Urban Land Institute Southwest Florida will host its first-ever mobile tour on April 16, offering industry professionals and guests an inside look at the rapidly growing Wellen Park master-planned community.
The event will provide participants with a guided exploration of one of the most active development projects along Florida’s Gulf Coast, highlighting how large-scale communities are being designed to support long-term growth, mixed uses and sustainable development.
Guided Tour of a Growing Community
Attendees will gather at the Crowne Plaza Gulf Coast, where buses will begin pickup at 12:45 p.m. before departing at 1:00 p.m. for the tour in Venice.
The three-hour program will include presentations and site visits that highlight the development strategy behind Wellen Park, including its residential growth, public amenities and community planning framework.
Participants will also learn about the development’s future expansion plans and how planners are balancing housing, recreation and commercial development as the area continues to attract new residents.
After the tour concludes, buses will depart Wellen Park at 5:00 p.m. and return to Fort Myers.
First Mobile Event for the District Council
The mobile tour marks a milestone for ULI Southwest Florida as it expands its programming to include on-site development tours that allow members to study real-world projects.
“This mobile tour represents an exciting milestone for ULI Southwest Florida,” said Kristine Smale. “Wellen Park is a standout example of forward-thinking community design, and we’re thrilled to offer attendees a firsthand look at what makes it such a transformational project in our region.”
Organizers say the event will bring together developers, planners, architects, engineers and real estate professionals interested in learning more about large-scale community development.
Registration Details
Registration is open to both members and nonmembers of the organization.
Ticket prices are $75 for ULI members and $100 for nonmembers, and seating is limited due to transportation capacity.
As the first mobile tour hosted by the district council, organizers recommend early registration to secure a spot.
Participants can register through the local district council website.
Focus on Master-Planned Development
The tour will also examine how master-planned communities such as Wellen Park are shaping regional development patterns in southwest Florida.
Large-scale projects like Wellen Park often include thousands of homes alongside schools, parks, retail areas and employment centers, creating integrated communities designed to accommodate long-term population growth.
Developments along Florida’s Gulf Coast have expanded rapidly in recent years as migration to the state continues to increase demand for housing and amenities.
About ULI Southwest Florida
Urban Land Institute Southwest Florida serves as the regional branch of the global Urban Land Institute network.
The organization brings together professionals involved in real estate development, planning and land use to exchange ideas and promote best practices in sustainable development and community planning.
Through events, research and educational programs, ULI aims to support responsible land use while fostering innovation in urban development and infrastructure planning.
Originally reported by ULI Southwest Florida.
