Borrego's Mid-Century Modern Architecture

I have frequently mentioned my love of all things from the 50s and 60s. Usually it is connected to Palm Springs. What a true treasure it was to find Borrego has an amazing array of mid-century modernism here, lovingly coined Desert Modern. This exceptionally popular architectural style is characterized by flat planes, large glass windows, and open space. Borrego Springs Mid-Century Modern homes were built between 1945 and the 1980s, with designs centered on simplicity and integration with nature.

Here's a little background about this little desert town. The presence of the Army and Navy in the Borrego Valley during World War II brought electricity and telephone service. Following the war, local developers began to market Borrego Springs as a desert resort community in on effort to capitalize on the tourism generated by the Park. Borrego Springs in the 1950s was a favorite hideaway for Hollywood stars, including Marilyn Monroe, Bing Crosby, Leo Carrillo, Burgess Meredith, Gale Gordan, Will Rogers, John Wayne, James Arness and Frank Morgan.
By 1960, Borrego Springs had blossomed into a desirable vacation spot complete with an airfield and all the amenities of modern living. With much of the development centered in the mid-20th Century, the architecture is strongly rooted in the Modern style, with many fine examples still remaining. It is this era of Borrego Springs' history that was completely new to us, so armed with all I could find, we headed out to learn about architects, who helped develop Borrego Springs into a modern desert oasis. And to admire the unique architecture we found along the way.
Like its more famous neighbor, Borrego has a Palm Canyon Drive accented with buildings of the past.
I was immediately drawn to this sign. The first "motel " in town, the original building was constructed in 1948. The Hacienda del Sol of today is the work of architect Richard Zerbe (who will me mentioned again). The additions of the lobby and storefronts were completed between 1956 and 1960.

Those who know me know the amount of research I do for these posts and hopefully they will totally get why this intrigues me so. Did you know that singer/songwriter Bob Dylan was also a painter? I found a website which shows his landscapes along with the reality which inspired him. Interestingly, Mr. Dylan calls this piece Motel, New Mexico. We are speculating that he went on a long road trip, documented it in photos, and then forgot where they were taken. Regardless, Bob Dylan thought Borrego's architecture was worth showcasing, too.
Examples of modernist homes appear throughout town, including a string of homes on one street that would not (in its day) be out of place in the Racquet Club Estates or Twin Palms neighborhoods of Palm Springs.
One such home is a perfectly intact, though seemingly unloved, butterfly-roofed abode designed by famed architect William Krisel. I wish Krisel's work was easier to photograph here, but trust me when I say is was incredibly groovy indeed.
This home, I read, is an Alexander, one of the many constructed by George and Robert Alexander of Los Angeles and Palm Springs. Somehow, it seems, they made their way to Borrego in between building mid-mod neighborhoods. The Alexander Construction Company (mid-1950s) would go on to build over 2,200 homes across the Coachella Valley. Part of the key to their success was their relationship with talented young architects. William Krisel, of Los Angeles–based firm Palmer and Krisel, was responsible for designing a large percentage of Alexander homes.
This unique A-frame home appears in a neighborhood with nothing else like it. It is very similar to the work by Charles Dubois, the famous architect behind the A-frame houses in Palm Springs. Dubois's creations were also known as “Swiss Misses” for their Alpine influences, these desert dwellings have A-frame roof lines that extend all the way to the ground. A copy or an original?
This home called my name. I loved it.
I even loved their Christmas tree, proudly displayed in the front window. Fun stuff.
Nothing says "mid-century modern" like an orange door.
This lovingly maintained mid-century modern with immaculate original finishes was built in 1961 and is for sale for $649,000. Featured in Dwell Magazine, "this home boasts sleek finished concrete floors, Beautifully restored cabinetry, beamed ceilings and wooden details throughout. Large windows frame the breathtaking views of the 15th fairway of the De Anza golf course and surrounding mountains. The backyard embraces Borrego's coveted outdoor lifestyle with a luxurious heated pool w/tanning shelf and spa, pool house with shaded area, wood burning fire pit, and several lounging areas to enjoy the views. Tastefully furnished and decorated to compliment the homes architecture - all furnishings included!"
Like Palm Springs, Borrego Springs is host to a select group of modernist architects whose designs of homes and commercial buildings are associated with the region. Most notably is Julian based architect Richard Zerbe, whose architectural imprint can be seen throughout town. At the sleepy golfer’s paradise that is de Anza Country Club, founded in 1957, many of Zerbe’s homes enjoy views of the fairway by day and an endless window into dark-sky constellations at night.
De Anza Country Club is the Beverly Hills of Borrego Springs. The best and biggest houses are there, surrounded by prime real estate. Zerbe is among several mid-century architects who contributed to its rather unsung legend.
The Fairway Cottages, designed by Mr. Zerbe, were built and originally used by the developers of de Anza Country Club to provide lodging for potential investors in the club. The Borrego Golf and Improvement Association sold leases, with a term of 50 years and the units were managed by the club for short and long-term rentals. In 1975, the Club and leaseholders came to an agreement whereby the leases were terminated and the cottages and land were sold. The original cost for the land, building and common areas amounted to $4200 per lot. There are 3 sets of 4 cottages, each surrounding its own large pool. The pools and associated pump-houses were also designed by Richard Zerbe. We spoke to one owner who said that hers is still as it was when built, featuring original paneling, Youngstown Steel kitchen cabinets, sliding accordion closet doors and terrazzo floors, bath, and surrounds. So cool.
And a fun nature surprise was this guy. I have been watching for a roadrunner since we were last here.
Our final stop was at The Palms at Indian Head. 

Opened in 1946, it was originally called Hoberg’s Desert Resort. In fact, the locals still call it Hoberg’s. Its location well off the beaten path in the Mojave Desert made it a perfect getaway for famous and notorious people in the 40s and 50s. Clark Gable, Marilyn Monroe and Mickey Cohen all frequented here. Many of the guests flew in to the resort’s private air strip.
The original lodge building was destroyed by fire in 1958 and re-built in classic mid-50’s California modern style. Along with the main lodge were 56 air conditioned bungalows scattered over the 17 acre compound. Those are all gone now except for a couple of ruins. The resort was abandoned in the 1970s and fell into extreme disrepair. It was scheduled for demolition in 1993 when the current owners stepped in at the last minute and saved it. They restored a great deal of it and renamed it The Palms.

The focal point of the resort is its once magnificent Olympic-sized pool. For many years after it opened, this was one of the largest swimming pools in Southern California. It also has a large hot tub/spa on the deck. At the far end of the pool, there are windows below the water line. There used to be an underground bar here where you could get a drink and watch the mermaids.

While we didn't see any of these architectural gems in their heyday, this tour introduced us to a desert history we didn't know. The more time we spend in Borrego Springs the more we find to love about it. We plan to return often. It will become the playground of Steve & Denise. Way, way cool.

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1 comments:

Four Points Bulletin said...

Wow. You found some really cool mid-century modern architecture! Love it. I didn’t realize that the stars made it this far south of Palm Springs.

Borrego Springs is such a “cool” place. Glad you are both enjoying it so much.

January 9, 2021 at 9:25 PM

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