Architecture

Disney reveals plans for multiple residential communities in the US

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The first Storyliving by Disney development will be named Cotino, and will be located in California's Coachella Valley
Disney
The first Storyliving by Disney development will be named Cotino, and will be located in California's Coachella Valley
Disney
Cotino's beach area will feature water sports and activities
Disney
Cotino will include a number of amenities for residents, such as a clubhouse
Disney
Cotino's early images depict a thriving community that's filled with multiple parks and water features
Disney
Cotino will include multiple areas for all ages, though will also feature at least one neighborhood for those aged over 55 only
Disney
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Disney has revealed an ambitious plan to create a number of new residential communities throughout the United States. The scheme, which is branded Storyliving by Disney, will launch with a large luxury housing development that will consist of roughly 1,900 homes.

The first Storyliving by Disney development will be named Cotino – it will be located in Rancho Mirage, in California's Coachella Valley. Disney's so-called Walt Disney Imagineers, who are responsible for designing the firm's theme parks, will work with real estate developer DMB Development to realize the plans.

Would-be homeowners will be able to choose from a selection of different single-family homes, condominiums, and more. The dwellings will be spread over multiple neighborhoods for all ages, as well as at least one neighborhood for those over 55 years old only.

The development will be arranged around a 24-acre (9.71-hectare) lake. Judging from the early images (which, to be clear, are subject to change), Cotino's houses and buildings will be surrounded by significant greenery and multiple water features. It certainly looks like a pleasant place to live, as amenities will include access to a waterfront clubhouse and a beach area with water activities, plus there will be other Disney-themed entertainment and activities.

Cotino's beach area will feature water sports and activities
Disney

"For nearly 100 years, Disney has shared stories that have touched the hearts and minds of people all around the world," said 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."

Further details are still light at this stage – we don't yet know the prices of the homes, the date of completion, or other future locations, for example – but we can expect more information to be revealed as the project moves forward.

Cotino isn't Disney's first attempt at residential development, by any means. The firm's previous efforts have included the Golden Oak Resort and Celebration developments.

Source: Disney

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6 comments
Douglas Rogers
Now you can LIVE in Disneyland!
Daishi
It's kind of about time this happened to be honest. The way we build communities is fundamentally broken. It's critical that we find ways to build nice communities and cities that aren't entirely car dependent. We put a lot of effort into incremental improvements in automobile gas mileage without stopping to question why we can't even leave home without needing them for nearly any task. A system of transport (and a bike trail system that doesn't use the road) should be integral to any newly planned community. There has been very little if any innovation in this space and I hope after Disney some other folks make and attempt at improving it.
rpark
...design drawings look like a 'throw back' to the '60s .. ahh, the 'good old days.'
VR
In the middle of the worst drought in 1200 years? It'll be a ghost town in 5yrs
Gregg Eshelman
Apparently Disney thinks people have forgotten that Disney already did this, and it failed big time. Look up Celebration, Florida. It's still there but after Disney washed their hands of it, residents had tons of unresolved problems with the houses. I wouldn't be surprised if these new places end up the same way.
c w
Um, wouldn't this just be a realization of Disney's original concepts for designed/curated (imagineered?) communties from the 60s? That's really what the "world of tomorrow"/EPCOT was supposed to be, no?