Latest news with #Incredibles2
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Why Disney Is Building Affordable Housing
The entertainment behemoth is set to break ground on a 1,400-unit mixed-income development near Orlando, Florida. Disney has been doing some serious housing development lately. In California's Coachella Valley, the company is creating a luxury community on a 600-acre site with about 1,900 homes to be completed later this year, and has plans for another around double that size outside Raleigh, North Carolina. Both are part of an initiative that "focuses on developing residential communities that integrate [its] brand and experiences into everyday life." As Angela Serratore wrote for Dwell, "homeowners will be able to play pickleball in the shadow of a building meant to resemble one that appears in the (Disney-owned) Pixar film Incredibles 2." Now, just 10 miles north of Disney World outside Orlando, Florida, the company is building affordable housing. A development is set to unfold on 80 acres in Horizon West, a massive master-planned community whose website boasts residents "can view nightly fireworks from [the] Magic Kingdom." The addition will include nearly 1,400 apartments, with 1,000 designated for households with incomes ranging between 50 to 100 percent of the area median income of $90,400. Reportedly, there will be "a mix of building typologies…featuring murals and unique elevations that create a distinct look and feel for each neighborhood within the development." At a meeting last year where Orange County commissioners greenlit the affordable housing project, an attorney representing the corporation and developer said: "Disney is trying to help the teachers, the police officers, the grocery store workers, the hospitality workers and folks who are just starting out in their career, the people who our community depends on every day, to make sure they have a safe and affordable place to live." Presumably, the project will also accommodate staff of the nearby theme park itself, or "cast members" as the company calls them. Disney World happens to be the nation's largest single-site employer, with around 80,000 workers, almost a quarter of the current population of the entire Orlando Metro Area. (Disney did not respond to requests for comment.) The attorney also noted that the development aims to abet the county's affordable housing goals by "bringing forward an innovative and, in this situation, private solution without requesting [public] funding." Indeed, it is one of the state's most ambitious free market affordable housing projects to date, and Disney and the developer, Michaels Organization, the country's largest privately held owner of affordable housing, are absorbing significant impact fees and waiving tax incentives. The project will stand in stark contrast to the Coachella Valley development, where some homes will cost nearly $5 million, and whose development triggered "…an ongoing series of lawsuits against the city of Rancho Mirage, related to the displacement of marginalized and low-income families," according to SFGATE. First proposed in 2022, the project "has been touted as a long-sought contribution from one of the entertainment colossuses that power the Central Florida economy to help solve a housing crisis" for which Disney is partly responsible, says the Orlando Sentinel. Support for the project has been wide-ranging, by groups from the Orlando Regional Realtors Association, to housing advocacy/anti-sprawl group Orlando Yimby, to Habitat for Humanity. "Rising housing costs push our community workforce further from their jobs, increasing commute times, decreasing quality of life for employees, and undermining [their] overall availability and stability," says Catherine Steck McManus, CEO of Habitat for Humanity Greater Orlando & Osceola County. "So, we're encouraged by efforts [of regional] stakeholders, including Disney, to expand affordable housing options that will increase the resilience of our community and economy." But the project has also aroused consternation among many residents and nearby neighbors of Horizon West, which is one of the country's fastest-growing master-planned communities—in one of the country's fastest-growing metros. Some 400 individuals signed petitions opposing the project; and at planning meetings, some bore signs with slogans like "Not the Disney dream, just a corporate scheme." Aside from skepticism about the company's motives, most opponents feel "the project is too big and…worry that the increase in population will negatively impact already existing problems with overcrowded schools, jammed traffic roads, and overwhelmed first responders," according to Central Florida Public Media. Brett Theodos, a senior fellow at the Urban Institute, suggests the issue be viewed through a longer lens. "Traffic is often a concern with large housing developments," he says. "But if the jobs are coming, the traffic will be even worse with no nearby development, because it