From Maple Grove and Plymouth to the west metro and beyond, Saint Therese of Corcoran is closer than many families realize.
Set on 13 beautiful acres, our community blends modern apartment living with compassionate, personalized support. Assisted Living is designed for those who want help with daily tasks while maintaining privacy, independence, and a full life.
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Walk-In Wednesdays at Saint Therese of Corcoran. No appointment necessary.
Soule
Photo: Chris Emeott
FROM THE EDITOR
My brother and I are veteran road trippers. From elementary school on, we were routinely packed into our family’s minivan and motored off to destinations near (the North Shore) and far (Yosemite National Park, for one). Over the course of our travels, the weeks leading up to the trip packed their own kind of excitement: picking out a book for the road, selecting a bag of treats from the grocery store and narrowing down the DVDs we’d watch on the portable player—Scooby-Doo being the reigning champ.
I thought a lot about these family trips when I spoke with Katie and Ben Zweber, the pair behind the Two Wandering Soles travel blog (page 8). Some of the wisdom (pack snacks and find a novel source of entertainment for the trip) rang true from personal experience. Other tips (being mindful about breaks and avoiding day-of-travel stress) are being tucked away for future use. Although these might pertain predominantly to traveling with younger kids in tow, I think the takeaways can be just as useful to adults.
This spring will mark a travel first for me: visiting the South. My partner’s parents have a long-held tradition of attending the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival in New Orleans, which takes place late April. For this journey, they will serve as our tour guides, leading us through busy oyster bars and hole-in-the-wall jazz clubs where festival artists sometimes make a surprise visit for a late night show.
Where will your spring take you? Let me know about your near and far adventures at madeline@localmedia.co.
Happy travels,
Madeline Kopiecki madeline@localmedia.co
Photo: Chris Emeott
VOL. 21 NO. 5
April/May 2026
PUBLISHER
Susan Isay
EDITOR
Madeline Kopiecki
MANAGING CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Renée Stewart-Hester
MANAGING EDITOR
Hailey Almsted
DIGITAL EDITOR
Madeline Kopiecki
COPY EDITORS
Kellie Doherty and Sherri Hildebrandt
STAFF WRITERS
Mollee Francisco, Emily Gedde, Jennifer Pitterle, Alexandra Tostrud and Paige Udermann
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Ryan Barland, Emily Maxson, Ashley Meyers and Amy Sundet
DIGITAL INTERN
Danielle Gallus
EDITORIAL INTERNS
Abigail Larson, Diane Meyer, Kate Thompson and Avery Vrieze
EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD
Kelley Giancola, Interfaith Outreach ; Meghan Milovich, blogger and fundraiser for Children’s Hospitals ; Zach Nelson, Wayzata School District ; Mark Poppendeck, Beez ‘N Treez Foundation ; Brian Rosemeyer, City of Plymouth ; and LuAnn Svendsen, Plymouth Reads chair and community volunteer
In recognition of Women’s Health Month this May, we connected with Suzin Cho, M.D., of Almara Women’s Health. She recommended questions for women to ask their care team at three key stages of life*.
*These stages are relative ranges and vary between individuals.
Reproductive Years (ages 19–40)
What can I do to optimize my nutrition and overall health leading up to pregnancy?
Are there supplements you should be on? Are there limits to what exercise you should be doing? We call it a preconception consult, and we go through a lot of those questions.
Perimenopause (ages 40–50)
How do I approach self-care in my 40s?
This is the age where people prioritize their family and jobs; they need a gentle reminder to prioritize the self. A lot of what I see is stress and just physical and emotional symptoms that come from not leaving enough time for yourself.
Menopause (ages 50 and beyond)
Who is eligible for hormone therapy and who should avoid it?
Hormones are not for everyone. So if they’re not for certain people, what are [the] alternatives?
But, frankly speaking, our belief on who’s eligible for hormone therapy has really become more expansive.
—Madeline Kopiecki
Almara Women’s Health has 10 locations across the Metro, including Plymouth. Read more of Dr. Cho’s suggested questions on plymouthmag.com
Ready, Set, Camp
As Plymouth families finalize their summer camp plans, preparing for the adventure includes more than packing lists and stocking up on sunscreen. Campers’ health and well-being at day or sleepaway camps takes priority before they hop in the car or on the plane to camp.
For over 100 years, the American Camp Association (ACA), a community of camp professionals, has worked to ensure the quality of camp programs. Henry DeHart, ACA’s interim president/CEO, shares some insight. Are camps required to have trained
health care professionals on site? “Camps should look to federal, state and local laws and regulations for requirements,” DeHart says. “ACA accreditation is a voluntary educational process. ACA accreditation standards address the importance of camps having a designated health care provider and preparing for where health care will take place both at camp and in locations away from the main camp.”
