Homes of Lake Minnetonka Tours & Lectures

Tours of four Lake Minnetonka homes will be offered in four sessions in May. The tour and lecture series, called "Homes of Lake Minnetonka," will be hosted by the Minnetonka Center for the Arts, local author Bette Hammel, and several architects.

Hammel, who will lead historical lectures about the homes, is the author of "Legendary Homes of Lake Minnetonka," published October 2009. The book highlights the history and architecture of 30 Lake Minnetonka homes. Out of four houses that will be featured in the series, three of them were in her book.

Architect Marcelo Valdes, University of Minnesota professor and owner of M. Valdes Architects, and Jon Monson, of the Landschute Group, will also join the tours. Designer Pamela Vasquez of the New Studio in Minnetonka will discuss design elements of the homes.

"These are houses that are really iconic in terms of there architecture, and many of them are not often open to the public for viewing, so it's a pretty special opportunity on many levels," [Minnetonka Center for the Arts Executive Director Roxanne] Heaton said.

It is hoped this inaugural tour will create interest for future historical homes tours, both for home owners and visitors.

Registration for four lecture series and home tours is $135 per person for Minnetonka Center for the Arts members, and $150 for nonmembers. The lectures will occur on Tuesdays, May 4, 11, 18 and 25.