means people will be driving further from home to work and back." "Companies are taking an interest in housing production because the affordability issue adversely affects employee recruitment and retention." —Brett Theodos, senior fellow at the Urban Institute Not to mention, affordable housing proposals inevitably arouse concerns around property values and "neighborhood character." As of April, homes in Horizon West were commanding a median price of more than $630,000, according to which is more than $200,000 above an Orlando metro median-priced home. Affordability isn't exactly a historic community attribute—and some want it to stay that way, citing "concerns about decreasing property values and changing the character of the community with low-income housing." But Theodos contends these concerns are shortsighted. "An emerging bipartisan consensus [understands] housing supply is constrained, in large part because of 'not-in-my-backyard' barriers to growth, [which drives up] home prices," he says. "That may feel okay to current homeowners, but what about their kids? Companies are increasingly seeing that they benefit when their employees do too, and we are seeing [them] take an interest in housing production because the affordability issue adversely affects employee recruitment and retention." Of course, there has been a long-standing deficiency of federal government support for affordable housing. With cuts at the federal level, "we have to think about doing practical things at the state and local level," says Henry Cisneros, former Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, former mayor of San Antonio, and board chair for the Bipartisan Policy Center. As far as Disney is concerned, Cisneros says the company "has experience in building all over the world, whether its theme parks or other venues, and anytime a competent entity…is seeking to explore housing production, frankly, as a former HUD secretary, I encourage it." Top image courtesy of Disney Related Reading: Why Is Disney So Obsessed With Housing? The Legacy of Disney's Monsanto House of the Future
Perth Now
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
Sophia Bush makes girlfriend Ashlyn Harris feel like 'best human and mother'
Sophia Bush makes girlfriend Ashlyn Harris feel like she is the "best human" and the "best mother". The former 'One Tree Hill' actress started dating the former women's soccer player in October 2023, and Ashlyn has told how Sophia has helped to heal "pain and trauma" she had in her life. Speaking on the 'Second Wind Podcast', Ashlyn said: "What I love so much about her is she makes me feel the way I only thought we read about in books. "She holds up a mirror and makes me feel like I'm the best human, I'm the best mother, and it's exactly what I needed and what I need to heal so much pain and trauma and grief in my life." Ashlyn - who split from her wife, Ali Krieger, with whom she has two children, daughter Sloane, four, and two-year-old son Ocean, in 2023 - admits she has put "a lot of pressure" on herself to be a good mother, and she loves receiving praise from her significant other. She added: "I think as a mom, we all can sit here and say, we always think we're failing ... I made a promise that my kids wouldn't feel the same kind of pain that I did as a kid and I put a lot of pressure on myself, and she's just like, 'You are the best mom. I just have never seen someone move and act the way you do.' "And it's this type of reassurance that she came into my life when I was an open wound and she's so selfless and such a beautiful person that even in the hardest season of her life, she wants to help me heal, which is something I'll never forget." Ashlyn - who won 25 caps for the USA women's team - also praised Sophia for seeing her "pain and scars" as a "superpower". She said: "I felt like she just sat with me in the pain and was like, 'OK, well just when you're ready to walk through it, I'll be right here with you,' and it's such a selfless act of kindness and understanding. "I met the most incredible human in the world who doesn't see my pain and scars as an issue. "She sees it as a superpower, and she's showing and teaching me every day to use it in such a way that heals and helps other people, that I have an incredible gift to be not only a parent, but the way I show up for people. "She's just made my life so much richer. I don't even know how to express it or articulate it." Sophia finalised her divorce from Grant Hughes in January, after the pair split in August 2023, following 13 months of marriage. The 'Incredibles 2' star previously praised Ashlyn, writing in an emotional essay for America's Glamour magazine: "I didn't expect to find love in this support system. I don't know how else to say it other than: I didn't see it until I saw it. "And I think it's very easy not to see something that's been in front of your face for a long time when you'd never looked at it as an option and you had never been looked at as an option."
