INSIDE OA DESIGN+ BUILD+ARCHITECTURE’S HONEST APPROACH TO RENOVATION PRICING.
DESIGNING FOR LIFE, NOT TRENDS, WITH RON CLARK CONSTRUCTION & DESIGN.
Growth & Hope
Spring has sprung! Very soon we will be enjoying another beautiful Minnesota season with sunshine and warmth, the sound of rain, and the return of color. The start of 2026 was a challenging one for our community, and winter can sometimes feel long and cold. But, all is not lost. Spring brings with it growth and hope, even when life seems impossible.
Edina is home for us, and Edina Lifestyle celebrates some of what makes it special with our annual March Home issue.
For 45 years, Ron Clark has been building and designing homes that stand the test of time. One of their longtime team members, Barbara Cross, shares what goes into making the perfect space and the difference in the Ron Clark process.
Remodeling and even building new can have its challenges and rewards. In the past few years, we have seen costs rise across the board. OA Design Build, a wellknown player in the space, shares what has changed and elements to factor in when considering a project today.
If a full new build or remodeling project isn’t on the horizon soon, The Little Blind Spot has options to transform a room with shutters, shades, blinds or draperies. From high-tech automated products to tried and true industry brand names, their team can help customize your sanctuary and tailor window treatments to allow letting the world in or keeping it at bay.
Family is the key to home, and no matter where you live, it’s the people and oftentimes - the children in it - who are the heart. Revolutionary Sports is a program founded by John Richardson in 2001. John saw a need in the community, and started a program to help coach kids across sports disciplines. After years of forging relationships with park & recreation boards in the metro, he continues his mission today, which provides quality, age appropriate sports instruction, skill development and a focus on inclusion.
We hope this month fills you with the growth and hope of spring, new opportunity and connection with the people and places that make Edina home.
Our team appreciates you,
ALEXANDRA PATTY, PUBLISHER
March 2026
PUBLISHER
Alexandra Patty | alexandra.patty@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Sarah Knieff | sarah.knieff@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Susan Shannon | susan.shannon@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Sue Baldani, Sarah Knieff, David Scheller
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Posers Photography
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Mary Albers
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsi Southard
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Hannah Leimkuhler
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
Children’s Theatre Company’s production of Go, Dog. Go! • Ve Perro ¡Ve!
Want to be seen in the magazine?
TAG YOUR INSTAGRAM PHOTOS WITH @EDINA_LIFESTYLE
Photography by Kaitlin Randolph
Ask Susan
Susan Stiles CFP, CHFC, AIF, CPFA, MBA Founder / CEO Stiles Financial Services, Inc.
Dear Susan: My spouse and I are considering a second home. Are there advantages to looking out of state?
Susan:
Before purchasing a second home, you and your spouse should evaluate three key factors: your long-term lifestyle goals, the true cost of owning and maintaining two homes along with the potential income tax savings if you seek residency in a state with lower income taxes than where you currently live, and then what it really takes to prove legal residency—because it’s more than just buying property. The best decision is the one that aligns your financial plan with how you actually want to live and this takes a lot of soul searching and conversation. Let’s take a look at what that means in my deep dive, follow-up video on this topic. Snap the QR code below to join me.
monthly
Now Open: King Brothers Clothiers
The premier luxury custom clothier in Minneapolis is now open in Edina! After a 12-year stint in Northeast Minneapolis, Kenny and Danny King (twin brothers and business partners) have moved their appointment-only suit shop to 50th & France. King Brothers Clothiers offers bespoke luxury clothing with an expertly structured process. "We guide business professionals, professional athletes, and everyone in between in building wardrobes with intention, authority, and purpose." Request an appointment online. www.kingbrosclothiers.com.
Now Open: Noma Hi-Fi
Noma Hi-Fi Bar has officially opened in Edina’s vibrant 50th & France district as the latest craft cocktail destination from Daniel del Prado’s DDP Restaurant Group. Serving imaginative $15-$17 cocktails alongside beer, wine, sake and NA options, the dimly lit, Japanese-influenced space pairs drinks with snacks like gyoza and milk bread with nori butter. Vinyl tunes and DJs set the vibe Thursday through Saturday evenings—perfect for locals seeking elevated sips and social nights out. nomahifi.com.
