Ever since the Palm Springs Art Museum acquired the former Santa Fe Federal Savings and Loan building on Palm Canyon Drive last June, and announced plans to transform the bank into an architecture and design museum, a ground swell of support has been growing. The concept has also garnered considerable national and media attention. Continue reading “Celebrating the Masters: Architecture and Design Center, Edwards Harris Pavilion”
Desert Modernism is more than a style, it’s a lifestyle that is best experienced at your leisure. In fact, Desert Modernism practically invented the idea of “leisure.” Living both indoors and out inspired the idea of casual living.
Since Desert folks dig the heat, July won’t faze you; rest assured, there are plenty of cool events, places to go, things to do while grooving in the Desert Modernism experience. Continue reading “The Desert Modernism Experience – Cool Things To Do in The Desert in July”
The Palm Springs International ShortFest, June 19-25, once again draws film buffs, stars, directors, and filmmakers to Palm Springs during what is known as the “shoulder season.”
This means lower hotel rates and great restaurant deals are in effect, so it’s the perfect time to explore Palm Springs without the huge crowds and high costs.
It’s also a great time to submerge in the Modernism experience by staying at one of the Mid-Century Modern boutique hotels, taking a city tour of the many Desert Modern public buildings and neighborhoods, exploring on foot the treasures of the Uptown Design District, and dining in hip retro restaurants with an ultra-modern vibe. Continue reading “Movies Make Palm Springs The Place to Be & Places to Stay”
Come to the desert during Restaurant Week, June 1-10, and get a taste of Modernism.
Many of Palm Springs hippest restaurants offer both cuisine and vibe that brings back America’s post-war era of optimism and creativity, reinterpreted to today’s trends.
Submerge yourself in the whole retro experience by taking a tour of Mid-Century homes and public buildings, scouring for the perfect chair along Palm Springs’ Uptown Design District, and then dining at some of Palm Springs ultra-chic, revamped spots.
Here are a few cool retro places in Palm Springs: Continue reading “Get a Taste of Modernism During Restaurant Week, June 1-10”
“Today, people think of a large box looking like a trailer when you say ‘pre -fab home,'” said David McAdam of Blue Sky Building Systems. “But pre-fabricated steel homes really started with Don Wexler in 1961 when he built six or seven steel houses in Palm Springs. The pre-fabricated steel pieces were brought in and assembled on site.” Continue reading “Steel Pre-Fab Homes Make Resurgence in Palm Springs”
Uptown just got more “up!”
Two grand openings last week celebrated the new Mr. Turk, Trina Turk’s newest expansion with colorful men’s clothing and apparel at 891 North Palm Canyon, and an innovative new ‘pop-up’ concept at Raymond|Lawrence, 830 North Palm Canyon Drive, created by the dynamic design duo, Larry Abel and Raymond McCallister.
Another new furnishings, design and art gallery, Flow Modern Design, opened its doors recently at 768 North Palm Canyon ago replacing A La Mod which moved to larger digs a few doors up at 844 North Palm Canyon.
Calling their store a “retail incubator,” Raymond|Lawrence features ho Continue reading “New Design and Retail Shops Open, Expand In Palm Springs Uptown Design District”
Architect Donald Wexler’s Steel Development House No. 2 — located on North Sunny View Drive — is the first midcentury structure in Palm Springs to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The house received national distinction March 30, 2012 after current homeowner, Brian McGuire, a member of the Palm Springs Preservation Foundation, applied to the California Office of Historic Preservation, providing many qualified letters in support. The nomination was unanimously recommended, and the director of the National Park Service accepted the nomination. Continue reading “Wexler’s Steel Development House No. 2 Now Listed on National Register of Historic Places”
The Palm Springs Art Museum in Palm Desert formally opened to the public March 15, sharing not only a new level of art and culture to the mid- and east valley, but common architectural ties.
The 8,400 square foot building located at Entrada del Paseo, corner of Highway 111 and El Paseo, was formerly the city visitor’s center, designed by acclaimed desert architect Reuel Young.
Built in 2005, Young captures the motifs inherent in Desert Modernism such as its Albert Frey-like sharp winged roof shading an upper terrace and entrance below. From its essentially a circular shape are angled walls that fan out with floor to ceiling glass that offer full views of the outdoors. Continue reading “Desert Modernism Reflected in Architect Reuel Young’s Design of Palm Springs Art Museum in Palm Desert”
This classic mid-century modern Butterfly remodel in Rancho Mirage comes with letters and drawings from Architect William Krisel to the Seller identifying it as a Model A-1, Valley of the Sun home, by developers Maus and Holstein. The light and bright living area has a rising ceiling, with clerestory windows and glass sliders facing West to the pool and mountains. Renovated and updated by interior designer Edward Schilling using the best materials it boasts slate floors throughout, Cherry Wood kitchen and bathroom cabinetry, marble countertops and backsplashes, double-paned glass and sliders, a heated pool and more. The landscaping has been recently updated around the pool area and the private grassy area by the kumquat tree. This home may qualify as a historic building with associated tax benefits.
While Modernism Week just ended, there are plenty of great events that highlight the desert’s modern lifestyle.
For fashionistas and foodies, it’s Fashion Week El Paseo 2012, March 16-24 and the companion Food+Wine Festival Palm Desert, March 23-26, all in the big white tent on Larkspur between El Paseo and Shadow Mountain in the heart of Palm Desert.
Fashion Week showcases the newest collections of top designers and fresh ideas by emerging designers from Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising. The event is produced by Palm Springs Life Magazine and has grown to be one of the most popular fashion events.
Guests enjoy cocktails and hors d’oeuvres in the “ultra lounge” before each night’s runway show. Pre-parties, after-parties, trunk shows, in-store and charity events add up to a whirlwind week of breathtaking fashions and innovative programs. Continue reading “What’s After Modernism Week in Palm Springs? Plenty!”
