Downtown Wellen has been the social heart of Wellen Park since its first phase opened in 2023, and it has been busy ever since. Lakeside dining, live events on the Great Lawn, paddleboarding on Grand Lake, and a walkable streetscape that feels more like a coastal town center than a master-planned community. It set a high bar, and Phase 2 is about to raise it further.
In this post, we will cover what is coming to Downtown Wellen, which businesses are confirmed, and why this expansion makes Wellen Park an even stronger destination for residents, visitors, and property investors alike.
What Phase 2 Adds to Downtown Wellen
The expansion introduces two new two-story mixed-use buildings spanning 44,000 square feet, designed by New Orleans-based Trapolin-Peer Architects.
Ground floors are dedicated to restaurants and retail, while upper floors house professional offices. The buildings feature a signature tower and canopied outdoor patios built for al fresco dining. Openings are expected through spring and summer 2026, and the retail space is already fully leased.
Beyond the new buildings, Phase 2 also brings a boutique hotel and a two-acre dog park to the downtown area, both of which are covered further below.
New Dining and Shopping Spots to Know
The tenant lineup is where Phase 2 becomes particularly meaningful. For Phase 2, the tenant lineup was curated with resident feedback in mind, and it covers a lot of ground:
Dining
- Agave Bandido: A contemporary Mexican-inspired restaurant and tequila bar
- Easy Does It Comfort Kitchen: Comfort food done well, think burgers, sandwiches, and their signature tater tots that already have a following
- Grain & Berry: A superfood cafe serving acai bowls, vegan flatbreads, fresh-pressed juices, and smoothies
Shopping and Lifestyle
- Hudson Square Boutique: A New York-based women’s resortwear boutique founded by a Wellen Park resident, offering on-trend pieces at accessible prices
- Seaside and Co.: A coastal-inspired clothing and home decor store that also doubles as a wine bar and lounge
- Woof Gang Bakery and Grooming: Gourmet treats, accessories, and grooming services for dogs
Wellness and Services
- James Griffith Salon: A full-service award-winning salon trained in French haircutting, balayage, and extensions
- Club Pilates: Part of the nationally recognized franchise, offering low-impact full-body classes for all fitness levels
- Mattamy Homes Design Center: Where buyers in the community can personalize their new homes from the ground up
The Bigger Additions Worth Watching
Two upcoming projects tied to Phase 2 deserve their own mention:
The Wellmar Hotel is a 148-room Marriott Tribute Portfolio boutique hotel coming to Downtown Wellen, featuring a rooftop bar with lake views and dedicated event spaces. It is expected to open in 2028 and will be the first hotel of its kind in the community, making Wellen Park a genuine destination for visitors rather than just a drive-through on the way to the beach.
Then, there’s a new two-acre off-leash dog park near the Downtown Wellen waterfront, featuring agility equipment, open green space, and shaded seating areas for owners.
At Jennette Properties, we manage vacation rentals across Sarasota, Venice, and Wellen Park, and we pay close attention to what drives guest demand in each area. Developments like Phase 2 of Downtown Wellen are exactly the kind of investment in lifestyle infrastructure that makes a location more attractive year after year. If you own or are considering a property near Wellen Park, we know what it takes to make it perform.
Get in touch with Jennette Properties experts to learn more about vacation rental management in Wellen Park and the surrounding areas.
FAQs About Downtown Wellen Phase 2
When Will the New Businesses Open?
The Phase 2 tenants are expected to open progressively through spring and summer 2026. The Wellmar Hotel has a separate timeline and is projected to open in 2028.
How Far Is Downtown Wellen from the Gulf Beaches?
The Gulf beaches are typically about a 20-minute drive in normal traffic, depending on season and which beach you are heading to. Caspersen Beach in Venice is one of the closest and is known for being one of the best shelling beaches on the southwest Florida coast.
Is Downtown Wellen Worth Visiting If You Are Staying Nearby?
Absolutely. Even before Phase 2 opens, Downtown Wellen draws visitors for its waterfront dining, weekend markets, and events calendar at Solis Hall. Once Phase 2 is fully open with its expanded dining lineup and the Wellmar Hotel, it will function as a full-day destination in its own right, not just an amenity for residents.
