[As the song comes to an end Vincent and Pocahontas does one final spin before he dips her ever so gently. Her fingers lace around his neck as he held her leaned back. For a moment everyone around them was gone. It was just the two of them looking into each others beautiful eyes.

Reality set back in when they heard the sound of cheers and clapping from Jenny and Cecilia. Vincent gave Pocahontas a quick kiss and told her that he loved her before pulling her back up. Silvia looks away in disgust.]

J: Dad, Pocahontas, that was amazing!

C: Sí. That was very good. You two really do dance well together.

V: Look at you 'Tas! You could be a world famous dancer!

P: Ha, there you go with that "World Famous" stuff again. [She looks Silvia in the eyes and gives a snarky smile.] That's how you loosen up a man.

S: Well...whatever. I'm going outside for a smoke. [She snatches her purse from the side and storms outside]

[Cecilia shortly follows her sister. Pocahontas feels a little bad for what she did. It's not like her to stoop down to other peoples levels, but hopefully that will put Silvia in her place once and for all.]

Palm Springs Mid-Century Modern.

In August, 2013, Greg and I trekked out to Palm Springs for a friend’s birthday party – I know, an unforgivable time of year, unless you like 110 degrees and 75% humidity! While we were there, we decided to check out mid-century modern neighborhoods, considering retirement is just around the corner (10 years, assuming I’ll be able to retire). What we saw, we liked. We left thinking, “Yeah, we could do this.” But back at home, in Silver Lake, reality set in. The “Sure, why not?” turned into “Hell no!” Still, we love the architecture, and it’s something to keep in mind. . .

01 – Title Page - Palm Springs Modern Committee (PS MODCOM) - A Map of Modern Palm Springs. But you’ll have to plunk down the $5 for your own copy, and support the cause like we did. Sorry.

02 – Racquet Club Estates, Racquet Club Drive & Via Miraleste, 1959 to 1961, William Krisel for the William Alexander Construction Company,– This was our first stop on our adventure. The Racquet Club Estates looks like a great neighborhood, on its way up (hopefully). The entire neighborhood looks almost like it’s right out of the mind of the creator for the Jettson’s. I especially loved the original garage doors.

03 – Alexander Steel Houses, Simms & Sunnyview (300 & 330 E Molino Rd, 3100, 3125, 3133, 3165 Sunny View Dr, & 290 Simms Rd), 1960 – 1962, Donald Wexler and Richard Harrison for the William Alexander Constriction Company. It’s amazing how often the name “William Alexander” comes up when talking mid-century architecture in Palm Springs. Here he attempted something new – houses made of all steel. (I know, desert/steel. Right?) It turned out to be not such a hot idea (or rather, too hot of one). What had been planned as a whole subdivision, ended up realizing only 7 magnificent houses. Number 2 is even on the National Register of Historic Places. You can see some interesting stuff in the eligibility statement with the NPS: ohp.parks.ca.gov/pages/1067/files/steel%20development%20h...

04 – Carey-Pizzoli House, 600 W Panorama Dr, 1946, Albert Frey. This is the kind of house you look at and think, “That’s an ugly mid-1960’s split-level ranch house. Why is it on the PS MODCOM map?” Then you read the description again, and think, “What? 1946?” Then you realize why it’s on the list. It preceded the tract ranch houses by 20 years. The architect, Albert Frey, was visionary.

05 – Shapiro House, 711 W Panorama Dr, 1969, Michael Black. I’m not a fan of Michael Black, but the house is interesting, with the huge private interior courtyard and futuristic Star Wars design.

06 – Franz Alexander House, 1011 W Celio Dr, 1954, Walter White. I’m not so familiar with Walter White’s work, probably because the numbers of structures are few. But what he did, he did well! This house is reminiscent of the early modernists like Neutra and Schindler (evidenced by the long band of windows facing the street and simplicity of design), yet predict the work of new masters like Gehry and Pie (evidenced by the wonderful pagoda roof and the use of common materials).

07 – Palevsky House, 1021 W Celio Dr, 1968, Craig Elwood. A classic modernist compound by a master of his trade.

08 – View of the Coachella Valley from W Celio Drive.

09 – Edris House, 1030 W Celio Dr, 1953, E Stewart Williams. With a commanding view of the Coachella Valley, this house is expertly designed to take in the amazing view. An inverted roof is held down by a rock chimney, anchoring the house to the cliff.

10 – Raymond-Loewy House, 600 W Panorama Rd, 1946, Albert Frey. Perfectly situation on the site, this striking house is nestled in behind boulders and trees for maximum privacy. It’s Albert Frey at his best. Unfortunately, it’s impossible to photograph from the street!

11 – Alexander-May House, 424 W Vista Chino Rd, 1952, Edward Fickett. Quintessential Fickett. Behind the added three-car garage, which now dominates the façade, is the original modernist intent. His

ideas here (especially the entrance) would be widely used in many late 60’s and early 70’s designs.

12 – Kaufmann Desert House, 470 W Vista Chino Rd, 1946, Richard Neutra. He Kaufmann house is a work of art. This is the house which is most-often compared with Frank Lloyd Wright’s Falling Water. What else can you say about Neutra’s design that hasn’t already been said? Nothing. It’s perfect. Simply perfect. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaufmann_Desert_House and en.wikiarquitectura.com/index.php/Kaufmann_House

13 – House of Tomorrow (Robert & Helene Alexander House), 1350 Ladera Cir, 1962, William Krisel. It’s a house! It’s a plane! It’s. . it’s. . . different. I’m not sure what I expected from the “House of Tomorrow,” but this wasn’t quite it. It’s more like the “House of Yesterday’s Tomorrow.” But it’s still an innovated and charming house. Less charming was the owner’s assistant trying to sell us on $60 per person tour tickets, just to see where Elvis and Priscilla Presley slept on their honeymoon. Really?

14 – Las Palmas Estates, Camino Sur Rd & Via Vadera, 1950’s, William Krisel and Charles DuBois (Separately). These houses are fanciful and fun, and for some inexplicable reason makes you think of Bedrock! Maybe they designed the houses from a neighborhood such as this.

15 – Dina Shore Estate, 432 Hermosa Rd, 1964, Donald Wexler. Not exactly forward thinking, rather it’s a solid and well-executed example of large-scale residential mid-century modern architecture. It gives the initial impression of a school or library, with the extensive park grounds, but that only adds to the character.

16 – All Worlds Resorts. I couldn’t resist. Here’s how the rest of us live when we’re on vacation.

Still, though, not bad.

For those interested in Palm Springs

mid-century architecture, there’s a great website with more pictures: rebeccaandstephen.com/gallery/midcenturymodern/

Palm Springs Mid-Century Modern.

In August, 2013, Greg and I trekked out to Palm Springs for a friend’s birthday party – I know, an unforgivable time of year, unless you like 110 degrees and 75% humidity! While we were there, we decided to check out mid-century modern neighborhoods, considering retirement is just around the corner (10 years, assuming I’ll be able to retire). What we saw, we liked. We left thinking, “Yeah, we could do this.” But back at home, in Silver Lake, reality set in. The “Sure, why not?” turned into “Hell no!” Still, we love the architecture, and it’s something to keep in mind. . .

01 – Title Page - Palm Springs Modern Committee (PS MODCOM) - A Map of Modern Palm Springs. But you’ll have to plunk down the $5 for your own copy, and support the cause like we did. Sorry.

02 – Racquet Club Estates, Racquet Club Drive & Via Miraleste, 1959 to 1961, William Krisel for the William Alexander Construction Company,– This was our first stop on our adventure. The Racquet Club Estates looks like a great neighborhood, on its way up (hopefully). The entire neighborhood looks almost like it’s right out of the mind of the creator for the Jettson’s. I especially loved the original garage doors.

03 – Alexander Steel Houses, Simms & Sunnyview (300 & 330 E Molino Rd, 3100, 3125, 3133, 3165 Sunny View Dr, & 290 Simms Rd), 1960 – 1962, Donald Wexler and Richard Harrison for the William Alexander Constriction Company. It’s amazing how often the name “William Alexander” comes up when talking mid-century architecture in Palm Springs. Here he attempted something new – houses made of all steel. (I know, desert/steel. Right?) It turned out to be not such a hot idea (or rather, too hot of one). What had been planned as a whole subdivision, ended up realizing only 7 magnificent houses. Number 2 is even on the National Register of Historic Places. You can see some interesting stuff in the eligibility statement with the NPS: ohp.parks.ca.gov/pages/1067/files/steel%20development%20h...

04 – Carey-Pizzoli House, 600 W Panorama Dr, 1946, Albert Frey. This is the kind of house you look at and think, “That’s an ugly mid-1960’s split-level ranch house. Why is it on the PS MODCOM map?” Then you read the description again, and think, “What? 1946?” Then you realize why it’s on the list. It preceded the tract ranch houses by 20 years. The architect, Albert Frey, was visionary.

05 – Shapiro House, 711 W Panorama Dr, 1969, Michael Black. I’m not a fan of Michael Black, but the house is interesting, with the huge private interior courtyard and futuristic Star Wars design.

06 – Franz Alexander House, 1011 W Celio Dr, 1954, Walter White. I’m not so familiar with Walter White’s work, probably because the numbers of structures are few. But what he did, he did well! This house is reminiscent of the early modernists like Neutra and Schindler (evidenced by the long band of windows facing the street and simplicity of design), yet predict the work of new masters like Gehry and Pie (evidenced by the wonderful pagoda roof and the use of common materials).

07 – Palevsky House, 1021 W Celio Dr, 1968, Craig Elwood. A classic modernist compound by a master of his trade.

08 – View of the Coachella Valley from W Celio Drive.

09 – Edris House, 1030 W Celio Dr, 1953, E Stewart Williams. With a commanding view of the Coachella Valley, this house is expertly designed to take in the amazing view. An inverted roof is held down by a rock chimney, anchoring the house to the cliff.

10 – Raymond-Loewy House, 600 W Panorama Rd, 1946, Albert Frey. Perfectly situation on the site, this striking house is nestled in behind boulders and trees for maximum privacy. It’s Albert Frey at his best. Unfortunately, it’s impossible to photograph from the street!

11 – Alexander-May House, 424 W Vista Chino Rd, 1952, Edward Fickett. Quintessential Fickett. Behind the added three-car garage, which now dominates the façade, is the original modernist intent. His

ideas here (especially the entrance) would be widely used in many late 60’s and early 70’s designs.

12 – Kaufmann Desert House, 470 W Vista Chino Rd, 1946, Richard Neutra. He Kaufmann house is a work of art. This is the house which is most-often compared with Frank Lloyd Wright’s Falling Water. What else can you say about Neutra’s design that hasn’t already been said? Nothing. It’s perfect. Simply perfect. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaufmann_Desert_House and en.wikiarquitectura.com/index.php/Kaufmann_House

13 – House of Tomorrow (Robert & Helene Alexander House), 1350 Ladera Cir, 1962, William Krisel. It’s a house! It’s a plane! It’s. . it’s. . . different. I’m not sure what I expected from the “House of Tomorrow,” but this wasn’t quite it. It’s more like the “House of Yesterday’s Tomorrow.” But it’s still an innovated and charming house. Less charming was the owner’s assistant trying to sell us on $60 per person tour tickets, just to see where Elvis and Priscilla Presley slept on their honeymoon. Really?

