Disney-Themed Housing Development Coming To Riverside County

RANCHO MIRAGE, CA — Disney Parks executives on Wednesday released plans for Cotino, a "Storyliving by Disney" residential housing community they want to bring to Rancho Mirage.

Josh D'Amaro, chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products Inc., unveiled Cotino in a virtual news conference and called it "the next thing in Disney experiences." Disney Parks is a business unit of The Walt Disney Company.

Additional Disney communities are also in the works, but the Coachella Valley iteration will be the first.

"These master-planned, new home communities are intended to inspire residents to foster new friendships, pursue their interests and write the next exciting chapter in their lives —all while enjoying the attention to detail and special touches that are Disney hallmarks," a press release from Disney stated.

Cotino will be a master-planned community that fits the landscape of the Coachella Valley and extends the Disney "feeling," D'Amaro said. At the development's heart will be a large lagoon, surrounded by housing developments for residents of all ages.

The community will host "experiences," shopping and an exclusive club and hotel. Disney "Imagineers" shared their concept art for the project Wednesday, which can be viewed below.

Cotino will combine Disney themes with the beauty of the desert and some of the "beachier" aspects of sunny Southern California, the company said.

Helen Pak — senior vice president of creative, marketing, design and content, for Disney Parks — spoke about the feeling that Disney imagineers hoped to capture in the development.

"Picture a vibrant community infused with the warmth and charm of a small town and the beauty of a resort," Pak said. "The [concept art] tells the tale of what life will look like at Storyliving by Disney in Rancho Mirage."

Why Rancho Mirage?

Walt Disney himself owned a home in the desert community and spent leisure time with his family there, D'Amaro said.

"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!" the news release added.

Cotino will hearken back to the early days of the Disney family, according to Michael Hundgen, executive producer at Walt Disney Imagineering.

"Disney imagineers are exploring the richness of each local region to inspire the theme of Storyliving by Disney communities," Hundgen said. "Distinctively designed indoor and outdoor spaces will offer residents new opportunities to explore, engage and create the next incredible chapter of their story."

Imagineers for Cotino will partner with DMB Development to bring the creative concepts to life, DMB CEO Brent Herrington said.

"Cotino represents the creativity and operational excellence of Disney, combined with the extensive community development expertise of DMB Development," Herrington said. "We are delighted to collaborate with Disney in this groundbreaking new concept."

Homebuyers will have a range of home types to choose from, including estates, single-family homes and condominiums. A pricing structure was not released.

How Does Cotino Fit Rancho Mirage's Specific Plan?

Per the Rancho Mirage Specific Plan approval for the development, the community will surround an approximately 24-acre grand oasis featuring Crystal Lagoons technology, with low water consumption and minimal additives and energy use.

Club memberships— for an additional fee — will offer access to a waterfront clubhouse, a beach area and water activities, the company said.

Cotino also has specific plan approval for a mixed-use district featuring shopping, dining and entertainment, a beachfront hotel and a managed beach park with recreational water activities available to the public through the purchase of a day pass.

Build dates were not released.

To receive news and updates or to access additional information, visit www.storylivingbydisney.com.