—Renée Stewart-Hester
For more of DeHart’s interview, visit plymouthmag.com.
Spring Into Planting Season
This April, Bachman’s is offering tips that dig well past the topsoil of the topic of how to enrich local landscapes. “Earth Day and Arbor Day are typically big days of educating customers on what they can do to be good stewards of the environment,” says Karen Bachman Thull, Bachman’s director of community and business development. The week of April 20 will include workshops on how to choose the right shrub or tree for your yard and how to successfully plant a tree. Then, later in May, visitors can learn how to make the most out of a fruit tree’s harvest. “We’ll be having a lot of education around food, like farm to table, how to can and preserve what is growing in your yard and garden,” Bachman Thull says. For additional information, including times and dates, visit bachmans.com —Madeline Kopiecki
Travel Ready
Bloggers share insider tips for traveling with kids.
By Madeline Kopiecki
Zweber family road trips look a bit different than most. When Ben and Katie Zweber reach their destination for the day, daughters Juniper, 4, and Senya, 1, trade their car seats for a fold-out toddler bed and a bassinet. And, as dinner sizzles away on the stovetop, the Zwebers open the back doors of their custom camper van and soak in the newest breathtaking view.
The Zwebers take an almost monthly sojourn in their camper van, much to Juniper’s delight. “She is obsessed with it,” Katie says. “She is constantly asking if we can go in the van.” Although the Zwebers have a uniquely comfortable setup, there are some bits of advice they’ve gleaned from frequent road trips that apply universally.
Ben, originally from Plymouth and Katie, originally from Minnetonka, have spent over a decade wandering the world. Under the moniker Two Wandering Soles, the travel bloggers welcomed their daughters into the mix, but that hasn’t slowed down their travel lifestyle, which includes drives around the country and flights to destinations here and abroad.
At 4 years old, Juniper has been on 91 flights, and there’s little doubt Senya will match that number—if not exceed it—when she reaches the same age. “For the most part,
Top: Travel bloggers Ben and Katie Zweber share their wanderlust with their daughters.
Bottom: Follow along with the Zweber family on Instagram @twowanderingsoles for destination recommendations, travel tips and more.
Photos: Ben and Katie Zweber
kids are very flexible and adaptable,” Katie says. “We found that we can still travel very much the same way we always have and include them in that.” They share some of their tips for travel success for families.
A good starting point includes involv ing kids in the planning process about where we’re going, what we’re doing and involving [Juniper] in even some of the planning process, I think that helps her get more excited and be more present and feel like she’s part of the trip instead of just tag ging along,” Katie says.
Be prepared to start the trip by avoiding day-of-travel stress a small part of your entire trip,” Ben says. “I think it’s a lot better to focus more on where you’re traveling and then all the things that you get to do ...”
New activities or toys go a long way to entertain young travelers ing things somewhat simple, but weaving in something new makes it feel exciting,” Katie says. Recently, she discovered that printing worksheets and putting them in plastic fold ers allows for easy entertainment with the help of whiteboard markers.
Slim down the diaper bag to a fanny pack for flights. “You can keep that in your seat,” Katie says. “It’s not going to take up a ton of space.” With a few diapers and a small pack age of wipes, the fanny pack is much more versatile for in-air changes.
Taking breaks is key we’re being conscientious of taking breaks that work around [Juniper’s] schedule, like stopping at a playground, getting her wiggles out, that is really helpful,” Katie says.
Use a travel stroller (ideally lightweight and collapsible) that works with an infant car seat; it goes a long way in getting from Point A to Point B. “That has been really helpful—especially when we have long lay overs,” Ben says. “Our daughters could sleep in the stroller or take a quick nap while we’re waiting at the airport.”
Shell Yes
A turtle tracking app protects Plymouth’s slow and steady residents.
By Jennifer Pitterle
When Kelly Olson moved from downtown Minneapolis to Plymouth a few years ago, she expected quieter streets, more green space and the occasional backyard visitor. She did not expect dozens of brown, green and plodding reptilian neighbors.
“Every time I walked outside in the spring or summer, I would come across turtles,” Olson says. Her new home sat at the intersection of two large wetlands, and she observed multiple vehicle-vs.-turtle accidents on neighborhood streets. She started doing turtle “sweeps,” walking around her
block and gently moving roadside turtles farther away from traffic. But then she witnessed two large adult turtles struck by cars within minutes of each other. They ultimately didn’t make it.
Olson’s response was immediate and decidedly grassroots. She printed signs, posted on Nextdoor and reached out to Plymouth officials. Within 24 hours, city staff from the parks and forestry departments were contacting her. They helped get DNR turtle signs installed throughout the neighborhood. Olson knew her fellow Plymouth citizens
were eager to help, but there wasn’t a clear path. She calls it a “difference-making deficit—when people feel the problem is too big, what can they really do to help?” she says.
