Lawsuit Over Partially Built SW Rochester Luxury Home Dismissed

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Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) - A push by Rochester Township to force the demolition of an unfinished multi-million-dollar home has been dropped for the time being.

The Rochester Township Board recently voted to dismiss the legal action against the owners of the property at 2630 Wild Rose Lane Southwest. Township Clerk/Treasurer Randy Staver says the resolution approved by the board indicates the lawsuit was dismissed without prejudice, which means it could be reinstated in the future.

He says the decision to dismiss the case was due to insufficient documentation. Staver says the Township has the option to restart the case by gathering the needed documentation, including reports filed by law enforcement concerning trespassing incidents on the property.

The fight over the partially constructed home on top of a hill that overlooks the area surrounding Bamber Valley Elementary School has attracted statewide media attention. Rochester Realtor Robin Gwaltney with Gwaltney Group RE/Max Results is the listing agent for the property. She says the construction of the 15,000-square-foot residence began in 2017 but was later halted after the couple building it separated and legal issues arose as they began dissolving their marriage.

Gwaltney says about $2 million had already been invested in the project before the construction work was stopped. The owner has been trying to find a buyer interested in completing the home, but Gwaltney says the uncertainties created by the legal actions taken by Rochester Township have dissuaded a number of interested buyers.

With the lawsuit dismissed, Gwaltney is optimistic a buyer will be found and the luxury home can be completed. Staver says any buyer would be required to obtain new construction permits to proceed with the project since the original permits have all expired.

Click on the play button below to listen to a podcast explaining the history of the property and project.