopment organization in Green Bay, Wisconsin, that worked to revitalize a distressed part of the city. After moving back to St. Paul, Hawkinson took a job with the City of St. Paul, where she was a Senior Project Manager in the Department of Planning and Economic Development. After 11 years with the City of St. Paul, Hawkinson decided to step out on her own when she became an independent consultant working with non- and for-profit clients on complex financial portfolios that are the foundation of housing, mixed-use, commercial, historic preservation, new construction and rehabilitation projects. In the past six years, she secured more than $85 million in financing for projects throughout Minnesota and managed an additional $100 million in financial closings.Photo By Michael BraunStephanie Hawkinson started as the City’s Affordable Housing Development Manager in July. She’s working in a newly created position to bring more affordable housing options to Edina. 2018 AUTUMN • 31 Hawkinson said she wasn’t looking for a new job when she came across the Edina job posting online, but felt her previous experience made her a good fit for the position. “I’ve been on both sides of the table. I don’t think many people really have that perspective,” she said. “It just seems like synchronicity – my disparate background of jobs coming together and it seemed like a perfect fit.” In her new role, Hawkinson will serve as the primary housing advisor to the City Council, Housing & Redevelopment Authority (HRA) and Edina Housing Foundation; facilitate all City staff services to the Edina Housing Foundation; represent the City to federal, state, regional and county government on housing-related issues; represent the City to builders, developers, lenders and other housing sector organizations; monitor state and federal affordable housing legislation; manage the City’s affordable housing administrative, contractual and compliance obligations; and manage the City’s Affordable Housing Fund, Southdale II TIF District and future affordable housing TIF districts. “We were looking for someone with not only experience, but with connections,” said Neal. “Because the world of affordable housing in the Twin Cities is a relatively small, tightly connected sub economy, it’s important to have those good connections and relationships if you’re going to try to do this.” “Creating affordable and market-rate housing is a very different process,” said Hawkinson. “It takes different skillsets. Some developers are good at both, but it’s not easy for those market-rate developers to suddenly switch to affordable housing. “There are developers out there who are really good at affordable developments. But I don’t know if they know that Edina is open for business. That’s where I could be of assistance.” In the “Housing Succession Plan for Edina’s Future” completed as a part of the City’s 20/20 visioning done with the last Comprehensive Plan, the Edina Housing Task Force noted how quickly Edina was becoming unaffordable for many of the more than 50,000 people who work in Edina. The plan also elaborated on the importance of affordable housing, which Hawkinson has seen firsthand over the years. “If you want to keep an active and vibrant, parent-involved school district, if you don’t want super-intense congestion on your roads because people have to commute far to get to work, and if you want vibrant neighborhoods and engaged residents, you have to make sure that you are able to attract both young families and people who can age within the community,” she said. “It’s pretty important that there’s affordable housing.” In the 2017 Quality of Life survey, 53 percent of the respondents said they chose to live in Edina because of the good schools – making it the No. 1 reason people chose to live in Edina. “Elementary schools especially are stronger when there is great parent involvement and that tends to happen when (continued on next page) 32 • AUTUMN 2018 you live in the neighborhood where your school is. Edina has been able to maintain their student population base by open enrollment, but if you’re traveling a far distance, parents are probably less likely to be involved,” noted Hawkinson. However, the majority of recent housing built has been priced well above what’s considered affordable for many young families. For a family of four, a household income of $75,440 can afford a house that’s roughly $314,569 (this exact amount varies depending on interest rates) if they do not want to be cost burdened, or want to limit their housing expenses to 30 percent of their gross income, which is recommended. As of the middle of July, only 14 of the 292 active MLS real estate listings in Edina were priced under $320,000. Affordable housing and low-income housing are two different things, though Hawkinson says both are needed for a vibrant, healthy community. A family of four with a household income of $56,580 is considered “low income,” but would still qualify for affordable housing. A single person with an income of $39,660 would qualify for affordable housing. As Hawkinson settles into her new role and helps the City bring more affordable housing to Edina, Teague says he’s most excited to see some affordable housing projects get off the ground. “Her passion for affordable housing is going to really rub off on the community,” he said. It’s that passion that will give Hawkinson a boost to keep the quality of life, and housing, in Edina strong. “The City has realized the importance of affordable housing. The community has realized the importance of affordable housing. Now we need to move forward with it,” Hawkinson said. “Bringing affordable housing to Edina can be done in such a way where neighborhoods are preserved, families are preserved and communities are preserved – and probably even strengthened.” For more information, contact Hawkinson at 952-833-9578. 