Palm Springs Life Magazine

Look Homeward, Mr. Wexler

The original Wexler family residence designed by the 
prominent architect is for sale after an award–wining renovation 
overseen by the famous former homeowner

Madeline Ewles Modernism

Palm Springs Life Magazine
The front walkway.

111 East

HOME

Photography by Lance Gerber

Location: East Movie Colony
Asking Price: $1,750,000
Square Footage: 2,424
Special Features: stainless steel appliances, carport, terrazzo floors, pinwheel floor plan
Agent: Rick Grahn, Home As Art, www.deasypenner.com;
310-382-0344, wexlerhome.com

In 1955, the late Donald Wexler built this post–and–beam-style house for himself and his family. He eventually sold his Palm Springs home of 38 years in the 1990s — but he wouldn’t stay away for long. Wexler returned to the property in 2008 as a consultant on a remodel for the current owners. “Looking back now, I can’t believe that I was able to convince Mr. Wexler to participate in the restoration of the Wexler house,” says one of the owners, Daniel Giles.

The 2,424-square-foot residence offers floor-to-ceiling glass walls and wide overhangs, a library nook, three bedrooms, and two bathrooms. The master suite is separated from the guest wing, and opens to a private outdoor space as well as the original Wexler spa.

Now on the market for $1.75 million, the home features an updated kitchen and saltwater pool along with desert landscaping and privacy hedge.

Giles expected his conversations with Wexler to consist of glass, beams, and terrazzo. “Instead Don talked about his wife Lynn and raising three boys, where the basketball hoop was, and how all their names are carved in the concrete as you enter the property,” he says.

“It took me a little time to understand why Mr. Wexler didn’t look at his family home as ‘architecturally significant.’  For him, it was the place he and Lynn raised a family.”

As Wexler and the owners began working together, additional architectural elements were revealed.

“I remember during the restoration Mr. Wexler stopped by as he did every day to see the progress and pointed out that the top of the windows needed to be painted the same color as the ceiling to give the impression the glass is floating,” says Giles. “It was those details I am so grateful for.”

Wexler was involved in the project for about a year, until he felt the time was right to move on. The owners’ and Wexler’s  combined efforts were awarded the title of Preservation of the Year from L.A. Conservancy’s Modern Committee in 2009.

“For me, it was an experience I will never forget,” Giles says. “I learned so much from him and feel very lucky to have had this opportunity. For Mr. Wexler, I think he was happy to be back home.”

 

Palm Springs Modern Architecture

Donald Wexler built this Palm Springs home for his family in 1955.

 

Palm Springs Modern Architecture

The living room showcases Wexler’s most influential design features — posts and beams.

 

Palm Springs Modern Architecture

The dining area.

 

Palm Springs Modern Architecture

Donald Wexler.

 

Palm Springs Modern Architecture

Kitchen area.

 

Palm Springs Modern Architecture

Bedroom looking outside.

 

Palm Springs Modern Architecture

Exterior shot.

 

Palm Springs Modern Architecture

Exterior night shot.

 

Palm Springs Modern Architecture

Pool area.

 

Palm Springs Modern Architecture

Interior looking out at pool area.