CONTINUED >
New members on the team? On location or in-studio headshots (next to Bunny’s in SLP) have taken on a new twist with the desire for people to be approachable as well as social media content drips for the year. This is a great time to refresh your brand and include your team along the way. As featured on Twin Cities Live!
Rejuvenation: Timeless Design, Thoughtfully Crafted for Modern Living
Discover timeless design and quality craftsmanship this month at Rejuvenation in Galleria Edina! Founded in 1977, the brand blends history-inspired lighting, hardware, furniture, and home décor with modern functionality and durability. Locally, our showroom showcases hundreds of fixtures and collections, plus personalized design support for every project — from home refreshes to full renovations. Stop by to explore classic and contemporary pieces that elevate Edina homes with lasting style and purpose. rejuvenation.com
Quality + Quirkery
MAKE YOUR HOUSE WORK FOR YOU
ARTICLE BY SUE BALDANI
PHOTOGRAPHY
PROVIDED BY OA
GET ACCURATE ESTIMATES TO REMODEL YOUR HOME AND STAY WHERE YOU LOVE
People have many reasons for renovating a home. It may be that they just purchased a fixer-upper, need more square footage due to the birth of children, or desire a downstairs primary bedroom later in life.
Renovations may range from redoing a small bathroom or remodeling a kitchen to adding an entire floor or wing. Whatever the reason, homeowners want the job done right with a company they can trust to deliver quality work and accurate estimates.
“People will often price out the cost of the big materials, but they forget about lots of other things,” says Michael Anschel, the founder and owner of OA Design+build+architecture. And all of those other things can add up quickly.
“There are all of the in-between hardware costs (wire, pipe, fasteners, connections), the labor to put them all together, and the labor to acquire all of the parts,” he says. “Then, there are the tools needed to connect the parts or install the object, the disposables (blades, bits, tape, floor protection, rags, glue, etc.), and the maintenance of the tools.”
Other costs include the vehicles and related costs, the time to travel to and from a job, and the time to set up (haul the tools in from the vehicle). These are only the tip of the iceberg.
These are costs people need to consider when requesting an estimate. One of the most frustrating things for a homeowner is having to increase their budget again and again.
“The biggest way to avoid cost overruns and surprises is to go through a thorough design process,” says Michael. “If you don't have full drawings and specifications, contractors are just guessing, and the cost will change either just before construction or during construction. So pay to have this done, and then send it out for a quote, and you can get accurate pricing for the project.”
“THEYLOVETHEIR
One thing that OA does to stand out in the industry is to be fully transparent in its pricing. “We let our clients see all of the actual costs from the lumber yard, from the trade partners, from everyone and everything.” None of these are marked up for a profit.
The client can see everything that goes into the project, as well as what OA hopes to make on it. “This is actually a lot less than they think,” he says. “On a $100,000 project that spans 8-10 weeks, we might be hoping to make an $18,000 profit,
which doesn't sound wildly unreasonable.” By being transparent, if the client wishes to reduce the cost, they may then choose more affordable materials or to alter the scope.
Of course, just like in other industries, prices have increased significantly. “Over the last 12 years, we have seen an explosion in cost for several reasons. We have a huge labor shortage in the trades, and so they demand significantly higher wages. Steel and drywall went up about 600%, and we also saw lumber prices spike.”
WHAT DOES A PROJECT COST?
Remodeling Interior:
• Bathroom: $85-130K
• Kitchen: $100- 250K
• Basement: $170K for a basic finish. Add $70 – 100K for bathroom. Add $30 - $60K for a wet bar.
Remodeling Addition: Foundation type matters!
• Small Room without plumbing: $140K +
• Small room with full foundation & crawlspace for plumbing: $210K + cost of room ($70K + bathroom, 80K+ kitchen).