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SANDRA HOUCK, DDS Restored Lake Cornelia Rambler Wins 2018 Heritage Preservation Award By David Katz, Contributing Writer House hunting is stressful – and doubly so for first-timers, those considering fixer-upper properties and anyone searching in a seller’s market. In 2016, Nate and Tiffany Mueller checked all three boxes, and faced an even bigger hurdle besides: conducting the search from 1,600 miles away. “We were living out in Seattle at the time,” explained Nate. “After the birth of our second daughter, we wanted to move ‘back home’ so that our two girls would be raised closer to family.” He hails from Minnesota originally, and his wife, Tiffany, from South Dakota. They set their sights on Edina and nearby first-ring suburbs. Interior stylists by trade, the couple wanted a property with architectural history and charm – but one on which they could put their own stamp. The Muellers did not let distance stop them from holding out for their dream home; they patiently but creatively conducted a search almost entirely remotely. “We set up daily property listing alert emails, and made good use of Google StreetView,” Nate recalled. When a new listing caught their eye, they had their real estate agent facilitate a real-time FaceTime walkthrough. Ultimately, they fell in love with a Midcentury A-frame in the Lake Cornelia neighborhood, two blocks west of the Edina Art Center. Originally constructed in 1964, the Mueller rambler at 6400 Parnell Ave. S. includes architectural elements rarely seen in newer designs. In particular, floor-to-ceiling windows, a two-story chimney and built-in fixtures appealed to the couple’s designer sensibilities. At the same time, 6400 Parnell Ave. S. presented significant renovation challenges. The Muellers quickly zeroed in on the unattractive, impractical kitchen as a focus point. Unfortunately, more pressing concerns quickly pushed that project to the backburner. “Before we even moved in, we had to have all the siding replaced. Parts of it were rotting and literally falling apart,” Nate said. They repainted the exterior a rich charcoal black, a color popular during the heyday of Midcentury architecture. Photo by Michael BraunTiffany and Nate Mueller won the 2018 Heritage Preservation Award for their beautifully restored 1964 rambler at 6400 Parnell Ave. S. 34 • AUTUMN 2018 The upstairs bathrooms needed to be gutted to root out a deep-seated mold problem. Instead of adopting a simple, utilitarian scheme and moving on to more showy areas of the house, Tiffany and Nate stayed true to the period. Among other highlights, they purchased a reproduction Midcentury media console (modified with a vessel sink set atop a quartz countertop). The Muellers also invested in period-appropriate lighting fixtures and striking Mutina Tex floor tiles. Less glamorous, if no less pressing, Tiffany and Nate had to contend with a significant drainage issue in the basement and unkempt backyard. Replacing the air conditioning unit also proved a challenge. “When the AC was originally added back in the ‘80s, they put it up in the attic because of the way the house was built,” Nate explained. Getting a new one installed in its place turned into a multi-month project, during which workmen resorted to cutting large holes in the ceiling and ceiling trusses to facilitate the swap-out. “I would have never thought something so simple could be such a headache!” Nate continued. “We have heard from so many service people how ‘We’ve never seen anything like this before’ when they try to service or fix things in our house. It’s a part of having unique architecture.” Only recently have the Muellers had the time and wherewithal to circle back to their long-anticipated kitchen remodel, which is now underway. While they are collaborating with a contractor, the couple is actively involved in every last detail. For instance, Tiffany took the lead with appliance research, determined to find well-reviewed units that also fit the house’s unique aesthetic. Exciting finds included an inexpensive built-in and panel-ready refrigerator sourced from Fisher & Paykel – a New Zealand-based manufacturer that remains relatively unknown in the United States. It fits seamlessly into the kitchen’s overall design. Small, thoughtful touches like those appliances add a lot, Nate says. Other favorites include a Midcentury style bar, vases and baskets picked up cheaply at Target. Repainted interior accent walls complement the strategically chosen furnishings and accessories. Tiffany and Nate chronicle progress – and setbacks – on Instagram and on a public blog that Tiffany set up for the purpose, hellorefuge.com. Their A-frame rambler also recently received an illustrated, 12-page spread in Atomic Ranch, a national magazine published quarterly by and for Midcentury architecture aficionados. The Muellers also love to crowdsource ideas online with a small, like-minded community of restorationists and interior stylists as enamored with this iconic style as they are. They first met fellow Twin Cities remodeler Bob Moore through a Facebook group devoted to Minnesota’s Midcentury legacy. In April 2018, in recognition of the painstaking attention that Tiffany and Nate had lavished on 6400 Parnell Ave. S., Moore put the Muellers forward for the City of Edina’s annual Heritage Preservation Award. Bestowed by the Heritage Preservation Commission since 2003, this honor recognizes a family or organization (continued on next page) 2018 AUTUMN • 35 “for outstanding contributions to the preservation, rehabilitation, restoration and use of Edina’s heritage resources.” In May, the Commission singled out the Mueller residence as this year’s honoree. It joins the ranks of such recognizable Edina structures as Southdale Center, Edina Theatre and St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church. Theirs is the eighth private residence to win the award. For more information on the Heritage Award, visit EdinaMN.gov or contact Assistant City Planner Emily Bodeker, 952-826-0462. 36 • AUTUMN 2018Photo by Michael BraunTiffany Mueller chronicles the family’s renovation progress – and setbacks – on social media and a public blog, hellorefuge.com. “Listen to your elder’s advice. 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Every one comes with action already taken, a plan to start it or a stream of follow-up thoughts. “There is so much possibility,” she says of the Edina Art Center, 4701 W. 64th St. As the center’s new General Manager, Tarnowski has thrown herself into learning the job and meeting the staff, patrons and students. “There is a core of support for the arts in this community,” she said of Edina. From her boundless energy and ideas, one can forget she technically retired after a career as an arts educator and educational administrator before starting the Art Center position in June. “Susan has an extensive background in administration, so she has the experience to run the Edina Art Center,” said Susan Faus, Parks & Recreation Assistant Director who oversees Edina’s recreation enterprises. “What sets her apart is her contagious enthusiasm and passion for the arts.” Arts have always been part of Tarnowski’s life. She’s explored photography and fused glass. In the days before digital cameras, she worked for a time as a darkroom developer. She took community arts classes, much like those offered at the Edina Art Center, in embroidery, tile, wood carving, stained glass and the list goes on. As she rose through the ranks of academia, her hands-on time for art got squeezed out. As a trained musician, she then started singing with the Edina Chorale. It released her voice and her soul.Photo by Michael BraunSusan Tarnowski brings a wealth of experience and a love of the arts to her new position as Edina Art Center General Manager. 38 • AUTUMN 2018 “Years later, I realized participating in making something beautiful opens your heart up to looking at the world in a different way, looking at people in a different way,” she said. Now she wants to bring that experience to others. “I’m very interested in accessibility for differently abled artists,” she said, adding she’s on the Board of Directors of VSA (Very Special Arts) that helps disabled artists and patrons participate as makers or audience members in visual and performing arts. Despite the popularity of events such as Fall Into the Arts Festival, which she has attended multiple times, she knows many Edina residents don’t know the Art Center offers classes for all ages and talents in a multitude of art forms. Or that it hosts rotating exhibits in its galleries and sells art on display. The challenge, Tarnowski said, is figuring out how to invite people in. One way is through media exposure. The National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts (NCECA) just happens to be holding its annual conference in Minneapolis in 2019. An exhibit at the Edina Art Center, “’OutsideHERS’ Potters By Nature,” had already been organized in conjunction with the conference. What was missing was an exhibit showcasing the Art Center itself and its own artists. Other surrounding communities already had such shows planned, and many of the 6,000 conference attendees will be going from show to show. One big obstacle: the deadline for NCECA submissions had passed before she began the job. Tarnowski pitched the idea anyway. She received a brief window to put together a submission, and with the help of artists and staff, pulled it off. “The Natural World In Clay: An Evening Walk” will feature the work of seven instructors at the Art Center. Both shows run March 20-April 5, 2019. A video crew has already come to Edina to interview her for the Ceramic Arts Network and get footage of the Art Center. “We’re hoping for lots of publicity,” Tarnowski said. “For a couple of days, we will be at the national level looking at this art form.” Between now and then, she’ll be exploring adding more painting and 2D art options, and the possibility of pop-up culinary arts events, along with dozens of other ideas. To her, reaching out and spreading art is a way to expand our hearts, ourselves, our sense of place and purpose. “I think we offer a service way beyond art,” she said. “We offer community.” Learn more about the Edina Art Center by visiting EdinaArtCenter.com or calling 952-903-5780. 