4.06.2010

the modernist marvel called Palm Springs part I


"greetings from Palm Springs"
not true, I lie like a rug...

With an onslaught of friends and acquaintances flocking to Palm Springs (yes that's you Eddie Ross & Therese of La Dolfina; read about her amazing visit here) to take advantage of it's picture perfect April temperatures, I'm squirming with jealously. If you've been following DT for a bit, you know that Palm Springs is one of my favorite places in the U. S. For the sun, sure, but it's the architecture and the history that had me at Highway 111.

For those that have been blogging long, we've seen a plethora of Palm Springs posts with the trend evoking designs of Kelly Wearstler, and Jonathan Adler.

We've seen the modern post-war architecture of John Porter Clark, Rudolph Schindler, Quincy Jones, Richard Neutra, and Albert Frey (to name a few) - It was Clark and Frey who were the first modern architects to live and practice in Palm Springs who arrived in the late 30's.

In the mid-40's came architects E. Stewart Williams, William Cody. who have been recognized as 'setting the tone' for the practice of mid-century modern architecture in Palm Springs.

It was in the 40's that the advent of air-conditioning changed the arid, sparsely populated California desert at the base of Mt. San Jacinto, to a viable destination spot for the second homes of the post-WWII leisure class and most recognized, the rich and famous of Hollywood.

The next decade came the birth of Palm Springs Modernism; repeatability. Authors Andrew Danish and Alan Hess of the book 'Palm Springs Weekend', described modernism as being 'embedded with the ideal of mass production'. "The repeatable object". There are a few names that shine as being beacons of 'California Mass Market Modernism' in the 50's' such as Eicher, Meiselman, Wexler, and the father and son team, the Alexanders. The Alexanders are famous for ushering in the era of mass housing in the late 50's with 39 houses in the Twin Palm area. They changed the face of the desert creating a simple, functional modernism with home-life in the California desert.

You would likely recognize the homes built by George and Bob Alexander and designed by architects Dan Palmer William Krisel as the 'butterfly roofed' houses; this is for their sweeping winged-typed roofs (read about the butterfly roof here from fellow modernist lover the Cottage Cheese). Team Alexander built over 2500 houses in Palm Springs alone from 1955-1965 when the entire family (minus one daughter) perished in a tragic plane crash.

As you view the following images of structures, the views and life-style of Palm Springs, remember that this desert aesthetic has been blogged, written, photographed and filmed more than most over the decades.

Take note that Palm Springs has a past that speaks volumes to a small desert town that had the most important concentration of modernist architecture by some of the worlds most distinguished architects; which ultimately became the true oasis for progressive design and a city of eccentrics and mavericks.

What we would of missed out on if Palm Springs had not evolved?

The perfect wedding destination spot - Palm Springs

incredible wedding photography by Our Labor of Love

magnificent wedding blog
Green Wedding Shoe.blogspot.com

the Ace is the place
Ace Hotel & Swim Club Palm Springs
also in Seattle, Portland & NYC



that's me
(boy how I wish)

this photo drives up the urge to get out the roasting forks, marshmallows,
Hersey bars,and graham crackers. Any one else for smores at the Parker?


Ruby Montana's Coral Sands Inn built in 1952.
Book a night in this retro motel here. Pet's accepted.

or book your own destination mid-century time machine here
for a huge number of historical modern houses for rent.

If you love to scour, scrape and hunt for mid-century treasures, here
is a great list of where to begin and end your rummage.

This is Palm Springs today, it's humble beginnings
Part II next...stay-tuned

** a profound thank you for all my new readers and faithful followers. I appreciate each and everyone of you. I must apologize for my lack of reading & commenting on your tremendous posts. Between now & July, life is in star wars type warp speed. Just know you are always thought of & will do my very best to keep up with all your news.

Cheers my dears!

{go forth & live & shop responsibly}

Palm Springs
a mecca of history

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research & photography credits; Palm Springs Weekend- Alan Hess + Andrew Danish, Palm Springs Modern - Adele Gygelman, Joseph Rosa, David Glomb, dwellmagazine.com; weddinggreenshoes.blogspot.com; Heather McCloy, Ace Hotel & Swim Club, hiddengarments.cn; scherrdesign.com; cardcow.com; tinywater.com; gaborjunna; losangelsla,com

65 comments:

Full House said...