• Basement finished: $170 - 250K for basic finish with drain tile.
New construction:
$350K – 550K + per square feet (psf)
Kitchens, bathrooms, and mechanical systems are the most expensive parts. A smaller home still has those costs, so the cost psf goes up.
“MANY PEOPLE LOOK AT THEIR HOMES AS A COMMODITY, WHEN THEY SHOULD BE LOOKING AT THEM AS SOMETHING THAT MEETS THEIR NEEDS AND LIFESTYLE.”
Due to these higher costs, some homeowners are scaling down on which rooms to renovate. Michael advises choosing the room that's not working for you rather than basing it on return on investment.
“Many people look at their homes as a commodity, when they should be looking at them as something that meets their needs and lifestyle. One of the things that I really love about the Twin Cities is how our clients love their community. They love their neighborhoods and want their house to be a space they enjoy being in.”
Even if a home needs a complete overhaul, it’s often cheaper than building new.
“Up until around $950,000, remodeling is probably the way to go,” he says. “We have a house that is in a great location but is too small and was remodeled previously on the cheap. We’re going to gut the inside, and put on a two-story addition. It'll basically be a brand-new energy efficient house with beautiful locally made cabinetry and healthy finishes.. To build that house from scratch, if we took the extra step to tear it down and frame it all up, it would easily be $1.5 million.”
To learn more and find out how you can make your house work for you, visit OADesignBuild.com or call 612-789-7070.
LITTLE BLIND SPOT
ARTICLE BY DAVID SCHELLER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY POSERS PHOTOGRAPHY
I admit to having exquisite taste. I’m sure you could do the same. To us, envisioning the perfect interior space – complete with window treatments that elevate it to the pinnacle of good taste – comes easy. But here’s the problem with visionaries like you and me: when it comes to execution, we often find ourselves getting a little flustered. Actually finding the perfect shades, blinds, shutters or drapery can prove frustrating, if not outright impossible. And installing them in a way that doesn’t embarrass your home? Equally so.
That’s why I thank goodness Little Blind Spot of Hopkins is here. Bring them your vision, or have their expert design services help your vision take form. They’ll give you the royal window treatment either way. It’s just that easy!
“My longtime colleague Bill and I recently sold the software company we had spent twenty years building,” said Mark Johnson, co-owner of Little Blind Spot. “We weren’t sure what our next venture should be, but we both knew we wanted to switch things up by creating something tangible; something people could see and appreciate, as opposed to little electric ones and zeros.”
“Mark and I went through big home improvement projects during that hiatus,” said Bill Osteraas, co-owner. “I moved from the suburbs to South Minneapolis. Mark did a complete renovation of his home in Excelsior. It was fortuitous, then, that we would both really get into redesigning living spaces at that time.”
That Little Blind Spot would go up for sale right when Mark and Bill had awakened their inner Property Brothers? Even more fortuitous still.
“We loved everything about Little Blind Spot right away,” said Bill. “The great brand, name recognition, and reputation for customer service it had cultivated since its grand opening in 1978. Its stressfree start-to-finish window treatment consultation, design and installation process. Its existing staff, who are already the best in the Twin Cities at their respective specialties, and whose installation professionals share over four decades of experience between them. The unbelievable number of people we already knew, who turned out to have been happy Little Blind Spot customers in the past. Everything pointed to our perfect next business!”
“Bill and I are a couple of old … actually, let’s say ‘experienced’ entrepreneurs,” said Mark. “We recognized everything great about this opportunity, but we also saw how much we could improve on it. That began with a full showroom makeover, transforming a space that had grown frumpy ages ago into one befitting of a luxury car dealership. (It’s now the chicest spot in Downtown Hopkins, if I do say so myself.) Next we helped our staff expand their perception of our services; not merely designing
CONTINUED >
“We weren’t sure what our next venture should be, but we both knew we wanted to switch things up by creating something tangible; something people could see and appreciate, as opposed to little electric ones and zeros.”
and installing custom window treatments, but looking for any way our process can create greater value, right down to offering couch pillows to match new drapery. We’ll soon elevate our customers’ experience even further by incorporating virtual design into our services – a huge boon to our clients who are remodeling remote vacation homes, and only have photos to share with us.”
