32-36 North Vine Street
Waconia, MN, USA

National Register of Historic Places - Emile Amblard Guest House (Wishing Well Apartments)

Statement of Significance:

The Emile Amblard Guest House is the best-preserved building associated with Waconia's historically significant era as a popular resort (1877-1920). When the village of Waconia , on the south shore of Lake Waconia, was platted in March of 1857 on land owned by Roswell Pi Russell, Russell strongly believed that the town and lake could be developed into a summer resort area. Although the idea was accepted, a period of twenty years passed before significant resort-oriented development began.

In 1894 Emile Amblard, a member of the French firm of F. Chauvenet and Company, Wine Importers, visited Waconia and Coney Island. So favorable was his impression that he purchased land in Waconia and on the island; he added to his island holdings until he owned one-half of the island. By 1894, Waconia and Coney Island were acclaimed throughout the midwest and east as a popular Theme/s: Primary Recreation______ Secondary Architecture Other Local Contact/Org.: Heritage Committee, Carver County Historical Society Pi;i|pared by and date: Lynne VanBrocklin Spaeth February 1978 ecreation center.

Amblard constructed three villas on the island soon after the urn-of-the-century. In addition, Amblard constructed a guest house dining room, and automobile garage in Waconia. He had an outstanding artistic ability which was applied in his extensive plans for buildings and landscaping, all of which he financed himself. The guest house served as Amblard's "mainland" residence and resting spot for Coney Island visitors.

The guest house is the only extant building designed by Amblard and the best-preserved building associated with Waconia and Coney Island's resort history.