LAKE MINNETONKA
LAKE MINNETONKA
COMMUNITY GUIDE 2023
Bustling downtown Excelsior
Across the South Lake Minnetonka area , downtown Excelsior is known for bringing residents from all over together with its local boutiques , unique eaters , plentiful places to snag a craft beverage and so much more . With such a bustling and evolving downtown area , Excelsior has experienced a variety of changes in the past year .
Most prominently at the forefront has been the activity regarding the City Hall formerly located at 339 Third Street . Earmarked many times in the past by the Excelsior City Council as something to work on , the building has been in existence since the 1960s . The planned redevelopment for the site and adjacent parking lot has been a major discussion topic . Once final approvals were reached for the project earlier this year , the building was demolished and the space will soon inhabit the first new market-rate apartment the city has seen in 50 years . An answer to the city ’ s parking shortage is also coming hand-and-hand with the development , more than doubling the number of parking spots currently in the parking lot with the new multi-level garage . An additional new development on the city ’ s docket is Excelsior Flats , which will bring 17 new condos and a new opportunity for more lakeside residents .
Water Street ’ s business district has also experienced some shifts , with businesses coming and going through the seasons . Longtime neighbors Artworks Art and Frame and BE . at Lakeside both closed up shop after a lengthy history in Excelsior , alongside tenants David Douglas Jewelers and Sweet Nautical . Of the businesses entering the fold , lake-centered clothing store Northern Drift breathed new life into Water Street as a fresh tenant , with açaí super-food franchise Nautical Bowls springing up sometime this year .
The Excelsior-Lake Minnetonka Chamber of Commerce keeps the community up-to-date on the comings and goings of business alongside their hosting of community events . The Black Gown Gala has become a new tradition in the city with two occurring so far in the winter and spring . The events have proved to bring together community members to appreciate lakeside fashion and support local commerce all at once . For more information about the chamber ’ s events , visit excelsiorlakeminnetonkachamber . com .
20 | LAKE MINNETONKA | Community Guide 2023