Express Tribune
07-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
The top 10 highest grossing animated films of all time
Animation has long been a powerful force in cinema, capable of bringing in audiences of all ages from every corner of the world. Over the years, animated films have evolved from simple family features to record-shattering box office juggernauts that compete head-to-head with major live-action releases. Today, the highest-grossing animated movies not only showcase groundbreaking visuals and unforgettable characters but also reflect the growing global love for animated storytelling. From beloved Pixar classics to unexpected international hits, here's a look at the top 10 highest-grossing animated films of all time — and the incredible numbers they pulled in. 10. Toy Story 4 (2019) – $1.066 billion Woody, Buzz, and the gang return in Toy Story 4, taking audiences on an emotional journey about moving on and finding new purpose. With the introduction of the beloved character Forky, the film wrapped up the iconic saga with heart, humor, and a bittersweet goodbye. 9. Toy Story 3 (2010) – $1.073 billion Before Toy Story 4, there was Toy Story 3, a masterful third installment where Andy grows up and the toys face an uncertain future. Packed with emotion and suspense, this Pixar classic delivered one of the most touching endings in animated film history. 8. Minions (2015) – $1.159 billion Those little yellow troublemakers took center stage in Minions, a spin-off from the Despicable Me franchise. The film explores the hilarious origins of the Minions and their desperate quest to find the most despicable master to serve. 7. Incredibles 2 (2018) – $1.242 billion After a 14-year wait, Incredibles 2 smashed the box office as it continued the story of the superhero Parr family. This time, Elastigirl takes the spotlight while Mr. Incredible grapples with parenting at home — with some super-powered chaos along the way. 6. Frozen (2013) – $1.290 billion Frozen became a cultural phenomenon almost overnight. With its empowering story, breathtaking visuals, and unforgettable songs like "Let It Go," Elsa and Anna's icy adventure captured the imagination of children and adults around the globe. 5. The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023) – $1.361 billion Gaming's most iconic characters leapt onto the big screen in The Super Mario Bros. Movie, offering a colorful, action-packed adventure through the Mushroom Kingdom. Nostalgia and fresh humor helped make this a massive success worldwide. 4. Frozen II (2019) – $1.450 billion Elsa and Anna returned in Frozen II, venturing beyond Arendelle to uncover the origins of Elsa's magical powers. With even more stunning visuals and a mature, emotional storyline, the sequel proved just as irresistible as the original. 3. The Lion King (2019) – $1.656 billion Disney's photorealistic remake of The Lion King reintroduced Simba's journey with jaw-dropping visuals and an all-star voice cast. Despite being called "live-action," it was fully animated — and it roared at the box office to become one of the highest-grossing animated films ever. 2. Inside Out 2 (2024) – $1.698 billion Pixar's much-anticipated sequel, Inside Out 2, dived deeper into the emotional world inside Riley's mind. Introducing new emotions and exploring adolescence, the film resonated strongly with audiences and smashed records with its heartfelt storytelling. 1. Ne Zha 2 (2024) – $2.1 billion The Chinese animated epic Ne Zha 2 stunned the world by grossing over $2 billion. Building on the mythological tale of a rebellious spirit seeking redemption, the film combined dazzling animation, powerful storytelling, and cultural pride, setting a new high watermark for animated features globally.
