Esplanade, a real estate brand known for its resort-style communities, has started construction on a new development in Sarasota County. The project, located within the master-planned community of Wellen Park, will consist of 877 single-family homes and a wide range of wellness-focused amenities.
The groundbreaking ceremony for Esplanade at Wellen Park took place on October 10. The development aims to provide residents with a lifestyle centered on health, social connection, and luxury services, continuing the brand's expansion in the region where it was founded over a decade ago.
Key Takeaways
- Esplanade has broken ground on a new 877-home community in Wellen Park, Sarasota County.
- The development will feature extensive resort-style amenities, including a 16,000-square-foot amenity center.
- A full-time lifestyle manager will be on-site to organize events and activities for residents.
- The brand's philosophy focuses on wellness, targeting the mind, body, and spirit of its residents.
New Development Details Emerge
Construction is officially underway for the new Esplanade community in Wellen Park. The project will introduce 877 single-family homes to the rapidly growing area of Sarasota County. This development marks another significant investment for the brand in Southwest Florida.
Wellen Park was selected as the location due to its strategic position. Cammie Longenecker, the President of the Resort Lifestyle Brand for Esplanade, noted the area's convenient access to the beach, downtown Sarasota, and the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport as key factors in the decision.
The groundbreaking event was described as a moment to celebrate the new project. "It was really the purpose of being able to commemorate the groundbreaking of this new community we’re bringing to the market," Longenecker said. "What better thing to do than take a pause in our development stage right now and celebrate, and quite frankly, have a little fun in the dirt."
A Philosophy of Active Living
The Esplanade brand is built on a specific lifestyle concept that emphasizes holistic wellness. This philosophy is represented by three pillars in its logo: mind, body, and spirit. According to the company, this approach guides every aspect of community design, from the physical amenities to the social programming.
"We don’t believe in retirement. We believe in reinventing," Longenecker stated. "We always look through that lens of how can we find purpose and connect people with the journey they’re on?"
To support this vision, a full-time lifestyle manager will be employed at the Wellen Park community. This individual's role is to coordinate a diverse calendar of events, classes, and social gatherings designed to foster connections among residents and encourage active participation.
Esplanade's Florida Roots
The Esplanade brand was established in Sarasota County more than 10 years ago with its first community in Lakewood Ranch. Since then, it has expanded to include locations in Palmetto, Skye Ranch, and now multiple sites in Wellen Park, solidifying its presence in the region.
Measuring Success Through Resident Experience
The ultimate goal for the brand is to create an environment where residents feel consistently relaxed and engaged. The company measures its success based on feedback from its community members.
"How we measure success is when we hear our members and our guests say, ‘I feel like I’m on vacation every day of my life,’” Longenecker explained. This sentiment drives the inclusion of high-end services and facilities typically associated with luxury resorts.
Comprehensive Amenities Planned for Residents
Esplanade at Wellen Park is designed to offer a comprehensive suite of amenities that cater to fitness, relaxation, and social activities. The centerpiece will be a large, state-of-the-art amenity center named 'The Venue'.
The Venue at a Glance
The planned amenity center, 'The Venue', will span over 16,000 square feet. It is set to include a modern fitness center, a dedicated room for group fitness classes, and a spa therapy suite for wellness treatments.
Outdoor facilities are a major component of the community's plan. Residents will have access to a variety of sports courts and recreational spaces.
- Resort-style pool and spa
- Tennis courts
- Pickleball courts
- Bocce courts
- A dedicated dog park
On-Site Dining and Concierge Services
Adding to the resort-like atmosphere, the community will feature its own Bahama Bar & Grill. This on-site restaurant concept is already popular at other Esplanade locations, including Palmer Ranch and Lakewood Ranch, offering residents a convenient dining and social hub.
Furthermore, the community will provide concierge services to assist residents with daily needs. These curated services can range from arranging dry cleaning and car detailing to booking exclusive travel opportunities, reinforcing the brand's focus on a maintenance-free lifestyle.
The Broader Context of Wellen Park
Esplanade's new development is part of the larger, award-winning Wellen Park master-planned community. This area has become a major hub for new construction and development in Sarasota County, attracting a variety of builders and residents with its mix of residential neighborhoods, commercial centers, and recreational areas.
The addition of another Esplanade community underscores the strong demand for lifestyle-focused housing in Southwest Florida. As developers continue to build in the area, the competition to offer unique amenities and a strong sense of community has intensified, with brands like Esplanade positioning themselves at the premium end of the market.
