The former Chaska Building Center is facing a dramatic makeover.

Recently signs touting a proposed retail development appeared in front of the dilapidated building, signaling changes on the horizon.

Monday afternoon, former City Administrator Dave Pokorney, who now heads up Community Asset Development Group, issued a press release detailing landowner John Klingelhutz’s proposal to redevelop the 12-acre site. According to the release, a master plan has now been submitted to the city of Chaska for the project.

The SouthWest Metro Chamber of Commerce and the Waconia Chamber of Commerce are hosting a workshop for commercial property owners in Carver County.

The workshop will address the process by which you can appeal your 2011 commercial property valuations.

This timely forum will include panelists: Laurie Engelen, Taxpayer Services, Carver County; Angela Johnson, Carver County Assessor; Suzanne Grimm, Cresa Partners; and Robert Hill, Property Tax Attorney.

There may not be a jukebox blaring the sounds of “Rockin’ Robin” or “Rock Around the Clock.” There may not be waitresses gliding along on roller skates with trays perched high on their shoulders. There may not be boys in letter jackets giving girls in poodle skirts their class rings.

Tommy’s may not have any of that, but there’s no denying this is a malt shop.

By Unsie Zuege

Ladies and gentlemen, start your garden tillers, your power washers, your various power tools, and gardening implements, tune up the lawnmower, dust off the patio furniture and rethink the flower beds. As of last Saturday, spring officially arrived.

And just in time to help you sort out what’s new, improved, and must-haves for the coming summer season, is the annual SouthWest Metro Expo that features products and services for homes, landscaping and lifestyle.

By Cliff Johnson

Jan. 16, 2009 is a milestone date for Mike Lindell of Carver. That’s the day he quit all his addictions.

He’s been sober in the 13 months since, pouring his new focus and clarity into his growing Carver company – MyPillow, Inc.

By Unsie Zuege

It was going to be a burger like any other burger Chanhassen resident Russ Kamerud ever made.

Or so he thought. When it was time to add the Gedney pickle spears, the sharp-eyed burger maker looked at the pickle jar and did a double take.

The SouthWest Metro Chamber of Commerce and Mediacom have expanded the seventh annual SouthWest Metro Expo.

Free to the public, the Expo’s featured guests will be television’s Hometime Crew – Miriam Johnson, Dan Laabs and Tom Weckworth. Hometime, hosted by Dean Johnson, is a national home improvement and remodeling television series. The show is based in the Chaska area, and most episodes are filmed in that vicinity.

By Forrest Adams

Chanhassen Dinner Theatres is now under new ownership, though some of the owners have familiar faces.

Long-time Resident Artistic Director Michael Brindisi and Choreographer Tamara Kangas Erickson are among a large cast now charting a path forward for the 41-year-old theater. They pledge to do so in the sprawling, rustic Chanhassen building that is owned by Bloomberg Companies and has housed the theater complex since 1968.

For Sophie White, Saturdays are truly something to look forward to.

The pint-sized pixie wakes up early to pull together her ensemble for the day – a black leotard, pink skirt, leggings and a pair of black ballet shoes.