June 2nd, 2006

Nhia Tong Chai Lee

Pioneer Press

Posted on Fri, Jun. 02, 2006

BRIEFING: LILYDALE

The Lilydale Tennis and Health Club officially served up its last match Wednesday night.

The Lilydale City Council gave final approval to developer Mendota Homes Inc.’s plans to put a four-story condominium building on the 9-acre property.

Construction on the $40 million project is slated to start this fall and last about a year and a half, said John Mathern, owner of Mendota Homes.

Part of the Dakota County trail system winds through the property, which is perched on a bluff overlooking the Mississippi River. But Mathern said nearby residents concerned over losing green space shouldn’t worry.

“We want to enhance the trail system on our property by adding natural planting and widening the paths a little,” he said. The 89-unit building will be built on only half of the land.

Mathern said about 20 people have already expressed interest in purchasing a condo.

The club, which had 3,000 members, was sold earlier this year to the developer.

To view the original article visit:
http://www.twincities.com/mld/twincities/news/local/states/minnesota/counties/dakota/14722695.htm