14 – Las Palmas Estates, Camino Sur Rd & Via Vadera, 1950’s, William Krisel and Charles DuBois (Separately). These houses are fanciful and fun, and for some inexplicable reason makes you think of Bedrock! Maybe they designed the houses from a neighborhood such as this.

15 – Dina Shore Estate, 432 Hermosa Rd, 1964, Donald Wexler. Not exactly forward thinking, rather it’s a solid and well-executed example of large-scale residential mid-century modern architecture. It gives the initial impression of a school or library, with the extensive park grounds, but that only adds to the character.

16 – All Worlds Resorts. I couldn’t resist. Here’s how the rest of us live when we’re on vacation.

Still, though, not bad.

For those interested in Palm Springs

mid-century architecture, there’s a great website with more pictures: rebeccaandstephen.com/gallery/midcenturymodern/

Palm Springs Mid-Century Modern.

In August, 2013, Greg and I trekked out to Palm Springs for a friend’s birthday party – I know, an unforgivable time of year, unless you like 110 degrees and 75% humidity! While we were there, we decided to check out mid-century modern neighborhoods, considering retirement is just around the corner (10 years, assuming I’ll be able to retire). What we saw, we liked. We left thinking, “Yeah, we could do this.” But back at home, in Silver Lake, reality set in. The “Sure, why not?” turned into “Hell no!” Still, we love the architecture, and it’s something to keep in mind. . .

01 – Title Page - Palm Springs Modern Committee (PS MODCOM) - A Map of Modern Palm Springs. But you’ll have to plunk down the $5 for your own copy, and support the cause like we did. Sorry.

02 – Racquet Club Estates, Racquet Club Drive & Via Miraleste, 1959 to 1961, William Krisel for the William Alexander Construction Company,– This was our first stop on our adventure. The Racquet Club Estates looks like a great neighborhood, on its way up (hopefully). The entire neighborhood looks almost like it’s right out of the mind of the creator for the Jettson’s. I especially loved the original garage doors.

03 – Alexander Steel Houses, Simms & Sunnyview (300 & 330 E Molino Rd, 3100, 3125, 3133, 3165 Sunny View Dr, & 290 Simms Rd), 1960 – 1962, Donald Wexler and Richard Harrison for the William Alexander Constriction Company. It’s amazing how often the name “William Alexander” comes up when talking mid-century architecture in Palm Springs. Here he attempted something new – houses made of all steel. (I know, desert/steel. Right?) It turned out to be not such a hot idea (or rather, too hot of one). What had been planned as a whole subdivision, ended up realizing only 7 magnificent houses. Number 2 is even on the National Register of Historic Places. You can see some interesting stuff in the eligibility statement with the NPS: ohp.parks.ca.gov/pages/1067/files/steel%20development%20h...

04 – Carey-Pizzoli House, 600 W Panorama Dr, 1946, Albert Frey. This is the kind of house you look at and think, “That’s an ugly mid-1960’s split-level ranch house. Why is it on the PS MODCOM map?” Then you read the description again, and think, “What? 1946?” Then you realize why it’s on the list. It preceded the tract ranch houses by 20 years. The architect, Albert Frey, was visionary.

05 – Shapiro House, 711 W Panorama Dr, 1969, Michael Black. I’m not a fan of Michael Black, but the house is interesting, with the huge private interior courtyard and futuristic Star Wars design.

06 – Franz Alexander House, 1011 W Celio Dr, 1954, Walter White. I’m not so familiar with Walter White’s work, probably because the numbers of structures are few. But what he did, he did well! This house is reminiscent of the early modernists like Neutra and Schindler (evidenced by the long band of windows facing the street and simplicity of design), yet predict the work of new masters like Gehry and Pie (evidenced by the wonderful pagoda roof and the use of common materials).

07 – Palevsky House, 1021 W Celio Dr, 1968, Craig Elwood. A classic modernist compound by a master of his trade.

08 – View of the Coachella Valley from W Celio Drive.

09 – Edris House, 1030 W Celio Dr, 1953, E Stewart Williams. With a commanding view of the Coachella Valley, this house is expertly designed to take in the amazing view. An inverted roof is held down by a rock chimney, anchoring the house to the cliff.

10 – Raymond-Loewy House, 600 W Panorama Rd, 1946, Albert Frey. Perfectly situation on the site, this striking house is nestled in behind boulders and trees for maximum privacy. It’s Albert Frey at his best. Unfortunately, it’s impossible to photograph from the street!

11 – Alexander-May House, 424 W Vista Chino Rd, 1952, Edward Fickett. Quintessential Fickett. Behind the added three-car garage, which now dominates the façade, is the original modernist intent. His

ideas here (especially the entrance) would be widely used in many late 60’s and early 70’s designs.

12 – Kaufmann Desert House, 470 W Vista Chino Rd, 1946, Richard Neutra. He Kaufmann house is a work of art. This is the house which is most-often compared with Frank Lloyd Wright’s Falling Water. What else can you say about Neutra’s design that hasn’t already been said? Nothing. It’s perfect. Simply perfect. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaufmann_Desert_House and en.wikiarquitectura.com/index.php/Kaufmann_House

13 – House of Tomorrow (Robert & Helene Alexander House), 1350 Ladera Cir, 1962, William Krisel. It’s a house! It’s a plane! It’s. . it’s. . . different. I’m not sure what I expected from the “House of Tomorrow,” but this wasn’t quite it. It’s more like the “House of Yesterday’s Tomorrow.” But it’s still an innovated and charming house. Less charming was the owner’s assistant trying to sell us on $60 per person tour tickets, just to see where Elvis and Priscilla Presley slept on their honeymoon. Really?

14 – Las Palmas Estates, Camino Sur Rd & Via Vadera, 1950’s, William Krisel and Charles DuBois (Separately). These houses are fanciful and fun, and for some inexplicable reason makes you think of Bedrock! Maybe they designed the houses from a neighborhood such as this.

15 – Dina Shore Estate, 432 Hermosa Rd, 1964, Donald Wexler. Not exactly forward thinking, rather it’s a solid and well-executed example of large-scale residential mid-century modern architecture. It gives the initial impression of a school or library, with the extensive park grounds, but that only adds to the character.

16 – All Worlds Resorts. I couldn’t resist. Here’s how the rest of us live when we’re on vacation.

Still, though, not bad.

For those interested in Palm Springs

mid-century architecture, there’s a great website with more pictures: rebeccaandstephen.com/gallery/midcenturymodern/

Palm Springs Mid-Century Modern.

In August, 2013, Greg and I trekked out to Palm Springs for a friend’s birthday party – I know, an unforgivable time of year, unless you like 110 degrees and 75% humidity! While we were there, we decided to check out mid-century modern neighborhoods, considering retirement is just around the corner (10 years, assuming I’ll be able to retire). What we saw, we liked. We left thinking, “Yeah, we could do this.” But back at home, in Silver Lake, reality set in. The “Sure, why not?” turned into “Hell no!” Still, we love the architecture, and it’s something to keep in mind. . .

01 – Title Page - Palm Springs Modern Committee (PS MODCOM) - A Map of Modern Palm Springs. But you’ll have to plunk down the $5 for your own copy, and support the cause like we did. Sorry.

02 – Racquet Club Estates, Racquet Club Drive & Via Miraleste, 1959 to 1961, William Krisel for the William Alexander Construction Company,– This was our first stop on our adventure. The Racquet Club Estates looks like a great neighborhood, on its way up (hopefully). The entire neighborhood looks almost like it’s right out of the mind of the creator for the Jettson’s. I especially loved the original garage doors.

03 – Alexander Steel Houses, Simms & Sunnyview (300 & 330 E Molino Rd, 3100, 3125, 3133, 3165 Sunny View Dr, & 290 Simms Rd), 1960 – 1962, Donald Wexler and Richard Harrison for the William Alexander Constriction Company. It’s amazing how often the name “William Alexander” comes up when talking mid-century architecture in Palm Springs. Here he attempted something new – houses made of all steel. (I know, desert/steel. Right?) It turned out to be not such a hot idea (or rather, too hot of one). What had been planned as a whole subdivision, ended up realizing only 7 magnificent houses. Number 2 is even on the National Register of Historic Places. You can see some interesting stuff in the eligibility statement with the NPS: ohp.parks.ca.gov/pages/1067/files/steel%20development%20h...

04 – Carey-Pizzoli House, 600 W Panorama Dr, 1946, Albert Frey. This is the kind of house you look at and think, “That’s an ugly mid-1960’s split-level ranch house. Why is it on the PS MODCOM map?” Then you read the description again, and think, “What? 1946?” Then you realize why it’s on the list. It preceded the tract ranch houses by 20 years. The architect, Albert Frey, was visionary.

05 – Shapiro House, 711 W Panorama Dr, 1969, Michael Black. I’m not a fan of Michael Black, but the house is interesting, with the huge private interior courtyard and futuristic Star Wars design.

06 – Franz Alexander House, 1011 W Celio Dr, 1954, Walter White. I’m not so familiar with Walter White’s work, probably because the numbers of structures are few. But what he did, he did well! This house is reminiscent of the early modernists like Neutra and Schindler (evidenced by the long band of windows facing the street and simplicity of design), yet predict the work of new masters like Gehry and Pie (evidenced by the wonderful pagoda roof and the use of common materials).

07 – Palevsky House, 1021 W Celio Dr, 1968, Craig Elwood. A classic modernist compound by a master of his trade.

08 – View of the Coachella Valley from W Celio Drive.

09 – Edris House, 1030 W Celio Dr, 1953, E Stewart Williams. With a commanding view of the Coachella Valley, this house is expertly designed to take in the amazing view. An inverted roof is held down by a rock chimney, anchoring the house to the cliff.

10 – Raymond-Loewy House, 600 W Panorama Rd, 1946, Albert Frey. Perfectly situation on the site, this striking house is nestled in behind boulders and trees for maximum privacy. It’s Albert Frey at his best. Unfortunately, it’s impossible to photograph from the street!

11 – Alexander-May House, 424 W Vista Chino Rd, 1952, Edward Fickett. Quintessential Fickett. Behind the added three-car garage, which now dominates the façade, is the original modernist intent. His

ideas here (especially the entrance) would be widely used in many late 60’s and early 70’s designs.

12 – Kaufmann Desert House, 470 W Vista Chino Rd, 1946, Richard Neutra. He Kaufmann house is a work of art. This is the house which is most-often compared with Frank Lloyd Wright’s Falling Water. What else can you say about Neutra’s design that hasn’t already been said? Nothing. It’s perfect. Simply perfect. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaufmann_Desert_House and en.wikiarquitectura.com/index.php/Kaufmann_House

13 – House of Tomorrow (Robert & Helene Alexander House), 1350 Ladera Cir, 1962, William Krisel. It’s a house! It’s a plane! It’s. . it’s. . . different. I’m not sure what I expected from the “House of Tomorrow,” but this wasn’t quite it. It’s more like the “House of Yesterday’s Tomorrow.” But it’s still an innovated and charming house. Less charming was the owner’s assistant trying to sell us on $60 per person tour tickets, just to see where Elvis and Priscilla Presley slept on their honeymoon. Really?