Hi there! So where is that picture of the little cottage that is above the girl sunbathing from?

I love Palm Springs. Fun post.

Averill said...

Palm Springs is definitely on my list of "must visit" places in the USA -- though I think I'd probably enjoy it more as a girls' trip as Dave isn't much for shopping, oogling gorgeous hotels, etc. Save me a spot around the campfire at the Parker, Deb!

A Perfect Gray said...

wonderful images of that fantastic place. never been there but would love it if it even remotely resembles the beauty you have shown today. thanks!

Dumbwit Tellher said...

Hi Full House - the small cottage is actually on the grounds of the Viceroy. Cute isn't it?!
A Perfect Gray - you must go, a girls weekend with Averill of Odi et Amo is in order.

Averill - Can you image the fun we'd all have? Smore's it is!

ashlina {the decorista} said...

i love this post. palm springs is my second home...and might be the place i could live forever. perfect vacation spot!!!!! great write up about it.
xo

caroline duke said...

i die.

i want to go to palm springs soooo bad.

love this post.

Anonymous said...

pimm's cups at the parker darling. you, me, and our caftans!!
kisses!

Kitty said...

Deb, for a moment there, I thought you were in California with La Dolfina! OMG, this post has my lady parts all a twitter. California Dreamin', Your Kitty!

Sanity Fair said...

Sweet hotels - I loved the tour! How wonderful is the front of The Parker? How many times has that pattern ended up in bright colors on someone who is Palm Springs bound? :)

My Dog-Eared Pages said...

Love as always and can't get the place off of my mind these days, either!! Looking forward to Part II! oxo Barbara

Kitty said...

Only Sanity Fair would notice that! Brilliant!

Renée Finberg said...

whew, what a journey!
i loved palm springs when i spent a long weekend there....
that weekend was so much fun that i could never make it public.
ahahaha xxxx

Porchlight Interiors said...

I just love this Palm Springs style...will definitely have to visit someday! Tracey xx

Janell @ House of Fifty said...

I have been wanting to visit Palm Springs and now I must, soon! What a wonderful post, great information and images. Janell

BonjourRomance said...

Great post, so many beautiful images. I've never been to Palm Springs, definitely need to do that. Love that photo of you by the pool ;)
Have a great week!
Mimi

Jg. for FatScribe said...

no one writes a travelogue like you, girl. just got back from Vegas (signed another act), and even though i started a website called LuxeVegas.com, I found my stomach turning with what a dump of a town the place really has become. it is bankrupt beyond belief (morally and financially) ... i'll take palm springs everyday over vegas and 2x on sunday.

;)

Francine Gardner said...

I am yet to visit palm Spring...it seems I will never get out of the insane time warp, stop for a moment, take in the sun and the beauty of the world...Thank you, thanks to your post i just did that.
Are you packing??? i have about 500 now empty boxes if you need some (LOL)

Unknown said...

No daaaaaahling, thats ME in the picture LOL! How fabulous :D. I totally want to go to Palm Springs now. Love all your pictures. Feel inspired. Just need to tell Mr P to book some tickets... ;)
*kisses* HH

Cashon&Co said...

You guys are killing me with all the swank images of the lifestyle I deserve! hahahahha j/k
but seriously. Sitting by a pool either in the desert or on the beach with fresh fruit and drinks coming my way sounds like Heaven right about now. interesting history/photos' too. I have been to Palm Springs/Palm Desert once, but it was in 1998. Seems like forever ago!

Barbara said...

Fabulous post as usual, Deb. There's nothing quite like Palm Springs is there? 50's architecture is so distinctive! And familiar. I'm aging myself here, but I grew up in a house built in the early 40's that had that flavor. It's still there too. That red bathing suit? I had one. Good Lord.

Bumpkin on a Swing said...

Always been so curious about Palm Springs, and now I feel almost like I have been there. Thanks for showing The Bumpkin something dreamed but never lived. The architecture is amazing. Love, love, love, the yellow gates of the Viceroy picture. You will learn the yellow always gets me. Nice to meet you, and I think I will wear out my welcome a bit, by following, and tooling your archives. From The Mississippi Gulf Coast, I am Lisa The Bumpkin (not so much a bumpkin you will find)

Haute World said...

