By Ivan Raconteur
Staff Writer

New lakeshore property could soon be available in New Germany as part of the Trophy Lake Estates project proposed by developer Grant Hustad.

The concept is a gated community built around three man-made lakes designed for water sports enthusiasts.

The New Germany project is planned for a 160-acre parcel on the west side of Carver County Road 33, between the City of New Germany and Highway 7.

Hustad has built three similar projects in Minnesota, at Glenwood, Pine Island, and Chisago County.

The New Germany project will include three 2,300-foot parallel lakes designed for recreational water sports.

The lakes will be separated by a berm that will include an observation area, tennis, basketball, and volleyball courts.

Most areas of the lakes will be about six feet deep, but some parts will be 12 to 14 feet deep to provide fish habitat.

The lakes will be stocked with walleye, bass, and yellow perch. In addition to providing fishing, the development will provide aquaculture, and fish eggs will be harvested by the DNR to be used for stocking other Minnesota lakes.

The lakes in the Trophy Lake projects are designed to provide the optimum conditions for water skiing, and the homeowners association will provide power boats.

Hustad said only one power boat will be operated at a time, and to minimize noise, only the quietest boats available will be used. No Jet Skis will be allowed on the lakes.

The Trophy Lake projects are located in areas where water naturally collects, and Hustad said they benefit the community by providing stormwater retention.

All roads within the gated community will be private, and lake access will be limited to residents.

Hustad said lake lots within the development will sell for about $200,000. Home designs must be approved by an architectural review committee, and houses are expected to cost a minimum of $250,000, with some homes in Trophy Lakes projects costing up to $1 million.

“This type of community is unique,” Hustad commented. “The lower density attracts a more upscale resident.”

Hustad has been working with New Germany and with Hollywood Township to get the property annexed into the city, which will be required in order for the property to connect to city sewer and water.

The property is in agricultural preserve until February 2009, but work on the site could begin as early as this spring.