Los Angeles Times
06-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Los Angeles Times
Dazzling Midcentury Modern homes you don't want to miss at Palm Springs' Modernism Week
A 1962 home by architect Charles Du Bois will be open to the public during this year's Modernism Week in Palm Springs. Feb. 6, 2025 3 AM PT The 11-day festival of midcentury design will feature more than 500 events, including bus tours, films, lectures and the always-popular home tours. At this year's Modernism Week, get a rare chance to step inside stunning Midcentury Modern homes, from Elvis' honeymoon hideaway to the house that inspired the Pixar film 'Incredibles 2.' As we grapple with the brave new world of artificial intelligence and ChatGPT, the prospect of traveling back to a simpler time is hard to resist. Case in point: At the 20th Modernism Week, an 11-day design festival in Palm Springs, elements of the city feel frozen in time, thanks in part to preservationsists' efforts around the city's Midcentury Modern architecture, interior design and vintage culture. Last year, more than 130,000 people flocked to the desert to peruse Midcentury Modern furnishings at the Palm Springs Modernism Show, enjoy double-decker architecture tours, parties and fashion shows. But for those of us lookie-loos who love to peek inside other people's homes, the house tours are always a highlight. The tickets to tour Frank Sinatra's Twin Palms estate and Sunnylands are sold out, but there are still plenty of other fascinating homes to explore, including those of Elvis and actor Adam West, a.k.a. TV's Batman. Here, we offer a list of home tours that are still available as of our deadline, promising a diverse range of experiences to suit every taste. (Note: Given the historic nature of the homes, most are not ADA-accessible, and in some cases, children under age 13 are not allowed.) And to help you plan your trip to the desert, check out our roundup of Old Hollywood-style hotels, fun independent stores, the best restaurants and places to find Midcentury Modern furnishings. For a comprehensive list of all events, we encourage you to visit the Modernism Week website. No matching places! Try changing or resetting your filters Showing Places Riverside Historic Home Tour the 1970s-era Indian Canyons home designed by prolific midcentury architect Stan Sackley and legendary interior designer Steve Chase, who was known for his opulent California interiors. After the tour, which is expected to last an 90 minutes, designers Michael Ostrow and Roger Stoker of Grace Home Furnishings will discuss how they preserved many of Chase's original design elements while updating them for the 21st century. At the poolside chat, they will be joined by Atomic Ranch editor Jickie Torres and Dunn-Edwards color expert Lauren Hoferkamp, who will delve into the home's vibrant Midcentury Modern color palettes. Date: 4 p.m. Feb. 17 Tickets: $65 Route Details Riverside Historic Home Initially built in 1961 by the Alexander Construction Co. and designed by noted architects Dan Palmer and William Krisel, the Morse Residence carries a rich history that has served as inspiration for the Water House in Pixar's 'Incredibles 2' and works by the artist Shag. The sleek four-bedroom, four-bath home features vintage white terrazzo throughout, from the floors to the countertops, offset by colorful interiors and a swim-up bar. Date: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 21 Tickets: $50 Route Details Riverside Historic Home You may need sunglasses for this outrageous time capsule tour: a paisley, plaid, pink and orange 1970 home inspired by the fantasy 'One Thousand and One Nights.' In what feels like an 'only in Palm Springs' vibe, the former home of 'Plumber to the Stars' Jack Stephan features an ochre and avocado green kitchen, a curved bar in the living room, a surplus of wallpaper, and, of course, given the '70s vibe, shag carpeting. Date: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 20 Tickets: $50 Route Details Riverside Historic Home Interior designers Kevin Kemper and Howard Hawkes of H3K Design, a prolific team that has transformed many Palm Springs homes, have left their mark on this three-bedroom, two-bathroom home designed by Palmer & Krisel and built in 1958 by the Alexander Construction Co. Nestled in the Twin Palms neighborhood, this home with its high gable roofline, glass walls and colorful furnishings is a testament to H3K Design's colorful approach to living and the laid-back Palm Springs lifestyle it evokes. Dates: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 16 and 23 Tickets: $40 Route Details Historic Home This self-driven tour of seven homes marks the 10th anniversary of photographer James Schnepf's book 'Palm Springs Modern Living,' which celebrates not just the architecture but also the people behind it in Palm Springs. The tour