“Little Blind Spot’s long-established partnership with Hunter Douglas is here to stay, though,” said Bill. “Their products’ quality, functionality and variety are all without equal, and perfectly in keeping with the luxury our brand is synonymous with.
“Hunter Douglas’ expansive selection of shades, blinds, shutters and drapery guarantees the perfect fit for any property. Maybe you’re just refreshing your bedroom or living room. Maybe you’ve replaced every window in your home, and now need all the right finishing touches. Or maybe you’re updating a commercial space, and want to make a great impression on your own clients. From traditional draperies to ‘automagic’ electric blinds with full Wi-Fi integration, Hunter Douglas provides it all.
“Motorized window treatments have come a long way, by the way. Instead of
replacing eighteen double-As every other month, you’re now recharging a lithium-ion battery once or twice a year – or not, with a hardwired option.
“So much variety might have overwhelmed our clients were it not for our in-house design service,” said Mark. “That begins with a complimentary consultation, where one of our experts visits your home, learns how you live and what you expect from your new window treatments, and advises the styles, fabrics, and motorization options that will complement your living space best. Once you’ve accepted our proposal, we’ll have completed the installation within just a couple of weeks.
“We believe window treatments should never be an afterthought. They are too central to creating the right mood in whichever room they accentuate. They may be decor, but at the end of the day, they are also an emotional decision. We give something so important the care it is due!”
Visit Little Blind Spot’s newly updated showroom at 17 8th Avenue South, Hopkins Monday through Saturday, 10am-4pm. If you don’t schedule your free consultation in person, call (952) 935-4353 or visit LittleBlindSpotMN.com today!
CREATE A SPACE THAT FITS YOU AND YOUR LIFESTYLE NOW AND IN THE FUTURE
HOMES THAT STAND
THE TEST OF TIME
While trends may look beautiful and fun, they may or may not be practical for a homeowner's lifestyle. When it comes to designing a house, building one that is trendy can get expensive later on when changes need to be made, since trends come and go.
“The key phrase is ‘come and go’,” says interior design manager Barbara Cross, who has been with Ron Clark Construction & Design for 25 years and has seen plenty of trends. “Our job is to find out what homeowners love - or don’t love - in their current homes and build on that.”
In business since 1975, Ron Clark Construction & Design has had to change with the times and educate its clients along the way. “Every day, year, and decade is different,” she says. “Products, technology, and people are constantly changing. Some of these changes are awesome, and some are challenging, but they’re never boring!”
Since it takes about a year to build a house, by the time it’s built, a trend may have already passed. And even if it is still in style, it may not fit the way a homeowner lives. Take, for example, Calacatta marble. For someone who loves to cook and wants their countertops to stay pristine, marble, which stains easily and is susceptible to scratches and other damage, would not be a smart choice. But, if the homeowner eats out all the time and doesn’t have to worry about the practicality, only the beauty, then marble is lovely.
Especially with AI getting in the mix, educating clients is more important than ever, since many photos don't accurately reflect the true design. “For a long time, it was these bath vanities that were open underneath the countertop. But, these pictures don’t show the plumbing, so that’s not how it's going to look in reality.”
This is one of the reasons the Ron Clark team focuses on communication. “We try to find out what drew them to that photo or post,” she says. “Many times, it isn't exactly about what’s in the photo at all, but rather the ‘cozy feeling’ or maybe even just like the rug.”
“THAT’S WHAT WE DO BEST – WE TAKE ALL THEIR IDEAS, TREASURES, WANTS, AND NEEDS AND GUIDE THEM INTO CREATING A GORGEOUS PLACE THAT IS ALL THEM.”
