New details on Disney's Second Star Club in the Asteria community in Chatham County

PITTSBORO, N.C. (WTVD) -- Disney has released new details about Asteria, its second-ever residential development in the United States, bringing what company leaders call "Disney magic" to central North Carolina.

The community is part of Disney's Storyliving by Disneyinitiative and will span roughly 1,500 acres within Chatham Park in Pittsboro.

One of the signature features of the development is the Second Star Club, a central gathering space designed by Walt Disney Imagineering.

"It's really going to be all about a campus of discovery where you'll be able to come and learn and explore things every day," said Claire Bilby, senior vice president of Disney Signature Experiences. "Really across multiple generations of your friends and family."

The Second Star Club will include both indoor and outdoor spaces designed to serve residents of all ages. Community leaders say the natural setting along the Haw River played a major role in shaping the project.

"Our community is situated right on the Haw River," said Caroline Boone. "We will have tons of hiking trails and walking trails that are available for the community, along with lots of green space for folks to gaze up and out to the stars."

Disney officials say they were drawn to Pittsboro not only for the land but for the people and character of the area.

"We absolutely fell in love with Pittsboro and Chatham Park when we came here," Bilby said. "The topography, the beautiful location of the site, the people."

Asteria is designed to accommodate residents at every stage of life, with subtle storytelling references inspired by Disney classics such as Peter Pan. Amenities include a wellness center known as "Neverland" and Marquet Hall, where residents can gather for activities like darts and ping pong.

"What I hope we've done is create an environment that really encourages people to connect with one another," said Boone, executive creative director with Walt Disney Imagineering. "To learn new things, to explore the world around them."

Plans call for more than 4,000 homes and amenities such as a guest house called Lost Key Cottage, featuring whimsical design touches inspired by Tinker Bell.

Despite the playful elements, Disney leaders say the project is deeply rooted in North Carolina's identity.

"We're really inspired by two things," Boone said. "First, the culture of academia, and then as well the culture of agriculture."

Construction is currently underway in Pittsboro with DMB Development. Asteria is anticipated to begin home sales in fall 2027 and is expected to welcome residents in fall 2028.

More Details

The Heart of the Asteria Lifestyle

The Second Star Club will be the social heart of the community and bring neighbors together through shared spaces, handson learning and everyday moments of discovery - an idea that guides Asteria's vision as a place where curiosity, connection and exploration are part of daily life.

The Second Star Club will anchor a constellation of amenities around Aster Green, a central gathering lawn that will stitch together dining, wellness, creative and event spaces.

Signature venues planned for the Second Star Club include:

• Marquet Hall: The club's two-story signature restaurant will celebrate craftsmanship with engaging design details that inspire members to take a second look including Tinker Bell, who will add a touch of pixie dust to the building's weather vane. Comfortable indoor and outdoor seating options will be the perfect place to cheer on the home team during the season. Marquet Hall will also include dart boards, ping-pong tables and table-top shuffleboard to keep competitive spirits going.

• Piedmont Proper: A versatile event pavilion with delightful wood details and delicate rosemaling artwork featuring wildlife from beloved Disney stories. This expansive venue will host club events and be available for members to rent for their own celebrations.

• The Studios: These hands-on creative studios will invite members to explore their craft. From learning something new to harnessing their skills, the Studios will feature dedicated spaces equipped with high-tech tools, like laser engravers and fabric printers, supporting local traditions such as woodworking and quilting.

• Wellness Center: A robust fitness and wellness destination that will feature state-of-the-art workout equipment, dedicated lap pool, outdoor sun deck and juice bar - all designed to support purposeful, healthy living.

• Longtable Lodge: The lodge will provide peace and tranquility for adults 55+ while embracing the spirit of neighborly connection. Featuring a namesake long table, outdoor bocce courts and more, Longtable Lodge will also host dedicated programs and events for adults 55+.

  In addition to these venues, the Second Star Club also includes an adult-only pool, family-friendly pool, playground and tennis and pickleball courts.

Across the club, Disney storytelling will be woven into the spaces and experiences, including nods to characters and themes inspired by Walt Disney's love of nature and curiosity with references to favorite films like "Beauty and the Beast," "Alice in Wonderland," "Bambi," and more.