Great images! Thanks for opening my eyes to Palm Springs. I never quite knew whether or not to like or hate most of Florida. I think there's just too much association with awful boybands, retired seniors and crazy drunk college students going there for Spring break ;-) It's easy to ignore the nicer parts of the state that way...

Anastasia Schembri said...

What a superb post!! Can't wait for Part 2!!

SpryOnTheWall said...

Oh now I want to go! Another fab post full of great images! Can't wait for part 2. You take care! Hugs!!! xo

Jacqueline @ HOME said...

WOW Deb,
What a journey through Palm Springs. I think that we passed through when we were in Calafornia. Next time we must stop...I don't know why we didn't last time. We probably had some deadline or other!!
Fabulous photos of living in the sun....and, you know that it's me in the photograph by the pool, Deb !! haha.
Hope all's well with you and yours and you're sorting everything out. Will be in touch soon.
Cheers my dear. XXXX

Jane said...

Well you know what one of my DREAMS is to drive across the States. I know, hardly original but given I would have to fly for 20 hours to even get there it is certainly a challenge. Australians think nothing of getting in a car and driving for 12 hours non stop. And Palm Springs is on my list. It seems to be so well preserved and consistent in its style. I love love love that mid century clean white bright style..xoxo

Brabourne Farm said...

I love this post! I knew next to nothing about this amazing place and now I do. Hope all is OK in your world and you're taking care of yourself. Leigh

debra@dustjacket said...

Well thank you so much for this course in all things Palm Springs. It was so interesting to read and look at the pictures.

Goodluck with all the goings on honey,
hugs DJ

Jen said...

Forget wanting to just go home after work today.... I want to go to PALM SPRINGS!!! Girl, where did you find all these fabulous photos! They sure did their job.

Noel Solomon said...

Thank you for your comment on my blog~

Your blog is divine! I will be back often :-))

Wishing you a beautiful day~
Noel

La Petite Gallery said...

Beautiful post. You really did a nice job, I was there in the 80's. I guess I just don't like the desert. I been to Vegas, Had a great offer to move there. NOPE Now, Reno was not to bad.
I like the coast. Love the smell of the ocean.
Palm springs has changed, from your post.

BonBon Rose Girls Kristin said...

I just want to jump into those photos. GORGEOUS!

LenoreNeverM♡re said...

such a distinctive style & culture!
Loving that outdoor showers too~
xo*

Duchess of Tea said...

Darling I have a list of 100 things i want to do before I die, and visiting Palm Springs in currently somewhere between 56 and 70.

Love & Hugs
Duchess

Julie@beingRUBY said...

Hi Deb
Just like Leigh.. I knew very little of Palm Springs before this post.. Well maybe not true.. watch too much television and movies!! haha But it certainly made the 50's look good!!.. By the way I wish 'That's Me' was me also!!! as long as 'me' comes with private pool and cabana!!!

These images are just terrific... almost looks like a streamlined Morocco!! with the Palms and desert backdrop..... Love it!!! Love you!!! another great post.... Don't forget to take some time for yourself in the next few weeks/months... and have some fun xxx Julie

Punctuation Mark said...

i really want to go there... never did when i lived in LA and now that i'm not there anymore want to go really badly!

AJ at OFLBlog said...

One of the best posts I have read in a long time - story and photo combination - your passion for modern just oozes here and that makes your sharing this with us all the more credible and sincere! love love love it!!! OOOOXXX

SabinePsynopsis said...

I've never been to Palm Springs, but now I want to go. It looks fabulous and I don't even want to think about the temperatures [sigh].

Couture Carrie said...

Gorgeous post, darling!
I need a trip to Palm Springs!

xoxox,
CC

Unknown said...

Great post and historical overview of PS--so much I didn't know! I've only been there once, but it's so Sinatra glam-the architecture is just the best. Let me know when you plan to visit--girls vacation! Hope you have a lovely weekend, Best Barbara

Glam Girl said...

That dog is like my bella, I love that picture!

annechovie said...

I haven't been back to PS since I was in the first grade. I think it's time for another visit. I love that Coral Springs, Deb. Have a great weekend and thaks for the cheery post and info. xo

red ticking said...

aaahhh to be poolside this weekend... well thank you for transporting me there.... have a wonderful weekend...have missed you xx

La Dolfina said...

