Excelsior OKs general plans for first hotel on Lake Minnetonka in decades

February 24, 2013 at 3:09AM

The first hotel on Lake Minnetonka since 1964 is a step closer to reality.

In probably the most significant step in the process, the Excelsior City Council passed a general plan Tuesday for a hotel on Water Street just yards from the shoreline, essentially giving the project the green light.

"It represents a gateway to our town from the port," Mayor Mark Gaylord said. "It's a significant property and project. But it certainly wasn't without controversy."

About 50 residents signed a petition questioning the likely success of a hotel. But the City Council unanimously approved the planned unit development and design standards. In an unprecedented move, the council overturned a denial of the project by the city's Heritage Preservation Commission, which was concerned about its size and scale. The hotel will be the tallest building in Excelsior, and the site is the largest parcel of land available in the city.

It still needs final approval, which is expected from the council in coming months.

KELLY SMITH

@kellystrib

about the writer

about the writer

Kelly Smith

News team leader

Kelly Smith is a news editor, supervising a team of reporters covering Minnesota social services, transportation issues and higher education. She previously worked as a news reporter for 16 years.

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