WESLEY CHAPEL, Fla. — Some renovations may be coming soon to Saddlebrook Resort.
The idea has caused division among some of those who call the resort home — while others are excited to see the changes.
What You Need To Know
- Plans are in the works to have portions of Saddlebrook Resort redeveloped, which has cause some division among the people who call it home
- These plans include preserving existing tennis courts while redesigning golf courses
- Two separate areas would also see the addition of retail and living spaces
For Jeffrey Lelliott, the Saddlebrook Resort has been home for the last 10 years. From tennis to walking his two dogs, he says the active lifestyle drew him to call the area home.
“My wife plays golf and I wanted to improve my tennis,” he said. “When we first came down here, it was thriving and it still has a fantastic reputation the tennis.”
Talks of changes to the resort have been in the works for some time. Miami-based Mast Capital will oversee the project, and those in favor of it say the redevelopment will give the area a much-needed facelift.
“The resort has been in decline ever since the 2008 recession,” said Lelliott. “It’s refreshing to see people back at the resort.”
But those who have come out against the plan say they worry the community will lose its charm and become overdeveloped. Mast’s redevelopment plan is split into four parts, with plans to preserve its existing tennis courts while redesigning golf courses. That would include building a state-of-the-art golf facility.
Two separate areas would see the addition of retail and living spaces.
“Potentially, area one could be a real game changer here,” says Lelliott. “They’re proposing to do a very high-end development, and if you have something akin to the quality of a Hyde Park in Tampa, it would be a fantastic destination in its own right.”
Right now, officials say those plans are awaiting review from the state before going in front of county commissioners.
A decision to allow the redevelopment, Lelliott said, could save Saddlebrook.
“Not only for the current residents, but for everyone in the entire area,” he said. “Wesley Chapel is a sports area and to have a facility like this is going to be fantastic.”
