Builders hope to move dirt as early as this month at the prominent 27-lot residential development now called Farrell Wellington Estates, where a Wellington advisory board has approved four new models for seven-figure homes, including modernist interpretations of a “farmhouse” look.
“We hope to be on site and begin some excavation and soil remediation hopefully in the next couple of weeks,” said Michael Sanchez, representing Farrell Companies, at Wellington’s Architectural Review Board meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 31.
Digging two small lakes and building up berms represent the first steps on the ground for the 23-acre project known during its gestation as Farrell West, located near the entrance to Wellington’s venerable Palm Beach Polo & County Club neighborhood off Forest Hill Blvd. It is a patch of prime land many residents pass daily, the former home of a golf course, polo field and soccer pitch.
Builders said they have applied for two construction permits on lots where homes could cost in the $5 million to $7 million range, based on discussions at prior meetings. Sanchez said he expected those permits could take months to wind through the process, but earth can be moved in the meantime.
In September, Wellington’s Architectural Review Board approved six models for the project that sport a modern look, as opposed to the more traditional Mediterranean style common in South Florida. That means varying sloped and flat roof lines, a blend of stucco, wood, metal composites and abundant glass, and a mix of brown, beige and white tones with darker accent colors.
Four new models won 4-0 approval from the board Jan. 31, with Miguel Alonso, Stacy Somers and Ryan Mishkin absent.
An example is proposed Model 7, a two-story structure that features scoring, or grooves, in the stucco to create a suggestion of paneling on A-frame elements of the home. “I would call this the more modern farmhouse type,” Sanchez said.
A couple of the newer models have concrete tile roofs rather than metal to create some variation, he said.
Two additional models are still undergoing discussions with a Palm Beach Polo association board.
ARB Vice Chair Maria Antuña asked if a submitted palette of earth tones, dominated by browns, would be the only colors the builders would be using.
“Those are the only colors for these particular models,” Sanchez said.
In other action, the board approved a request from TD Bank at 12280 South Shore Blvd. to paint Bahama shutters a custom color known as TD Green. Village staff had recommended black or white to maintain consistency with local regulations in the branch’s refurbishment.
At the meeting, agents for the bank asked for an exception on the shutters, noting they adorn only five windows around the building, and the color is associated with the bank’s brand. The green color is permitted on the bank’s signs.
“If it’s their color and their logo and their branding, I believe they have every right to have those colors,” Board Member Maria Raspanti said.
It would be like telling Coca-Cola their red color was excessive and they should use pink, she said.
Other attending members agreed and approved 4-0 a slate of requests, including a principal wall sign on the west side of the building at 48 inches, larger than the normal 30 inches.
The panel agreed to take its final look on March 27 at an updated palette of colors permitted on Wellington buildings.
