I recently found myself intrigued by a real estate development sign that I spotted while driving on East Tahquitz Canyon Way between Farrell Drive and Sunrise Way in Palm Springs:
9 mid-century inspired condos with a modern twist.
“What’s the twist?” I wondered. And why did “XOXO Sophia” as a sign off follow that statement?
Luckily, Darcey Deetz with Leaskou Partners was more than happy to fill me in on the project, — the Sophia condos, scheduled for completion in November 2014 —which has been designed by architect Jim Cioffi and is being built by Hal J. Hall of HJH Construction.
“The architecture was based off of midcentury design, but it will have all the energy efficiency and green standards of today,” says Deetz. “Hence the twist.”
The complex will include six two-bedroom units ranging from approximately 1,131 to 1,148 square feet, and three one-bedroom units of approximately 798 square feet.
Deetz explains the units will all be centered around an area with a pool, spa, fire pit, and covered outdoor barbecue. However, residents will still have privacy since every unit has a private back patio and all of the two-bedroom units will also have a front patio.
And Sophia?
“We were basing the architecture off of the midcentury design, so we named it after a famous midcentury actress, Sophia Loren,” says Deetz. “So it is a midcentury design with a modern twist and they are fabulous like Sophia herself.”
Deetz notes the target buyer is most likely, “retired or young Hollywood chic who want a contemporary, midcentury pied-à-terre where the owner is able to bring a toothbrush, a swimsuit, enjoy, lock, and leave.”
The units will have low-e insulated glass windows that minimize the amount of ultraviolet and infrared light, variable speed HVAC systems, and tankless water heaters.
Indoors, buyers will find straight grain walnut cabinets, 12-inch by 24-inch stack bond pattern porcelain tile flooring, quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, and frameless glass shower enclosures.
Sophia Condos, 100 N.Cerritos Road, Palm Springs, 760-808-1449
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