A closer look at the latest real estate activity, major developments and projects poised to shape our community’s next chapter
Compiled by Libby Wakefield
Behind the Magic
Our executive editor, Morgan Cartier Weston, sat down with Storyliving by Disney Senior Vice President Claire Bilby and Walt Disney Imagineering Creative Director Caroline Boone in April to learn more about their plans for Asteria, a planned community within Chatham Park.
Responses have been edited for length and clarity.
Why was Chatham County – and specifically Pittsboro – chosen for this community?
Claire The location stood out for its natural beauty, from the rolling topography to proximity to the Haw River, as well as the character of the community itself. There’s also strong regional growth, access to healthcare and transportation and a multigenerational appeal – people in all phases of life who want to live near family.
How will the design reflect Pittsboro and the broader Piedmont region?
Caroline The design begins with the local story. Rather than creating something entirely new, we’re drawing from regional architecture, materials and traditions synonymous with North Carolina’s history – like furniture design, quilt patterns and native plants. These are paired with subtle Disney storytelling elements. The goal is authenticity, with design that feels rooted in place.
Will local artists and makers be consulted on the design?
Caroline Yes, that’s a priority. We plan to work with local artisans both in the physical design and in programming once residents move in. That could include classes, workshops and an art program that reflects both the immediate community and the broader region.
What will day-to-day life look like for Asteria residents?
Claire The focus is on an active, social lifestyle. Residents might start the day with outdoor fitness or wellness classes, gather for coffee and participate in activities like workshops, clubs or classes in dedicated studio spaces. Dining, social events and seasonal programming are also central to the experience.
What kinds of amenities and programming will be offered?
Claire Amenities will include club spaces, fitness and wellness offerings, creative studios, dining and event programming. Experiences may range from hands-on art classes to themed events, guest speakers or educational programming. These offerings will evolve over time based on resident interests.
What makes Asteria different from other master-planned or lifestyle communities?
Claire While many communities offer amenities, this one is designed around a cohesive story that reflects the region. Programming and experiences are a major differentiator, along with ongoing operations that focus on service and engagement.
Caroline Placemaking is intentional at every level – from architecture to public spaces to programming – so the community feels
immersive and connected.
How will the community serve different age groups, including 55 and older residents?
Claire It’s designed to be multigenerational, with offerings for a wide range of lifestyles. There will also be dedicated spaces and programming for 55+ residents, alongside access to broader community amenities, allowing flexibility depending on preferences and life stage.
Will amenities and programming be open to the public?
Claire The core amenities and programming are intended for residents. However, certain elements, like trails, will connect with the broader area and remain publicly accessible.
How will this community connect with the larger Chatham Park area?
Claire The intent is to complement nearby development, including existing amenities and infrastructure. Collaboration with the broader community is important, with a focus on being a positive addition rather than a standalone destination.
What does success look like for this community long-term?
Caroline Success means creating a place where people feel connected, engaged and inspired – where they can continue learning and building relationships.
Claire It also means delivering a community that meets expectations over time, with satisfied residents and evolving experiences that reflect their interests.
More Development News
The development plan for the proposed Corbinton Living neighborhood, located on 32.7 acres of land on Old Graham Road in northwest Pittsboro, was approved at the Pittsboro Board of Commissioners meeting on March 9. Created by real estate investment and development company Blue Heel Development, Pittsboro’s Corbinton community will join others in Hillsborough, Cary and Charlotte. The neighborhood is set to create 98 single-family homes in a 55+ active adult community.
The Chatham Chamber of Commerce hosted the grand opening of the Pittsboro-based Skyline Exterior Group on March 6 at Mosaic at Chatham Park. The company specializes in roofing, siding and gutter solutions on home exteriors.
The Town of Pittsboro held a groundbreaking ceremony for the new Lewis Freeman Historic Park, honoring “the first recorded and most prosperous free Black settler in Pittsboro,” on Feb. 28. The park is located on part of the land Lewis Freeman owned in Chatham County during the 1800s and is still in the “conceptual design phase of development.”
At the end of March, the long-anticipated 1,500-home Reeves Farm development, located off U.S. 64 Business within a planned 500-acre mixed-use community, finalized construction plans for the first 250 homes. Jody Leidolf, land planner for the development, said home sales are expected to begin in 2027.
Chatham County held an open house for its new Family Visitation Center, “a dedicated space designed to support families navigating difficult circumstances,” on April 27. The space, located at 984 Thompson St., will serve as a welcoming environment where families can “maintain meaningful connections, helping to preserve and strengthen family bonds during times of transition” in a supervised setting.
A groundbreaking ceremony was held for the new Parker’s Ridge Park in southeastern Chatham County on April 29. The park is named for Atlas Parker and Lola Tart Parker, whose family has owned the farmland for more than 70 years and sold the land to Chatham County. Construction is expected to complete in summer 2027, with amenities including the county’s first cycling pump track, an inclusive playground and a walking trail around the pond.
A Builder’s Perspective
Tylr Stinson, project manager at Intrepid Build, has a background in nonprofit health care, public service and project management, all centered on helping others achieve their goals. Here, he shares his observations on how development is evolving in Chatham County.
1. Growth is real, but timing is everything. Demand across commercial, office and light industrial projects is strong, but permitting, utilities and agency reviews can stretch timelines. Successful projects plan early, communicate often and account for these realities.
2. Early collaboration is critical. Projects perform best when builders are involved early alongside owners, designers and agencies. This approach helps identify challenges, control costs and set realistic schedules before construction begins.
3. Development is expanding beyond our towns. While Pittsboro remains a hub, growth is spreading across the county as infrastructure improves – bringing both opportunity and responsibility to plan thoughtfully for each community.
4. Community character matters. Growth should not come at the expense of identity. Having worked in local government, I’ve seen firsthand how development decisions impact the community. How projects are designed and built matters as much as the final result.
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