Marriott-branded hotel headed to Wellen Park

A master-planned community in South Sarasota County is growing, with the second phase of its downtown district now in development. Wellen Park recently broke ground on phase two of its downtown — called Downtown Wellen — a project that will bring shops, restaurants and office space to Wellen Park Boulevard. A 120-room hotel and 2-acre dog park are also part of the plans.

The second phase of Downtown Wellen will include a pair of two-story buildings that span 44,000 square feet. While the ground floor will feature restaurants and retail, the upstairs will be occupied by offices.

Trapolin-Peer Architects handled design, which will include a signature tower and canopied patios for outdoor dining. The New Orleans-based firm also designed the existing two-story office building on Wellen Park Boulevard, according to a statement. 

Already, the retail space is 100% leased, according to a statement. Here are the businesses planned for phase two:

• Agave Bandido: Contemporary Mexican-inspired restaurant and tequila bar
• Easy Does It Comfort Kitchen: Restaurant featuring comfort food like burgers, sandwiches and tater tots
• Grain & Berry: Superfood cafe with acai bowls, toasts, vegan flatbreads, quesadillas, fresh-pressed juices and smoothies
• La Maison: French patisserie offering freshly baked breads, pastries and croissants
• Hudson Square Boutique: New York-based retailer founded in 2019 by Wellen Park resident Danielle MacConel featuring women’s resortwear and accessories
• Seaside & Co.: Coastal-inspired clothing and home decor store with wine bar and lounge
• Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming: Gourmet treats, accessories and grooming shop
• James Griffith Salon: Full-service salon with stylists trained in French haircutting
• Club Pilates: Studio within the national fitness franchise
• Mattamy Homes Design Center: Where homebuyers can customize their new homes

“These new additions were curated with resident feedback in mind and are designed to enrich everyday life and strengthen the sense of community that makes Wellen Park so special,” Wellen Park President Rick Severance says in a statement.

Merchants are expected to open in spring and summer 2026.

Four tenants so far have leased office space in the second phase of Downtown Wellen: AvSKY, a private aviation brokerage that also provides service and parts; Allstate Fisher Family Insurance, which offers auto, home, business, life and retirement solutions; J&B Insurance Partners, providing health, life and annuity products; and Mattamy Homes, the national homebuilder that is set to open its Southwest Florida division headquarters in Downtown Wellen.

A hotel with 120-plus rooms and rooftop bar is also part of the phase two plans. It will be a Marriott Tribute Portfolio hotel, which is a brand within the hospitality company that features boutique hotels.

Luxury apartments and a 2-acre fenced park with agility equipment, shaded seating and green space are also coming soon, according to the statement. It was not immediately available when the hotel, dog park and apartments will come to fruition.

Work on phase two begins more than two years after the initial phase opened. Downtown Wellen’s first phase was completed in early 2023, with businesses opening through fall 2023, according to a statement.