Disney Launches New Master-Planned Community Development Business
The company will develop the first Storyliving by Disney community in Rancho Mirage, CA, with plans to launch additional locations throughout the US in the future.
BURBANK, CA – Disney plans to launch a new development business to construct master-planned communities, titled Storyliving by Disney.
The company will construct the first new community in Rancho Mirage, CA and plans to develop additional locations throughout the US in the future.
According to Walt Disney Imagineering executive producer, Michael Hundgen, the Storyliving by Disney communities will offer residents indoor and outdoor spaces to explore and engage. “Disney Imagineers are exploring the richness of each local region to inspire the theme of Storyliving by Disney communities,” states Hundgen.
Each community association will be operated by Disney Cast Members, who are trained through the company’s guest service. Disney will also offer a club membership at each location that will grant residents access to curated experiences, such as wellness programming, philanthropic endeavors, seminars and entertainment including live performances to cooking classes.
“For nearly 100 years, Disney has shared stories that have touched the hearts and minds of people all around the world,” says Josh D’Amaro, chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products. “As we prepare to enter our second century, we are developing new and exciting ways to bring the magic of Disney to people wherever they are, expanding storytelling to storyliving. We can’t wait to welcome residents to these beautiful and unique Disney communities where they can live their lives to the fullest.”
Disney Imagineers will work in conjunction with developers and homebuilders and will be instrumental in developing the creative concept for the communities.
Certain Storyliving by Disney neighborhoods will be designated for residents aged 55 and up.
Located outside of Palm Springs, CA in Coachella Valley – where Walt Disney once owned a home – the first Storyliving by Disney, named Cotino, will offer residential homes, a hotel, retail and entertainment options and a crystalline lagoon.
Cotino will offer a range of home types, including estates, single family homes and condominiums. The Rancho Mirage community will be available to homeowners of all ages and will include at least one section solely designated for 55+ residents.
The community will surround a 24-acre grand oasis that will feature clear turquoise waters with Crystal Lagoons technology, according to the development’s specific plan approval. The Crystal Lagoons technology enables crystalline lagoons to be built sustainably, with low water consumption while using a minimum amounts of additives and energy.
The Cotino community’s specific plan approval additionally includes a retail, dining and entertainment district, a beachfront hotel and a professionally-managed beach park that can be accessed by the public through the purchase of a day pass.
Disney will offer Cotino residents a voluntary club membership that will allow access to a waterfront clubhouse, a club-only beach area, recreational water activities and Disney programming, entertainment and activities.
Cotino will be developed in collaboration with DMB Development.
“Cotino represents the creativity and operational excellence of Disney combined with the extensive community development expertise of DMB Development,” says Brent Herrington, CEO of DMB Development. “We are delighted to collaborate with Disney in this groundbreaking new concept.”