Enter TurtlTracker, the free app she and her sister, Katie O’Halloran, are now building to turn everyday turtle sightings into real conservation data. O’Halloran, an AI engineer currently based in Texas, took the lead on development. “We did a very small, private beta version of the app last summer, and we were able to get some good feedback,” O’Halloran says. They’ve worked on updates
Kelly Olson and Katie O’Halloran
since then and are expecting to release a more available beta version this spring.
After downloading the app, TurtlTracker users upload photos and location data when they spot a turtle on or near the road. Some gamified elements, like a leaderboard that tracks who logs the most turtles, make data entry fun. Users can name “their” turtles and compete with friends to see who has the most sightings in a week.
Olson and O’Halloran have worked with ecology and turtle experts to ensure safety and accuracy. “Something that’s unique about our app is that [our audience] is the conservation novice,” Olson says. “We want the community to have the opportunity to enter the conservation space and contribute data that makes a difference.” They also focus on privacy and protection for turtles—for example, no turtle data is made public on the app; common and endangered species data is only shared with verified conservation partners.
As spring approaches, Plymouth residents can expect an uptick in turtle activity, including common local species like painted and snapping turtles. Heads-up! “We’ll start to see a surge of hatchlings crossing the road in May,” Olson says.
To get involved with TurtlTracker, visit the website to sign up for the latest test version of the app, learn more about other ways to help with turtle conservation in your area or make a donation.
TurtlTracker
turtltracker.com
@turtltracker
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Colors of the World
CREATIVE HUES REVIVE A MID-CENTURY MODERN HOME.
Written by Mollee Francisco — Photos by White Label Visuals | Chelsie Lopez
When Taylor Morrill and Declan McCrory moved into their Plymouth home in 2018, they knew there were some projects on the horizon for the 1958 split-level. “It was last remodeled in the late 1960s,” Morrill says.
The couple was eager to ditch the brown tile in the bathroom and replace the dark kitchen cabinetry, restoring some midcentury charm to the house in the process. While a remodel wasn’t in the budget right away, the couple eventually couldn’t put it off any longer. “The appliances started going,” Morrill says. “It was not functional. We were limping through.” By the time the dishwasher went, it was time to act. “We couldn’t replace it without tearing out the counters,” Morrill says. “We knew it would be a gut job.”
So, they went for it, embarking on a sixmonth remodel of the bathroom, dining room and kitchen. “We said, ‘Let’s make this what we wanted it to be,’” Morrill says. Using the original blueprints for the home, the family enlisted the help of Moonstone Design & Build’s founder and CEO, Lidia Valdivia, to bring the home back to its mid-century modern roots while injecting some color and personality along the way. “Taylor is a very
Taylor Morrill instantly fell in love with the structured pink tiles that would become an extended backsplash in the kitchen. The entire’ remodel project ended up being named after the Luna Arc tiles from The Tile Club.
It was an instant “yes” when Taylor Morrill and her husband, Declan McCrory, first saw these globe lights. Moonstone Design & Build’s founder, Lidia Valdivia, designed the asymmetrical fixture for the bathroom vanity to ground the room while also creating visual interest.
bold client,” Valdivia says. “When I saw her Pinterest board, I got super excited. It was full of color and personality … I was really excited to bring it to life.”
McCrory and Morrill sourced inspiration from their honeymoon to Morocco and Spain, where they fell in love with the architecture, bright colors and design. That inspiration is evident in the bathroom, where Fireclay tiles in shades of blue, orange, pink and red line the walls above the soaker tub. “When I’m showering, I just smile,” Morrill says. “It’s so happy.”
But the impact isn’t overwhelming in the space. “When the curtains are closed, you just notice the pink and white tile on the floor,” Valdivia says. White walls and a mid-century vanity anchor the bathroom while an asymmetrical light fixture adds a playful touch. “It’s us,” Morrill says. “We’re fun. We’re playful. We like whimsy.”
Personality continues to take center stage in the kitchen, where light has returned alongside joy. “There was no light in the kitchen whatsoever,” Morrill says. “It was so draining.” Valdivia transformed the dark box that was once the kitchen into a bright and airy space. The dark cabinets were replaced
Taylor Morrill and Declan McCrory told Lidia Valdivia which colors they loved, and Valdivia ran with the selection, creating a tub surround that surprises and delights as soon as the curtain is pulled. Valdivia says the bathtub tiles are one of her favorite parts of the remodel. “At Moonstone, we love color,” she says.
with a combination of birch cabinets and open shelving. Simple white countertops contrast with the bold pink tile backsplash on the walls and the stove hood. “We couldn’t remove the soffit, so we just tiled all the way up,” Valdivia says. Morrill loves the result. “It feels inviting now,” she says. “The joy of cooking has returned.”
