Disney-themed community coming to Rancho Mirage
Disney magic is coming to the Coachella Valley and it's in a way that hasn't been seen before.
'Storyliving by Disney' is the first-of-its-kind planned residential community. The development plans to bring "Disney magic" to a new neighborhood in Rancho Mirage. It's going to be called Cotino.
You can see a video announcing the development in the player below.
The mayor of Rancho Mirage, Ted Weill, said work has already begun on the 618-acre property. The land is currently being prepared and that process could take six to eight months. Mayor Weill said construction likely won't start for another year and a half.
"If I use the word amazing, I'm understating it. It's so dramatic," said Weill. "It's going to be a brilliant story on a wonderful piece of property."
Why Coachella Valley? It's a place that Walt Disney himself called his "laughing place." He'd escape here to unwind and reignite his imagination.
"It will have that special Disney touch, attention to detail and innovation," said Josh D'Amaro, Chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products. "It's a development that promises to be 'infused with Disney' charm and the amenities of a 'truly special' resort.
Alongside the private homes, there will be a hotel, entertainment, shopping, and dining. It's all planned to surround a 24 acre lagoon. There will even be a neighborhood specially designed for adults 55 and older.
"Story is at the heart of everything we do and we love bringing authentic places to life to immerse you into those stories," said Michael Hundgen of Walt Disney Imagineering.
Not in the market for a new home but still want to check it out someday? Day passes for the general public areas are expected to be available.
Local resident Chris Shippee said she is eager for the development to be completed.
"I'm a kid at heart. So I think things like that are great for the desert," said Shippee. "You know, brings in a lot of revenue, gives people jobs, which after the last couple years, don't we need that, right? And it just brings joy."
However, local resident Patty Jacobson has her concerns.
"Obviously traffic's a concern. But most importantly, it's just the question about sustainable development and the resiliency of the overall community," said Jacobson.
More locations throughout the United States are being scouted for future developments.
For more information on Storyliving by Disney communities, click here.