14 – Las Palmas Estates, Camino Sur Rd & Via Vadera, 1950’s, William Krisel and Charles DuBois (Separately). These houses are fanciful and fun, and for some inexplicable reason makes you think of Bedrock! Maybe they designed the houses from a neighborhood such as this.

15 – Dina Shore Estate, 432 Hermosa Rd, 1964, Donald Wexler. Not exactly forward thinking, rather it’s a solid and well-executed example of large-scale residential mid-century modern architecture. It gives the initial impression of a school or library, with the extensive park grounds, but that only adds to the character.

16 – All Worlds Resorts. I couldn’t resist. Here’s how the rest of us live when we’re on vacation.

Still, though, not bad.

For those interested in Palm Springs

mid-century architecture, there’s a great website with more pictures: rebeccaandstephen.com/gallery/midcenturymodern/

Palm Springs Mid-Century Modern.

In August, 2013, Greg and I trekked out to Palm Springs for a friend’s birthday party – I know, an unforgivable time of year, unless you like 110 degrees and 75% humidity! While we were there, we decided to check out mid-century modern neighborhoods, considering retirement is just around the corner (10 years, assuming I’ll be able to retire). What we saw, we liked. We left thinking, “Yeah, we could do this.” But back at home, in Silver Lake, reality set in. The “Sure, why not?” turned into “Hell no!” Still, we love the architecture, and it’s something to keep in mind. . .

01 – Title Page - Palm Springs Modern Committee (PS MODCOM) - A Map of Modern Palm Springs. But you’ll have to plunk down the $5 for your own copy, and support the cause like we did. Sorry.

02 – Racquet Club Estates, Racquet Club Drive & Via Miraleste, 1959 to 1961, William Krisel for the William Alexander Construction Company,– This was our first stop on our adventure. The Racquet Club Estates looks like a great neighborhood, on its way up (hopefully). The entire neighborhood looks almost like it’s right out of the mind of the creator for the Jettson’s. I especially loved the original garage doors.

03 – Alexander Steel Houses, Simms & Sunnyview (300 & 330 E Molino Rd, 3100, 3125, 3133, 3165 Sunny View Dr, & 290 Simms Rd), 1960 – 1962, Donald Wexler and Richard Harrison for the William Alexander Constriction Company. It’s amazing how often the name “William Alexander” comes up when talking mid-century architecture in Palm Springs. Here he attempted something new – houses made of all steel. (I know, desert/steel. Right?) It turned out to be not such a hot idea (or rather, too hot of one). What had been planned as a whole subdivision, ended up realizing only 7 magnificent houses. Number 2 is even on the National Register of Historic Places. You can see some interesting stuff in the eligibility statement with the NPS: ohp.parks.ca.gov/pages/1067/files/steel%20development%20h...

04 – Carey-Pizzoli House, 600 W Panorama Dr, 1946, Albert Frey. This is the kind of house you look at and think, “That’s an ugly mid-1960’s split-level ranch house. Why is it on the PS MODCOM map?” Then you read the description again, and think, “What? 1946?” Then you realize why it’s on the list. It preceded the tract ranch houses by 20 years. The architect, Albert Frey, was visionary.

05 – Shapiro House, 711 W Panorama Dr, 1969, Michael Black. I’m not a fan of Michael Black, but the house is interesting, with the huge private interior courtyard and futuristic Star Wars design.

06 – Franz Alexander House, 1011 W Celio Dr, 1954, Walter White. I’m not so familiar with Walter White’s work, probably because the numbers of structures are few. But what he did, he did well! This house is reminiscent of the early modernists like Neutra and Schindler (evidenced by the long band of windows facing the street and simplicity of design), yet predict the work of new masters like Gehry and Pie (evidenced by the wonderful pagoda roof and the use of common materials).

07 – Palevsky House, 1021 W Celio Dr, 1968, Craig Elwood. A classic modernist compound by a master of his trade.

08 – View of the Coachella Valley from W Celio Drive.

09 – Edris House, 1030 W Celio Dr, 1953, E Stewart Williams. With a commanding view of the Coachella Valley, this house is expertly designed to take in the amazing view. An inverted roof is held down by a rock chimney, anchoring the house to the cliff.

10 – Raymond-Loewy House, 600 W Panorama Rd, 1946, Albert Frey. Perfectly situation on the site, this striking house is nestled in behind boulders and trees for maximum privacy. It’s Albert Frey at his best. Unfortunately, it’s impossible to photograph from the street!

11 – Alexander-May House, 424 W Vista Chino Rd, 1952, Edward Fickett. Quintessential Fickett. Behind the added three-car garage, which now dominates the façade, is the original modernist intent. His

ideas here (especially the entrance) would be widely used in many late 60’s and early 70’s designs.

12 – Kaufmann Desert House, 470 W Vista Chino Rd, 1946, Richard Neutra. He Kaufmann house is a work of art. This is the house which is most-often compared with Frank Lloyd Wright’s Falling Water. What else can you say about Neutra’s design that hasn’t already been said? Nothing. It’s perfect. Simply perfect. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaufmann_Desert_House and en.wikiarquitectura.com/index.php/Kaufmann_House

13 – House of Tomorrow (Robert & Helene Alexander House), 1350 Ladera Cir, 1962, William Krisel. It’s a house! It’s a plane! It’s. . it’s. . . different. I’m not sure what I expected from the “House of Tomorrow,” but this wasn’t quite it. It’s more like the “House of Yesterday’s Tomorrow.” But it’s still an innovated and charming house. Less charming was the owner’s assistant trying to sell us on $60 per person tour tickets, just to see where Elvis and Priscilla Presley slept on their honeymoon. Really?

14 – Las Palmas Estates, Camino Sur Rd & Via Vadera, 1950’s, William Krisel and Charles DuBois (Separately). These houses are fanciful and fun, and for some inexplicable reason makes you think of Bedrock! Maybe they designed the houses from a neighborhood such as this.

15 – Dina Shore Estate, 432 Hermosa Rd, 1964, Donald Wexler. Not exactly forward thinking, rather it’s a solid and well-executed example of large-scale residential mid-century modern architecture. It gives the initial impression of a school or library, with the extensive park grounds, but that only adds to the character.

16 – All Worlds Resorts. I couldn’t resist. Here’s how the rest of us live when we’re on vacation.

Still, though, not bad.

For those interested in Palm Springs

mid-century architecture, there’s a great website with more pictures: rebeccaandstephen.com/gallery/midcenturymodern/

Mrs. Snyder’s Pileated Woodpeckers

I was just 16, a sweet innocent kid, whose forte was not school life. When that last bell rang at three, I was down the hall and out the door. Nevertheless, thanks to the library, I did a lot of independent reading. I learned the world was far more than the simplicity of my street, a row of small bungalows. Nine years earlier it had been a pasture with singing Meadowlarks, calling Bobwhites, Queen Anne’s Lace, fireflies and Black Swallowtails. But the streets kept expanding in all directions. The woods and fields kept shrinking into smaller patches. Finally, there was nothing but homes, sidewalks and lawns—farewell to paradise, welcome to a Detroit suburb. Despite the ongoing urbanization, the outdoors never stopped calling out to me. Unlike many of my peers, I didn’t spend much time in front of a TV. I tuned in to whatever the seasons had to offer. My treasured discoveries often were when I was alone.

For the last few years my focus had been shifting from butterflies, snakes and turtles to birds. The ninth of March, 1963, was a nippy morning, perhaps in the upper 20’s. Straight ahead was Huron Point on Lake Saint Clair, being the main feature of Metro Beach Metropark. The insides of my cheap tennis shoes were without snow melt. No wind was stinging my face or cutting through my shabby pants. The almost mile-long beach to the point was an easy walk. This was my third March on Huron Point, a place of the unexpected, especially when a silent sky listens to the sudden snapping and groaning of buckling ice. Migrating Tundra Swans often gave wonderful flyby views. Hearing the flocks was the sound of winter breaking up. It was a thrill, a simple one at that, just to know their destination, the faraway tundra, a region easily located in a geographical atlas at the Saint Clair Shores library.

During the previous three years, I had encountered one, maybe two, bird watchers at Metro Beach. Today was to be memorable. I beheld in the distance a group of people on Huron Point. They had scopes mounted on tripods, something I had never seen. With shyness I approached them and learned they were members of the Detroit Audubon Society on a field trip to see waterfowl, in particular, the staging swans. They were old enough to be my folks or even grandparents, except for Chris Feeney who was the first birder of school age I ever met. He would turn out be a life-long friend.

Guiding the group was Sergej Postupalsky, standing taller than everyone present. He was in his late twenties, a man of sturdy build though thin of frame. His Slavic accent and resonant voice easily gained one’s attention. In time I was to learn from him that his father, an academic of Saint Petersburg State University, fled Russia on account of the 1917 Revolution and settled in Czechoslovakia, where he married a Czech, Sergej being their son. On account of the Third Reich’s incorporation of Czech lands during 1938-45, Sergej was educated in German, but spoke Russian and Czech at home. The Soviet takeover of postwar Czechoslovakia forced his family to flee. They eventually immigrated to the United States. It was through the window of a train departing the New York City area that Sergej, as a teenager, had his first view of a Bald Eagle, a close-up along the Hudson. So, here he was, an arrival in a new country, seeing of all things its national symbol, live and free. This experience was the spark that would ignite his life-long activity with raptors, particularly, his field work with Ospreys and Bald Eagles.

As an earnest student of birds, I must have made an impression. Sergej welcomed me to join him on a field trip. Picking me up was easy. He lived just six miles away on Lozier Street in Warren. The following May we went Up North in Michigan. I couldn’t ask for a better teacher and guide. It was a grand tour of nest sites with an emphasis on Ospreys and Bald Eagles. First was Michelson’s Landing by outboard for nesting Ospreys; one nest was low enough on a White Pine stump to see two eggs. Also viewed were nests of Least Bittern, Black Tern and Pied-billed Grebe. The rest of the trip was spent searching for or observing active Bald Eagle nests at Bull Lake, Burt Lake and Black Lake.

Sergej was a wit, a master of dry humor, but a no nonsense guy when it came to the science of raptors. We were not in northern Michigan to simply run around listing birds as objects for a score in some competitive activity. He introduced me to the importance of birds as indicators of environmental health. What hurts an eagle can ultimately hurt you. In those days, thanks to DDT, Ospreys and Bald Eagles were heading for extinction, at least in parts of the Great Lakes. Getting data on the breeding success or failure of Osprey and Bald Eagle populations by location was of utmost importance.

May 26th, a Sunday, was to have its low moment and its high moment. That morning, Sergej was scanning a distant eagle’s nest. He said, “You should have been looking through the scope. I just saw a flyby Pileated.“ Even if I had my binoculars up I wouldn’t have seen it. It was that far out. Nevertheless my spirit was somewhat dampened for the rest of the day.

The afternoon turned out to be comfortably warm; the delicate green of fresh forest growth filtered the sunshine. Biting bugs were yet to hatch—it couldn’t be a better day. We were on the east side of the Black River near where it flows into Black Lake. Then trouble began. Sergej’s impressive Chrysler wouldn’t start. I had to be in school tomorrow morning and he had to be at work. Home by the fastest route in those days was a good 300 miles. Sergej tinkered under the hood. Still it wouldn’t start. He needed a phone. It so happened we were parked close to a house. He knocked and was invited in.