includes a custom-built 1956 time capsule in Tahquitz River Estates, a meticulously restored William Krisel home in Twin Palms, the legendary Edris House by E. Stewart Williams in Little Tuscany and the family home of architect Lance O'Donnell, who collaborated with the late Donald Wexler on several projects. Date: 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Feb. 18. Tickets: $160 Details Riverside Modernism Week Originally designed by Modernist architect William Krisel as a custom family home for Robert and Helene Alexander of the famed Alexander Construction Co., the futuristic House of Tomorrow is best known as the site where Elvis and Priscilla Presley honeymooned in 1967. The home, which sold for $5.6 million in 2022 and is currently for sale for $8.6 million, was built in 1960 and features four circular 'pod' wings, a sunken living room with a beaker-shaped fireplace hood and floating hearth, stone walls and floor-to-ceiling windows. Note: The house is not ADA-accessible. Dates with ticket availability: 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Feb 13-23 Ticket: $55 Route Details Riverside Modernism Week John Lautner fans will want to drive to Desert Hot Springs for this once-a-year opportunity to tour Tracy Beckmann and Ryan Trowbridge's award-winning Lautner Compound, which includes four simple concrete, redwood, glass and steel units designed by innovative architect Lautner, who studied as an apprentice to Frank Lloyd Wright. Each unit in the 1947 fourplex, formerly known as the Hotel Lautner, has slanted roofs and expansive windows overlooking a cactus garden. The tour includes an open-air event space, a 1957 California Bungalow and the newly acquired clubhouse, which is available for events. Dates with ticket availability: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feb 14 and 15; noon to 3 p.m. Feb. 16; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 21-22. Ticket: $60. (The owners will also host a twilight wine reception at 5:30 p.m. Feb. 23. Tickets are $100.) Route Details Riverside Modernism Week In a breathtaking introduction to Palm Springs architect Albert Frey, the Palm Springs Art Museum offers self-guided tours of Frey House ll, Frey's residence perched atop a hillside at the western end of Tahquitz Canyon Way. Like renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright, Frey was fascinated by the interplay between nature and architecture and the allure of the desert. He incorporated the desert terrain, including a large boulder that juts in through the living room and bedroom glass walls, into his 800-square-foot home, which features a corrugated metal roof, simple concrete slab floors and glass windows overlooking the desert. After the tour, guests can visit the David Hockney show at the Palm Springs Art Museum and the Architecture and Design Center (300 S. Palm Canyon Drive) daily from Feb. 13-23, except on Feb. 19.A shuttle van will transport ticket holders from Palm Springs Art Museum's Buddy Rogers Box Office to the house for the tour. Dates with ticket availability: 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 21, 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Feb. 22 and 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 23. Ticket: $75. (A twilight tour and Champagne reception for a limited number of guests at Frey House II are available at 4:30 p.m. each evening. Tickets are $125.) Route Details Riverside Modernism Week Tour Twin Palms, the desert's first Modernist neighborhood designed by William Krisel and built by the Alexander Construction Co. Krisel's economic, exuberant designs featured flaring butterfly roofs, wide expanses of glass and clear colors that resonated with California's rising middle class in the 1950s and '60s. The Twin Palms: It Started Here! tour will include a bungalow at the historic Ocotillo Lodge, a renovated 1958 home built by Don McKinney, two houses built by Milton Seidner, an updated 1964 home designed by Cary Bigman and a 1969 Hollywood Regency time capsule with original interiors designed by Ian Phillips. Date: Feb. 11:20 to 1:40 p.m. Feb 17. Ticket: $95 Route Details Riverside Modernism Week Step back in time in this tour of eight homes built between 1959 and 1962 by developer Roy Fey in El Rancho Vista Estates, a neighborhood of cul-de-sacs just east of Palm Springs International Airport. Designed by architects Donald Wexler and Richard Harrison, all of the homes on the tour honor the original Midcentury Modern aesthetic, even as their owners, who will be on hand to answer questions, have updated their homes for modern living. Date: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 22 Ticket: $85 Route Details We'll help you find the best places to hike, bike and run, as well as the perfect silent spots for meditation and yoga. You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
