This room rendering highlights the stunning views of Lake Minnetonka, which are likely to be a big draw for guests. Rendering: The Shoreline Hotel
Kelly Olsen’s latest development project will welcome lakeside guests.
Many Minnesotans know how wonderful and magical it is to live it up on the lake—even if it’s for only an overnight visit. Starting this summer, guests will have the opportunity to share in that experience right on the shores of Lake Minnetonka
The Shoreline Hotel in Spring Park is the latest project from real estate developer and creative Kelly Olsen. Olsen is a local, and when she got the opportunity to purchase the building and propose a boutique hotel, she couldn’t let it pass her by. Her latest project will offer 27 guest rooms (23 of which face the lake and feature private decks!), a restaurant (serving meals throughout the day), an event space (Think: private gatherings and special events, meetings, group morning yoga and more.), a spa and plenty of comfortable, relaxing outdoor space along the water, including a marina with 32 slips.
Doran Special Projects out of Bloomington is helping transform the space that was built in 1996 and once served as office building, which was only at 53 percent capacity when Olsen purchased it. With an enviable and prime spot on the shore, the property was ideally suited to welcome in more than half its capacity.
Enter Olsen and her team of investors. Turning away from office-centric interiors and toward the natural, water-focused vibe is a driving tenet. Naming the boutique hotel The Shoreline Hotel is reflective of the design focus. “… Our real intent is to just bring the lake in—natural, relaxing environment,” Olsen says.
Repurposing and sustainable practices are also at the forefront of decision making. “We did have to take a large oak tree down that was rotted, and we shipped it up to Brainerd to be milled and turned into various elements in the hotel,” she says. The work is being done through Big Wood Timber Frames, owned by local Mike Nicklaus. Possible uses could include flooring, furniture, shelving elements and other unique pieces that will be a part of the hotel’s design story.
The outdoor space will also feature a sundeck with loungers. “We’ve got a sandy beach that we’ll be enhancing as we move forward,” Olsen says. Guests could also find paddle boards, water-focused rental options and wakesurf lessons with Spring Park’s Alexa Score, TV host/personality and former wakeboard professional.
Olsen says the hotel will be a great place for a host of events. “Just about anybody could come for the weekend and experience the lake lifestyle, or you could rent out the entire hotel if you’re doing a wedding. Get married on the beach, and have all of your people stay at the hotel,” she says. Local residents, who live in condos or smaller homes, might feel a space pinch when guests come to town for extended stays. Enter The Shoreline, which can serve as the ultimate “guest room.”
Locals should know that the area’s newest neighbor is more than a hotel. When getting community input, Olsen says many neighbors expressed their desire for a go-to spot. “I would love for our restaurant to feel like that gathering place for the community. Come for breakfast, lunch or dinner; meet up with your friends, grab a coffee, sit out on the deck and look at the lake. I would like for this to be a hub,” she says.
Olsen is working with some of the same team members, who developed The Guest House in Excelsior. Olsen says, “The Guest House is great for a large group, but this is the other hole in the market—meant for staycations, staying for the night, coming in from out of town and really experiencing the lake lifestyle.”
The development of The Guest House was filmed for a TV series called Miss INNdependent, which aired on KSTP-TV and followed nine female entrepreneurs as they transformed the property into a unique vacation destination. The Shoreline project is being filmed, too, and will be available to stream soon.
Welcome Back
Local historians know that The Shoreline Hotel is the first hotel located on the lake since the Hotel Del Otero, 4050 Shoreline Drive. It was built by James J. Hill and burned down in 1945. Almost 80 years later, this newest hotel is bringing more hospitality excitement to the Lake Minnetonka community. As Kelly Olsen says, “We’re feeling the buzz.”
The Shoreline Hotel
4165 Shoreline Drive, Spring Park
info@shorelinehotel.com
Facebook: The Shoreline Lake Minnetonka
Instagram: @shorelinehotellakeminnetonka