Your posts are incredible!!
I wish you were on the bus tour with us, you and our tour guide would have been a dynamic duo!!
You are seriously talented Deb!! I adore you :)
I love seeing and learning about things through your eyes and mind!!
You must come with us next year... This is a sincere invitation!
XOX

Anonymous said...

@Dumwit Tellher thanks you! just stopped by your blog...very cool! a follower now! ... love love ACE Hotels..hope to stay in one sometime.. have a wonderful weekend!

http://some-kind-of-style.blogspot.com/

Greet Lefèvre said...

I could pack right away! To stay in the Viceroy hotel! Woouuw!
XX
Greet
PS Thank you for stopping by Deb!

Lila said...

Thank you for evolving Palm Springs! It's true, we would have missed out on alot! Everybody on the East Coast is thinking, What about Miami!

Splenderosa said...

Deb, I was in Palm Springs & Palm Desert (better) 2X in the last couple of years. I'm like Yvonne, and don't like the high desert arid landscape at all. If one plays golf and can be there ONLY during the winter, maybe.
Your retrospective of this little town is lovely and nostalgic. I prefer Santa Barbara.

Tish Jett said...

Divine. One of my best friends in the States just returned from P.S. where she claimed she did not wish to go, but "had accepted an invitation months ago," upon her return she reported she had the best time she's had in years. That's say a lot considering her life in general.

Loved your expose and I'm sure that is a picture of you and you're simply modest.

I love the advice, "shop responsibly" -- truly lol.

Christy said...

Deb, and Averill - how great if we could all meet up in Palm Springs for a weekend? 2011 looks good for me!

Fabulous post, as usual. Has me drooling over my keyboard. Hope you're having a wonderful weekend!

Misti of Studio M Designs said...

Hey there--I guess I need to make a trip to Palm Springs! You make it impossible to resist.

Thank you for visiting and for your awesome words of encouragement! Love my bloggy friends!

~Misti

Paz { y amor } ☮ said...

Lovely blog!
You can follow me!

Life With Dogs said...

I've never been - but you know how to entice. I bet travel agents would love this post!

Kellie Collis said...

Looks like perfection to me! xx

Southern Aspirations said...

oh I am so there, Deb! I don't know much about Palm Springs, admittedly, as I have gravitated toward Miami (East Coast girl syndrome, I suppose). These pics are delightful!

Sarah Ring said...

I need to head south for the swinging regency style that seems to have been born at the Viceroy - that place is so luxe!

DesignTies said...

I've never been to Palm Springs, but looking through these pictures, I feel like I've been there :-) As soon as I read "butterfly-roofed" house, I knew exactly what style you meant. Thanks for the link to the pics at The Cottage Cheese.

I love that intricate white wall at The Parker :-) I popped over to the Parker web site to see more -- wowsers!!

Kelly

La Dolfina said...

Hi Deb!
Thank you so much for all your sweet comments on my blog. I really do hope you will seriously consider being our guest next Spring. Palm Springs needs you:)
(I met E+J last Dec. at The Alameda Pointe Flea Market, they stayed with me. They really are the most down to earth cool guys you'll ever meet, I feel like I've known them forever! I'm old enough to be his Mom!!)
Looking forward to Palm Springs II
Much love,
Terri

Kelly Green said...

Love that photo of you...hehe! Wow, Palm Springs looks like it is a place like no other! Thanks for the virtual tour! KG

Lisa Porter said...

I need a weekend like Renee's at The Viceroy.
xxx

Anonymous said...

was just there! great pictures!

Eddie + Jaithan

Marsi @ The Cottage Cheese said...

Wow!!! Palm Springs has been on my list of places to visit for a while, but I want to just get in my car and drive out there right now! And I'll take about 20 grand with me to buy a bunch of Palm springs vintage pieces (seriously though, I could get in major trouble shopping out there!). Thank you so much for linking to my blog, girlie! I'm so sorry that I've been MIA lately. April always proves to be a crazy-busy month. XO, Marsi

Hamptontoes said...

Okay, this is such a fun post. The text is great and the images are drool worthy!

cynthia - thedailybasics.com said...

The name of your blog is PERFECT - I am SOOOOOOO dating myself when I say my Mom used to buy all of our clothes there!
Glad to have found you! Love your entire site. Come visit over at ours- I think we're think on the same page.

more here said...

Wonderful images. Keep sharing more posts.