Our History

When many people in Minnesota think of luxury home building, chances are, Donnay Homes will be the first name that comes to mind. Donnay Homes is Minnesota’s oldest, family-owned, home building company. Donnay Homes has built more homes than any other luxury home builder in the state of Minnesota.

In 1941 when Minnesota was readying itself for war in Europe and celebrating the Minnesota Golden Gophers football national championship, Vern and Geri Donnay started Donnay Homes.

Donnay Homes began by building a few homes for friends and acquaintances. As business began to grow for Donnay Homes, Vern Donnay started to develop large tracts of land around the twin cities. Donnay Homes developed many of the first housing developments in Blaine, Richfield, Bloomington, and Lakeville.

After World War II, business for Donnay Homes flourished as many war vets came home to start new families. Donnay Homes was digging five basements a day during the height of the construction boom of the 40’s and 50’s. Donnay Homes made the dreams of thousands of families come true during the 1940’s, 50’s and 60’s.

Today, Vern’s son, Paul Donnay is the president and owner of Donnay Homes. His son, Chad Donnay is vice-president, and is proud to be the 3rd generation new builder of Donnay Homes.

They and the Donnay Homes team currently have large projects under development in Burnsville, Cottage Grove, Prior Lake, Shakopee and Plymouth.

Donnay Homes believes in delivering ‘More Home for your Money’. This ethic is something Donnay Homes has been doing for over 78 years. Donnay Homes has created over 15,000 homes for Minnesota families. That is a testament to the level of quality and craftsmanship to which each Donnay Homes is built.