Meanwhile I remained in the car with all the windows down, now and then taking looks at a migrant Wilson’s Warbler in the roadside shrubs. It was getting to be about seven o’clock. Sergej’s stay in the house was getting a bit too long. To pass time, I leafed through my Peterson guide. I had the book opened to the woodpecker plate just as the lady of the house, Mrs. Snyder, approached and looked into the car. She took a look at the plate.

“Have you ever seen a Pileated Woodpecker?”

“No.”

“Would you like to?”

“Yes! Where?”

“Oh, about sixty feet from here. I’ll show you.”

About 60 feet from her house and about 50 feet back from the road, an aspen stub some 20 feet high stood on the edge of a wooded swamp. The nest hole was two feet from the top. Mrs. Snyder said the pair had been on the nest for about two weeks.

“Just wait here, you’ll see them.”

I sat on the ground, about 30 feet away, my back against a tree trunk. Maybe ten minutes or so passed; I heard nearby cackling. The male alighted on the stub and tapped. The female flew out of the nest hole. He cautiously eyed me before entering the nest. When a loud vehicle drove by, he poked his head out with raised crest then withdrew out of sight. The pair exchanged nest duties three times, the male entered on the last observed exchange.

So, I didn’t have to die to know what heaven is all about; I was already there with a pair of nesting Pileated Woodpeckers. I hoped Sergej's car would never start. After about 45 minutes reality set in. A loose ground wire was tightened, the car started—time to go home. I thanked Mrs. Snyder and we were off. The next day, I wasn’t tired one bit in school, though I had arrived home well after midnight. Euphoria was still flowing through me.

Alan Ryff

As Tildrum felt his knees give out and his eyes begin to close, he thought he heard someone whispering in his ear. His mother? He sunk down into the snow and lost consciousness.

For the first time in a very long time, he felt warm. His mother was there, licking his little face as he fought to free himself so that he could play with his favorite yarn ball. He closed his eyes as his mother spoke to him.

"Don't give up, Tildrum", his mother said. I'm just over the next hill. Save me, and I will save you in return". He saw a snow white Grimalkin, arms crossed, draped in a thick pink coat, laying lifeless in the snow.

Tildrum opened his eyes and reality set back in. The cold bit his paws once more. That was not his mothers voice, but someone else entirely. He couldn't let himself die like this. Someone was calling for help!

Palm Springs Mid-Century Modern.

In August, 2013, Greg and I trekked out to Palm Springs for a friend’s birthday party – I know, an unforgivable time of year, unless you like 110 degrees and 75% humidity! While we were there, we decided to check out mid-century modern neighborhoods, considering retirement is just around the corner (10 years, assuming I’ll be able to retire). What we saw, we liked. We left thinking, “Yeah, we could do this.” But back at home, in Silver Lake, reality set in. The “Sure, why not?” turned into “Hell no!” Still, we love the architecture, and it’s something to keep in mind. . .

01 – Title Page - Palm Springs Modern Committee (PS MODCOM) - A Map of Modern Palm Springs. But you’ll have to plunk down the $5 for your own copy, and support the cause like we did. Sorry.

02 – Racquet Club Estates, Racquet Club Drive & Via Miraleste, 1959 to 1961, William Krisel for the William Alexander Construction Company,– This was our first stop on our adventure. The Racquet Club Estates looks like a great neighborhood, on its way up (hopefully). The entire neighborhood looks almost like it’s right out of the mind of the creator for the Jettson’s. I especially loved the original garage doors.

03 – Alexander Steel Houses, Simms & Sunnyview (300 & 330 E Molino Rd, 3100, 3125, 3133, 3165 Sunny View Dr, & 290 Simms Rd), 1960 – 1962, Donald Wexler and Richard Harrison for the William Alexander Constriction Company. It’s amazing how often the name “William Alexander” comes up when talking mid-century architecture in Palm Springs. Here he attempted something new – houses made of all steel. (I know, desert/steel. Right?) It turned out to be not such a hot idea (or rather, too hot of one). What had been planned as a whole subdivision, ended up realizing only 7 magnificent houses. Number 2 is even on the National Register of Historic Places. You can see some interesting stuff in the eligibility statement with the NPS: ohp.parks.ca.gov/pages/1067/files/steel%20development%20h...

04 – Carey-Pizzoli House, 600 W Panorama Dr, 1946, Albert Frey. This is the kind of house you look at and think, “That’s an ugly mid-1960’s split-level ranch house. Why is it on the PS MODCOM map?” Then you read the description again, and think, “What? 1946?” Then you realize why it’s on the list. It preceded the tract ranch houses by 20 years. The architect, Albert Frey, was visionary.

05 – Shapiro House, 711 W Panorama Dr, 1969, Michael Black. I’m not a fan of Michael Black, but the house is interesting, with the huge private interior courtyard and futuristic Star Wars design.

06 – Franz Alexander House, 1011 W Celio Dr, 1954, Walter White. I’m not so familiar with Walter White’s work, probably because the numbers of structures are few. But what he did, he did well! This house is reminiscent of the early modernists like Neutra and Schindler (evidenced by the long band of windows facing the street and simplicity of design), yet predict the work of new masters like Gehry and Pie (evidenced by the wonderful pagoda roof and the use of common materials).

07 – Palevsky House, 1021 W Celio Dr, 1968, Craig Elwood. A classic modernist compound by a master of his trade.

08 – View of the Coachella Valley from W Celio Drive.

09 – Edris House, 1030 W Celio Dr, 1953, E Stewart Williams. With a commanding view of the Coachella Valley, this house is expertly designed to take in the amazing view. An inverted roof is held down by a rock chimney, anchoring the house to the cliff.

10 – Raymond-Loewy House, 600 W Panorama Rd, 1946, Albert Frey. Perfectly situation on the site, this striking house is nestled in behind boulders and trees for maximum privacy. It’s Albert Frey at his best. Unfortunately, it’s impossible to photograph from the street!

11 – Alexander-May House, 424 W Vista Chino Rd, 1952, Edward Fickett. Quintessential Fickett. Behind the added three-car garage, which now dominates the façade, is the original modernist intent. His

ideas here (especially the entrance) would be widely used in many late 60’s and early 70’s designs.

12 – Kaufmann Desert House, 470 W Vista Chino Rd, 1946, Richard Neutra. He Kaufmann house is a work of art. This is the house which is most-often compared with Frank Lloyd Wright’s Falling Water. What else can you say about Neutra’s design that hasn’t already been said? Nothing. It’s perfect. Simply perfect. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaufmann_Desert_House and en.wikiarquitectura.com/index.php/Kaufmann_House

13 – House of Tomorrow (Robert & Helene Alexander House), 1350 Ladera Cir, 1962, William Krisel. It’s a house! It’s a plane! It’s. . it’s. . . different. I’m not sure what I expected from the “House of Tomorrow,” but this wasn’t quite it. It’s more like the “House of Yesterday’s Tomorrow.” But it’s still an innovated and charming house. Less charming was the owner’s assistant trying to sell us on $60 per person tour tickets, just to see where Elvis and Priscilla Presley slept on their honeymoon. Really?

14 – Las Palmas Estates, Camino Sur Rd & Via Vadera, 1950’s, William Krisel and Charles DuBois (Separately). These houses are fanciful and fun, and for some inexplicable reason makes you think of Bedrock! Maybe they designed the houses from a neighborhood such as this.

15 – Dina Shore Estate, 432 Hermosa Rd, 1964, Donald Wexler. Not exactly forward thinking, rather it’s a solid and well-executed example of large-scale residential mid-century modern architecture. It gives the initial impression of a school or library, with the extensive park grounds, but that only adds to the character.

16 – All Worlds Resorts. I couldn’t resist. Here’s how the rest of us live when we’re on vacation.

Still, though, not bad.

For those interested in Palm Springs

mid-century architecture, there’s a great website with more pictures: rebeccaandstephen.com/gallery/midcenturymodern/

Palm Springs Mid-Century Modern.

In August, 2013, Greg and I trekked out to Palm Springs for a friend’s birthday party – I know, an unforgivable time of year, unless you like 110 degrees and 75% humidity! While we were there, we decided to check out mid-century modern neighborhoods, considering retirement is just around the corner (10 years, assuming I’ll be able to retire). What we saw, we liked. We left thinking, “Yeah, we could do this.” But back at home, in Silver Lake, reality set in. The “Sure, why not?” turned into “Hell no!” Still, we love the architecture, and it’s something to keep in mind. . .

01 – Title Page - Palm Springs Modern Committee (PS MODCOM) - A Map of Modern Palm Springs. But you’ll have to plunk down the $5 for your own copy, and support the cause like we did. Sorry.

02 – Racquet Club Estates, Racquet Club Drive & Via Miraleste, 1959 to 1961, William Krisel for the William Alexander Construction Company,– This was our first stop on our adventure. The Racquet Club Estates looks like a great neighborhood, on its way up (hopefully). The entire neighborhood looks almost like it’s right out of the mind of the creator for the Jettson’s. I especially loved the original garage doors.

03 – Alexander Steel Houses, Simms & Sunnyview (300 & 330 E Molino Rd, 3100, 3125, 3133, 3165 Sunny View Dr, & 290 Simms Rd), 1960 – 1962, Donald Wexler and Richard Harrison for the William Alexander Constriction Company. It’s amazing how often the name “William Alexander” comes up when talking mid-century architecture in Palm Springs. Here he attempted something new – houses made of all steel. (I know, desert/steel. Right?) It turned out to be not such a hot idea (or rather, too hot of one). What had been planned as a whole subdivision, ended up realizing only 7 magnificent houses. Number 2 is even on the National Register of Historic Places. You can see some interesting stuff in the eligibility statement with the NPS: ohp.parks.ca.gov/pages/1067/files/steel%20development%20h...

04 – Carey-Pizzoli House, 600 W Panorama Dr, 1946, Albert Frey. This is the kind of house you look at and think, “That’s an ugly mid-1960’s split-level ranch house. Why is it on the PS MODCOM map?” Then you read the description again, and think, “What? 1946?” Then you realize why it’s on the list. It preceded the tract ranch houses by 20 years. The architect, Albert Frey, was visionary.

05 – Shapiro House, 711 W Panorama Dr, 1969, Michael Black. I’m not a fan of Michael Black, but the house is interesting, with the huge private interior courtyard and futuristic Star Wars design.

06 – Franz Alexander House, 1011 W Celio Dr, 1954, Walter White. I’m not so familiar with Walter White’s work, probably because the numbers of structures are few. But what he did, he did well! This house is reminiscent of the early modernists like Neutra and Schindler (evidenced by the long band of windows facing the street and simplicity of design), yet predict the work of new masters like Gehry and Pie (evidenced by the wonderful pagoda roof and the use of common materials).

07 – Palevsky House, 1021 W Celio Dr, 1968, Craig Elwood. A classic modernist compound by a master of his trade.

08 – View of the Coachella Valley from W Celio Drive.

09 – Edris House, 1030 W Celio Dr, 1953, E Stewart Williams. With a commanding view of the Coachella Valley, this house is expertly designed to take in the amazing view. An inverted roof is held down by a rock chimney, anchoring the house to the cliff.

