D
eveloper Mark Bellissimo and his partners have acquired Wellington International, the horse showgrounds at the heart of Wellington's equestrian economy, in a deal that marks a significant shift for the village. Three years after selling the site, Bellissimo has partnered with equestrians Marsha Dammerman, Lisa Lourie, and Roger Smith to buy back the 200-acre property under WI FL Acquisition LLC. The purchase price is reportedly near the $250 million asking price.

    The acquisition includes Wellington International, as well as the Chronicle of the Horse magazine and ShowGrounds Live events software company. Bellissimo's Wellington Equestrian Partners sold the showgrounds to Global Equestrian Group (GEG) in 2021, but after GEG started shopping the property earlier this year, Bellissimo sued for right of first refusal.

    The deal comes as part of a larger plan to redevelop the site as part of the 600-acre Wellington mixed-use development. Investment and redevelopment were mandated by the Wellington Village Council in February. The showgrounds host the annual Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF), one of the world's premier equestrian competitions, which draws notable residents like Jenn Gates and Kristy Clark.

    Riders and residents have long criticized the lack of investment and maintenance at the showgrounds, saying it has fallen behind other equestrian hubs. However, with this acquisition, Bellissimo is poised to revitalize the site as part of his larger development plans. "The change is exciting," said Maria Mendelsohn, a Douglas Elliman agent and equestrian.