On the floor, blue and green patterned cement tiles extend from the kitchen over to the dining room’s patio door, connecting the spaces while also protecting the wood floors
from outdoor elements. “I’m obsessed with it,” Morrill says.
Wallpaper in the dining room provides another dose of bold color, balanced out by mid-century modern light fixtures.
The family couldn’t be happier. “I feel like my house is finally speaking to me,” Morrill says. “I walk into the house and it feels right.”
In order to create a more seamless transition and cover up where the previous kitchen cabinets once sat, Lidia Valdivia proposed extending the patterned cement tiles at an angle from the kitchen to the patio door in the dining room. As an added bonus, the first point of contact when coming in from outside is now durable tile instead of wood flooring.
HOME + GARDEN Collection
SPRING 2026
J BROTHERS
At J Brothers, we believe remodeling should feel exciting, not overwhelming. We don’t just build spaces; we create homes you’ll love for years to come. With over 40 years of custom building and remodeling experience, our collaborative, open-book approach keeps you informed and confident every step of the way. Our team protects and cares for your home during construction, while our in-house interior designer guides you through selections with clear budgets and 3D renderings, so you can truly see it before we build it. From our first conversation to your final walkthrough, we’re committed to making the process smooth, transparent and enjoyable. jbrothersremodel.com
SOUTHVIEW DESIGN
A thoughtfully designed landscape is more than an improvement—it’s an investment in how you live. At Southview Design, every project begins with careful planning that considers not only how a space will look, but how it will be experienced, maintained and protected for years to come. From grading and drainage to material selection and plant health, our integrated design-build team brings craftsmanship and foresight together—creating outdoor environments that feel effortless, enduring and beautifully resolved. The result is a landscape that enhances daily living, strengthens your home’s long-term value and performs exceptionally in Minnesota’s climate. With more than 45 years of experience, landscapes by Southview Design are built to last—in beauty, performance and the moments they support. southviewdesign.com
CASTLE BUILDING & REMODELING
This complete main-floor renovation reimagines a dated home as a sophisticated haven. Gutted to the studs, the kitchen, dining, laundry and powder rooms were reborn with timeless craftsmanship. Popcorn ceilings were smoothed, and solid hardwood floors laid throughout for a seamless flow. In the kitchen, the removal of soffits made way for two expansive work islands, featuring inset cabinetry and a stunning blend of walnut and marble surfaces. Custom built-ins add elegant storage to the dining room, while fresh tile and updated moldings unify the design. It is a masterful transformation that breathes style and functionality into every corner. castlebri.com
ALLSTAR CONSTRUCTION
For more than 45 years, Allstar Construction has been a trusted name in delivering high-quality exterior solutions built to last. We proudly partner with homeowners, property managers and many of the region’s largest builders, providing reliable expertise tailored to each project’s unique needs. Our experienced team brings exceptional craftsmanship to roofing, siding, windows, gutters and storm damage repair, with a strong focus on durability and detail. From largescale developments to high-end custom homes, we ensure clear communication and dependable execution—enhancing curb appeal, protecting investments and delivering results you can count on for years to come. allstartoday.com
LAUREL BUILDERS
Personal attention. Proven expertise. Exceptional results. Laurel Builders is a nationally recognized, award-winning design/build/remodel firm, specializing in additions, major renovations and custom homes. With 20 years in business and over 50 years of experience among the owners, the team brings seasoned expertise to every project with a personal approach. Clients work directly with the owners from the first conversation through the final walkthrough, ensuring clear communication and thoughtful guidance throughout the process. By pairing hands-on involvement with the resources to manage complex builds, Laurel Builders delivers a collaborative experience, lasting craftsmanship and relationships built to endure. laurelbuilders.com
RON CLARK CONSTRUCTION & DESIGN
Great association living starts by associating with a builder who specializes in great homes. At Ron Clark Construction & Design, we’ve built our reputation on 50 plus years of constructing award-winning custom residences for our neighbors throughout the Twin Cities area. For decades, Ron Clark Construction & Design has been designing and building homes of distinction for thousands of families. Today, our condominiums, townhomes, single-family and villa homes can be found in some of the most prestigious neighborhoods throughout the Twin Cities area, such as Eden Prairie, Golden Valley, Minnetonka, Plymouth and Prior Lake. With more than 50 years of building success, we are consistent, reliable and exceptional. Call us at 952.947.3000. ronclark.com
YARDSCAPES
Yardscapes, Inc. has been designing and installing award-winning custom residential outdoor spaces for the past 51 years! We combine art and science to create a unique project for every client. Our designers take a project from its conceptual phase, through landscape construction and to its completion. Each project can be constructed with a combination of natural stone, and other hardscape elements, a variety of plant material, water features, patios, retaining walls, lighting, custom pools, outdoor kitchens and fire features. With the proper combination of natural elements, your personal natural environment can be created. Reach out to us at 952.887.2794. yardscapesinc.com
Written by Renée Stewart-Hester — Photos by Chris Emeott
Heart and Soule
A home brims with charm, creativity and the power of community.
