Construction of the new Shoreline Hotel in Spring Park is well underway, bringing it closer each day to welcoming guests to the shores of Lake Minnetonka. Originally targeted for spring 2024, project developer Kelly Olsen says the hotel is now on track to be completed by August, with reservations starting in September 2024.
The inside of the former office building known as the The Yacht Club is being completely renovated to accommodate 27 king suites (23 of which will face the lake), a restaurant and bar, and event space. Guests will also enjoy a variety of amenities, including a sand beach, boat slips, a floating pool in the lake, and a rental cabana for non-motorized watercraft like paddleboards and kayaks, as well as bikes.
While Olsen is currently in the process of finalizing arrangements for a chef for the restaurant, the establishment already bears a meaningful name — Cabana Anna’s, a tribute to Olsen’s beloved late grandmother.
“My grandma held a special place in my heart; she was my maid of honor at my wedding,” recalled Olsen fondly. ““My grandma had it figured out. She didn’t worry too much and spent lots of time with her family.”
This sentiment resonates deeply with Olsen’s vision for the hotel, aspiring to create a sanctuary where guests can unwind and cherish moments with their loved ones.
In addition to the restaurant, there will also be a walk up window for beachgoers and boaters to place takeaway orders.
Although there isn’t a formal fitness area, Olsen shares that the hotel intends to offer morning yoga classes. Moreover, due to its convenient location, guests can easily explore the area on foot and partake in various water activities.
Olsen also reveals that the hotel will also serve as a MasterCraft Experience Center providing boat charters, boat rentals, and wake surfing lessons.
“I think for a lot of people, boating on Lake Minnetonka is a little bit intimidating, especially if you want to stop at different locations along with the lake,” said Olsen. “It takes a lot of the worry away if you have somebody who can drive the boat for you and your only job is to just have a good time.”
In terms of the hotel design, Olsen and her team are aiming to repurpose as many of the existing elements as possible. For instance, there was a 300-year-old oak tree from the parking lot, which had to be cut down due to splitting and rot, and that is being used to create woodwork for the main staircase.
“This building was perfectly designed to be a hotel from the start, from the layout of the hallways to the size of the office bays,” said Olsen. “The design is completely focused on bringing the lake and the nature in so it’s really serene.”
The hotel will incorporate elements that celebrate the local community as well. For instance, the lower-level bathrooms, accessible to beachgoers, will feature wallpaper adorned with historic photos of Lake Minnetonka hotels. Additionally, a webcam will be installed in the tower on top of the hotel, allowing guests to check the current weather in real-time.
Olsen also plans to display artwork from local artists at the hotel without taking a commission.
“My late husband was an artist, and I believe many people enjoy buying art while on vacation because it serves as a beautiful reminder of their experience,” said Olsen.
She encourages interested artists to reach out via email to info@shorelinehotel.com .
Another charming feature of the hotel is the nightly playing of taps from the balcony at sunset during boating season. Gary Marquardt, a local resident renowned for his performances at Casco Point, relocated with his wife last year and discovered a new venue for continuing this tradition.
One persistent challenge for the hotel since its inception has been parking. In response, Olsen has embarked on an exciting new venture inspired by the property—a potential development of a 10-15 unit condominium building, complete with underground parking. This envisioned addition would be nestled between the hotel and the neighboring Minnetonka Edgewater Apartments and would help to enhance guest accessibility.
As plans for the proposed condominium building continue to take shape, The Shoreline’s Facebook page will serve as a hub for updates in the coming months. Meanwhile, Olsen eagerly anticipates the opening of the property to guests, noting, “there’s been a lot of evolution of the project over the last two years, but I’m really pleased with where we’ve landed.”
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