2018 AUTUMN • 39 Edina Liquor Embraces Craft Brewers And Distillers By Debbie Townsend Edina Liquor has long been known as a destination for wine lovers. The quality and selection has drawn shoppers. So has its reputation of being on the leading edge of trends. Edina Liquor’s three stores touted rosés years before they became so popular. Now it’s the fans of craft beer and craft spirits who are finding gems among the coolers and shelves: 12elve Eyes out of Saint Paul; Montgomery Brewing out of Le Sueur County; Stillwater Artisanal from Brooklyn, New York; or OmniPollo from Sweden. A few steps into the Grandview store, a showcase of craft spirits awaits: Far North Spirits from Hallock or J Carver out of Waconia. From the relative Minneapolis old guard Du Nord Craft Spirits to newcomer Tattersall. “We want to make sure these independents have space to compete in this market,” said General Manager of Liquor Operations Josh Furbish. As a result, a visit to Edina Liquor is bound to reveal a brewery or distillery you’ve never tried or maybe even heard of before. Behind the Cooler DoorsA short time ago, 65 to 70 percent of Edina Liquor beer sales were the big domestic labels like Budweiser, Miller and Coors. Today, that percentage belongs to the craft beers, in part fueled by the constant influx of new products. Big-label domestic brands will always have a home on the shelves, but now they share space with breweries that dabble in everything from sours to sessions. With so many breweries out there, Edina Liquor focuses on two areas: Minnesota beers and innovative independent breweries elsewhere. “We need to give a competitive advantage to folks in our backyard,” Furbish said of the Minnesota focus. Quality and innovation will get an out-of-state or even foreign brewery a shelf spot. Take Peak Organic out of Portland, Maine. As the name implies, its beers come from organic hops, barley and yeast. “It’s down-to-the-grain USDA organic,” Furbish said. Its beers also are very good and have been hard to find in the Twin Cities. “These are the things we try to source and bring into the local market,” Furbish said. “People will gravitate toward quality wherever it comes from.” The proof is in the purchases: 46 percent of Edina Liquor’s beer revenue comes from independents. Giving breweries a shot on its shelves has another benefit: Edina Liquor often gets the rare one-offs and specialty beers from these brewers. Craft beer aficionados have been catching on, and the cans now disappear in days, sometimes hours. “When you see the new stuff in the store, grab it while you can,” Furbish said. “It might not be there the next time.” 40 • AUTUMN 2018 Craft Spirit ExpressCraft distilleries are opening across the country, responding to a renewed interest in cocktails and quality spirits. Furbish sees craft spirits today where the craft beer boom was in about 2009. “When you get out in rural Minnesota, that’s when we see these craft distilleries pop up,” Furbish said. They can find it hard to distribute in the Twin Cities. Edina Liquor has been reaching out to small craft operations, sometimes even before the first batch is distilled. “We want them to know there will always be a place on our shelf for their product,” Furbish said. “We will always give these folks a shot.” Part of that shot is getting to know the distillers and their products. “Ninety-nine percent of the liquid in the bottle has a story behind it, and we want to be sure we are telling that story,” he said. To that end, each store has at least one liquor expert. Among them is Graham Luterbach, a 23-year-old with knowledge that belies his age. He passes out purchasing advice to customers who could be his grandfather – and they follow every word. “Going in and talking to Graham is an experience in itself,” Furbish said. At the Grandview store, 5013 Vernon Ave., Luterbach stands before a shelf of tasting bottles. He talks to customers about their likes, their budget, what they might be willing to try. Then he dispenses a taste along with a bit of history – he knows the background of the products and the liquor itself. 