Category: Palm Springs Modernism

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Get a Taste of Modernism During Restaurant Week, June 1-10

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”

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Steel Pre-Fab Homes Make Resurgence in Palm Springs

Blue Sky Building’s new pre-fabricated steel home now under construction in Palm Springs

“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”

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New Design and Retail Shops Open, Expand In Palm Springs Uptown Design District

Bright contemporary men’s clothing now at Mr. Turk

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”

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Wexler’s Steel Development House No. 2 Now Listed on National Register of Historic Places

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”

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Desert Modernism Reflected in Architect Reuel Young’s Design of Palm Springs Art Museum in Palm Desert

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”

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Classic Mid-Century Modern Butterfly Remodel

36467 Sandsal

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.

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What’s After Modernism Week in Palm Springs? Plenty!

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!”

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Palm Springs Modernism Week Events at Forefront in February

Palm Springs Modernism Week is one of the country’s most popular annual events for architects, modernism art and design fans, and mid century modern culture buffs.
The seventh annual Modernism Week, February 16-26, 2012 brings thousands to Palm Springs for 11 days of double-decker bus tours, lectures, films, exhibits, a vintage fashion show, and parties that celebrate the architecture and culture of the 1950-60s era. Modernism Week offers more than 75 events including some firsts for the Coachella Valley. Continue reading “Palm Springs Modernism Week Events at Forefront in February”

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Backyard Oasis Opens Saturday, January 21 at the Palm Springs Art Museum

Herb Ritts, Richard Gere – Poolside, 1982, C-type print, Courtesy of the Herb Ritts Foundation, Los Angeles © Herb Ritts Foundation

Backyard Oasis: The Swimming Pool in Southern California Photography, 1945-1982  opens January 21 in the Palm Springs Art Museum’s Annenberg Wing.  www.psmuseum.org

Beyond some of the obvious glamorous shots of Marilyn Monroe, Ann Miller, Rock Hudson, Liberace, and other stars, the exhibit explores more deeply how photography emerged during as an important medium of fine art, according to Palm Springs Life editor Steven Biller in his art feature this month, breaking the surface. Continue reading “Backyard Oasis Opens Saturday, January 21 at the Palm Springs Art Museum”

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See The Marilyn Monroe Photo Exhibit During the Palm Springs International Film Festival

The Palm Springs International Film Festival  opens this week with hundreds of filmgoers, movie makers, directors, actors and celebrities expected to attend the annual gala on Saturday, Jan. 7 and more than 100 films during the 11 day festival.

The Palm Springs International Film Festival takes place Jan 5-16.  Visit www.psfilmfest.org for tickets, information or to search for movies and screening times.

Besides the incredible array of films, galas and parties, one of the non-film highlights is an exhibition of Marilyn Monroe photographs that will be on display in stores and restaurants throughout Palm Springs Uptown Design District all during the festival. Continue reading “See The Marilyn Monroe Photo Exhibit During the Palm Springs International Film Festival”