Palm Springs Is Ground Zero For Modernist Architecture

A report released by Greater Palm Springs states that during Modernism Week this February, 115,000 people attended 500 scheduled events around the city. Now more than ever, visitors are fascinated by the modernist and mid-century architecture abundant here in Palm Springs.

Where can I find modernism homes in Palm Springs?

The homes are scattered throughout the city limits. That is why Modernism Week offers a double-decker bus tour with a knowledgeable guide who shares pertinent information during the 2.5-hour journey through various neighborhoods. Often, these historic homes are located close to several Palm Springs Preferred Small Hotels.

Why do we have so many modernist homes in Palm Springs? 

Frank Sinatra’s home is just one of the celebrity abodes in Palm Springs. Photo by Kathy Condon

In the early 1950s and 1960s, architects thriving in Los Angeles became disillusioned with all the restrictions on design and building construction. They wanted to design new rooflines and use materials like metal and tin, which were prohibited in the city of Los Angeles. At the same time, Palm Springs was becoming a playground for movie stars, who were allowed to travel only 100 miles from their production stages. With incredible weather most of the year, Palm Springs was a logical weekend trip.

These celebrities stayed at the Ingleside Inn, Villa Royale, and Casa Cody, and became enamored with the climate and lifestyle of Palm Springs. Many decided to buy land and build homes in the area. With few architects in Palm Springs at the time, they looked to Los Angeles and ultimately hired architects from there. These were the same architects who were eager to challenge themselves by utilizing the beautiful desert landscape as their canvas.

What is modernist architectural design? 

One of the reasons people come to the area is they appreciate the feeling of being outside so much of the year. Thus, one characteristic of this design is grand walls of glass. The architects strategically placed these walls to allow residents to view the glorious mountains at any time of day. Outside the glass walls, the natural environment was preserved as much as possible, with care taken to ensure the habitat remained authentic to the desert landscape.

With few restrictions, metal could now be used to create unique rooflines. They could soar high, be curved, or even be incorporated into the same unique structure. The architects were not afraid to experiment with materials and use rocks in creative ways never used before in building construction.

Why did these modernist homes survive?

Stone and colorful roofs are often found on mid-century modern homes. Photo by Kathy Condon

During the late 1970s, the economy was far from being stellar, and Palm Springs’s mid-century style lost its luster. People were not flocking to the city like they did in the ’50s and ’60s, and many of these buildings became neglected. In the late 1990s and 2000s, visionaries who saw the strong bones in these homes and buildings began buying them, reveling in the idea of bringing them back to their original glory.

Many historians believe that if there had not been a downturn in the economy and a decline in travel, many of these beautiful structures would have been destroyed. Now, thanks to committed citizens, there are many structures on the National Register of Historic Places.

The birth of Modernism Week

A group of citizens, recognizing the beauty of these structures and their relevance to our history, organized Modernism Week in 2006. It has now grown to 14 days in February; Modernism Week in October, despite its name, is a four-day event. Initially, the October event was organized exclusively for the press, but today, it offers visitors the opportunity to see many of the homes and structures. 

I suggest visiting Modernism Week and signing up for their newsletter to stay informed when tickets become available. The popular homes and events sell out quickly, as people from all over the world come to attend this exciting event.

One last thing to notice

Modernism is characterized by its use of monochrome colors. Homeowners want to add their unique touch, so on your walks or drive through town, you will see bright blue, yellow, and red front doors.

Find your hotel with a modernist or mid-century vibe

The Del Marcos is a mid-century modern hotel designed by William F. Cody in 1947. Photo courtesy of The Del Marcos Hotel

Many of the city’s small boutique hotels were built in the ’50s and ’60s, and have been restored to their grandeur. Staying at these mid-century modern properties provides guests with a unique opportunity to experience what it was like during the 1950s and 1960s in Palm Springs.