Lotis Group is searching for a new entertainment tenant for its Lotis Wellington 2 development after PopStroke, a mini-golf venture associated with Tiger Woods, withdrew from the project, according to a March 12 update. The developer recently received approval from the Wellington village council to modify plans for the commercial section of the 52-acre mixed-use site at 1105 South State Road 7.
The change leaves three acres—originally planned for PopStroke’s indoor and outdoor mini-golf facility—without a clear use. While an 8,500-square-foot Seasons 52 restaurant is now part of the revised plan, council members expressed concern about removing entertainment options from the project. They noted that previous changes had already eliminated an assisted living facility.
Lotis Group has proposed replacing the former entertainment complex with an additional restaurant and retail building as well as a mini-park. Nicole Fontaine, executive vice president at Colliers, said efforts to attract tenants such as indoor pickleball courts, movie theaters, candlemaking classes, and children-focused businesses have so far been unsuccessful.
Complicating matters are restrictions tied to pending leases and agreements with other stakeholders. The contract with Seasons 52 prohibits any other food or beverage venue larger than 3,000 square feet and gyms in Lotis Wellington 2. Fontaine said this is intended to avoid competition for parking spaces. Additionally, Lennar—the homebuilder that purchased most of the residential portion of Lotis Wellington 2—has placed limits on certain types of businesses including bars, nightclubs, comedy clubs, skating rinks, pool halls, adult-oriented establishments and gun ranges.
Despite these challenges, council members urged Lotis Group not to abandon plans for an entertainment component. “If you drive around Wellington, we have a lot of strip malls that aren’t doing so well, so the last thing any of us want is to approve another failing strip mall type-area,” council member Amanda Silvestri said.
The neighboring Lotis Wellington 1 development will feature residential rentals along with restaurants such as Cooper’s Hawk and Lazy Dog; retail outlets; offices; medical offices; and Fore Elite Golf’s golf simulator when completed.