If there is a word that describes the aesthetic and spirit of Andrea Soule and Chase Hull’s Deephaven home, it must be community. Admittedly, it’s not a word that’s typically used to articulate a home’s visual or historical narrative, but this abode is special, uniquely built upon a foundation of family, friends and neighbors alike.
The rambler’s story begins in 1955 when its original owners stepped across the threshold to begin building their family and lives on the curved, bucolic property. Moving the timeline forward, Soule was attending Wayzata High School and working for “a wonderfully creative woman who lived in the coziest little cottage tucked away in Deephaven,” she says. “I remember thinking, ‘Someday, I want to be her—with an artsy little cottage full of gardens near the lake.’” Come 2010, Soule, originally from Plymouth, and her then-fiancé Hull, a Wayzata native, discovered and purchased
a home, which hadn’t changed much since the mid-1950s, presenting like so many other ramblers that popped up during the country’s post-World War II era.
In Soule and Hull’s minds, the house was meant to be a starter home. After a quick update, they intended to flip it, and off they’d go to their next, hopefully, forever home. What they didn’t realize was that the house came with an unexpected feature—a deeply embedded neighborhood where birthdays are celebrated, games are played and holidays are shared. It’s a conclave of neighbors, ready to lend a helping hand and, on occasion, assist with a building project. “It’s the neighbors that sold us,” Soule says of the couple’s decision to make a once temporary home their forever home, complete with children Charlottte, 11, and Crosby, 8.
But that road to forever took some unexpected turns. After a contractor stepped away from the project, the couple’s can-do
“I imagined a cottage kitchen with a French bistro feel, and that became my starting point,” Andrea Soule says. “Soft beige cabinets, marble countertops, an Italian Ilve range, an antique coffee grinder, faded blue-and-white wallpaper, wicker baskets, fresh flowers and an antique gold chandelier bring the whole space to life.”
attitude stepped in. “We turned to our local Nextdoor app and word-of-mouth for the major items, while family [parents Charles and Julie Soule] and friends [too many to mention!] filled in with their talent, creativity and hard work,” Soule says.
Over the course of about 15 years, room by room, the house has been reimagined with Soule serving as the general contractor when changes necessitated a team of professionals (The main level was taken down to the studs.) and acting as chief creative designer when changes necessitated her flair.
Regardless of a home’s size, a major redo requires an overarching vision—a creative roadmap to maintain cohesiveness throughout an extended process. “For both our home and gardens, my design philosophy is simple: Start with a timeless foundation, then layer on personality,” Soule says. “I choose materials that have stood the test of time … pieces
as beautiful today as they were 100 years ago.” Soule notes she is “inspired by nature, influenced by travel and guided by a love for the perfectly imperfect,” she says. “I believe homes should feel collected, not coordinated—where flowers wander indoors, stories are told through textiles and no two metals or colors are expected to match. I love mixing patterns, layering moments and embracing the beauty of contrast. It’s intentionally unintentional—and somehow, it always works.”
Like the gardens she lovingly plans, plants and tends, Soule brought the home back to life from 1,495 to nearly 2,700 square feet with bursts of color, curated textures and personality galore. “I’m really proud of it now that we’ve gotten to this point,” she says.
Even after an extensive remodel, a home’s history remains infused within its walls. Soule and Hull’s home is no different—except it came with its own storybook of sorts.
Left: Andrea Soule’s layering design technique translates to the outdoors. Spring and summer in the backyard mean hardy perennials (boxwoods, grasses, hostas, hydrangeas, lilacs and lilies) and annuals (begonias, cosmos, impatiens, petunias, salvia, zinnias and more). The pool serves as a warm weather entertaining focal point. As the seasons flip, so does the family’s hosting venue, and the front yard turns into an outdoor ice skating rink that hosts its fair share of open skates and party takes. “I like it that way,” Soule says of her home’s ability to welcome guests at any time of year.
Right: “The design inspiration came from artist Briana Auel’s piece [Concrete Jungle//Glass Ceiling]—its modern lines, vintage gold frames and palette of greens, pinks, and blues set the tone for the entire room,” Andrea Soule says. “To layer in fun, I painted the fireplace in Breakfast Room by Farrow & Ball, displayed art we’ve collected over the years and incorporated antique pieces inherited from Chase’s grandmother [Anne Hull].” Her father, Charles Soule, created the stained-glass entrance to the room, partnering with Down Home Stained Glass in Anoka.
