It’s been a few years since we’ve had any update on Storyliving by Disney, the company’s venture into themed residential communities. Earlier this week, Disney opened up its first model homes to the media, showcasing the models belonging to the Oasis, Agrarian and Aspiron collections. Located in Rancho Mirage, California, these homes are to be part of Cotino, Disney’s first residential community that is expected to open in the next two years.
Built by Shea Homes, the display homes are expected to become open to the public beginning next month. Storyliving Vice President Jay Critchter told the Desert Sun, “We’re kind of moving from pre-sales into sales, so as we start to release more of our model homes, we start to move into active sales. I think that we have a tremendous loyalty within our brand, and people really respect the brand and and I think that people are anxious in the Coachella Valley to be part of Disney, and so we’re just riding that wave and enjoying it.”
According to Newsweek, the Aspiron collection home is a one-story abode spanning 2,925 square feet, the Agrarian is a two-story covering 2,820 square feet, and the Oasis is a two bedroom, one-story home coming in at 2,275 square feet. All homes feature a backyard pool, and are located in the Longtable Park area of Cotino, designated for residents aged 55+.
The following was originally published February 24, 2022:
Disney describes Storyliving by Disney as “vibrant new neighborhoods that are infused with our special brand of magic. Each community will feature distinctively designed spaces, unique amenities and Disney’s brand of world-renowned service.” Disney Imagineers will play a key role in developing the creative concept for the communities. The company reports they will be working with “highly respected real estate developers and experienced home builders at each site.”
“Disney Imagineers are exploring the richness of each local region to inspire the theme of Storyliving by Disney communities,” said Michael Hundgen, executive producer, Walt Disney Imagineering. “Distinctively designed indoor and outdoor spaces will offer residents new opportunities to explore, engage and create the next incredible chapter of their story.”
These master-planned communities will reportedly include some neighborhoods for residents ages 55+, Trained Disney cast members will operate the community association. Through a club membership, Disney will also provide access to curated experiences, such as wellness programming; entertainment ranging from live performances to cooking classes; philanthropic endeavors; seminars, and more.
The first real-world Storyliving by Disney community is Cortino, which be built in the heart of the Coachella Valley in Rancho Mirage, Calif. If you’re a Disney history fan, you might know that the brilliant mountain-ringed valley in the Greater Palm Spring area was once a rejuvenating retreat for Walt and Lillian Disney.
Cotino is being developed in collaboration with DMB Development, which is highly regarded for its development of large-scale planned communities in the U.S. “Cotino represents the creativity and operational excellence of Disney combined with the extensive community development expertise of DMB Development,” said Brent Herrington, DMB’s CEO. “We are delighted to collaborate with Disney in this groundbreaking new concept.”
Cortino will offer a range of home types to choose from, including condominiums and single-family homes. In addition to the residential component, the Cotino community has zoning approvals for the development of a hotel and a range of shopping, dining and entertainment offerings anchored by an approximate 24-acre grand oasis featuring Crystal Lagoons technology, enabling lagoons of any size to be built sustainably with low water consumption and using a minimum amount of additives and energy. A voluntary club membership will offer access to a waterfront clubhouse, a professionally managed club-only beach area and recreational water activities, as well as Disney programming, entertainment and activities throughout the year. A promenade area will offer vistas of the oasis and the Santa Ana mountain range in the distance.
Cotino also has Specific Plan approval for a vibrant mixed-use district featuring a range of shopping, dining and entertainment, and a beachfront hotel. All the entertainment facilities including the beach can be accessed by the public through the purchase of a day pass.
For additional information and updates, visit www.storylivingbydisney.com.