10 – Raymond-Loewy House, 600 W Panorama Rd, 1946, Albert Frey. Perfectly situation on the site, this striking house is nestled in behind boulders and trees for maximum privacy. It’s Albert Frey at his best. Unfortunately, it’s impossible to photograph from the street!

11 – Alexander-May House, 424 W Vista Chino Rd, 1952, Edward Fickett. Quintessential Fickett. Behind the added three-car garage, which now dominates the façade, is the original modernist intent. His

ideas here (especially the entrance) would be widely used in many late 60’s and early 70’s designs.

12 – Kaufmann Desert House, 470 W Vista Chino Rd, 1946, Richard Neutra. He Kaufmann house is a work of art. This is the house which is most-often compared with Frank Lloyd Wright’s Falling Water. What else can you say about Neutra’s design that hasn’t already been said? Nothing. It’s perfect. Simply perfect. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaufmann_Desert_House and en.wikiarquitectura.com/index.php/Kaufmann_House

13 – House of Tomorrow (Robert & Helene Alexander House), 1350 Ladera Cir, 1962, William Krisel. It’s a house! It’s a plane! It’s. . it’s. . . different. I’m not sure what I expected from the “House of Tomorrow,” but this wasn’t quite it. It’s more like the “House of Yesterday’s Tomorrow.” But it’s still an innovated and charming house. Less charming was the owner’s assistant trying to sell us on $60 per person tour tickets, just to see where Elvis and Priscilla Presley slept on their honeymoon. Really?

14 – Las Palmas Estates, Camino Sur Rd & Via Vadera, 1950’s, William Krisel and Charles DuBois (Separately). These houses are fanciful and fun, and for some inexplicable reason makes you think of Bedrock! Maybe they designed the houses from a neighborhood such as this.

15 – Dina Shore Estate, 432 Hermosa Rd, 1964, Donald Wexler. Not exactly forward thinking, rather it’s a solid and well-executed example of large-scale residential mid-century modern architecture. It gives the initial impression of a school or library, with the extensive park grounds, but that only adds to the character.

16 – All Worlds Resorts. I couldn’t resist. Here’s how the rest of us live when we’re on vacation.

Still, though, not bad.

For those interested in Palm Springs

mid-century architecture, there’s a great website with more pictures: rebeccaandstephen.com/gallery/midcenturymodern/

Palm Springs Mid-Century Modern.

In August, 2013, Greg and I trekked out to Palm Springs for a friend’s birthday party – I know, an unforgivable time of year, unless you like 110 degrees and 75% humidity! While we were there, we decided to check out mid-century modern neighborhoods, considering retirement is just around the corner (10 years, assuming I’ll be able to retire). What we saw, we liked. We left thinking, “Yeah, we could do this.” But back at home, in Silver Lake, reality set in. The “Sure, why not?” turned into “Hell no!” Still, we love the architecture, and it’s something to keep in mind. . .

01 – Title Page - Palm Springs Modern Committee (PS MODCOM) - A Map of Modern Palm Springs. But you’ll have to plunk down the $5 for your own copy, and support the cause like we did. Sorry.

02 – Racquet Club Estates, Racquet Club Drive & Via Miraleste, 1959 to 1961, William Krisel for the William Alexander Construction Company,– This was our first stop on our adventure. The Racquet Club Estates looks like a great neighborhood, on its way up (hopefully). The entire neighborhood looks almost like it’s right out of the mind of the creator for the Jettson’s. I especially loved the original garage doors.

03 – Alexander Steel Houses, Simms & Sunnyview (300 & 330 E Molino Rd, 3100, 3125, 3133, 3165 Sunny View Dr, & 290 Simms Rd), 1960 – 1962, Donald Wexler and Richard Harrison for the William Alexander Constriction Company. It’s amazing how often the name “William Alexander” comes up when talking mid-century architecture in Palm Springs. Here he attempted something new – houses made of all steel. (I know, desert/steel. Right?) It turned out to be not such a hot idea (or rather, too hot of one). What had been planned as a whole subdivision, ended up realizing only 7 magnificent houses. Number 2 is even on the National Register of Historic Places. You can see some interesting stuff in the eligibility statement with the NPS: ohp.parks.ca.gov/pages/1067/files/steel%20development%20h...

04 – Carey-Pizzoli House, 600 W Panorama Dr, 1946, Albert Frey. This is the kind of house you look at and think, “That’s an ugly mid-1960’s split-level ranch house. Why is it on the PS MODCOM map?” Then you read the description again, and think, “What? 1946?” Then you realize why it’s on the list. It preceded the tract ranch houses by 20 years. The architect, Albert Frey, was visionary.

05 – Shapiro House, 711 W Panorama Dr, 1969, Michael Black. I’m not a fan of Michael Black, but the house is interesting, with the huge private interior courtyard and futuristic Star Wars design.

06 – Franz Alexander House, 1011 W Celio Dr, 1954, Walter White. I’m not so familiar with Walter White’s work, probably because the numbers of structures are few. But what he did, he did well! This house is reminiscent of the early modernists like Neutra and Schindler (evidenced by the long band of windows facing the street and simplicity of design), yet predict the work of new masters like Gehry and Pie (evidenced by the wonderful pagoda roof and the use of common materials).

07 – Palevsky House, 1021 W Celio Dr, 1968, Craig Elwood. A classic modernist compound by a master of his trade.

08 – View of the Coachella Valley from W Celio Drive.

09 – Edris House, 1030 W Celio Dr, 1953, E Stewart Williams. With a commanding view of the Coachella Valley, this house is expertly designed to take in the amazing view. An inverted roof is held down by a rock chimney, anchoring the house to the cliff.

10 – Raymond-Loewy House, 600 W Panorama Rd, 1946, Albert Frey. Perfectly situation on the site, this striking house is nestled in behind boulders and trees for maximum privacy. It’s Albert Frey at his best. Unfortunately, it’s impossible to photograph from the street!

11 – Alexander-May House, 424 W Vista Chino Rd, 1952, Edward Fickett. Quintessential Fickett. Behind the added three-car garage, which now dominates the façade, is the original modernist intent. His

ideas here (especially the entrance) would be widely used in many late 60’s and early 70’s designs.

12 – Kaufmann Desert House, 470 W Vista Chino Rd, 1946, Richard Neutra. He Kaufmann house is a work of art. This is the house which is most-often compared with Frank Lloyd Wright’s Falling Water. What else can you say about Neutra’s design that hasn’t already been said? Nothing. It’s perfect. Simply perfect. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaufmann_Desert_House and en.wikiarquitectura.com/index.php/Kaufmann_House

13 – House of Tomorrow (Robert & Helene Alexander House), 1350 Ladera Cir, 1962, William Krisel. It’s a house! It’s a plane! It’s. . it’s. . . different. I’m not sure what I expected from the “House of Tomorrow,” but this wasn’t quite it. It’s more like the “House of Yesterday’s Tomorrow.” But it’s still an innovated and charming house. Less charming was the owner’s assistant trying to sell us on $60 per person tour tickets, just to see where Elvis and Priscilla Presley slept on their honeymoon. Really?

14 – Las Palmas Estates, Camino Sur Rd & Via Vadera, 1950’s, William Krisel and Charles DuBois (Separately). These houses are fanciful and fun, and for some inexplicable reason makes you think of Bedrock! Maybe they designed the houses from a neighborhood such as this.

15 – Dina Shore Estate, 432 Hermosa Rd, 1964, Donald Wexler. Not exactly forward thinking, rather it’s a solid and well-executed example of large-scale residential mid-century modern architecture. It gives the initial impression of a school or library, with the extensive park grounds, but that only adds to the character.

16 – All Worlds Resorts. I couldn’t resist. Here’s how the rest of us live when we’re on vacation.

Still, though, not bad.

For those interested in Palm Springs

mid-century architecture, there’s a great website with more pictures: rebeccaandstephen.com/gallery/midcenturymodern/

Palm Springs Mid-Century Modern.

In August, 2013, Greg and I trekked out to Palm Springs for a friend’s birthday party – I know, an unforgivable time of year, unless you like 110 degrees and 75% humidity! While we were there, we decided to check out mid-century modern neighborhoods, considering retirement is just around the corner (10 years, assuming I’ll be able to retire). What we saw, we liked. We left thinking, “Yeah, we could do this.” But back at home, in Silver Lake, reality set in. The “Sure, why not?” turned into “Hell no!” Still, we love the architecture, and it’s something to keep in mind. . .

01 – Title Page - Palm Springs Modern Committee (PS MODCOM) - A Map of Modern Palm Springs. But you’ll have to plunk down the $5 for your own copy, and support the cause like we did. Sorry.

02 – Racquet Club Estates, Racquet Club Drive & Via Miraleste, 1959 to 1961, William Krisel for the William Alexander Construction Company,– This was our first stop on our adventure. The Racquet Club Estates looks like a great neighborhood, on its way up (hopefully). The entire neighborhood looks almost like it’s right out of the mind of the creator for the Jettson’s. I especially loved the original garage doors.

03 – Alexander Steel Houses, Simms & Sunnyview (300 & 330 E Molino Rd, 3100, 3125, 3133, 3165 Sunny View Dr, & 290 Simms Rd), 1960 – 1962, Donald Wexler and Richard Harrison for the William Alexander Constriction Company. It’s amazing how often the name “William Alexander” comes up when talking mid-century architecture in Palm Springs. Here he attempted something new – houses made of all steel. (I know, desert/steel. Right?) It turned out to be not such a hot idea (or rather, too hot of one). What had been planned as a whole subdivision, ended up realizing only 7 magnificent houses. Number 2 is even on the National Register of Historic Places. You can see some interesting stuff in the eligibility statement with the NPS: ohp.parks.ca.gov/pages/1067/files/steel%20development%20h...

04 – Carey-Pizzoli House, 600 W Panorama Dr, 1946, Albert Frey. This is the kind of house you look at and think, “That’s an ugly mid-1960’s split-level ranch house. Why is it on the PS MODCOM map?” Then you read the description again, and think, “What? 1946?” Then you realize why it’s on the list. It preceded the tract ranch houses by 20 years. The architect, Albert Frey, was visionary.

05 – Shapiro House, 711 W Panorama Dr, 1969, Michael Black. I’m not a fan of Michael Black, but the house is interesting, with the huge private interior courtyard and futuristic Star Wars design.

06 – Franz Alexander House, 1011 W Celio Dr, 1954, Walter White. I’m not so familiar with Walter White’s work, probably because the numbers of structures are few. But what he did, he did well! This house is reminiscent of the early modernists like Neutra and Schindler (evidenced by the long band of windows facing the street and simplicity of design), yet predict the work of new masters like Gehry and Pie (evidenced by the wonderful pagoda roof and the use of common materials).

07 – Palevsky House, 1021 W Celio Dr, 1968, Craig Elwood. A classic modernist compound by a master of his trade.

08 – View of the Coachella Valley from W Celio Drive.

09 – Edris House, 1030 W Celio Dr, 1953, E Stewart Williams. With a commanding view of the Coachella Valley, this house is expertly designed to take in the amazing view. An inverted roof is held down by a rock chimney, anchoring the house to the cliff.