Top: “Most rooms start with a single spark of inspiration and grow from there,” Andrea Soule says. “Wallpaper is often my first move—adding instant character and depth.” Be it a single blossom or a full bouquet, Soule is guided by her home gardens when it comes to interior design direction. The wallpaper in the couple’s dressing room is inspired by Soule’s favorite flowers, which were translated into wallpaper by SheShe (bysheshe.com). They loved it so much, they used SheShe’s unique Bums wallpaper in the adjoining bathroom. “The kids and their friends find it hilarious—and honestly, so do we,” she says.
Bottom: As most parents know, children aren’t always conducive to breakable trinkets, light upholstery, vintage rugs and wallpaper, but Andrea Soule is committed to her décor decision-making, noting that she is comfortable in the knowledge that some items will need to be replaced or repaired. Perfection is not the goal—living is.
Shortly after moving in, the couple received a handwritten letter from the seller, Clarice, who was living in an assisted living apartment. Soule and Hull paid her a call, which turned into something really special. “Clarice shared stories about building the home, raising her children there and the friendships that shaped the neighborhood,” Soule says.
A few months later, Clarice’s family sent them a photo album, filled with snapshots of the home through the years—birthday parties, holiday dinners and changing backyard scenery. “Seeing that history made our house feel like so much more than just walls and windows,” Soule says, and as her own family grew, roots started to stretch deeper. “Our kids found playmates. We found our community,” she says. “When [COVID-19] hit, those neighborhood connections deepened … porch visits, even a socially distanced backyard ice bar during the holidays. That’s when we realized: We’re not leaving. Let’s make this our home.”
To learn where building products and services were sourced, visit plymouthmag.com.
Flip Side
A Crystal Kitchen + Bath remodel transforms a house into a sophisticated home.
Written by Laurie Junker — Photos by Spacecrafting
The prospect of being closer to their two grandsons was a powerful motivator for South Dakotans Jeff and Kendall Jones to find a second home in the Twin Cities. They felt lucky to find a light-filled, 1986 contemporary home in Minnetonka that features a large wooded backyard and is within walking distance to their grandchildren.
When they purchased the home unseen, the Joneses liked the home’s asymmetrical facade and layout—unfortunately, they
discovered that many of the interior finishes were low-quality, the kitchen lacked functionality and the main floor had poor sightlines despite the abundance of natural light. Plus, the style wasn’t quite their own. “I suspect it may have been a flip,” says Amber Weekley Elioff, general manager of Crystal Kitchen + Bath. “I didn’t even recognize some of the plumbing fixture brands.”
The Joneses asked Weekley Elioff to help rethink their home to suit their tastes and
lifestyle better. “Kendall and Jeff are a fun couple, and they really like midcentury style, which is also one of my favorites,”
Weekley Elioff says.
Step one was to replace all the flooring. For the dining room, kitchen and laundry room, they chose an easy-to-clean 12x24 metallic black tile from Fray Atlas Concord featuring a coppery sheen and a bit of texture. For the entryway and staircase treads, a soft, natural white oak was the pick. “We also brought in
a structural engineer to shore up the safety of the stairs,” Weekley Elioff says.
Weekley Elioff worked with the existing kitchen peninsula as it holds a post with critical electrical runs. However, the appliances were relocated to improve the sink-refrigerator-stove work triangle and minimize steps while cooking. A small prep island was added, which also serves as a grocery landing spot. The kitchen is chock-a-block with personalized storage
via custom, rift-sawn white oak cabinets. There’s a modern appliance garage with bifold doors, large drawers for pots and pans, a slotted knife drawer and another for organizing spices. Striking walls of dark turquoise tile with matte and glossy parts break up the cabinet massing and infuse the space with personality. “The tile has color, texture and sparkle but isn’t too busy,” Weekley Elioff says. The adjacent laundry room received similar treatment, with crisp white-painted cabinets, the same Cambria Smithfield countertops as the kitchen, and a rod for air-drying clothes, per Kendall’s request.
A wall between the front door and the dining room, which the Joneses hoped to remove to open up sightlines, had to stay because of existing HVAC lines. Weekley Elioff cleverly addressed the problem by opening up a large pass-through in the center of the wall, with puck lights at the top. Now the Joneses can see who’s at the front door without having to walk around. “We say hello through the window feature,” Kendall says. “It’s also a great
spot for plants, and helps spread natural light no matter which side of the house the sun is on.” In the dining room, floating shelves, a midcentury-esque white oak buffet and wall tile that matches the kitchen make the two rooms feel connected and purposeful, especially for entertaining.
Upstairs, the primary bathroom—also the victim of a slapdash makeover—needed attention. It had a good layout, plenty of light and vaulted ceilings; so Weekley Elioff focused on updating the finishes and improving function. A custom vanity with one sink, per the Joneses’ wishes, and plenty of counter space and storage to fit snugly between the walls (adding a new half shower wall on one side) was installed. The space was polished off with Corian shower sills, glossy Zelligeinspired herringbone tile, retro single-globe sconces and water-resistant brushed nickel fixtures that are low maintenance. A bench, grab bar and handheld showerhead, along with nonslip floor tile, address safety and age-in-place considerations.
