Hey Chanhassen! Eight issues in — and somehow the newsletter keeps getting bigger. This week we've got a major update on Old St. Hubert Church that you won't want to miss, a business spotlight on a shop that's doing something genuinely special for this community, road project updates that affect just about every corner of the city, and a piece of Chanhassen history from 61 years ago. Oh, and there's a trivia question this week that we're pretty confident most of you won't get right. Here's what's chanhappenin'.
Old St. Hubert Church — $10,000 Donation Fuels Next Step
Big news for the Save Old St. Hubert Committee — and for everyone who's been following this story.
The committee recently received a $10,000 anonymous donation through the Chanhassen Historical Society via Community Asset Foundation. The funds will be put to work in two ways: updating a structural engineering report (estimated at $3,100) to refresh the current restoration cost estimate of approximately $980,000, and hiring a Community Engagement Consultant to begin formal conversations with the community about restoring Old St. Hubert.
Those conversations are already underway. Phase 1 began last week with committee members, with community leaders and stakeholders up next — the goal is to complete Phase 1 by May 14. The committee also spoke to a packed house at the Chanhassen Historical Society's Annual Meeting last week. The momentum is real.
Want to help make restoration happen? Three ways to support:
On May 6, 1965, one of the worst tornado outbreaks in Twin Cities history sent six twisters tearing across the metro — killing 13 people and injuring 683. One F4 tornado touched down right here in Chanhassen near Lake Susan and traveled 7 miles on the ground. How many Chanhassen residents were killed or injured?
Scroll down for the answer
Lotus Lake Gifts - www.lotuslakegifts.com
Lotus Lake Gifts & Home Décor — The Gift Shop Built to Lift People Up
Before Katie Nordby ever unlocked the door to her own store, she spent years working with people with disabilities — first in adult day programs, then as a special education teacher. Seven years into teaching, some personal life events prompted her to take a step back. It was during that pause that she and her mom Nancy started seriously talking about something they'd casually floated before: opening a gift shop together.
But Katie wasn't interested in opening just any shop.
"I wanted it to be a place where people could come to be lifted up — a special place within the community. A place where all are welcome and where people feel loved." From day one, she knew she wanted to keep people with disabilities at the center of it. That commitment has never wavered.
Today, Lotus Lake Gifts & Home Décor on West 78th Street carries a carefully curated mix of gifts, home décor, and products from approximately 35 local artists. But what Katie is most proud of has nothing to do with what's on the shelves.
The store is an official job site for students with special needs in Carver County. Each semester, a new crew of students comes in daily to work on real job skills — clocking in, counting money, pricing items, opening orders, and more. The store works with both the local high school and a local transition program. One former student has even been hired on as a staff member.
"I love showing the community the special gifts that each of these students has to share with the world," Katie says. "People have such huge hearts when opportunities are right in front of them."
Many customers time their shopping trips specifically to say hello to the students. It's that kind of place.
Lotus Lake Gifts & Home Décor · 412 W 78th St, Chanhassen · Mon–Sat 10AM–5PM · lotuslakegifts.com · (952) 934-3485
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Chanhassen Community Center Rendering, City of Chanhassen
City Council Approves Management Agreement for New Community Center
On Monday, the City Council unanimously approved a facility management agreement with Sports Facilities Companies (SFC) for the future Chanhassen Community Center. The firm — which has more than two decades of experience operating recreation and sports venues nationwide — has already been involved during the planning and design phases, and the agreement now shifts that work into pre-opening support and long-term operations.
Pre-opening responsibilities include hiring and training staff, developing memberships and programs, marketing the facility, and coordinating with user groups. Current Recreation Center Manager Jodi Sarles will serve as General Manager of the new facility.
Council members were clear on one thing: this remains a city-owned, city-directed public facility. Chanhassen retains full ownership of the building and final authority over budgets, pricing, policies, and major decisions — SFC handles day-to-day management under city oversight. Residents should continue to view it as their Community Center.
