A master-planned community in South Sarasota County is growing, with the second phase of its downtown district currently under development. Wellen Park recently broke ground on the second phase of its downtown – called Downtown Wellen – a project that will bring shops, restaurants and office space to Park Wellen Boulevard. A 120-room hotel and a 2-acre dog park are also part of the plans.
The second phase of Downtown Wellen will include two two-story buildings with 44,000 square feet of space. While restaurants and retail will be accommodated on the ground floor, offices will be located on the upper floor.
Trapolin-Peer Architects undertook the design, which will include a feature tower and covered terraces for outdoor dining. The New Orleans-based firm also designed the existing two-story office building on Wellen Park Boulevard, according to a statement.
According to a statement, the retail space is already 100% leased. Here are the companies planned for phase two:
- Agave Bandido: Modern Mexican-inspired restaurant and tequila bar
- Easy Does It Comfort Kitchen: Restaurant serving comfort food like burgers, sandwiches and tater tots
- Grain & Berry: Superfood cafe with acai bowls, toasts, vegan flatbreads, quesadillas, freshly squeezed juices and smoothies
- La Maison: French pastry shop with freshly baked bread, pastries and croissants
- Hudson Square Boutique: New York-based retailer founded in 2019 by Wellen Park resident Danielle MacConel and offering women's resort wear and accessories
- Seaside & Co.: Coastal-inspired clothing and home decor store with a wine bar and lounge
- Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming: Gourmet treats, accessories and grooming products store
- James Griffith Salon: Full-service salon with stylists trained in French hair cutting
- Club Pilates: Studio within the national fitness franchise
- Mattamy Homes Design Center: Here homebuyers can customize their new home
“Created with resident feedback in mind, these new additions are designed to enrich everyday life and strengthen the sense of community that makes Wellen Park so special,” Wellen Park President Rick Severance said in a statement.
The dealerships are expected to open in spring and summer 2026.
So far, four tenants have leased office space in the second phase of Downtown Wellen: AvSKY, a private aviation broker that also offers service and parts; Allstate Fisher Family Insurance, which offers auto, home, business, life and retirement solutions; J&B Insurance Partners, provider of health, life and retirement products; and Mattamy Homes, the national home builder that will open its Southwest Florida division headquarters in downtown Wellen.
A hotel with more than 120 rooms and a rooftop bar is also part of the Phase 2 plans. It will be a Marriott Tribute portfolio hotel, a brand within the hotel company that offers boutique hotels.
Luxury apartments and a 2-acre fenced park with agility equipment, shaded seating and green space will also soon be built, the statement said. It was not immediately available when the hotel, dog park and apartments will be completed.
Work on phase two begins more than two years after the first phase opened. According to a statement, the first phase of Downtown Wellen was completed in early 2023, with stores scheduled to open by fall 2023.