2018 AUTUMN • 41Photo by Michael BraunGraham Luterbach, Product Specialist at Edina Liquor’s Grandview store, demonstrates how easy it is to make a party-worthy cocktail with craft spirits and a few simple ingredients. (continued on next page) 42 • AUTUMN 2018 “Craft spirits are so much more unique than the big names,” he said. People are apprehensive at plunking down $30 for a bottle of something they haven’t tried, but once they taste a good craft spirit, a sale usually follows. Some of his favorites are the small Minnesota distilleries. “A lot of these are grain to glass, so everything is from Minnesota,” Luterbach said. Take Far North Spirits. It’s run by a handful of people. They grow their own crops and do their own distilling. “The quality is so much better,” he said of Far North and similar independent distillers. “These are small batches and they focus on every detail of making tasty spirits.” Then there’s Vikre Distillery out of Duluth. Among its many products are three boreal gins: Juniper, Spruce and Cedar. “It’s fun explaining how they are different,” Luterbach says. Not sure what to do with that liquor? Luterbach hands out simple recipes with his recommendations. They usually feature a single spirit and only four or five overall ingredients. “A stop here, a trip to the grocery store and five minutes of prep time and you have an excellent cocktail,” Luterbach said. His creations already are popular on Instagram; find him at gldn_cocktail. He was also a hit at Taste of Edina. Furbish is proud of Edina Liquor’s efforts to help people learn about craft spirits and introduce them to the Minnesota start-ups. He has plans for cocktail demonstrations and mixology classes. “We’re going to teach you how to be that home mixologist,” Furbish said. Edina Liquor has three locations: Grandview, 50th & France at 3943 W. 50th St., and Southdale, 6755 York Ave. Learn more at EdinaLiquor.com or contact Furbish at jfurbish@EdinaMN.gov or Luterbach at gluterbach@ EdinaMN.gov. Stephane Cattelin THE International Approach to Real Estate 612-703-8229 www.stephane cattelin.com Serving the Edina French-American Community General dental care for the entire family. Early morning and evening hours. Conveniently located in the Southdale Medical Building. With you every smile of the way. Trusted dentist for the Ann M. Thiele Burt, DDS Annette G. Dunford, DDS Camille M. Jensen, DDS Owen J. Thoele, DDS Madeline R. 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Outdoor sculptures were featured in the Summer 2018 issue of About Town. By Dick Crockett, Executive Director, Edina Community Foundation The Edina Community Foundation (ECF) has worked with generous donors to acquire more than $420,000 of public art for the City of Edina. Whether acquired by purchase, commission or in-kind gifts, the art enhances public spaces and provides residents and visitors with an opportunity to experience and appreciate the vision of the artist. The works acquired by ECF include photographs, paintings and watercolors, art glass and sculptures. Urban Jewel Color Photograph Linda Kiefer Edina City Hall Rock Dance Black-and-White Photograph Polly Norman Edina City Hall The Artwork: These photographs were among the first contributions by the ECF to a public art collection for the City in 2004, and they are now displayed in the Finance Department at City Hall. The Artists: Linda Kiefer is a popular artist in the community and the Founding Chair of the Edina Public Art Committee. She now lives in Backus, Minnesota. Polly Norman is a professional photographer and artist from Edina whose work has been shown and published nationally and internationally. She recently was chosen as a finalist for The Bush Artist Fellowships and also was a finalist for the McKnight Foundation Photography Fellowship. Funding: The photographs were funded by an Xcel Energy Purchase Award for works chosen by ECF from the “22 Miles Celebrating Minnehaha Creek” show at the Edina Art Center. Minnehaha Creek and the Mill Michael Pilla City Hall The Artwork: This two-story art glass was commissioned by the Edina Public Art Committee in 2006 and installed in the window near the Edina City Hall reception desk. The Artist: Michael Pilla is an established glass artist who had a studio in Minneapolis. He has since moved to Colorado. Funding: The William D. Radichel Foundation at the request of Trustee Brenda Quaye, then an ECF Board member, contributed the first $15,000 of the commission price to ECF. The City of Edina matched that amount, 2018 AUTUMN • 45 and the balance was paid for over several years by Edina residents through voluntary contributions paid with their utility bills. Raven Bryan Young City Hall The Artwork: “Raven” is a life-size Black Belgian Marble sculpture that was selected in 2006 by the Edina Public Art Committee for its first summer exhibition in Grandview Square Park. It has been on display near the Edina City Hall reception desk since 2007. The Artist: Bryan Young is a Bloomington, Minnesota, artist with a garage studio who specializes in finding animal forms in the “heart” of the stone he works with. The sculpture stand upon which Raven rests is itself a work of art created by Public Works Department employee Jim Peluf. Funding: ECF purchased Raven with a grant secured by then-Board member Brenda Quaye from The William D. Radichel Foundation. Otter Jeffrey Birch Edinborough Park The Artwork: “Otter” first came to Edina in 2007 as one of three sculptures on loan for the Edina Public Art Committee Grandview Square Park exhibition. It then moved to the fountain on the ground floor of Edinborough Park and remains an example of a playful animal form carved from limestone. The Artist: After a long career as a museum artist creating displays and dioramas, Jeffrey Birch began