Sometimes, clients will walk into a model home and decide they want their home to look exactly like it. “We then might find out they have a blonde Scandinavian table and that is not going to look good with dark raised panel cabinetry so we start asking questions. What do you like about it? Do you like the feel of it? We learn about their likes and dislikes, and then we help guide them in a way that's going to make their house theirs.”
Ron Clark Construction & Design prides itself on not producing cookie-cutter homes that look exactly like the next one. For some clients, though, thinking about building from the ground up and making every decision along the way can be daunting.
“Part of the beauty of Ron Clark is its process,” says Barb. “We have experts leading them through that process, because when they look at it all at once, it's overwhelming, but when they take it step by step, it makes it much more seamless and less stressful.”
A client’s first meeting is called “Meet the Team”, and it's everybody who's going to be involved in their house. “Sales, design, and construction are all part of the process, which means lots of ears and eyes to make sure the buyer is heard and given all the options.” They also hold weekly internal meetings to make sure buyers' questions and concerns don’t fall through the cracks.
All selections, she explains, are made by the buyer with subcontractors that have been working with the company for years, many for over 20 and quite a few over 30. “They are the true experts in their fields, and it shows.”
Homes will also cater to homeowners’ specific interests. Hobby, music, and wellness rooms are just a few examples. Do they have pets? Then, cabinetry with dedicated openings for crates can be done. The possibilities are endless.
The bottom line is they need to love it, and not just today, but for years down the line. “We have experience, honesty, tact, and lack of ego,” says Barb. “If they are headed in a direction that we don’t feel 100% about, we talk about it. And if, in the end, it’s still what they really want to do, that’s fine. It’s their home.”
She adds, “That's what we do best – we take all their ideas, treasures, wants, and needs and guide them into creating a gorgeous place that is all them.”
To find out more, meet with an expert team, and create your dream home, visit RonClark.com.
revolutionary sports
Bringing the Love of Sports to All Children
1998. Coach John, fresh out of college, coaching soccer full time.
2001. Coach John, hired to coordinate a neighborhood soccer league in Minneapolis, and then a kindergarten program, followed by a preschool program. Later that very same year, Coach John was chosen by the city’s Park and Recreation Board to coach soccer year round, for a program that would soon become citywide, encompass multiple sports, and welcome five hundred groups annually.
2026. Coach John, now a coacher of coaches, spreading the powers of athleticism, positivity, and teamwork across the Twin Cities.
“And soon, hopefully, across Minnesota, and then someday the whole country,” said Coach John Richardson, founder of Revolutionary Sports, which provides world-class athletic programs for children of all ages to schools, community centers, park and recreation boards, early childhood learning centers, and sports associations.
“Revolutionary Sports is pretty unique among businesses that make it to twenty-five years,” Coach John continued. “We have never been driven by profitability. Instead, our primary goal is supplying as many great coaches as we’re able. The rest kind of just falls into place.
ARTICLE BY DAVID SCHELLER
“That commitment makes Revolutionary Sports fairly selective of our team members. If we receive three hundred fifty applicants, only twenty-five will meet the criteria for professionalism, reliability, and genuine ability to connect with kids we require of a leader.
“We’re currently gearing up for growth: improving our administrative infrastructure, and establishing ties with new community partners who want the highest standard of coaching for their children. But as we add more and more full-time coaches to our current roster of seventy-five, we’ll never lose sight of our primary goal.
“I started out coaching the same sport I had played through college. Many of our new hires begin the same way, and become central to the robust single-sport programs we offer. But by following our proven ‘Learn, Practice, Play’ approach, any one of those novice coaches can quickly learn to teach baseball, T-ball, basketball, soccer, flag football, and any other sport they set their mind to.
“Multitalented coaches like those are invaluable. There is nothing inherently wrong with raising a child on only one sport, but I believe their life becomes richer when they play several. It helps them avoid burnout, make friends, and discover new pastimes they’ll cherish long into adulthood. In other words, I believe our renaissance coaches are making the world a better place.
“Remember: the best athletes play multiple sports! Michael Jordan’s stint playing outfield for the Birmingham Barons might not be as memorable as his time with the Bulls, but he certainly proves the rule.
