Our Work
Pillsbury Estates
Originally constructed in 1917, the Lake Minnetonka Pillsbury estate stood as Minnesota's most prominent property. Despite a decade-long struggle to sell it, the property owners found success upon enlisting the expertise of the B Benson Group. Under Mr. Benson's leadership, his team navigated intricate development approvals and oversaw all project management tasks. Additionally, they collaborated with various regulatory bodies to obtain necessary approvals and resolved complex legal and financial issues. Project responsibilities encompassed constructing a new road, installing sewer lines, including a lift station, grading, tree removal, and demolition. Upon completion, Brian Benson's team achieved remarkable success, selling all sites and generating sales exceeding $23 million—a record that remains unmatched to this day.
Shoreline Estates
The sale of these lots represents a remarkable journey for a truly exceptional property. Originally listed as a sprawling 29-acre estate, the true value lay in its expansive land. Through strategic guidance from Mike, the family navigated multiple stages of development, culminating in the successful subdivision of the estate into six distinct lots. This process was not merely about selling parcels of land; it was about realizing the full potential of the property. With meticulous planning and expert advice, these lots were successfully sold, fetching an impressive total of $13.5 million. This achievement underscores not only the monetary value of the land but also the expertise and vision required to unlock its full potential.
Ferndale Estates
In an ongoing development process with the City of Wayzata, Mike Steadman plays a pivotal role, aiding and advising sellers throughout various facets of the endeavor. From assembling the development team to shepherding the approval process with the city authorities and deftly navigating neighborhood feedback, Mike's expertise shines through. His primary focus lies in selling both the retail lots and custom home packages, ensuring a seamless transaction process. Notably, three of the lots are under contract with total sales projected over $14.5 million. With Mike's guidance and expertise, the project progresses with measured confidence towards its ultimate fruition, promising both profitability and community integration in the vibrant landscape of Wayzata.
WAZI Condos - Wayzata
The B Benson Group acquired an outdated office complex from the 1980s and collaborated with the City of Wayzata for two years to obtain approvals for a complex mixed-use project. Overcoming legal hurdles and objections from neighbors, the team worked diligently with various organizations to secure the necessary approvals. After receiving preliminary approval, the project was successfully sold to a builder who is now advancing with the development. Recently introduced as Wayzata's newest boutique condo residences, these properties stand out as a unique addition to the real estate market. Boasting exclusivity and intimacy, only four residences will be constructed, situated just a block away from the scenic shores of Lake Minnetonka and the vibrant downtown area with its array of shops and restaurants. These sunlit units will offer expansive floor plans, heated outdoor balconies, gourmet kitchens with beverage centers, a structurally sound concrete design for enhanced noise reduction, and some partial lake views. The anticipated sell out will exceed $13 million.
Island Oaks
Mike played a pivotal role in helping the buyer and custom home builder secure the property amidst multiple offers. He provided expert assistance and guidance to Wooddale Builders throughout the city approval process, skillfully managing neighborhood responses to keep the project on track and achieve final approval. His primary responsibility is to sell retail lots and custom home packages for Wooddale Builders. The project generated revenues exceeding $20 million.
Willow Bay Sanctuary
The sellers of the parcel enlisted Mike as a guiding partner in its development and securing city approval, bringing him on board in a consulting capacity. Having previously encountered setbacks in their attempts to develop the land, they turned to Mike's expertise. With his guidance, the project navigated successfully through the approval process. Following the green light from the city, Mike was retained once more, this time to spearhead the sales and marketing efforts for the retail lots. His strategic approach bore fruit as all seven lots were swiftly snapped up, collectively fetching just over $6.6 million dollars. With the lots sold, the momentum of progress continues as construction on the custom homes is now underway, marking a significant milestone in the realization of the parcel's potential.
Settlers Prairie
The B Benson Group acquired a 16-acre parcel in Independence and effectively obtained approval for three distinct building sites. The project proved intricate as the team navigated through the watershed district to secure special approvals, addressing concerns related to new water runoff and the preservation of wetlands. Despite these challenges, the team successfully obtained all necessary approvals, managed infrastructure development, and secured pre-sales for all sites before completing the project, yielding robust cash-on-cash returns.
Bay Ridge - Minnetonka
The B Benson Group recently acquired an aging cabin on Lake Minnetonka, swiftly devising a design plan to efficiently divide the property, navigating through the city's approval procedures. Simultaneously, we secured a buyer who was ready to proceed with the purchase upon city approval. Following the green light from the city, The B Benson Group promptly executed the demolition of existing structures and implemented essential infrastructure upgrades. The project was completed within a tight timeline, yielding substantial returns both in terms of cash-on-cash and overall profitability.
Eagle Bluff - Minnetonka
After an extended period without sale, the B Benson Group was approached for a reassessment. They identified an opportunity for a lot split, preserving the main house while subdividing additional land. Navigating through the intricate city approval procedures, the team fulfilled all necessary requirements for the split. Both resulting parcels had lakefront frontage on Lake Minnetonka. Following completion, both the main house and vacant lot were sold, yielding significant dollars for the seller.