Development FAQ
Questions about land, lakeshore and custom homes in Minnesota.
Straight answers on DDG's process, timelines, costs and licensing — so you know what to expect before the first conversation.
Process
What does DDG actually do?
DDG develops land into build-ready homesites and communities. We read the site, structure the deal, secure entitlements, and coordinate infrastructure. The homes themselves are designed and constructed by licensed building partners such as 310 Designs and Development Co.
How is DDG different from a builder?
We develop the ground; builders develop the homes. Our job is to make sure the land, entitlements, and infrastructure arrive at the same standard the homes will be built to. That separation keeps development decisions independent of construction decisions.
What kinds of projects does DDG take on?
Residential communities, waterfront districts, villa neighborhoods, and entitled homesites. Current work includes Vierling Shores on Cow Bay in Prior Lake and Walden of Hastings in Hastings, Minnesota.
What is the DDG development process?
Read the site, entitle the ground, align the building team, and deliver the community. Each step is measured against long-term value and whether the finished place makes sense on that piece of land.
Timelines
How long does it take to develop a community?
It depends on entitlement complexity, environmental review, and the municipality. A typical Minnesota community moves from site read to build-ready homesites in 18 to 36 months.
When can I build on a homesite?
Once entitlements, infrastructure, and any required municipal releases are complete and the lot is formally released for construction. Each community publishes release schedules as they become firm.
Can DDG move faster on a project I bring?
Speed follows the site and the jurisdiction. We do not shortcut entitlements or environmental work, because both protect the value of the finished community. A realistic timeline is built into every deal from the first read.
Costs
How much does a homesite cost?
Homesite pricing varies by community, lot size, location, and the infrastructure required. For current availability and pricing at a specific community, visit its project page or contact Jason Meyer directly.
Are land and construction priced separately?
Yes. DDG sells or leases the developed homesite. Construction pricing is handled by the licensed building partner you select, so you can see the land cost and the build cost independently.
What costs come before construction starts?
Beyond the homesite, buyers typically budget for permitting, utility connections, site preparation specific to their lot, and any upgrades to the base community plan. We outline these early so there are no surprises after closing.
Lakeshore development
What makes lakeshore home development different?
Water frontage adds a layer of rules ordinary acreage does not carry: shoreland setbacks, wetland buffers, stormwater treatment, bluff protection and DNR review. Resolving those first is what turns a beautiful shoreline into a buildable homesite.
Does DDG develop lakeshore homesites in Minnesota?
Yes. Vierling Shores on Cow Bay in Prior Lake is a 54.7-acre lakeshore community with 107 platted homesites, 5.17 acres of preserved wetland and buffer, and a 1.65-acre waterfront district.
Can my custom home builder build on a DDG lakeshore lot?
Homesites are delivered build-ready with utilities to the lot line, so a custom home builder in Minnesota can begin once the lot is released and permits are issued. Community design standards, where they apply, are published with the plat.
Licensing
Is DDG a licensed contractor?
DDG is the real estate developer. Residential construction is performed by licensed building partners. 310 Designs and Development Co holds Residential Building Contractor License #BC809446 in Minnesota.
Who is the licensed contractor on DDG communities?
310 Designs and Development Co is the licensed residential building contractor associated with current Minnesota communities. License #BC809446.
Who do I contact with development questions?
Jason Meyer, Founder / Owner / Development Principal, at 507-251-5337 or jason@ddgdevelops.com. You can also reach Joie Schubert, Executive Assistant to Jason Meyer, at 612-578-9939.
Ask a question
Still have questions?
Send your question here and it goes straight to Jason — or call 507-251-5337.