10 – Raymond-Loewy House, 600 W Panorama Rd, 1946, Albert Frey. Perfectly situation on the site, this striking house is nestled in behind boulders and trees for maximum privacy. It’s Albert Frey at his best. Unfortunately, it’s impossible to photograph from the street!

11 – Alexander-May House, 424 W Vista Chino Rd, 1952, Edward Fickett. Quintessential Fickett. Behind the added three-car garage, which now dominates the façade, is the original modernist intent. His

ideas here (especially the entrance) would be widely used in many late 60’s and early 70’s designs.

12 – Kaufmann Desert House, 470 W Vista Chino Rd, 1946, Richard Neutra. He Kaufmann house is a work of art. This is the house which is most-often compared with Frank Lloyd Wright’s Falling Water. What else can you say about Neutra’s design that hasn’t already been said? Nothing. It’s perfect. Simply perfect. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaufmann_Desert_House and en.wikiarquitectura.com/index.php/Kaufmann_House

13 – House of Tomorrow (Robert & Helene Alexander House), 1350 Ladera Cir, 1962, William Krisel. It’s a house! It’s a plane! It’s. . it’s. . . different. I’m not sure what I expected from the “House of Tomorrow,” but this wasn’t quite it. It’s more like the “House of Yesterday’s Tomorrow.” But it’s still an innovated and charming house. Less charming was the owner’s assistant trying to sell us on $60 per person tour tickets, just to see where Elvis and Priscilla Presley slept on their honeymoon. Really?

14 – Las Palmas Estates, Camino Sur Rd & Via Vadera, 1950’s, William Krisel and Charles DuBois (Separately). These houses are fanciful and fun, and for some inexplicable reason makes you think of Bedrock! Maybe they designed the houses from a neighborhood such as this.

15 – Dina Shore Estate, 432 Hermosa Rd, 1964, Donald Wexler. Not exactly forward thinking, rather it’s a solid and well-executed example of large-scale residential mid-century modern architecture. It gives the initial impression of a school or library, with the extensive park grounds, but that only adds to the character.

16 – All Worlds Resorts. I couldn’t resist. Here’s how the rest of us live when we’re on vacation.

Still, though, not bad.

For those interested in Palm Springs

mid-century architecture, there’s a great website with more pictures: rebeccaandstephen.com/gallery/midcenturymodern/

Mrs. Snyder’s Pileated Woodpeckers

I was just 16, a sweet innocent kid, whose forte was not school life. When that last bell rang at three, I was down the hall and out the door. Nevertheless, thanks to the library, I did a lot of independent reading. I learned the world was far more than the simplicity of my street, a row of small bungalows. Nine years earlier it had been a pasture with singing Meadowlarks, calling Bobwhites, Queen Anne’s Lace, fireflies and Black Swallowtails. But the streets kept expanding in all directions. The woods and fields kept shrinking into smaller patches. Finally, there was nothing but homes, sidewalks and lawns—farewell to paradise, welcome to a Detroit suburb. Despite the ongoing urbanization, the outdoors never stopped calling out to me. Unlike many of my peers, I didn’t spend much time in front of a TV. I tuned in to whatever the seasons had to offer. My treasured discoveries often were when I was alone.

For the last few years my focus had been shifting from butterflies, snakes and turtles to birds. The ninth of March, 1963, was a nippy morning, perhaps in the upper 20’s. Straight ahead was Huron Point on Lake Saint Clair, being the main feature of Metro Beach Metropark. The insides of my cheap tennis shoes were without snow melt. No wind was stinging my face or cutting through my shabby pants. The almost mile-long beach to the point was an easy walk. This was my third March on Huron Point, a place of the unexpected, especially when a silent sky listens to the sudden snapping and groaning of buckling ice. Migrating Tundra Swans often gave wonderful flyby views. Hearing the flocks was the sound of winter breaking up. It was a thrill, a simple one at that, just to know their destination, the faraway tundra, a region easily located in a geographical atlas at the Saint Clair Shores library.

During the previous three years, I had encountered one, maybe two, bird watchers at Metro Beach. Today was to be memorable. I beheld in the distance a group of people on Huron Point. They had scopes mounted on tripods, something I had never seen. With shyness I approached them and learned they were members of the Detroit Audubon Society on a field trip to see waterfowl, in particular, the staging swans. They were old enough to be my folks or even grandparents, except for Chris Feeney who was the first birder of school age I ever met. He would turn out be a life-long friend.

Guiding the group was Sergej Postupalsky, standing taller than everyone present. He was in his late twenties, a man of sturdy build though thin of frame. His Slavic accent and resonant voice easily gained one’s attention. In time I was to learn from him that his father, an academic of Saint Petersburg State University, fled Russia on account of the 1917 Revolution and settled in Czechoslovakia, where he married a Czech, Sergej being their son. On account of the Third Reich’s incorporation of Czech lands during 1938-45, Sergej was educated in German, but spoke Russian and Czech at home. The Soviet takeover of postwar Czechoslovakia forced his family to flee. They eventually immigrated to the United States. It was through the window of a train departing the New York City area that Sergej, as a teenager, had his first view of a Bald Eagle, a close-up along the Hudson. So, here he was, an arrival in a new country, seeing of all things its national symbol, live and free. This experience was the spark that would ignite his life-long activity with raptors, particularly, his field work with Ospreys and Bald Eagles.

As an earnest student of birds, I must have made an impression. Sergej welcomed me to join him on a field trip. Picking me up was easy. He lived just six miles away on Lozier Street in Warren. The following May we went Up North in Michigan. I couldn’t ask for a better teacher and guide. It was a grand tour of nest sites with an emphasis on Ospreys and Bald Eagles. First was Michelson’s Landing by outboard for nesting Ospreys; one nest was low enough on a White Pine stump to see two eggs. Also viewed were nests of Least Bittern, Black Tern and Pied-billed Grebe. The rest of the trip was spent searching for or observing active Bald Eagle nests at Bull Lake, Burt Lake and Black Lake.

Sergej was a wit, a master of dry humor, but a no nonsense guy when it came to the science of raptors. We were not in northern Michigan to simply run around listing birds as objects for a score in some competitive activity. He introduced me to the importance of birds as indicators of environmental health. What hurts an eagle can ultimately hurt you. In those days, thanks to DDT, Ospreys and Bald Eagles were heading for extinction, at least in parts of the Great Lakes. Getting data on the breeding success or failure of Osprey and Bald Eagle populations by location was of utmost importance.

May 26th, a Sunday, was to have its low moment and its high moment. That morning, Sergej was scanning a distant eagle’s nest. He said, “You should have been looking through the scope. I just saw a flyby Pileated.“ Even if I had my binoculars up I wouldn’t have seen it. It was that far out. Nevertheless my spirit was somewhat dampened for the rest of the day.

The afternoon turned out to be comfortably warm; the delicate green of fresh forest growth filtered the sunshine. Biting bugs were yet to hatch—it couldn’t be a better day. We were on the east side of the Black River near where it flows into Black Lake. Then trouble began. Sergej’s impressive Chrysler wouldn’t start. I had to be in school tomorrow morning and he had to be at work. Home by the fastest route in those days was a good 300 miles. Sergej tinkered under the hood. Still it wouldn’t start. He needed a phone. It so happened we were parked close to a house. He knocked and was invited in.

Meanwhile I remained in the car with all the windows down, now and then taking looks at a migrant Wilson’s Warbler in the roadside shrubs. It was getting to be about seven o’clock. Sergej’s stay in the house was getting a bit too long. To pass time, I leafed through my Peterson guide. I had the book opened to the woodpecker plate just as the lady of the house, Mrs. Snyder, approached and looked into the car. She took a look at the plate.

“Have you ever seen a Pileated Woodpecker?”

“No.”

“Would you like to?”

“Yes! Where?”

“Oh, about sixty feet from here. I’ll show you.”

About 60 feet from her house and about 50 feet back from the road, an aspen stub some 20 feet high stood on the edge of a wooded swamp. The nest hole was two feet from the top. Mrs. Snyder said the pair had been on the nest for about two weeks.

“Just wait here, you’ll see them.”

I sat on the ground, about 30 feet away, my back against a tree trunk. Maybe ten minutes or so passed; I heard nearby cackling. The male alighted on the stub and tapped. The female flew out of the nest hole. He cautiously eyed me before entering the nest. When a loud vehicle drove by, he poked his head out with raised crest then withdrew out of sight. The pair exchanged nest duties three times, the male entered on the last observed exchange.

So, I didn’t have to die to know what heaven is all about; I was already there with a pair of nesting Pileated Woodpeckers. I hoped Sergej's car would never start. After about 45 minutes reality set in. A loose ground wire was tightened, the car started—time to go home. I thanked Mrs. Snyder and we were off. The next day, I wasn’t tired one bit in school, though I had arrived home well after midnight. Euphoria was still flowing through me.

Alan Ryff

Palm Springs Mid-Century Modern.

In August, 2013, Greg and I trekked out to Palm Springs for a friend’s birthday party – I know, an unforgivable time of year, unless you like 110 degrees and 75% humidity! While we were there, we decided to check out mid-century modern neighborhoods, considering retirement is just around the corner (10 years, assuming I’ll be able to retire). What we saw, we liked. We left thinking, “Yeah, we could do this.” But back at home, in Silver Lake, reality set in. The “Sure, why not?” turned into “Hell no!” Still, we love the architecture, and it’s something to keep in mind. . .

01 – Title Page - Palm Springs Modern Committee (PS MODCOM) - A Map of Modern Palm Springs. But you’ll have to plunk down the $5 for your own copy, and support the cause like we did. Sorry.

02 – Racquet Club Estates, Racquet Club Drive & Via Miraleste, 1959 to 1961, William Krisel for the William Alexander Construction Company,– This was our first stop on our adventure. The Racquet Club Estates looks like a great neighborhood, on its way up (hopefully). The entire neighborhood looks almost like it’s right out of the mind of the creator for the Jettson’s. I especially loved the original garage doors.

03 – Alexander Steel Houses, Simms & Sunnyview (300 & 330 E Molino Rd, 3100, 3125, 3133, 3165 Sunny View Dr, & 290 Simms Rd), 1960 – 1962, Donald Wexler and Richard Harrison for the William Alexander Constriction Company. It’s amazing how often the name “William Alexander” comes up when talking mid-century architecture in Palm Springs. Here he attempted something new – houses made of all steel. (I know, desert/steel. Right?) It turned out to be not such a hot idea (or rather, too hot of one). What had been planned as a whole subdivision, ended up realizing only 7 magnificent houses. Number 2 is even on the National Register of Historic Places. You can see some interesting stuff in the eligibility statement with the NPS: ohp.parks.ca.gov/pages/1067/files/steel%20development%20h...

04 – Carey-Pizzoli House, 600 W Panorama Dr, 1946, Albert Frey. This is the kind of house you look at and think, “That’s an ugly mid-1960’s split-level ranch house. Why is it on the PS MODCOM map?” Then you read the description again, and think, “What? 1946?” Then you realize why it’s on the list. It preceded the tract ranch houses by 20 years. The architect, Albert Frey, was visionary.

05 – Shapiro House, 711 W Panorama Dr, 1969, Michael Black. I’m not a fan of Michael Black, but the house is interesting, with the huge private interior courtyard and futuristic Star Wars design.