focusing on color paintings and sculpture at his studio in Plymouth, Minnesota. Funding: This piece was acquired by ECF with a gift from then-Edina Public Art Committee member Betty Hemstad and her husband, Ron. The Wave David Wright Edina Senior Center The Artwork: This two-colored glass sculpture depicts the beauty and kinetic energy of a breaking wave. It is located on a stand near the reception desk at the Edina Senior Center. The Artist: David Wright has gained an international reputation for his unique style and technique, whereby the glass is layered and molded in the kiln, giving a rich color and texture to his work. He has taught and lectured throughout Australia and overseas. Funding: The Senior Center Advisory Board took the lead in finding and purchasing “The Wave” in 2009 with a grant from the ECF Community Impact Fund for the Center. 46 • AUTUMN 2018 By a Nose Doug Lew Edina Senior Center The Artwork: This watercolor is a dramatic image of a horserace, showing the leader ahead “By a Nose.” The Artist: Doug Lew is an internationally known watercolor artist with a special talent for depicting movement in his work. He is the author of several books on watercolor technique, including “Capturing Motion in Watercolor.” Lew is a longtime member of the Edina Senior Center. Funding: ECF acquired this work in 2010 with funding from its Char Colwell Memorial Fund, established to honor a longtime volunteer at the Center’s reception desk. Sunset, Low Tide Richard T. Wright Edina Senior Center The Artwork: The quiet beauty of the seashore with boats at rest is clearly shown in this acrylic painting on canvas. The Artist: Richard Wright is an Edina resident who has shown his work at the Senior Center. Funding: This work and another, “Barn, Sunset Reflections,” were in-kind contributions by the artist in 2016. ECF’s role in acquiring public art highlights the commitment of our Board of Directors and staff to serve, strengthen and celebrate the Edina community, and we welcome suggestions on how we might better fulfill that mission. For more information on ECF or to donate, visit edinacommunityfoundation.org or send an email to edfoundation@EdinaMN.gov. 2018 AUTUMN • 47 BRAEMAR GOLF DOME 952-903-5775 BraemarGolf.com7420 Braemar Blvd., Edina Keep your game strong all winter long! Measure your ball speed an d f l i g h t w i t h o u r S m a r t T e e D i v i d e r s ! Open for the season Nov. 1! Open Daily 8 a.m.–8 p.m. MORE GOBLETS EdinaLiquor.com All Your Favorite Brands • Three Convenient Locations Friendly, Knowledgeable Staff Every purchase you make supports the Edina Art Center and its pottery department. Readers, thank you for supporting our advertisers! About Town reaches over 25,000 mailboxes in our community. To advertise in About Town, contact Alice Tank Van Dyke at 612-308-6982 or AVanDyke@EdinaMN.gov. Edina Completes SolSmart Certification 48 • AUTUMN 2018 By Krystal Caron The City of Edina recently completed the process to become certified in the SolSmart program. SolSmart is a U.S. Department of Energy-funded program that recognizes communities that have taken steps to reduce solar costs and barriers for solar energy. “This program provides cost-free assistance to any community that wants to be a solar-ready community, integrating best practices in permitting, planning, zoning construction codes, solar rights, utility engagement, marketing development and finance,” said SolSmart Advisor Cameran Bailey. “If you’re a resident or business, your city has a clearly defined process that tells you how you can get all your permits issued, where you can look to get certified installers and learn more about your rights.” The certification is a point-based system with prerequisite steps that every community needs to complete. There are three main steps in the process. The first step is creating a solar photovoltaics (pv) checklist with all the permits, inspections and fees related to installation. The second step is to review the city’s ordinance for restrictive language. The final step is to work with the city to allow accessory use to be built and permitted in all major zones of the city. Beyond that, the program recognizes cities in three designations: gold, silver and bronze. Edina has completed the gold certification, which requires the highest level of points achieved. “Edina is just the third city in the metro to receive that designation after Minneapolis and Saint Paul,” Bailey said. “SolSmart also offers its training for planners and inspectors so they’re privy to the certified best practices. All our training is accredited by all the professional organizations, so it’s compliant. It puts staff in a great position to understand why best practices are best practices and why it behooves them to change certain parts of the planning processes or fee schedule.” SolSmart certification is an optional certification for communities, but Edina sees the value in a program like this. “SolSmart is a great national process that allows the City to look at its policies and procedures and ensure that we are making it easy for the individual or a company to install solar,” said Sustainability Coordinator Tara Brown. “Solar is growing in the Edina community. It is helping