The Kolter Group received approval on March 13 to build nearly 600 homes in Wellington after the village council voted to annex a 446-acre agricultural area known as Artistry Lakes. The move allows Kolter, through an affiliate, to construct up to 579 single-family homes on land previously zoned for fewer residences and some commercial space.
This decision is significant because it marks a major expansion of Wellington’s boundaries and paves the way for substantial residential growth. The annexation also reflects ongoing debates over land use and development in Palm Beach County.
Previously, Palm Beach County had approved zoning for only 534 residential units on the site—480 single-family homes and 54 townhouses—and required that any project include about 47,000 square feet of office and retail space. Under the new zoning approved by Wellington, the commercial requirement has been dropped, allowing Kolter to focus solely on housing.
Earlier this year, three proposals were submitted for the area: 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 following the annexation decision.
Palm Beach County objected to the annexation in January, arguing that Artistry Lakes is separated from Wellington by Southern Boulevard and a canal. The county also noted that land immediately south of Artistry Lakes is owned by the South Florida Water Management District and remains undeveloped. Despite these objections, no voter referendum was required because there are no residents currently living on the property.
Kolter purchased the land last year for $75 million—about $168,000 per acre. The company is led by CEO Bobby Julien. Nearby developments include Arden, a master-planned community east of Artistry Lakes zoned for more than two thousand homes, and Lion Country Safari park three miles north.
Wellington recently annexed another parcel—a separate 258-acre tract at Southern Boulevard and Seminole Pratt Whitney Road—which was also opposed by Palm Beach County but ultimately approved via voter referendum.
