Total Lots: 47
Lot Size: .25 to .5 acres
Price Range for Lot and Home Package: Average of $2 million
Builders: Streeter & Associates, Keith Waters &
Associates, Jyland Distinctive Homes, Steiner Koppelman, LLC, L. Cramer
Designers + Builders, Kyle Hunt & Partners
Who’s Buying: Baby boomers looking for a second home or to
downsize
Smart development is the focus of Locust Hills, located on
the former estate of the Sweatt family, which was involved in founding
Honeywell. The European-style neighborhood, situated on Gray’s Bay on Lake
Minnetonka, will house 44 villas and three lake homes. “We took a much more
thoughtful way of developing the property with a conservation
approach—higher-density, smaller lots that are grouped closer together in an
effort to preserve as much open space as possible,” says Jeremy Pflaum of Locust
Hills Development, LLC, in Wayzata.
Restoration of native plants will enhance the existing mature trees and wetlands. Locust Hills will also keep the original brick horse stable and convert it into a private club for residents. A separate room will house historic photos of the area.
To enhance Locust Hills’ design approach, the developers are restricting the size of the homes. Main-living areas cannot exceed 2,600 square feet of livable space; upper levels need to be half that size.
Streeter & Associates, one of the development’s six approved builders, decided to work on the project because of the amenities it offers. “Having a clubhouse with central pool and being a part of a neighborhood will be attractive to a lot of people,” says principal Steven Streeter. “The design guidelines will give people peace of mind. These homes will all be of quality, versus one being really nice and the next one being a stucco box.” Streeter adds that his designs will be in an English traditional style and will offer custom stone and millwork.
