By Ellen Paris

The long-awaited reveal of Cotino, the first Storyliving by Disney™ Community happened last week on over 600 acres of prime Ranch Mirage, California real estate, and a few of us at The Paul Kaplan Group were able to check it out in person. DMD Development is partnering with Disney. Cotino’s branding--“Write your next chapter with Disney.” Cotino’s neighbor, Sunnylands, the estate owned by the late billionaires/philanthropists Walter and Lenore Annenberg is directly across the road. The fact is the Annenberg Foundation sold the land to Disney.

The planned development of 1900-plus luxury homes currently include the Cottage Collection beginning in the $600,00s, the Grand Collection, and the Estate Collection where prices will start above a million. Longstable Park Residences will feature home sites for adults 55 +. Award-winning builders include Shea Homes, Davidson Communities, and Woodbridge Pacific Group.

Look for the signature Disney touch throughout Cotino. “Disney Imagineers are the creative force infusing the magic in the Cotino Community.” While “Disney Cast Members will embrace the Disney tradition in their commitment to excellence.” Cotino Bay is Cotino’s much-awaited centerpiece with a white-sand beach boasting crystal clear and temperature-controlled water for swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding, and much more. Plans call for a town center of waterfront restaurants and curated shops surrounding Cotino Bay.

Private club membership at the Artisan Club for Cotino residents is expected to command a $20,000 initial membership buy-in and a hefty $ 1,000 monthly membership fee. Artisan Club members can enjoy the beachfront clubhouse, Parr House the special events venue, and access to Contino Bay. Take note this is in addition to monthly HOA fees reportedly in the $600 plus range subject to change. The public will be able to live the Cotino dream at Cotino Bay with a day pass at prices TBD.

Some of our thoughts:

1. Amidst community concerns regarding water consumption at Contino's beach club and lagoon, developers assert that their usage falls significantly below the approved levels for the site. They emphasize that their water consumption is notably lower than what a traditional golf course would have required.

2. The initial perception of the retail section as a bustling "downtown" environment akin to Disneyland's Main Street has evolved. Instead, the model suggests a more sophisticated interpretation, resembling an upgraded strip-mall shopping center.

3. While the newly constructed homes boast appealing features, the starting price in the higher $1,000,000s may limit accessibility for a considerable portion of the population.

4. In the 55+ section set for release, there is ambiguity regarding whether residents will have exclusive access to a dedicated pool and clubhouse or if they will be required to join the beach club for amenities.

Whether you approve of Cotino and its expansive Cotino Bay it certainly brings an interesting and unique aspect to desert living. Pre-sales appointments begin this week and are reportedly booked well into December.  For more info, visit their website:  Storybook Living at Cotino