Modernism Week Finale...

We began our day back at CAMP for free coffee and some fun shopping.


It was then on to a neighborhood new to us both... Sunmor Estates.
The residents of Sunmor Estates welcomed us to step back in time to a remarkably intact collection of Midcentury Modern homes. Constructed in the late ‘50s and early ‘60s, the Sunmor neighborhood is a unique showcase of homes constructed by four iconic modern-era builders. This tour included homes designed by William Krisel, Don Wexler, and a special home by Robert Higgins boasting an original unique fireplace, clad in petrified wood (more about that soon).
Briefly, I want to talk about the history before there were homes here. This is the tract of land Sunmor was built upon. It occupies the former western side of the Palm Springs Airport. Palm Springs played an active role in World War II (1939-1945). The principal reason for establishing an Air Base in Palm Springs was to provide a dispersal and deployment location for planes being ferried to the east coast and elsewhere. Interestingly, the ferrying pilots were mostly women. Anyway, since there were a substantial number of aircraft at any one time on the Base, to preclude any catastrophe, the tie down or "hardstand" project was instituted. The tie downs were simply a concrete slab, approximately 60 feet in diameter with provisions for tie down ropes (the circle in the foreground).
The tie downs were built during 1942. The tie down "hardstand" feature was unique to Palm Springs among the many Ferrying Command and Group bases across the country because of the desert environment (big winds here). Other airfields used extensive tarmacs. The developers of Sunmor Estates respected the location of the existing tie down, and created a cul-de-sac for vehicular passage, called Easmor Circle. The tie down is designated as a Class One Historic Site. The significant history of the Palm Springs airport during World War II continues to be recognized as an important place within this neighborhood. Wild right? A history lesson even before we began our tour. I love that.
The Sunmor neighborhood is generally known as an "Alexander" neighborhood, however Bob Higgins developed the first eleven affordable modernist tract homes here. Designed by Donald Wexler and Ric Harrison, the home prices started at $17,500. After 1957, the Alexander Construction Company completed the tract.

The art in these homes continues to be mindboggling. This mosaic is made with paper paint sample strips you pick up in the paint department of Home Depot. I should have taken a close up. On some you can read the names of the colors.















This is the Bob Higgins' home with the petrified wood fireplace façade (pictured below).





Every home makes us want to visit a real estate office. For now, we'll mingle with the locals and just dream a little.
Our last stop was a place I have passed dozens of times and was never invited in. Today, I was beyond giddy to see what lies behind the big glass doors of the Ocotillo Lodge.
Built in 1957 by the Alexander Construction Company and designed by William Krisel and Dan Palmer, the Ocotillo Lodge is a premier Midcentury Modern landmark. Originally a luxury hotel, it served as a celebrity hotspot and marketing showcase for the nearby Twin Palms neighborhood. It is famous for its keyhole-shaped pool.
The lodge was designed as a "lifestyle" venue, aiming to sell the California dream to tourists, many of whom later bought homes in the adjacent Twin Palms development.
The lodge was the first hotel built by the Alexanders. The design featured 124 units with concrete block, beams, and, and floor-to-ceiling glass.
We began our tour with a very informative history lesson by resident/tour guide, Tony Vardaro. What fun to know before you go.
I loved the font and learned that William Krisel recalled a German typeface developed in 1923 (Neuland) when he was developing the Ocotillo Lodge nameplate. He slimmed down the letters, accentuated their expressive and quirky forms, set them on an irregular baseline, and hand-lettered the logotype for the Lodge. It so works.
It was known for hosting stars like Frank Sinatra and Marilyn Monroe.  It also was famous for its future owners. It was purchased in 1963 by singing cowboy Gene Autry and later by Lakers owner Jerry Buss in 1968. In 1995, it became a condominium complex and is owned privately (hence my excitement of getting to see inside).

The property was a showcase of modernist design, with one-bedroom, one-bath units that featured living rooms and kitchenettes.

Though there was one apartment that was extra special and lucky for us it was on the tour.
The standout on the property was the “owner’s suite”—a three-unit configuration where the Alexander family themselves once lived. The suite, like the rest of the lodge, was built using the same color palettes, landscaping materials, and techniques featured in the Twin Palms homes just behind the hotel. The Alexander family used the lodge to give potential buyers a taste of the desert lifestyle they were selling.
This pool, originally part of the sales office, is now part of the very special apartment #111, the owner's suite. Wow.









Our three days were incredibly full and very diverse.
Palm Springs is a siren song that tempts me. It will continue to be the place which calls to me. What a delight that I can answer that call with a good friend over a super fun weekend. I can't wait until next year!

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