First 55+ active adult community to expand living options in Wellen Park

VENICE, Fla. (June 27, 2022) – Wellen Park’s residential and lifestyle choices continue to expand with the introduction of Soléa Wellen Park, a 55 and older active adult rental community developed by Sparrow Partners that will offer 204 one- and two-bedroom apartments on West Villages Parkway in the Playmore District.

“We are thrilled to be part of the Wellen Park community and offer housing that doesn’t currently exist in the area,” said Jonathan Boone, partner director of acquisitions for the Austin, Texas developer, builder and management company. “Wellen Park is such a great community with a downtown district about to open, an 80-acre recreational lake and a host of amenities. Being part of a community focused on wellness is the ideal fit for us.”

Soléa Wellen Park, Sparrow’s first Florida development, will offer eight floor plans, maintenance-free living and private amenities, an active social calendar and events designed to enhance friendship, wellness and a sense of community.

“Sparrow Partners’ emphasis on creating an active, engaging community complements Wellen Park’s vision of meaningful connections and a vibrant, joyful lifestyle,” said Rick Severance, president of Wellen Park. “We are pleased to introduce this exciting concept to the residential offering for future Wellen Park residents.”

Soléa Wellen Park offers a 10,000-square-foot clubhouse, a 24-hour fitness center for cardio and strength training, a resort pool with sun deck, bocce and pickleball courts, a coffee bar, business center with 24-hour access, craft rooms and a presentation kitchen for cooking classes. The pet-friendly community will also feature a fenced dog park, fire pits, a community garden, barbecue grills and indoor and outdoor lounge and dining areas designed for gathering.

A full-time activity director will coordinate daily resident socials, happy hours, activities, and weekly fitness classes, including water aerobics, yoga, strength and balance sessions.

“We have a lifestyle and engagement team to encourage lifelong learning, wellness, fitness and friendship,” said Boone. “Residents move in, connect with their neighbors and form new relationships. We create spaces for people to connect and opportunities they might be missing out on if they’re living by themselves in a house. For many, it’s a component they didn’t envision with living in an apartment community.”

The community’s open-concept floor plans feature one- and two-bedroom apartments with chef-inspired kitchens equipped with stainless steel appliances and granite countertops, full-size washers and dryers, walk-in closets, bathrooms with oversized vanities and walk-in showers in 678 to 1,285 square feet under air. Several plans offer studies and all units have a private fenced yard or terrace and overlook lakes or the property’s amenity-filled landscaped courtyard. Detached garages, carports and storage units are also available for rent.

Sparrow Partners opened its first active adult rental community in 2017 and now operates communities in four states.

Construction is expected to begin this summer with the clubhouse and first apartments completed in late July or early August 2023. Preleasing will kick off with lunch and learn events toward the end of the summer and registration available at that time on the community website.

Soléa Wellen Park is a quick walk to Downtown Wellen, the vibrant central hub and gathering place for Wellen Park and the region. The first phase of Downtown Wellen is nearing completion with the first businesses expected to before the end of 2022. The pedestrian-friendly mixed-use destination is 90% leased and offers restaurants, retail shops, medical offices, beauty and professional services, public community spaces, outdoor recreation and activities. A boutique hotel is also planned.

The 80-acre Grand Lake creates a scenic backdrop for Downtown Wellen’s businesses, retail stores, restaurants and outdoor spaces, and offers a floating dock and recreational activities, including fishing, kayaking and paddle boarding with rentals available at Kind Vibes Outfitters. Adventures abound along the 2.8-mile walking, cycling and jogging trail circling the lake, passing wetlands and sandy benches with observation areas, benches and a connection to the community’s extensive trail system. Bicycle and e-bike rentals are available at the outfitter.

Diners will discover a variety of cuisine – from new American and Italian, steak and seafood to super-premium ice cream, pizza and tavern fare. Restaurants include the flagship The Banyan House nestled along Grand Lake, Mirabella’s Italian Coastal Cuisine, Oak & Stone Craft Beer & Artisan Pizza, Villani & Co. Steak Seafood Raw Bar and Bright Ice. The Banyan House is also the exclusive caterer at Solis Hall, Downtown Wellen’s lakefront town hall and rental venue for weddings, parties, community celebrations, anniversaries and events. The Yard, a collection of shipping containers retrofitted as food kiosks, expands casual food and beverage options with counter service, an outdoor seating area and activity center.

Also coming to Downtown Wellen are Breakwater Home Fashions, Paint Nail Bar, Capstan Financial Consulting Group, Florida Lakes Vein Center, Florida Lakes Spa, and Dr. Jeffrey Seymour Smiles Orthodontics.

Designed for connections to nature and community, Downtown Wellen offers a hammock grove and a lounge area underneath a nearly century-old heritage oak tree, a fountain and splashpad, a unique playground blending into its natural surroundings, and the Great Lawn for community festivals, markets, celebrations, picnics and playtime.

Consistently ranked among the U.S.’s top five fastest-selling master planned communities annually by prominent real estate consulting firm RCLCO, Wellen Park offers a mix of single-family and multifamily residential, commercial and recreational options. The community currently has approximately 9,500 residents, and at full build-out 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 single-family homes in picturesque neighborhoods, a bundled golf and country club community, paired villas, coach homes and condominiums, one- to three-bedroom apartments and rental homes, and world-class independent, assisted living and memory care.

To learn more about living at Wellen Park, call 941-960-7805, go to wellenpark.com or visit the Welcome Center at 12275 Mercado Drive in Venice, Fla. The Welcome Center is open Monday-Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Contact:

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