us shift an electricity generation to more renewable energy that lowers our carbon footprint and allows us to be more resilient.” To learn more about SolSmart certification visit SolSmart.org. For more information about installing solar in Edina, visit EdinaMN.gov/Solar. Solar Array Installation Complete at Public Works & Park Maintenance FacilityA solar garden on the roof of the Public Works & Park Maintenance Facility is now operational. In 2016, the City agreed to lease the roof space on the building at 7450 Metro Blvd. to Cooperative Energy Futures (CEF) for a community solar garden. The solar garden installation was completed at the end of September. CEF is a local, member-owned energy cooperative. The organization is working to make solar affordable by building large solar arrays on sunny rooftops or open areas throughout the Minneapolis/Saint Paul metro. Alongside Minnesota Interfaith Power & Light, which helped recruit subscribers for the Edina array, and other partners, CEF is a founding member of the Just Community Solar Coalition. The coalition’s goal is to ensure community solar gardens are accessible to low-income households; create local, sustainable jobs; protect the environment and provide a new avenue for how energy is created and used. “The City is committed to our greenhouse gas emission reduction and being a leader in energy reduction. While the City does not own the renewable energy credits for this solar array, we are supporting more renewable energy on our energy grid by leasing the rooftop to CEF,” said Sustainability Coordinator Tara Brown. “We’re pleased that the community has supported this project and that all 68 subscribers are Edina residents.” CEF leased the Edina roof space for 25 years. Its programs offer members of a community a chance to subscribe to the solar array to offset some of their electricity use and allow residents to reduce their monthly energy costs and lock in stable, long-term electricity rates. Subscriptions to solar gardens are open for all residents who are Xcel Energy customers. Residents have the opportunity to subscribe for up to 120 percent of their electricity use from a solar array. Most homes use around 800 kWh of electricity per month, which totals 9600 kWh/year or 8 kW. Xcel will deliver energy from the CEF array and credit subscribers’ bills for the energy it produces. For more information, contact Brown at tbrown@EdinaMN.gov. 2018 AUTUMN • 49Submitted photoCooperative Energy Futures, an organization that has leased roof space on the Public Works & Park Maintenance Facility, began installing solar panels in August. Planning Matters Plans Approved For Pentagon Park South One of the largest redevelopments in the state might soon be under way in Edina. The City Council approved a development agreement, plat, rezoning, site plan and overall development plan for a redevelopment of the southern part of Pentagon Park on 77th Street. As part of the plan, two hotels, two small retail buildings and a parking ramp would be constructed. With the first phase of development, Solomon Real Estate Group would grade the entire property and install all utilities and a stormwater management system. Internal roads, sidewalks, trails and landscaping would be completed around the main entry and the buildings constructed. The remainder of the property would be graded, seeded and maintained until those parcels are developed in the future. The second phase would one day include two five-story office buildings, a parking ramp and 19,000 square feet of office or retail use. Housing is planned for the rest of the redevelopment of Pentagon Park. Another set of developers have received preliminary approvals for an all-housing development of the Pentagon Park parcels north of 77th. The first phase of the project is proposed by Chase Real Estate Group to develop about 11 acres of the 29-acre site with a 360-unit market-rate apartment building and a 225-unit senior apartment building. Though a development with all housing is much different than what was originally proposed in 2014, the Council approved a Comprehensive Plan Amendment and preliminary rezoning and development approval. Chase Real Estate Group will need to come back to the City for final approvals. Edina Promenade Residences Planned For Guitar Center Site A high-rise luxury apartment building with underground parking is planned for the former Guitar Center site, 3650 Hazelton Road, adjacent to the Edina Promenade. The Edina City Council approved a Comprehensive Plan amendment and granted preliminary rezoning and development plan approvals for the proposed housing Submitted IllustrationAs part of a redevelopment of the southern part of Pentagon Park on 77th Street, two hotels, two small retail buildings and a parking ramp would be constructed. 