06 – Franz Alexander House, 1011 W Celio Dr, 1954, Walter White. I’m not so familiar with Walter White’s work, probably because the numbers of structures are few. But what he did, he did well! This house is reminiscent of the early modernists like Neutra and Schindler (evidenced by the long band of windows facing the street and simplicity of design), yet predict the work of new masters like Gehry and Pie (evidenced by the wonderful pagoda roof and the use of common materials).

07 – Palevsky House, 1021 W Celio Dr, 1968, Craig Elwood. A classic modernist compound by a master of his trade.

08 – View of the Coachella Valley from W Celio Drive.

09 – Edris House, 1030 W Celio Dr, 1953, E Stewart Williams. With a commanding view of the Coachella Valley, this house is expertly designed to take in the amazing view. An inverted roof is held down by a rock chimney, anchoring the house to the cliff.

10 – Raymond-Loewy House, 600 W Panorama Rd, 1946, Albert Frey. Perfectly situation on the site, this striking house is nestled in behind boulders and trees for maximum privacy. It’s Albert Frey at his best. Unfortunately, it’s impossible to photograph from the street!

11 – Alexander-May House, 424 W Vista Chino Rd, 1952, Edward Fickett. Quintessential Fickett. Behind the added three-car garage, which now dominates the façade, is the original modernist intent. His

ideas here (especially the entrance) would be widely used in many late 60’s and early 70’s designs.

12 – Kaufmann Desert House, 470 W Vista Chino Rd, 1946, Richard Neutra. He Kaufmann house is a work of art. This is the house which is most-often compared with Frank Lloyd Wright’s Falling Water. What else can you say about Neutra’s design that hasn’t already been said? Nothing. It’s perfect. Simply perfect. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaufmann_Desert_House and en.wikiarquitectura.com/index.php/Kaufmann_House

13 – House of Tomorrow (Robert & Helene Alexander House), 1350 Ladera Cir, 1962, William Krisel. It’s a house! It’s a plane! It’s. . it’s. . . different. I’m not sure what I expected from the “House of Tomorrow,” but this wasn’t quite it. It’s more like the “House of Yesterday’s Tomorrow.” But it’s still an innovated and charming house. Less charming was the owner’s assistant trying to sell us on $60 per person tour tickets, just to see where Elvis and Priscilla Presley slept on their honeymoon. Really?

14 – Las Palmas Estates, Camino Sur Rd & Via Vadera, 1950’s, William Krisel and Charles DuBois (Separately). These houses are fanciful and fun, and for some inexplicable reason makes you think of Bedrock! Maybe they designed the houses from a neighborhood such as this.

15 – Dina Shore Estate, 432 Hermosa Rd, 1964, Donald Wexler. Not exactly forward thinking, rather it’s a solid and well-executed example of large-scale residential mid-century modern architecture. It gives the initial impression of a school or library, with the extensive park grounds, but that only adds to the character.

16 – All Worlds Resorts. I couldn’t resist. Here’s how the rest of us live when we’re on vacation.

Still, though, not bad.

For those interested in Palm Springs

mid-century architecture, there’s a great website with more pictures: rebeccaandstephen.com/gallery/midcenturymodern/

Palm Springs Mid-Century Modern.

In August, 2013, Greg and I trekked out to Palm Springs for a friend’s birthday party – I know, an unforgivable time of year, unless you like 110 degrees and 75% humidity! While we were there, we decided to check out mid-century modern neighborhoods, considering retirement is just around the corner (10 years, assuming I’ll be able to retire). What we saw, we liked. We left thinking, “Yeah, we could do this.” But back at home, in Silver Lake, reality set in. The “Sure, why not?” turned into “Hell no!” Still, we love the architecture, and it’s something to keep in mind. . .

01 – Title Page - Palm Springs Modern Committee (PS MODCOM) - A Map of Modern Palm Springs. But you’ll have to plunk down the $5 for your own copy, and support the cause like we did. Sorry.

02 – Racquet Club Estates, Racquet Club Drive & Via Miraleste, 1959 to 1961, William Krisel for the William Alexander Construction Company,– This was our first stop on our adventure. The Racquet Club Estates looks like a great neighborhood, on its way up (hopefully). The entire neighborhood looks almost like it’s right out of the mind of the creator for the Jettson’s. I especially loved the original garage doors.

03 – Alexander Steel Houses, Simms & Sunnyview (300 & 330 E Molino Rd, 3100, 3125, 3133, 3165 Sunny View Dr, & 290 Simms Rd), 1960 – 1962, Donald Wexler and Richard Harrison for the William Alexander Constriction Company. It’s amazing how often the name “William Alexander” comes up when talking mid-century architecture in Palm Springs. Here he attempted something new – houses made of all steel. (I know, desert/steel. Right?) It turned out to be not such a hot idea (or rather, too hot of one). What had been planned as a whole subdivision, ended up realizing only 7 magnificent houses. Number 2 is even on the National Register of Historic Places. You can see some interesting stuff in the eligibility statement with the NPS: ohp.parks.ca.gov/pages/1067/files/steel%20development%20h...

04 – Carey-Pizzoli House, 600 W Panorama Dr, 1946, Albert Frey. This is the kind of house you look at and think, “That’s an ugly mid-1960’s split-level ranch house. Why is it on the PS MODCOM map?” Then you read the description again, and think, “What? 1946?” Then you realize why it’s on the list. It preceded the tract ranch houses by 20 years. The architect, Albert Frey, was visionary.

05 – Shapiro House, 711 W Panorama Dr, 1969, Michael Black. I’m not a fan of Michael Black, but the house is interesting, with the huge private interior courtyard and futuristic Star Wars design.

06 – Franz Alexander House, 1011 W Celio Dr, 1954, Walter White. I’m not so familiar with Walter White’s work, probably because the numbers of structures are few. But what he did, he did well! This house is reminiscent of the early modernists like Neutra and Schindler (evidenced by the long band of windows facing the street and simplicity of design), yet predict the work of new masters like Gehry and Pie (evidenced by the wonderful pagoda roof and the use of common materials).

07 – Palevsky House, 1021 W Celio Dr, 1968, Craig Elwood. A classic modernist compound by a master of his trade.

08 – View of the Coachella Valley from W Celio Drive.

09 – Edris House, 1030 W Celio Dr, 1953, E Stewart Williams. With a commanding view of the Coachella Valley, this house is expertly designed to take in the amazing view. An inverted roof is held down by a rock chimney, anchoring the house to the cliff.

10 – Raymond-Loewy House, 600 W Panorama Rd, 1946, Albert Frey. Perfectly situation on the site, this striking house is nestled in behind boulders and trees for maximum privacy. It’s Albert Frey at his best. Unfortunately, it’s impossible to photograph from the street!

11 – Alexander-May House, 424 W Vista Chino Rd, 1952, Edward Fickett. Quintessential Fickett. Behind the added three-car garage, which now dominates the façade, is the original modernist intent. His

ideas here (especially the entrance) would be widely used in many late 60’s and early 70’s designs.

12 – Kaufmann Desert House, 470 W Vista Chino Rd, 1946, Richard Neutra. He Kaufmann house is a work of art. This is the house which is most-often compared with Frank Lloyd Wright’s Falling Water. What else can you say about Neutra’s design that hasn’t already been said? Nothing. It’s perfect. Simply perfect. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaufmann_Desert_House and en.wikiarquitectura.com/index.php/Kaufmann_House

13 – House of Tomorrow (Robert & Helene Alexander House), 1350 Ladera Cir, 1962, William Krisel. It’s a house! It’s a plane! It’s. . it’s. . . different. I’m not sure what I expected from the “House of Tomorrow,” but this wasn’t quite it. It’s more like the “House of Yesterday’s Tomorrow.” But it’s still an innovated and charming house. Less charming was the owner’s assistant trying to sell us on $60 per person tour tickets, just to see where Elvis and Priscilla Presley slept on their honeymoon. Really?

14 – Las Palmas Estates, Camino Sur Rd & Via Vadera, 1950’s, William Krisel and Charles DuBois (Separately). These houses are fanciful and fun, and for some inexplicable reason makes you think of Bedrock! Maybe they designed the houses from a neighborhood such as this.

15 – Dina Shore Estate, 432 Hermosa Rd, 1964, Donald Wexler. Not exactly forward thinking, rather it’s a solid and well-executed example of large-scale residential mid-century modern architecture. It gives the initial impression of a school or library, with the extensive park grounds, but that only adds to the character.

16 – All Worlds Resorts. I couldn’t resist. Here’s how the rest of us live when we’re on vacation.

Still, though, not bad.

For those interested in Palm Springs

mid-century architecture, there’s a great website with more pictures: rebeccaandstephen.com/gallery/midcenturymodern/

Palm Springs Mid-Century Modern.

In August, 2013, Greg and I trekked out to Palm Springs for a friend’s birthday party – I know, an unforgivable time of year, unless you like 110 degrees and 75% humidity! While we were there, we decided to check out mid-century modern neighborhoods, considering retirement is just around the corner (10 years, assuming I’ll be able to retire). What we saw, we liked. We left thinking, “Yeah, we could do this.” But back at home, in Silver Lake, reality set in. The “Sure, why not?” turned into “Hell no!” Still, we love the architecture, and it’s something to keep in mind. . .

01 – Title Page - Palm Springs Modern Committee (PS MODCOM) - A Map of Modern Palm Springs. But you’ll have to plunk down the $5 for your own copy, and support the cause like we did. Sorry.

02 – Racquet Club Estates, Racquet Club Drive & Via Miraleste, 1959 to 1961, William Krisel for the William Alexander Construction Company,– This was our first stop on our adventure. The Racquet Club Estates looks like a great neighborhood, on its way up (hopefully). The entire neighborhood looks almost like it’s right out of the mind of the creator for the Jettson’s. I especially loved the original garage doors.

03 – Alexander Steel Houses, Simms & Sunnyview (300 & 330 E Molino Rd, 3100, 3125, 3133, 3165 Sunny View Dr, & 290 Simms Rd), 1960 – 1962, Donald Wexler and Richard Harrison for the William Alexander Constriction Company. It’s amazing how often the name “William Alexander” comes up when talking mid-century architecture in Palm Springs. Here he attempted something new – houses made of all steel. (I know, desert/steel. Right?) It turned out to be not such a hot idea (or rather, too hot of one). What had been planned as a whole subdivision, ended up realizing only 7 magnificent houses. Number 2 is even on the National Register of Historic Places. You can see some interesting stuff in the eligibility statement with the NPS: ohp.parks.ca.gov/pages/1067/files/steel%20development%20h...

04 – Carey-Pizzoli House, 600 W Panorama Dr, 1946, Albert Frey. This is the kind of house you look at and think, “That’s an ugly mid-1960’s split-level ranch house. Why is it on the PS MODCOM map?” Then you read the description again, and think, “What? 1946?” Then you realize why it’s on the list. It preceded the tract ranch houses by 20 years. The architect, Albert Frey, was visionary.

05 – Shapiro House, 711 W Panorama Dr, 1969, Michael Black. I’m not a fan of Michael Black, but the house is interesting, with the huge private interior courtyard and futuristic Star Wars design.

