Development Spotlight: Spirit of Brandtjen Farm

The 594-acre farmstead was formerly owned and operated by Henry A. Brandtjen Sr., a co-founder of the printing company Brandtjen and Kluge. Brandtjen moved his family from St. Paul to Lakeville in the 1930s after purchasing farm land there. His farm broke a record for egg production in 1934 and dominated farm-animal contests for three decades. The farm acreage was sold in June 2003 and will now become the $1 billion development that will take fifteen years to complete.

Keeping a traditional sense of neighborhood living and adding the more modern look of suburbia, this community is a new breed of housing development. Picture narrow, tree-lined streets with more than twenty-two miles of sidewalks, alleys behind houses to set the garages out of sight, and large, front-yard porches to encourage neighborhood hospitality. A group of exclusive builders will construct single-family homes and townhomes ranging in a variety of architectural styles, such as farmhouse and arts and crafts.

The land will feature 2,109 homes and 150,000 square feet of commercial space. Homeowners don’t have to go far, though, to uncover a peaceful escape. Their backyard will be home to nature trails, about 100 acres of parks, and more than eighty acres of lakes and ponds.

The original dairy barn still stands on the property but has been renovated and turned into a community clubhouse with an outdoor pool. The space will house a community room, party room, game room, kitchen, fitness room, and loft for homeowner use. The original farmhouse and horse barn have also been renovated.

Model homes and the sales center are now open. Spirit of Brandtjen Farm, 952-322-3100.