Cottage Grove celebrated new homes Friday, Sept. 11 with a ribbon cutting for Watersedge at Lochridge, a new lakefront neighborhood off Jamaica Avenue South below Military Road.
Taking part in the ribbon cutting along with city officials were McDonald Construction Partners and ILC Realty Group
The featured house in the Ribbon cutting, one of 10 the company purchased, is located at 6433 Isle Avenue and was listed as Home 187 in the Twin Cities Parade of Homes.
Cottage Grove Mayor Myron Bailey opened the ceremony by describing the event as more than a traditional business ribbon-cutting.
“A lot of times we come into these ribbon-cuttings like this, and it’s regarding a new business coming to town, like a restaurant or something like that,” he said. “But today we get to celebrate a milestone in an amazing housing development.”
Bailey was joined by Cottage Grove City Council member Monique Garza, Minnesota state Rep. Wayne Johnson and Washington County Commissioner Karla Bigham.
Bailey said McDonald Construction’s 10 lots were situated in an attractive portion of the development, with the homes backing up to Lake Roberts. The properties will also be located next to a new city park.
Peterson Park, named in recognition of former Cottage Grove Mayor Roger Peterson and former Washington County Commissioner Myra Peterson, is expected to be fully developed in 2027.
Bailey encouraged residents to visit the neighborhood and see the development.
“These 10 lots and the one house that we’re in front of right here are absolutely gorgeous,” he said. “They’re backing up against a lake that’s behind us, Lake Roberts. They’re going to be directly next to a new park that’s being built over there.”
Bailey said he had watched the featured home take shape while driving through the area and thanked the company for investing in Cottage Grove.
“I just want to say thank you to this group that’s investing in the community of Cottage Grove, creating a great place to raise a family.”
Dave Remick of McDonald Construction thanked city and community representatives for welcoming the company. He said the Parade of Homes property would be open to visitors Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 6 p.m. through Oct. 4.
“We are happy to be in Cottage Grove,” Remick said. “We’re Home 187 on the Parade of Homes.”
Remick said the company was excited not only to show the completed parade home, but also to begin construction on the other properties it purchased.
“We’re just really excited to be here and excited to not just welcome people into our new home here, but build 10 other homes for people to enjoy for many, many years,” he said.
James Vagle of Housing First Minnesota said the Parade of Homes was intended to celebrate homeownership and highlight cooperation between builders and local governments.
Housing First Minnesota produces the Parade of Homes, which was scheduled to take place over four weekends in nearly 80 metropolitan-area communities.
“This is a celebration of homeownership,” Vagle said. “We’re happy to be in Cottage Grove.”
He said he appreciated hearing local officials discuss the partnership between government and the housing industry.
Bailey said the development supported the city’s goal of providing what he called “life-cycle housing.” The concept involves offering housing choices for residents at different ages and stages of life, from families with children to older adults.
“This is just another one of those options that you’re going to have in Cottage Grove with the type of lifestyle that you want to live,” Bailey said.
He said the Watersedge development offered amenities, access to outdoor recreation and custom construction options that would appeal to residents seeking a particular type of home and neighborhood.
Laurie Levine, president of the Cottage Grove Area Chamber of Commerce, welcomed McDonald Construction and Keller William Realty to the chamber and the Cottage Grove community. She spoke on behalf of the chamber, its Women in Business organization and its newly established foundation.
“We’re all excited to be here,” Levine said.
The ceremony concluded with representatives cutting the ribbon and inviting those in attendance to tour the Parade of Homes property.
City and company representatives said the event marked both the opening of the featured house and the beginning of McDonald Construction’s broader investment in the Cottage Grove housing market.