50 • AUTUMN 2018 project. “Edina Promenade Residences” would be 19 stories with 186 dwelling units and 198 parking spaces. The proposed height of the tower is 218 feet – approximately 20 feet less than the Westin Edina Galleria. The developer plans to meet the City’s Affordable Housing Policy by providing a dedication of $1.86 million for affordable housing elsewhere in the city. In addition, the project would provide a new housing option in the Edina marketplace; the proposed building includes small one-bedroom studio or “micro” units, ideal for college graduates, young professionals, corporate transfers and single empty nesters. To move forward, the developer will need to obtain final rezoning and development approval. For more information, visit EdinaMN.gov or contact the Planning Division, 952-826-0369. – Compiled by Jennifer Bennerotte Submitted IllustrationA high-rise luxury apartment building with underground parking is planned for the former Guitar Center site, 3650 Hazelton Road. 2018 AUTUMN • 51 4502½ VALLEY VIEW ROAD EDINA 952-920-0949 www.snuffysmaltshops.com Buy One Regular Burger Get a Second Burger $3 Off! Void with other offers. Dine-in or to-go. Ride all day Friday in the Southdale area for $3! EdinaMN.gov/CloverRide Lucky You! 952-826-0322 52 • AUTUMN 2018 Minnesota Center, Suite 270 I 7760 France Avenue South l Minneapolis, MN 55435 ISC FINANCIAL ADVISORS Helping you achieve your financial goals. TOM GARTNER, MSAPM, CFP® Wealth Manager ISCfinancialadvisors.com 952-835-1560 SEE TOPICAL FINANCIAL PLANNING TIPS AND ARTICLES AT WWW.TOMGARTNER.COM 952.905.5558www.ramonajenkins.com Ramona JenkinsSenior Mortgage Loan Officer NMLS# 264221 When it comes time to make your most important financial decision, trust an expert. Experience the Bell Bank Mortgage Difference. Bell Ads 3.6x3.6_OCT16.indd 2 10/21/16 12:06 PM Expires Jan. 1, 2019 Sylva ZoraqiREALTOR® Edina Realty Office: 952-924-873950th & France Cell: 612-710-8081 SylvaZoraqi@edinarealty.com SylvaZoraqi.edinarealty.com 2018 AUTUMN • 53 54 • AUTUMN 2018 The Last Word My wife and I are building a cabin on a small lake in western Wisconsin. Actually, it’s more of a modest lake home than a cabin. And, truthfully, we’re not building as much as we’re paying people to build it for us. But everything else about that opening sentence is accurate. This is a first for us. We’ve never built a house or had a house built for us before. I look back now at the naïve confidence I had when we hatched the whole idea to build a house. I recall thinking to myself, and most likely saying aloud to anyone within earshot, something akin to “I’ve been a city manager for 30 years. How hard can this be?” During my career, I’ve been a member of teams that have built a public safety center, water tower, wastewater treatment plant, airport hangar, community recreation center, fire station, municipal hospital, more parks than I can count and numerous streets and utility projects. As a member of these project teams, I worked directly with lawyers, architects, engineers, builders, project managers, risk managers, co-workers, consultants of all types, other governmental agencies and, of course, the public. I never put hammer to nail in any of these projects, but having an abundance of construction-related experiences, I felt confident that I could manage a simple home-building project. Confession time: It’s been a humbling experience. We got conflicting, confusing information from the outset about timeline and price from our builder. The County was frustrated with me because I didn’t know what kind of soil we had or where the perc test was performed on the lot. The bank demanded a new property survey because they could not verify the credentials of the surveyor who did the original survey. I’ve got more of these types of examples, but I think you get the picture. All of my experiences on the owner/manager side of public-sector construction projects did not serve me particularly well for my home-building project, but it did give me some valuable insights. It has shown me how much I rely on my team at work for successful outcomes. For my personal project, my wife and I were “The Team.” That’s it. No City Attorney. No City Engineer. No Finance Director. Even though the two of us are smart, hardworking people, we are clearly over-extended and under-prepared when it comes to executing a relatively simple plan to build a small lake house. The humbling aspect of this experience has also been good for me at work because it reminds me that those smart, hardworking people whom I hear from occasionally in Edina are probably trying to do their best to comply with the City’s development regulations, but like me, they aren’t exactly sure how because they’ve never built a house before, either. As my lake house project moves forward, I’m continuing to gain new understandings about two subjects I thought I already knew well: construction and human nature. Translating these new understandings to the appropriate work and home contexts will be my next challenge. Wish me luck. Scott H. Neal City Manager tcclosets.com 612.623.0987 2634 Minnehaha Ave, Minneapolis #ORGANIZETHENORTH *First-time visitors and local residents only. Certain restrictions apply. $28 minimum value. At participating studios only. Orangetheory® and other Orangetheory® marks are registered trademarks of Ultimate Fitness Group LLC. © Copyright 2018 Ultimate Fitness Group LLC and its affiliates. TRY IT FOR FREE* ORANGETHEORY.COM OTF Edina 3523 W 70th St, Edina, MN 55435 612.930.4630 GUESSING DOESN’T LEAD TOGREATNESS. CONNECT YOUR HEART TO YOUR WORKOUT AND START YOUR JOURNEY TO MORE LIFE.™ 2018 AUTUMN • 55