The Kolter Group received approval on March 13 to build nearly 600 homes in Wellington, following the village council’s decision to annex a 446-acre agricultural area known as Artistry Lakes at 18551 Southern Boulevard.
This move allows Kolter, through an affiliate, to construct 579 single-family homes on the newly annexed land. The previous zoning, approved by Palm Beach County in 2024, permitted only 534 residential units—480 single-family homes and 54 townhouses—and required the inclusion of office and retail space. Under the new zoning, the commercial requirement has been removed.
Earlier this year, three proposals were submitted for the site: two Live Local Act projects with a total of 212 residential units and a townhouse project with another 206 units. However, these plans did not advance.
Palm Beach County objected to the annexation in January, citing that Artistry Lakes is separated from Wellington by Southern Boulevard and a canal. The land south of Artistry Lakes is owned by the South Florida Water Management District and remains undeveloped.
Kolter Group purchased the property last year for $75 million, or about $168,000 per acre. The company is led by CEO Bobby Julien. Nearby developments include Arden—a master planned community zoned for over 2,300 homes—and Lion Country Safari theme park, which was acquired last year by Larry Ellison for $30 million.
A previous annexation of rural land near Southern Boulevard and Seminole Pratt Whitney Road faced county opposition but was approved via voter referendum. In contrast, no referendum was needed for Artistry Lakes because it has no residents.
