McDonald Construction’s stunning Milan model home at The Hills at Johnson Ridge in Eden Prairie has earned one of Minnesota’s most coveted homebuilding honors — a Reggie Award from Housing First Minnesota, earned from the 2026 Spring Parade of Homes.
When you walk through the front door of McDonald Construction’s Milan model at 11184 Johnson Ridge in Eden Prairie, it’s immediately clear this is not an ordinary new construction home. From its cottage-inspired exterior to its thoughtfully layered interior details, every inch of this 3,993-square-foot two-story home tells a story of craftsmanship, intentionality, and design excellence. That story caught the attention of Housing First Minnesota’s judges, who awarded the Milan one of the building industry’s most respected honors: the Reggie Award.
What Is the Reggie Award?
Since 1968, the Reggie Award has stood as one of the most prestigious recognitions in Minnesota’s homebuilding industry. Presented by Housing First Minnesota during the Spring Parade of Homes, the award is judged by teams of builders and industry associates who tour homes within their price category and evaluate each one on design quality, construction craftsmanship, and overall value. Winning a Reggie is not simply a pat on the back — it’s a peer-reviewed stamp of excellence that tells buyers and industry professionals alike that a home stands apart from the rest.
A Cottage-Inspired Vision
The Milan’s design concept begins with a mood and a palette: sage green, creamy neutrals, and crisp white come together to create as a timeless look with a touch of coastal charm. The living space feels simultaneously tailored and relaxed — sophisticated without being stiff, welcoming without sacrificing elegance.
“We wanted to highlight some of the exterior elements and bring them into the interior,” shares Mary Hoppe, lead designer at McDonald Construction. “We took that coastal, traditional feel and brought in some of that crisp, timeless color palette throughout the house.”
This design philosophy isn’t just about aesthetics. It reflects a deep understanding of how people actually want to live, and it’s woven into the home’s architecture from the inside out.
The Spaces That Set the Milan Apart
A Gourmet Kitchen Built for Living
At the heart of the Milan is a gourmet kitchen featuring a large center island, a professional oven, and a designer range hood. Hoppe highlighted the custom hood with the legs that reach all the way down to the countertops as a wow-feature that often grabs visitors attention when they step inside.
A rear walk-in pantry keeps the space organized and functional without cluttering the visual flow of the room. This is a kitchen designed for everything from weeknight dinners to weekend entertaining.
Light-Filled Common Areas
The great room opens up with large windows flanking the fireplace, flooding the space with natural light and creating an airy, connected feel. Adjacent to the great room, a sunroom with walls of windows blurs the line between indoors and out overlooking the bluffs of Eden Prairie.
A Primary Suite Worthy of the Name
The primary suite in the Milan is nothing short of luxurious. A spacious walk-in closet, dual vanities, a freestanding soaking tub, and a beautifully tiled ceramic shower combine to create a private retreat within the home. It’s the kind of bedroom suite that makes coming home feel like checking into a boutique hotel — every day.
Bedrooms Designed with Character
Two of the secondary bedrooms feature sloped ceiling details that give each room its own architectural personality — one with a walk-in closet and private en suite bath, the other with access to a deluxe shared bath. A fourth bedroom also includes a walk-in closet and shared bath access, ensuring that every occupant of the home enjoys both comfort and privacy.
Functional Spaces That Actually Function
The Milan earns its Reggie not just through its showstopper spaces, but through the careful attention paid to everyday living areas.
“The wallpaper found in the powder bath is a really unique feature that we paired with a cute, coastal vanity which gives the space a traditional charm,” Hoppe shared.
The mudroom includes a built-in bench and closet — a small detail that makes an enormous difference in daily life. The laundry room is equipped with built-in cabinetry and a sink. A study with double-door entry provides a quiet, defined workspace.
“The color drench inthe study in a deep flint color gives it a really dark masculine feel,” added Hoppe.
These are the spaces that make a home genuinely livable.
Lower Level for Entertainment and Flexibility
The lower level expands the home’s possibilities with a media and game room, a fifth bedroom, a three-quarter bathroom, and a large unfinished storage area — offering both finished comfort and room to grow.
Earning a Reggie Award is no small feat. It requires not just a beautiful home, but a home that demonstrates genuine innovation, superior craftsmanship, and exceptional value — judged by the people who know homebuilding best. McDonald Construction’s Milan model at The Hills at Johnson Ridge delivers on all three counts, and this recognition from Housing First Minnesota is a reflection of the team’s commitment to building homes where people truly love to live.
Ready to learn more about the Milan model? Stop by Thursdays-Sundays from 12-5PM or schedule a visit or learn more.