‘Incredible’ details unveiled for Disney’s Coachella Valley community

The house of the mouse? Think a lot bigger.

Officials on Friday released new details about the first Storyliving by Disney project in Riverside County, an ambitious effort to infuse a master-planned community with the Burbank entertainment giant’s trademark.

Among the newly unveiled features of the work-in-progress Cotino community is the “Parr House” – a gathering place borrowed in name, design and decor from the mid-century superhero family home from the Disney and Pixar film The Incredibles 2″ is inspired.”

In addition to a main entertaining space with indoor and outdoor stone fireplaces, the Parr House will include an art studio, kitchen, dining room, boardroom and five bedrooms.

An artist’s rendering of Cotino, the first Storyliving by Disney community to come to life in Rancho Mirage. Individuals who purchase an Artisan Club membership have access to a variety of offerings featuring unique Disney and Pixar elements.

(Walt Disney Imagineering)

It will also have an elevated terrace with views of the nearby mountains as well as the community’s 24-acre “great oasis.”

Access to the Parr House, as well as other community features such as a designated beach area and certain events and activities, is open to those who choose to purchase a Storyliving by Disney Artisan Club membership.

“From Disney entertainment and events to rooms inspired by Disney stories, Club members will truly experience Disney history,” said Claire Bilby, senior vice president and general manager of Disney Signature Experiences Emerging Businesses, in a Explanation.

Club membership is open to Cotino residents and non-residents.

“A professionally managed public beach park will be accessible to residents and visitors of the greater Palm Springs area with the purchase of a day pass,” the company said in a statement.

Cotino will be built on 618 acres in the town of Rancho Mirage, near where the Walt Disney Co. founder of the same name once owned a home.

“Walt Disney was so inspired by this place – he called it his ‘place of laughter,'” said Amy Young, creative director of Walt Disney Imagineering, in a video posted to the Disney Parks YouTube channel. “In a way, we’re following in Walt’s footsteps here. The same things that inspired him years ago inspire us today. The area has this real energy and you can see why Walt loved it.”

For the project, Disney is working with Arizona-based DMB Development, which specializes in planned communities.

An artist’s rendering of the Artisan Club entrance, where members experience a touch of Disney lifestyle in the clubhouse complex with distinct areas for dining, wellness, arts, recreation and entertainment.

(Walt Disney Imagineering)

Cotino will eventually consist of approximately 1,932 residential units. Sales are scheduled to begin in 2023, with the first homes expected to be completed in 2024.

Various house types are offered, including settlements, single-family houses and condominiums. At least one section of development will be designated for residents aged 55 and over.

“Storyliving by Disney master-planned communities are designed to inspire residents to make new friends, pursue their interests and write the next exciting chapter in their lives,” the company said.

Other sites are being explored for potential future projects, but no details have yet been publicly announced.

Disney, like many of its peers, is under pressure to contain costs — particularly in the increasingly crowded streaming arena. In addition to Disney+, the company also owns ESPN+ and two-thirds of Hulu.

The company’s chief executive, Bob Iger, on Monday gave more details about his plan to cut 7,000 jobs to rejuvenate its finances and make its streaming business profitable.

According to people familiar with the matter, the layoffs are spread across the company — affecting roles in the units formerly known as Disney General Entertainment and Disney Media and Entertainment Distribution, as well as corporate positions and jobs in the theme parks, experiences and consumer goods businesses.

Times contributor Ryan Faughnder contributed to this report.