Market Boulevard Improvement Project — Construction Starting May 26
The city held its Preconstruction Meeting this week with contractor Valley Paving, and things are moving. The first road closures are planned for Tuesday, May 26, when construction kicks off in earnest. Work will happen in phases, as outlined in previous project updates. Private utility relocation has already begun, and tree clearing and minor removal work may start before May 26 — no road closures needed for that phase. Work hours are Mon–Sat, 6:00 AM–7:00 PM (extended hours possible with special permission). A detailed phase schedule from Valley Paving is expected soon — we'll share updates as they develop.
Questions or concerns? Reach out to the project contacts directly: Chase Platt (Inspector) · (763) 244-4810 · [email protected] · Ben Phillips (City Construction Manager) · (612) 358-7085 · [email protected]
2026 Pavement Rehabilitation Project — Fox Hollow & Vasserman Ridge
The City Council unanimously approved the 2026 City Pavement Rehabilitation Project last Monday, awarding the contract to GMH Asphalt. The project covers 2.2 miles across two neighborhoods — full reconstruction in Fox Hollow and pavement rehab plus utility upgrades in Vasserman Ridge. Additional improvements near North Lotus Lake Park will address parking and trail concerns raised by residents. Construction starts this month, with substantial completion expected this fall.
Mother's Day at The O.G. Coffee & Wine Bar · Sunday May 10 · 9:00AM · The O.G. Coffee & Wine Bar · Start her morning with a yoga session, followed by brunch and a drink — all wrapped up in a curated gift package. Additional items available for purchase. · Secure her gift & spot
58th Annual Arboretum Plant Sale · Friday–Saturday May 8–9 · 8:00AM–4:00PM · Farm at the Arb, Minnesota Landscape Arboretum · Free admission, timed tickets required · A Chanhassen-area tradition since 1968 — shop annuals, perennials, vegetables, herbs, roses, hostas, Minnesota natives, trees, and U of M-introduced apple and fruit varieties, all selected by Arboretum horticultural experts. Proceeds support the Arboretum's 1,200 acres of gardens, natural areas, and trails. · Get your timed tickets.
Happenin’ Soon
Free Document Shredding · Saturday May 16 · 9:00AM–Noon (or until truck fills) · Chanhassen Public Works · Free · Bring up to 4 boxes of paper documents for secure on-site shredding. Great excuse to finally clear out that filing cabinet. · chanhassenmn.gov
Cars & Caves — May Edition · Saturday May 30 · 9:00AM–Noon · Chanhassen AutoPlex · Free · This month's show features Classics (25 years or older), benefitting the Alzheimer's Association of MN-ND. Over 400 vehicles on display indoors and outdoors across the 20-acre campus — Dandy Lion Coffee and Dog Park Gourmet on site. Collector car owners welcome on a first-come, first-served basis · chanhassenautoplex.com
Scroll down for what’s “Happenin’ Every Week”
Aftermath of 1965 Tornado, Main Street - Chanhassen Historical Society
1850s — George Powers came to Chanhassen from Belchestertown, Massachusetts in the early 1850s. A college graduate and active civic figure, he held offices at both the township and local levels — leaving enough of a mark on the community that Powers Boulevard still bears his name today.
Source: Chanhassen Historical Society
Zero. Despite a massive F4 tornado touching down near Lake Susan and carving a 7-mile path through Chanhassen on May 6, 1965, not a single resident was killed or injured. It remains one of the most remarkable stories from the deadliest tornado outbreak in Twin Cities history.
Trivia Mafia at Hackamore Brewing · Every Wednesday · 7:00PM · Hackamore Brewing — check triviamafia.com/hackamore for the current schedule and theme nights.
Two Pints & A Pizza Night · Every Monday · Hackamore Brewing · Good beer, good food, and a golf simulator · Check hackamorebrewing.com for current schedule.
Live Music at Moe's Char House · Every Saturday · 6:00–9:30PM · Great food, handcrafted drinks, and live acoustic music. A perfect low-key Saturday night.
Live Music at Brindisi's Pub · Every Tuesday · 6:00–8:30PM · Right next door to Chanhassen Dinner Theatres · Dog friendly patio when weather allows · Happy hour 2–6 PM.