“No matter how big we grow, we’ll never lose sight of sports’ true purpose: fun . That’s not to say we wouldn’t be delighted if someone we coached should happen to go on to play for the Vikings. But so long as they’re engaged and enjoying themself during their precious few years of childhood, we’ll consider our job a success.”
Go to the Parks and Recreation Programs page on Edina.RevSports.org for RevSports’ upcoming sessions. They’re also active in Bloomington, Eden Prairie, Hopkins, Minnetonka, and many other neighboring communities. Visit RevSports.org to learn how you can hire Revolutionary Sports!
Coach John Richardson
MARCH 4TH
Dancing With The Stars: Live!
The Armory | 6:30 PM
Experience the glamour and athleticism of “Dancing with the Stars: Live!,” a stage show that brings the hit TV series to life with breathtaking choreography, dazzling costumes, and world-class dancers performing both classic and new routines in an electrifying live performance that celebrates rhythm, artistry, and unforgettable entertainment energy. armorymn.com.
MARCH
5TH
- 8TH Northwest Sports Show
Minneapolis Convention Center
Explore the ultimate outdoor recreation showcase at the Northwest Sportshow, where hundreds of exhibitors spotlight the latest in fishing, boating, camping, hunting gear, RVs, and adventure travel. Enjoy hands-on demos, expert seminars, gear discoveries for all ages, and inspiration for your next outdoor pursuit at this large consumer sports and outdoor expo. northwestsportshow.com.
MARCH
15TH - 17TH
St. Patrick’s Day Irish Celebration
Landmark Center
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with Irish Arts Minnesota in a festive showcase of music, dance, and Irish culture! Enjoy lively performances, traditional tunes, energetic step dancing, and a joyful community atmosphere that honors Ireland’s heritage. This event is perfect for all ages, bringing together friends and families to revel in the luck, laughter, and spirit. irishartsmn.org.
Over 1,000 patients have transformed their health through this proven methodology. Your Personalized Roadmap to Vitality through advanced lab testing and precision supplement protocols.
Also booking now - IV drips, focusing on recovery and performance.
Receive 10% off either service when you mention Edina Lifestyle!
Call to Schedule!
CLASSES, CAMPS & GAME PLAY
CONTINUED
MARCH 17TH - 22ND
Mrs. Doubtfire
The Ordway
Experience the beloved story of "Mrs. Doubtfire" as a heart-warming, laugh- out-loud musical comedy that celebrates family, love, and the lengths we go to stay together. Based on the iconic film, this feel- good stage show blends humor, memorable characters, and theatrical charm, making it a delightful, family-friendly performance full of joy and fun. ordway.org/events/mrs-doubtfire .
MARCH 27TH - 29TH
Since 2001, RevSports has delivered consistent, high-quality youth sports programs. RevSports has grown to be a leading programming partner for communities. Families trust RevSports experienced coaches, proven approach, and family-friendly structure.
Shen Yun
Minneapolis Orpheum Theatre
Shen Yun presents a breathtaking celebration of classical Chinese dance and music, blending exquisite choreography, vibrant costumes, and a live orchestra. Audiences are transported through ancient stories and legends with powerful performances that honor timeless traditions. This awe-inspiring show captivates with beauty, grace, and artistic mastery, offering an unforgettable cultural experience for all. shenyun.com/mn.
YEARS OF QUALITY
COACHING
MARCH 28TH
Minnesota Roller Derby
Roy Wilkins Auditorium | 5:00 PM
Year-round offerings. Over 10 different sports options! Metro-wide partnerships with these locations near you!
Experience the adrenaline of Minnesota Roller Derby as elite skaters collide in fast-paced, hard-hitting flat track action. Expect fierce rivalries, explosive jams, and nonstop energy from start to finish. With bold athleticism, team spirit, and edge-of-your-seat moments, this event delivers an unforgettable dose of sports excitement that keeps crowds cheering and coming back for more. rivercentre.org
