Lakeside Character Meets Modern Craftsmanship
Excelsior is one of the most charming communities on Lake Minnetonka, with a walkable downtown, historic homes dating back to the late 1800s, and lakefront properties that blend old-world character with modern expectations. With a population of roughly 2,500, it is small but fiercely proud of its identity — and homeowners here want outdoor spaces that honor the town's character rather than overpower it.
We completed one of our most challenging projects in Excelsior: a full lakeside renovation that included a custom three-tier retaining wall system, 23 stairs, custom corten steel feature walls, over 50 outdoor lights, a putting green, and finish landscaping. The homeowner had spent nearly three years trying to get the project done — multiple contractors refused the scope or could not present a workable solution due to tight access, limited parking, and city permitting hurdles.
Lifecycle delivered a plan, pricing, and a clear path forward within weeks. That project demonstrates exactly what sets us apart: the willingness and ability to take on complex lakeside builds that other companies walk away from.
Excelsior's older homes near Water Street and Excelsior Commons often need landscape updates that respect the original character of the property — natural stone rather than manufactured block, plantings that match the established tree canopy, and walls that look like they have been there for decades. We specialize in that kind of thoughtful, design-driven work.
Lake Minnetonka Lakeside Renovation
Full shoreline renovation — three-tier retaining wall, 23 stairs, corten steel feature wall, 50+ outdoor lights, putting green, and finish landscaping.
Common Questions from Excelsior Homeowners
Yes. Many Excelsior properties near Water Street and the Commons have narrow access, limited parking, and tight lot lines. Our Excelsior lakeside renovation project proved we can manage complex logistics in confined spaces. We coordinate material deliveries, equipment staging, and crew parking to minimize disruption to you and your neighbors.
Absolutely. Excelsior's older homes deserve materials that complement their character. We work with Fond du Lac outcroppings, flagstone, Superior boulders, and fieldstone to create walls, patios, and walkways that feel timeless rather than out of place. Natural stone is a specialty of ours — it is harder to install properly but delivers a look that manufactured block cannot match.
Retaining wall replacement, shoreline restoration, and landscape refreshes are the most common requests from Excelsior homeowners. Many properties have aging walls from the 1970s-1980s that need replacement, and lakefront homes need erosion control as shorelines shift over time. We also see strong demand for landscape lighting and outdoor living spaces as homeowners invest in extending their usable outdoor season.
The full project — including permitting, three-tier retaining wall, 23 stairs, corten steel feature wall, 50+ lights, putting green, and finish landscaping — was completed in stages over several months. The homeowner had spent nearly 3 years trying to get it done before hiring us. We delivered a plan and pricing within weeks of our first visit and managed the project through Minnesota's construction season.
Our office on Minnetonka Blvd in Shorewood is about 5 minutes from downtown Excelsior. We are practically neighbors — which means fast site visits, easy project management, and the ability to check on your project daily during active construction.
Your Excelsior Landscape Project Starts Here
Schedule your free on-site consultation. We'll evaluate your property, discuss your vision, and provide a detailed quote — typically within one week.