According to Vaadeland, the meetings between the community leaders really came out of the idea of, “how can we make Starbuck a destination to visit and live.” She said both Kittelson, Minor, and herself, contacted Steve Klick to inquire about any help he could provide. Vaadeland said the project, wouldn’t have been possible without the help of the Steve Klick Foundation who helped pay for the architectural designs presented to the group on October 16.

“We are very grateful to Steve for seeing our vision for growth in the Minnewaska Area,” said Vaadeland. She said the project as a whole is meant to look forward to the future of Starbuck, and is aimed at revitalizing the lake-front area.

The project, which is essentially a 25-year plan, would put such things as three level condominiums, a water park, waterfront hotel/convention center, golf courses, expanded marina and more housing and development around the Starbuck area. The project would rely on the monetary backings of investors, meaning taxpayers wouldn’t be required to pay for the new development, and the city could potentially benefit from an increase in tax base city-wide.

If the project is completed as currently planned, the entire project could generate over $1 million in new tax revenue annually. Some of the additional tax revenue according to the project includes: $225,000 of annual revenue from a 90-lot high-end housing development on the south side of town, $350,000 of annual revenue from a 250-lot residential high to average priced homes on the north end of town, $165,000 for an approximately 250-lot more affordable housing development on the west side of town, and $315,000 in revenue (using a $75 million project value) from commercial and industrial development throughout the city.

Barry Glienke on behalf of Bolton and Menk Inc. who helped design the project, said the project was designed broad using “a fat brush to paint with,” when coming up with the concept and design. He said parts of the project were left vague so the needs of the private investors who will be paying for the project, and the desires of the community, can be addressed when and if the project is completed.

While no construction or investors are lined up, the project gives residents an outlook of what a revitalization project could look like in Starbuck. In order to give people a chance of picturing what could happen should a project take place, the project was broken down into three phases over the course of the next 25-years.
Though all phases and construction prospects would need to go through the proper permitting before coming to fruition, the following is a short overview of the 25-year project as presented October 16.

Phase one

Taking place over the next eight years, one of the main focuses of phase one of the project, is the development of the marina. According to the project, the marina would be expanded to the north to accommodate additional boat slips. A new water outlet creek is also planned to be rerouted to flow through the marina to alleviate problems in the marina resulting from stagnant water. Glienke said the expanded channel would help accommodate bigger boats. He also said there would be room for a small seasonal buildings for such things as boat, bike or kayak rentals. Some of the other amenities included in the new marina is an on water gas/bait store, restaurant, and eventually a hotel.

To make room for some future developments near the marina, Hobo Park would be moved to the west side of Highway 29, near the outlet creek from Lake Minnewaska. The park would include such things as shelter areas, rest room/shower facilities, playground areas, as well as electrical hookups. Glienke said the RV Park could include up to 200 units.

On land currently occupied by Minnewaska Marine, which according to the project plan would be relocated to another location in town, would be an outdoor water park. The new park would feature water slides, bath house/changing area, lounge area, and a concession area.

The industrial park will also be growing, with plans to add a number of industrial-type businesses in the area. This is planned to take place throughout the entire 25-year plan.

In addition, Glienke said the first phase calls for a number of residential developments including some “high end residential areas” located on the south side of the lake, and some affordable housing on the north and west side of town. Glienke said there will also be some three-level condos which will be built near the beach which he said would be ideal for vacation homes for those looking for low maintenance homes. Also part of phase one would be the building of an assisted living facility across the street from the beach.

Phase two

Looking ahead 8-15 years, phase two calls for continued residential development in both conventional homes and condos, as well as a number of recreational additions to the beach-front area.
One of the highlights of the second phase is a beach-front hotel/convention center which would be located in the newly developed portion of the marina.

Glienke said the plan also calls for a new nine-hole golf course which could double as a hunting club near County Road 18. The course would be open from Memorial Day to Labor Day and upon closing for the season, turn into a hunting area.

Another major highlight of the project would be the relocation of the airport to a yet-to-be determined location. Glienke said the plan isn’t to get rid of the airport, yet to move it to a location away from the highly coveted land near the lake.

Phase three

Set to begin approximately 15- 25 years down-the-road, phase three of the project calls for a large-lot housing development in the north east portion of the city. Portions of the new housing development would be adjacent to the second nine-hole golf course which would be built in the area.

Commercial-wise, much of the project revolves around redeveloping the site where the current airport sits. The plan calls for mixed use commercial properties with a variety of restaurants, retail businesses, professional buildings, and other general commercial purpose. The golf course area would also be developed with a fitness complex, restaurant and hotel, as well as a horse riding stable.

The final phase of the project also includes a boardwalk over the marina. The boardwalk bridge would be installed at the completion of the project and allow people to walk over the water itself.

Feedback

After giving a short overview of the project itself, Glienke opened up for questions.

Glienke said part of the project is aimed at bringing new people to Starbuck, either from the Twin Cities area or other regional areas who are looking for a second or vacation home. He said the project itself starts small in the number of buildings and offerings because it takes time to get people to the area. He said bringing new people in the area will rely on “word of mouth” to show people all of the new offerings and charm of Starbuck.

“It starts with one,” said Glienke. “If they have a good time then next year they may come back and bring two families.”

One need expressed by a person in the audience, was a hotel that features a convention center in order to give business owners an opportunity to plan on-site conventions in Starbuck.

Glienke said he is from Willmar and sees what happened at Green Lake and thinks a similar development could take shape in the Lake Minnewaska area.

Kittelson said he liked the possibilities from the project. He said in his opinion Starbuck has more assets on this side of Lake Minnewaska and is unique in the fact that in Glenwood, many of the lakefront areas are already developed with houses.

Though many in the audience seemed to be in favor of the project, or at least parts of the project, one question which continued to come up was what would be first should the project come to fruition. Glienke said the plan doesn’t have a set first step, yet relies on “what people are going to be comfortable investing in.”

However, he thought expanding the marina and moving the campground would probably be the first step “just to give people more of a reason to come.” By starting with the marina and campground, he said more people would be able to come to Starbuck and experience Lake Minnewaska. Vaadeland said the key is getting started and once that happens, a “domino effect” will begin as pieces of the puzzle will begin to fall together.