A Chaska resident has given a modern makeover to a community that was once on the cutting edge of suburban living.
Painters put the finishing touches on one of Chaska's most well-known landmarks just in time for the Ryder Cup golf tournament at Hazeltine National Golf Club — the Jonathan community silo. Todd Dexter, a local graphic designer, gave the dated landmark a face-lift to better represent the changing face of the community.
The Jonathan community, built in 1960, was the first planned enclave in Minnesota and one of the earliest in the nation. The community was the brainchild of former state Sen. Henry T. McKnight and was named after explorer Jonathan Carver, the county's namesake.
The Jonathan community was designed to be a new town within a town, said Heidi Gould, Carver County Historical Society curator of education and exhibits. Rather than bulldozing through the land to create the new town, the community was built with nature in mind. Forests and marshlands surround homes with 10 miles of walking trails weaving behind backyards. About 8,000 residents live in 3,000 homes in 23 different neighborhoods designated by numbers.
Dexter's design was selected by the Jonathan Association out of about 50 entries. The Arts Consortium of Carver County held a competition to find a local artist who could give the silo a more modern look. Dexter's logo was selected out of three finalists.
Dexter, a Jonathan resident of 12 years, gave the silo a contemporary look. He said he was gratified to have it completed in time for the Ryder Cup.
"It is the first big monument you see," Dexter said. "To be the one who designed it for the next 20 years is really cool."
His design will also be added to a picnic shelter by Lake Grace.