Dave Prochazka was in the right place at the right time.

Thursday, August 09, 2001

Dave Prochazka was in the right place at the right time.

Two years ago, while delivering milk to Freeborn Grocery, he heard a group of elderly women talking about some land for sale on Freeborn Lake.

&uot;My ears kind of perked up, because my family has been looking for some lakeshore property to build a home on and maybe develop,&uot; Prochazka said. &uot;I’ve always thought Freeborn Lake was a nice area.&uot;

The land was owned by the estate of Lyle Hanson, and it was going up for auction, Prochazka discovered. Located on the west side of the lake just off Highway 6, it looked to be a perfect location for new homes.

Though he had to bid against people from as far away as Florida, Prochazka, who lives in Chester, Minn., managed to obtain the property. He thinks it could signal the beginning of more development along what is a mostly undiscovered lake.

&uot;I’m amazed there isn’t more plans like mine around this lake, but it’s mainly surrounded by farmland,&uot; Prochazka said.

The nine-parcel development is called Hanson Point. Each heavily-wooded lot is at least three acres in size, and each has access to the lake. Prochazka plans to build his own home on the point as soon as he can sell a couple of lots, he said.

&uot;I think these lots will attract some interest, especially for people who want a little seclusion. But, at the same time, we’re only a couple of miles from Freeborn or Alden,&uot; he said.

Freeborn Mayor Dale Johannsen said more development along the lake could be very good for the area’s tax base. He agrees that Freeborn Lake, aside from Arrowhead Park on the east shore, would be attractive to people looking to build new lakeshore homes.

&uot;Maybe this is the start of something,&uot; Johannsen said.

Prochazka’s lots on Hanson Point are listed with Ron Holtan Realty in Albert Lea. Call 373-8963 for more information.