After seeing how things were shaping up
upstairs, Kendall and Jeff decided to add the basement to the project. This is where Weekley Elioff’s favorite feature is. “The bar. I adore this piece,” she says. What looks like a freestanding piece of furniture is actually built-in, trimmed out in white oak, with matte black cabinets and two types of lighting (undercounter and spotlights). It’s definitely a moment with brass cabinet pulls, gold strips between the backsplash tile and a subtle metallic gold swirl in the countertops. “Jeff enjoys whiskey and wine and wanted a bar, not a mini-kitchen,” Weekley Elioff explains.
Now, the lower level, as does the rest of the house, reflects its owners. And the Joneses are enjoying all of it. “The kitchen is amazing. We can host and feed 20 people very easily and proudly,” Kendall says. “The whole house turned out beautifully, and we love living so close to our daughter, son-in-law, and grandsons.”
A local bakery is serving up slices of global flavors.
Written by Madeline Kopiecki — Photos by Chris Emeott
When looking at a Basque-style cheesecake for the first time, you’d be forgiven for thinking the cake was a bit, well, overdone. Its trademark caramelized exterior belies a rich, custardy interior. “Where this dessert really shines is in that textural variation,” Bilal Mamdani says. He notes that there’s an educational aspect to introducing this style of cheesecake to customers, but, “Once they do try the cheesecake, they’re amazed at the creaminess and the texture.”
Mamdani has always had a sweet tooth. “Then, over the [COVID-19]—when things were closed, and we couldn’t go out as much—I decided to dabble in cooking and baking,” he says. The engineer and management consultant discovered that the precision of baking resonated with him. He tried his hand at a number of desserts before landing upon Basque-style cheesecake, which was making the rounds on social media in 2021. The unique texture captured his interest, and the science behind getting it right appealed to his analytical nature.
His friends and family were fans of his early experiments, and Mamdani started to see an opportunity. “I was like, ‘OK, I’ve got a product that my friends and friends really like,’” he says. “Let me see if I can try to commercialize it and then leverage those lessons in the other set of work that I do.” Mamdani founded the small-batch bakery crème in February 2025 and set to work at Plymouth’s MSP Kitchenery, adapting his recipe to work in commercial ovens. “Everything made a difference,” Mamdani says. “The way we wrap it, there are different methods of using the parchment paper to line the pan, the kinds of pans we used.”
The experimentation stage was frustrating, but the community of bakers and makers who call MSP Kitchenery home were supportive of his efforts. “Both [Nikkolette Krumheuer, owner of MSP Kitchenery] and her husband, John [Krumheuer], foster a
community of entrepreneurs, and they’re all very helpful,” Mamdani says. He had never used commercial baking equipment before, but people were willing to take time out of their day to show him the ropes. “Then, finally, something clicked, and we were like, ‘OK, I think we’re on the right path now.’” crème introduced itself to the community by handing out free slices of its Classic, Cookie Butter and Dubai Chocolate Basque-style cheesecakes. Of those first-time customers, Mamdani says many have become regulars, ordering cakes through the company’s drop system and picking them up at Nikkolette’s Macarons in Plymouth. Mamdani also spent many Sundays at the Linden Hills Farmers Market this past summer, and he’s hoping to get into the Maple Grove Farmers Market for the upcoming season.
Bilal Mamdani
THE MENU
Dubai Chocolate: The viral sensation, this cake includes shredded phyllo dough, chocolate hazelnut sauce and drizzled pistachio cream framed by a ring of crushed pistachios. (Page 34)
Cookie Butter: This cake is a Biscoff cookie triple threat, touting infused batter, sauce and cookie crumble topping. (Top Left)
Classic: The original for a reason, this cake features a caramelized exterior and creamy interior. Since it’s not too sweet, it’s also the perfect pick for adding your own toppings. (Bottom Left)
Seasonal Flavors: Seasonal flavors at crème are designed based on community input. “I typically send out a poll and ask our [customers] what they’d like to see,” founder Bilal Mamdani says. “If we get a good idea and it’s something that we can implement, then we make it, and we invite the community to do a sampling.” Mamdani then incorporates community feedback into the final recipe.
