WELLINGTON (Fla.) — Palm Beach Polo Inc. sold its 18 hole Cypress golf course for $35 million to a company owned and operated by Mark Bellissimo, his latest attempt to gain support for a large-scale project at Wellington’s equestrian reserve.
The Palm Beach Polo Golf & Country Club course would be part of The Wellington. Bellissimo plans to build two high-end residential communities as well as a commercial district in a large portion of the preserve with the assistance of a company backed both by Justin Timberlake and Tiger Woods, a star golfer.
Palm Beach Polo is located next to land Bellissimo acquired for the project, near the equestrian shows grounds. The deal gives Bellissimo not only a golf-course for The Wellington but also helps Palm Beach Polo to pay $6.8 millions in unpaid fines.
Wellington was about to foreclose on the Palm Beach Polo parcels that included the 125-acre golf course. The judge on Wednesday cancelled a planned auction of the Palm Beach Polo properties scheduled for June 12. He said that Palm Beach Polo has posted money as a bond to cover the costs while the company appeals.
Bellissimo must first convince three village boards, led by the village council, that his plans are compatible with the strict rules that govern development in the equestrian reserve, a 9,000 acre zone located at the southern end of Wellington.
There’s no way to know if or when these decisions will be made. Bellissimo announced the project last fall, but no board has scheduled a discussion. His development company did not file any plans for a commercial district that would include a restaurant, a hotel and shops.
What is at stake for Wellington’s equestrian reserve?
Bellissimo has tried to build the Wellington three times since 2012. He also owns other properties and stages the Winter Equestrian Festival on the 9,000 acres of equestrian land.
In 2012, opposition from the community helped him to abandon his plans for a new hotel and dressage area. In 2016, he abandoned his plans for an international polo club and for improvements. He has since sold this club. He instead developed an equestrian centre in North Carolina.
A equestrian area at Wellington International, in Wellington, Florida. (Photo by Andres Leiva/Palm Beach Post).
Bellissimo said that Wellington could lose the equestrian events and businesses which have defined it to places like Ocala or Myakka City, both of which are horse-friendly. His proposal is to double the size of horse showgrounds, and provide luxury housing and amenities for the equestrians.
Some have asked whether the approval of his plans will set a precedent in the development of the preserve. The rules of the preserve prohibit hotels, motels and condominiums, and they limit the construction and density of new housing.
Village voters have approved the approvals needed for any major development within the preserve. The village council, the planning board and the equestrian group must all approve the plans. Wellington’s staff of planners has stated that his plans are compatible to the original intent of the preserve.
Bellissimo’s plans to build luxury homes come at a moment when housing prices are rising significantly in Palm Beach County’s western areas. New residences are in short supply, and many residents who live or worked in the area have been priced out. Bellissimo’s plans do not include workforce housing.
Tiger Timberlake and Design Company jointly owned by Tiger Timberlake
The Wellington will be divided into 3 parts, according to revised plans that were filed in the last month.
- Wellington South has 143 estates, including five farms of 4 acres each.
- Wellington North has 272 condos and 28 houses.
- Wellington Market is the heart of the town, with its hotel, shops and restaurants.
Bellissimo’s team announced this week that it has partnered with Nexus Luxury Collection in order to design residential neighborhoods, a town center and community club should the village approve their construction. Nexus investors include Timberlake and Woods, as well as fellow pro golfer Ernie Els. Joe Lewis, a British investor from Tavistock Group, is also a shareholder in the company.
Nexus and Bellissimo created Wellington Lifestyle Partners to oversee design, development, and management of The Wellington’s 600 acres if the village approves this project. They plan to “take inspiration from” Nexus’ Albany, a luxury community in The Bahamas near Nassau.
Douglas McMahon said that the golf course would be redesigned in the coming months. Palm Beach Polo residents can now access the course, which they say is poorly maintained. They complain about overgrown grass and bare sports on tee-boxes, as well as sandtraps that become mud.
McMahon stated that Woods, who owns a house in Jupiter Island is aware of the project, but the designer for the clubhouse and course has yet to be determined. McMahon said the course would remain open until a new membership system is set up.
The Wellington will also offer a variety of other recreational activities.
- Golf Practice Areas
- The park is 16 acres and includes a lake, trails, gardens and event space.
- The stadium tennis court, 12 additional tennis courts and 10 paddle courts
- Twelve pickleball courts
- Four pools including one pool for families and another for adults
- Two-story fieldhouse with an indoor basketball court
- Five sports simulators
- Fitness and Wellness Center of 40,000 square feet
- Facilities for children that include a gaming area, a climbing wall and bowling lanes
Bellissimo’s team claims plan will prevent piecemeal development
McMahon said WLP updated the project to ensure that they match the local community and make a case for additional housing and commercial developments near the showgrounds.
He hopes to “build support and get everyone enthusiastic about this club community which we believe represents good growth for Wellington.”
Paige Bellissimo is the daughter of Mark Bellissimo and WLP vice president for development. She said that reinvesting into equestrian sport and the equestrian region was crucial to Wellington’s ability to compete with self-contained venues such as the Ocala Equestrian Center.
She said, “There’s a real chance to create something special here with a holistic perspective of the 600 acres that we own.” Plan it to be more lasting and meaningful than a developer who would maximize each parcel.
