"As future development plans for our master-planned community solidified and the demand from additional homebuilders grew, the need for a master or new brand became clear," said Severance. "We're extremely proud to introduce Wellen Park. This is a neighborly and sincere community of families and friends who enjoy an active lifestyle that cultivates physical and emotional wellbeing."

The next-generation, wellness-focused community is designed to encourage a healthy and active lifestyle for residents.

Offering outdoor recreation and exercise options, the new master-planned community will feature extensive nature and fitness trails; adding 25 miles of trails to its existing 18-mile trail network, which includes a 2.7 mile path surrounding Downtown Wellen's 80-acre lake, which is currently under excavation.

In addition to new medical facilities, healthcare services and a new fire and rescue station, Wellen Park residents will have access to numerous education options, such as a planned, K-12 school through the Sarasota County Schools district. The community already hosts a collegiate school for high school diplomas and Associate of Arts degrees, and the State College of Florida, a 100-acre campus with various educational opportunities such as associate's degrees, bachelor's degrees and personal enrichment courses.

Throughout nine neighborhoods in the West Villages district, Wellen Park currently offers single-family and attached homes, from homebuilders including D.R. Horton, DiVosta, Lennar, Mattamy Homes, M/I Homes, Neal Communities, Sam Rodgers and WCI. The single-family homes range from 1,350-square-foot floorplans to 4,000-square-foot floorplans.

Several national homebuilders are currently under contract to construct 2,000 homesites among six new neighborhoods in the Playmore district. The home options will span single-family, villas, townhomes and coach homes.

Additionally located in the Playmore district is the Atlanta Braves' spring training stadium. The year-round Major League Baseball training complex hosts public events throughout the year, such as games, car shows, craft fairs, movie nights, farmers markets and a monthly concert series. Mattamy Homes is currently exploring hotel options within the area to serve the stadium's events.

The Downtown Wellen district, a $60 million, mixed-use development, will feature a mix of shopping, dining and entertainment options with waterfront and public community spaces. Encompassing nearly 175 acres, Downtown Wellen's long-term plans include an apartment complex, an assisted living community and hotel space.

Currently under construction, phase one of Downtown Wellen consists of a town hall, a kids' playground and splash pond, a food truck kiosk area, retail shops, waterfront dining and an outfitter equipped with e-bikes, paddle boards and kayaks. Phase one of the district development is expected to open early 2022.

Opening later this year, Wellen Park's Welcome Center will offer residents and visitors a space to learn about the community, its neighborhoods and its amenities. Attached to the Welcome Center will be a new café, Barrel and Bean, with coffee, craft beer and wine service.

The Welcome Center is located adjacent to the 105,000-square-foot shopping plaza, West Villages Marketplace. The retail center, anchored by Publix, features an array of national, regional and local service providers and restaurants.