Aside from local farmers markets, crème cheesecakes also make pop-up appearances at coffee shops around the Twin Cities, including Càphin in Edina and The Golden Nuts in Columbia Heights. Mamdani’s next goal is to secure a long-term residency at a coffee shop. “If I could have that, then that would hopefully pave the path for brick and mortar of my own,” he says. What started out as a crash course in launching a startup has evolved into a sustained passion. Although he still does some consulting work on the side, Mamdani is ready to pursue crème full time. “This ended up being so fulfilling for me that I was like, ‘I want to pursue this,’” he says.
crème
cremefoods.com @creme_foods
The Brost Clinic
When a business celebrates its 40th anniversary , there are solid reasons for its achievement. “Our success comes down to our commitment to patient-centered care and willingness to evolve,” says Caroline Brost-Sailer, D.C., who co-owns the practice with her husband, Shawn Sailer. D.C. “We remain rooted in our values—listening, treating patients like family and delivering chiropractic care that makes a difference.”
With its extensive experience, the team focuses on improving patient care. “We’ve expanded our services, strengthened our clinical expertise and embraced new technologies that enhance patient outcomes,” Brost-Sailer says. “Additions include acupuncture; decompression and shockwave therapies; integrative care; and other techniques that support patients’ chiropractic care.”
The Brost Clinic team is motivated by witnessing patients move and feel better, reclaiming their lives. “Patients who walk in with pain and leave with hope reminds
me why I started this work,” Brost-Sailer says. “There’s nothing more energizing than tailoring care for patients with a variety of health concerns, including disc issues, gut problems, headaches, pain symptoms and more, and to watch them improve.”
Through the clinic, patients build long-term wellness through chiropractic care, functional therapies, lifestyle recommendations and preventative approaches that support whole-body health. “We help people feel better when they hurt, remain active and keep ahead of problems before they escalate,” Brost-Sailer says.
“I’ve trusted The Brost Clinic with my family’s health for over 25 years,” says a patient. “Their care has kept us active, pain free and living life to the fullest.” Another patient notes, “The Brost Clinic isn’t just a chiropractic office—it’s a place of true healing. They listen, they care and they consistently deliver results.”
The Brost Clinic is now in network with most insurance companies.
Beach Party
Kick off the start of lake season with a community celebration.
East Medicine Lake will play host to a lively evening of dancing, music and yard games at this year’s Beaches & Bonfires gathering from 6–8 p.m. on May 21.
Temperatures can be hit or miss during a Minnesota May, but recreation supervisor Katie Yandell says there will be plenty to do, even if taking a dip isn’t on the docket.
“There’s a green area where usually people [set up] their blankets or lawn chairs, or you can just plan on dancing,” she says.
“The Boy Scouts do a fantastic job of keeping a couple little bonfires going for us.”
Yandell notes that parking at East Medicine Lake is limited. She encourages people to park at West Medicine Lake and plan to either bike or walk the under 2 mile trail. “It’s a beautiful little walk around the lake,” she says.
The free, family-friendly event kicks off Plymouth’s Summer Music Series and is followed by Hilde Nights on June 12 and July 17 and closes with Beaches, Bands & Brews on August 28. Learn more at plymouthmn.gov. —Madeline Kopiecki
Dance the night away at Medicine Lake during this year’s Beaches & Bonfires event.
04.07
Story Time
Read aloud starts at 10 a.m., followed by a hands-on activity tied to the story for adults and their little ones at the Plymouth History Center. plymouthmn.gov
04.22
Meet Your Neighbor
During April’s Meet Your Neighbor series from 6:30–7:30 p.m. at the Plymouth Community Center, guests will learn the basics of autism spectrum disorder. plymouthmn.gov
04.24
Primavera
Spring into the new season with Plymouth’s annual celebration of the arts, an event designed to showcase pieces created by community members of various ages. The exhibit will be open for viewing from 10 a.m.–9 p.m. at the Plymouth Community Center. plymouthmn.gov
05.07
Mother’s Day Breakfast
This virtual cooking class, designed for kids, will be from 5–7 p.m. plymouthmn.gov
05.30
Twin Cities Asian Fair
Enjoy delicious food, interactive activities, performances and more at this fourth annual event from 11 a.m.–7 p.m. at the Hilde Performance Center. tcasianfair.org
Compiled by Abigail Larson and Kate Thompson
To have your event considered: email plymouthmag@localmedia.co by the 10th of the month three months prior to publication. Please note that some events may have changed since these pages went to print. Please visit affiliated websites for updates.
2026 MAPLE GROVE/OSSEO COMMUNITY RESOURCE & RESIDENTS’ GUIDE
This is the final proof of your advertisement as it will appear in the Community Resource & Residents’
Lucky Shot
“Just about everything went right in this photo, from shutter speed to focus to color and contrast,” photographer Jim Vogl says. “I have been fascinated with hummingbirds and have tried to capture them on film/digitally, since I bought my first SLR film camera at age 16.”
—Madeline Kopiecki
PICTURE PLYMOUTH
Photographer: Jim Vogl Title: In Flight! Category: Wildlife Award: First Place Equipment: Nikon Z8 camera, Nikkor 180–600mm zoom lens with a monopod
To view other Picture Plymouth photo contest winners, visit plymouthmag.com.
