Wellen Park announces 44,000-square-foot expansion for Downtown Wellen

VENICE, Fla. (Sept. 30, 2024) – Wellen Park is introducing the second phase of Downtown Wellen, which is already more than 65% pre-leased. Due to the success of Downtown Wellen’s first phase, the time is right to introduce additional businesses that will complement existing merchants and restaurant operators. Future tenants include a clothing boutique, a Pilates studio, a hair salon, optometrist, pet boutique, various professional offices and additional restaurants.

The new phase will introduce two, two-story mixed-use buildings, adding 44,000 square feet. The first floors will feature restaurants and retail, and the second floors will consist of professional offices. Featuring a signature tower and canopied patios for outdoor dining, the buildings were designed by New Orleans-based Trapolin-Peer Architects, which designed Downtown Wellen’s existing two-story office building located along Wellen Park Boulevard. The second phase also includes a boutique hotel and additional parking.

Construction is underway with a tentative opening expected during the first quarter of 2026. The new phase is located on Wellen Park Boulevard, adjacent to Villani & Co. and Foxtail Coffee and close to Tropia luxury apartments.

“Phase II has always been part of our vision for Downtown Wellen, and we’re encouraged with how quickly the new phase is being embraced by a wide variety of businesses,” said Rick Severance, president of Wellen Park. “We’re thrilled that 14 businesses and offices have already recognized Downtown Wellen as the ideal place for their operations. Our goal is to ensure the new additions not only enhance the downtown experience but also complement the success of our existing businesses.”

To accommodate any parking impacted by construction, Wellen Park has accelerated the construction of a paved surface parking lot adjacent to the future hotel. The parking lot is scheduled to open October 1. An overflow parking lot was also incorporated into the site several months ago.

Phase II downtown tenant specifics will be announced in the coming months, including use types, square footage and locations. For leasing information, contact Justin Boudreau, principal and director of brokerage services at Hybridge, at [email protected] or 813-413-6704.

Envisioned as the region’s vibrant new gathering hub for dining, entertainment, shopping and outdoor recreation, Downtown Wellen’s inaugural phase was completed in early 2023 with businesses opening through fall 2023. The 80-acre Grand Lake provides a scenic backdrop, a three-mile trail, The Landing fishing pier as well as paddleboarding, kayaking and fishing.

Downtown Wellen emphasizes social and natural connections with unique outdoor gathering areas, including a one-of-a-kind playground, a lakefront fountain and splashpad and the Great Lawn for community festivals, markets, celebrations and events overlooking the stage at Solis Hall. The Yard features retrofitted shipping containers serving casual food and offers outdoor dining and an activity area with yard games.

About Wellen Park

Ranked by prominent real estate consulting firms RCLCO as the U.S.’s sixth best-selling master-planned community based on mid-year 2024 new home sales, Wellen Park offers a mix of single-family and multifamily residential, commercial and recreational options. The community currently has approximately 10,000 residents, and at full buildout will have more than 50,000 residents and 22,500 homes within its three distinct districts: West Villages, Downtown Wellen and Playmore.

Wellen Park’s expanding residential choices include new-construction single-family homes in picturesque neighborhoods, a dynamic new lifestyle concept for active adults 55+, paired and attached villas, coach homes and condominiums for a low-maintenance lifestyle.

Rental options in Wellen Park range from one- to three-bedroom luxury apartments and single-family homes to an apartment community for adults 55 and older, and world-class independent, assisted living and memory care.

Wellen Park is close to top-ranked Gulf of Mexico beaches and the area’s many attractions.

For more information about living in Wellen Park, call 941-960-7805, go to www.wellenpark.com or visit the Welcome Center, open daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 12275 Mercado Drive in Venice, Fla.

 

Contact:

Jennifer Hamilton, Gravina, Smith, Matte & Arnold Marketing and PR, 239-275-5758, [email protected]