PITTSBORO — Disney is coming to Chatham. Storyliving by Disney, a real estate brand of The Walt Disney Company, announced its plans to develop a new master-planned community within Chatham Park. Asteria, named after the Greek goddess, will make up some 4,000 homes across 1,500 acres. Disney promises residents access to urban amenities with a small town flare.
“We are excited to learn that Storyliving by Disney selected Pittsboro, North Carolina, for its second residential community in the United States,” said Mike Dasher, chair of the Chatham County Board of Commissioners, in an emailed statement. “Chatham County looks forward to working with the Town of Pittsboro, Disney, Chatham Park, and DMB Development as the Asteria community comes to life in the coming years.”
Asteria is Disney’s second announced Storyliving development, joining Cotino, located near Palm Springs, CA. Asteria, according to Greek myth (and a Disney press release), cried tears of stardust, sprouting the first aster flowers.
“Just as the desert setting inspired our teams with the Cotino community, North Carolina's rich landscape and history is at the heart of our initial planning work with Walt Disney Imagineering.,” said Brent Herrington, the CEO of DMB Development, which has partnered with Disney to develop both Storyliving communities.
Storyliving is designed to infuse planned community development with Disney magic, offering standard amenities like green spaces and trails, a wellness and recreation center, pools, a community garden, and more. Asteria’s marketing materials claim the amenities “will be planned with purpose, as places to learn new things and enjoy the delights of human curiosity.” .
Asteria homeowners will also have access to a clubhouse complete with unique Disney-curated experiences.Among the events under consideration are storytelling dinners inspired by Disney stories, Disney artist hosted lessons, Disney-themed family fun days, and more.
“Our team has been working closely with Disney Imagineers to develop a unique vision for this project inspired by Walt Disney’s innate curiosity and North Carolina’s Spirit of discovery,” said Clair Bilby, a Disney executive overseeing the Storyliving project.
The first Storyliving by Disney project was revealed in early 2022, designed to develop master planned communities designed by Disney Imagineers and staffed by Disney Cast Members, which is Disneyspeak for “employees.”. Asteria is one of two communities currently under development.
The Asteria project is in the early planning stages, with home sales — including some reserved for 55+ residents — expected to begin by 2027. Potential residents can sign up for more information at http://storylivingbydisney.com/asteria.