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See Modern Marvels
Palm Springs Midcentury Modern / Modernism Architecture Tours
William F. Cody designed the hotel in earthy, organic materials, which won an American Institute of Architects prize.
| 1. Palm Springs City Hall, 1952-57 3200 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way Designed by Albert Frey with John Porter Clark and the firm of Williams, Williams & Williams. The brise-soleil (aluminum screens) appear to “move” and form changing patterns throughout the day or as one passes. |  |
| 2. Twin Palms Estates, 1957 E. Twin Palms Drive and Apache Rd. Designed by William Krisel and Dan Saxon Palmer, the estates were the George Alexander Construction Co.’s first residential tract in Palm Springs. Among these homes is an olive-green residence with a butterfly roof on Apache Road that features original landscaping by Krisel in the front yard. |  |
| 3. Royal Hawaiian Estates, 1960 1774 S. Palm Canyon Dr. This Donald Wexler and Richard Harrison complex reflects the Polynesian/Tiki influences found in post-war architecture and design. |  |
| 4. Bank of America, 1959 588 S. Palm Canyon Dr. Originally City National Bank, this building was inspired by Le Corbusier’s chapel in Ronchamp, France, and designed by Victor Gruen Associates. |  |
| 5. Del Marcos Hotel, 1947 225 W. Baristo Rd. William F. Cody designed the hotel in earthy, organic materials, which won an American Institute of Architects prize. |  |
| 6. Orbit In, 1947 562 W. Arenas Rd. Motel designed by Herbert Burns, whose work is found throughout the Coachella Valley. |  |
| 7. Dinah Shore House, 1964 432 Via Hermosa Place The home is primarily expansive glass, offering dramatic mountain views. |  |
| 8. Kaufmann House, 1946-47 470 W. Vista Chino Considered one of the most iconic modern homes in the world, Richard Neutra’s glass, steel, and stone landmark is among many other modern houses in Little Tuscany and neighboring Las Palmas. |  |
| 9. Tramway Gas Station, 1963-65 2901 N. Palm Canyon Dr. This Albert Frey and Robson Chambers’ creation (originally a gas station) is now the Palm Springs Visitors Center. The hyperbolic paraboloid roof of this gateway to the Coachella Valley spans more than 95 feet. |  |
| 10. Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, 1963 1 Tramway Rd. The Valley Station, completed after a 14-year design period by architects Albert Frey and John Porter Clark, is reminiscent of New England covered bridges in contemporized forms. E. Stewart Williams designed the Mountain Station, built in 1961, ensuring no trees were removed from the landscape. |  |
