June 1st, 2006

BY NHIA TONGCHAI LEE

Pioneer Press

Posted on Wed, May. 31, 2006

The Lilydale Tennis and Health Club is one call closer to becoming a condominium development.

Lilydale’s planning commission board gave developer Mendota Homes Inc. the recommendation on May 24 to go ahead with plans to convert the 9-acre area, perched on a bluff overlooking the Mississippi River, into a $40 million project boasting a four-story, 89-unit building.

The developer will have to meet the conditions set by the city to build 40 feet away from the bluff and setting back the fourth story seven feet from the edge of the building.

“It’s to decrease visibility of the building and have it not be as imposing to the area,” said John Mathern, owner of Mendota Homes. He added that the structure will be built with limestone and stucco, a smooth cement finish that will provide a more natural look.

City policy requires developers to set aside a certain percentage of their property for green space, and the city and Mendota Homes still are negotiating to make 8 percent of the tennis club land a park. The building will occupy about half of the 9 acres, leaving about 4 acres for potential park development, Mathern said.

Construction will begin on the site as soon as the city council gives it the green light. Mathern said construction should last about a year and a half.

Resident Marilyn Lundberg said she is worried about the building taking up green space.

“I walk and bike a lot through the area,” she said. “I’m concerned about the public’s access to the bluff once the building goes up. I just hope the development enhances open space for the community and (does) not take it away.”

Tennis club owner Clayton Rein sold the property for $6 million to Mathern in January, saying he was no longer able to manage the property and that his daughter, Judy Rein, who is the director, is retiring soon.

Rein built the tennis club in 1972 along with two other clubs, both of which closed because of lack of business.

The 3,000 members of the Lilydale Club will now have to take their tennis game elsewhere.

Husband and wife Mike and Barbara Lowe have been members for 20 years.

“It was a five-minute drive from where we live,” said Barbara Lowe, who lives in West St. Paul. “We haven’t found a new place that has all the features the Lilydale club offers.”

To see the original article please visit http://www.twincities.com/mld/twincities/news/local/14703280.htm