06 – Franz Alexander House, 1011 W Celio Dr, 1954, Walter White. I’m not so familiar with Walter White’s work, probably because the numbers of structures are few. But what he did, he did well! This house is reminiscent of the early modernists like Neutra and Schindler (evidenced by the long band of windows facing the street and simplicity of design), yet predict the work of new masters like Gehry and Pie (evidenced by the wonderful pagoda roof and the use of common materials).

07 – Palevsky House, 1021 W Celio Dr, 1968, Craig Elwood. A classic modernist compound by a master of his trade.

08 – View of the Coachella Valley from W Celio Drive.

09 – Edris House, 1030 W Celio Dr, 1953, E Stewart Williams. With a commanding view of the Coachella Valley, this house is expertly designed to take in the amazing view. An inverted roof is held down by a rock chimney, anchoring the house to the cliff.

10 – Raymond-Loewy House, 600 W Panorama Rd, 1946, Albert Frey. Perfectly situation on the site, this striking house is nestled in behind boulders and trees for maximum privacy. It’s Albert Frey at his best. Unfortunately, it’s impossible to photograph from the street!

11 – Alexander-May House, 424 W Vista Chino Rd, 1952, Edward Fickett. Quintessential Fickett. Behind the added three-car garage, which now dominates the façade, is the original modernist intent. His

ideas here (especially the entrance) would be widely used in many late 60’s and early 70’s designs.

12 – Kaufmann Desert House, 470 W Vista Chino Rd, 1946, Richard Neutra. He Kaufmann house is a work of art. This is the house which is most-often compared with Frank Lloyd Wright’s Falling Water. What else can you say about Neutra’s design that hasn’t already been said? Nothing. It’s perfect. Simply perfect. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaufmann_Desert_House and en.wikiarquitectura.com/index.php/Kaufmann_House

13 – House of Tomorrow (Robert & Helene Alexander House), 1350 Ladera Cir, 1962, William Krisel. It’s a house! It’s a plane! It’s. . it’s. . . different. I’m not sure what I expected from the “House of Tomorrow,” but this wasn’t quite it. It’s more like the “House of Yesterday’s Tomorrow.” But it’s still an innovated and charming house. Less charming was the owner’s assistant trying to sell us on $60 per person tour tickets, just to see where Elvis and Priscilla Presley slept on their honeymoon. Really?

14 – Las Palmas Estates, Camino Sur Rd & Via Vadera, 1950’s, William Krisel and Charles DuBois (Separately). These houses are fanciful and fun, and for some inexplicable reason makes you think of Bedrock! Maybe they designed the houses from a neighborhood such as this.

15 – Dina Shore Estate, 432 Hermosa Rd, 1964, Donald Wexler. Not exactly forward thinking, rather it’s a solid and well-executed example of large-scale residential mid-century modern architecture. It gives the initial impression of a school or library, with the extensive park grounds, but that only adds to the character.

16 – All Worlds Resorts. I couldn’t resist. Here’s how the rest of us live when we’re on vacation.

Still, though, not bad.

For those interested in Palm Springs

mid-century architecture, there’s a great website with more pictures: rebeccaandstephen.com/gallery/midcenturymodern/

Palm Springs Mid-Century Modern.

In August, 2013, Greg and I trekked out to Palm Springs for a friend’s birthday party – I know, an unforgivable time of year, unless you like 110 degrees and 75% humidity! While we were there, we decided to check out mid-century modern neighborhoods, considering retirement is just around the corner (10 years, assuming I’ll be able to retire). What we saw, we liked. We left thinking, “Yeah, we could do this.” But back at home, in Silver Lake, reality set in. The “Sure, why not?” turned into “Hell no!” Still, we love the architecture, and it’s something to keep in mind. . .

01 – Title Page - Palm Springs Modern Committee (PS MODCOM) - A Map of Modern Palm Springs. But you’ll have to plunk down the $5 for your own copy, and support the cause like we did. Sorry.

02 – Racquet Club Estates, Racquet Club Drive & Via Miraleste, 1959 to 1961, William Krisel for the William Alexander Construction Company,– This was our first stop on our adventure. The Racquet Club Estates looks like a great neighborhood, on its way up (hopefully). The entire neighborhood looks almost like it’s right out of the mind of the creator for the Jettson’s. I especially loved the original garage doors.

03 – Alexander Steel Houses, Simms & Sunnyview (300 & 330 E Molino Rd, 3100, 3125, 3133, 3165 Sunny View Dr, & 290 Simms Rd), 1960 – 1962, Donald Wexler and Richard Harrison for the William Alexander Constriction Company. It’s amazing how often the name “William Alexander” comes up when talking mid-century architecture in Palm Springs. Here he attempted something new – houses made of all steel. (I know, desert/steel. Right?) It turned out to be not such a hot idea (or rather, too hot of one). What had been planned as a whole subdivision, ended up realizing only 7 magnificent houses. Number 2 is even on the National Register of Historic Places. You can see some interesting stuff in the eligibility statement with the NPS: ohp.parks.ca.gov/pages/1067/files/steel%20development%20h...

04 – Carey-Pizzoli House, 600 W Panorama Dr, 1946, Albert Frey. This is the kind of house you look at and think, “That’s an ugly mid-1960’s split-level ranch house. Why is it on the PS MODCOM map?” Then you read the description again, and think, “What? 1946?” Then you realize why it’s on the list. It preceded the tract ranch houses by 20 years. The architect, Albert Frey, was visionary.

05 – Shapiro House, 711 W Panorama Dr, 1969, Michael Black. I’m not a fan of Michael Black, but the house is interesting, with the huge private interior courtyard and futuristic Star Wars design.

06 – Franz Alexander House, 1011 W Celio Dr, 1954, Walter White. I’m not so familiar with Walter White’s work, probably because the numbers of structures are few. But what he did, he did well! This house is reminiscent of the early modernists like Neutra and Schindler (evidenced by the long band of windows facing the street and simplicity of design), yet predict the work of new masters like Gehry and Pie (evidenced by the wonderful pagoda roof and the use of common materials).

07 – Palevsky House, 1021 W Celio Dr, 1968, Craig Elwood. A classic modernist compound by a master of his trade.

08 – View of the Coachella Valley from W Celio Drive.

09 – Edris House, 1030 W Celio Dr, 1953, E Stewart Williams. With a commanding view of the Coachella Valley, this house is expertly designed to take in the amazing view. An inverted roof is held down by a rock chimney, anchoring the house to the cliff.

10 – Raymond-Loewy House, 600 W Panorama Rd, 1946, Albert Frey. Perfectly situation on the site, this striking house is nestled in behind boulders and trees for maximum privacy. It’s Albert Frey at his best. Unfortunately, it’s impossible to photograph from the street!

11 – Alexander-May House, 424 W Vista Chino Rd, 1952, Edward Fickett. Quintessential Fickett. Behind the added three-car garage, which now dominates the façade, is the original modernist intent. His

ideas here (especially the entrance) would be widely used in many late 60’s and early 70’s designs.

12 – Kaufmann Desert House, 470 W Vista Chino Rd, 1946, Richard Neutra. He Kaufmann house is a work of art. This is the house which is most-often compared with Frank Lloyd Wright’s Falling Water. What else can you say about Neutra’s design that hasn’t already been said? Nothing. It’s perfect. Simply perfect. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaufmann_Desert_House and en.wikiarquitectura.com/index.php/Kaufmann_House

13 – House of Tomorrow (Robert & Helene Alexander House), 1350 Ladera Cir, 1962, William Krisel. It’s a house! It’s a plane! It’s. . it’s. . . different. I’m not sure what I expected from the “House of Tomorrow,” but this wasn’t quite it. It’s more like the “House of Yesterday’s Tomorrow.” But it’s still an innovated and charming house. Less charming was the owner’s assistant trying to sell us on $60 per person tour tickets, just to see where Elvis and Priscilla Presley slept on their honeymoon. Really?

14 – Las Palmas Estates, Camino Sur Rd & Via Vadera, 1950’s, William Krisel and Charles DuBois (Separately). These houses are fanciful and fun, and for some inexplicable reason makes you think of Bedrock! Maybe they designed the houses from a neighborhood such as this.

15 – Dina Shore Estate, 432 Hermosa Rd, 1964, Donald Wexler. Not exactly forward thinking, rather it’s a solid and well-executed example of large-scale residential mid-century modern architecture. It gives the initial impression of a school or library, with the extensive park grounds, but that only adds to the character.

16 – All Worlds Resorts. I couldn’t resist. Here’s how the rest of us live when we’re on vacation.

Still, though, not bad.

For those interested in Palm Springs

mid-century architecture, there’s a great website with more pictures: rebeccaandstephen.com/gallery/midcenturymodern/

Palm Springs Mid-Century Modern.

In August, 2013, Greg and I trekked out to Palm Springs for a friend’s birthday party – I know, an unforgivable time of year, unless you like 110 degrees and 75% humidity! While we were there, we decided to check out mid-century modern neighborhoods, considering retirement is just around the corner (10 years, assuming I’ll be able to retire). What we saw, we liked. We left thinking, “Yeah, we could do this.” But back at home, in Silver Lake, reality set in. The “Sure, why not?” turned into “Hell no!” Still, we love the architecture, and it’s something to keep in mind. . .

01 – Title Page - Palm Springs Modern Committee (PS MODCOM) - A Map of Modern Palm Springs. But you’ll have to plunk down the $5 for your own copy, and support the cause like we did. Sorry.

02 – Racquet Club Estates, Racquet Club Drive & Via Miraleste, 1959 to 1961, William Krisel for the William Alexander Construction Company,– This was our first stop on our adventure. The Racquet Club Estates looks like a great neighborhood, on its way up (hopefully). The entire neighborhood looks almost like it’s right out of the mind of the creator for the Jettson’s. I especially loved the original garage doors.

03 – Alexander Steel Houses, Simms & Sunnyview (300 & 330 E Molino Rd, 3100, 3125, 3133, 3165 Sunny View Dr, & 290 Simms Rd), 1960 – 1962, Donald Wexler and Richard Harrison for the William Alexander Constriction Company. It’s amazing how often the name “William Alexander” comes up when talking mid-century architecture in Palm Springs. Here he attempted something new – houses made of all steel. (I know, desert/steel. Right?) It turned out to be not such a hot idea (or rather, too hot of one). What had been planned as a whole subdivision, ended up realizing only 7 magnificent houses. Number 2 is even on the National Register of Historic Places. You can see some interesting stuff in the eligibility statement with the NPS: ohp.parks.ca.gov/pages/1067/files/steel%20development%20h...

04 – Carey-Pizzoli House, 600 W Panorama Dr, 1946, Albert Frey. This is the kind of house you look at and think, “That’s an ugly mid-1960’s split-level ranch house. Why is it on the PS MODCOM map?” Then you read the description again, and think, “What? 1946?” Then you realize why it’s on the list. It preceded the tract ranch houses by 20 years. The architect, Albert Frey, was visionary.

05 – Shapiro House, 711 W Panorama Dr, 1969, Michael Black. I’m not a fan of Michael Black, but the house is interesting, with the huge private interior courtyard and futuristic Star Wars design.

06 – Franz Alexander House, 1011 W Celio Dr, 1954, Walter White. I’m not so familiar with Walter White’s work, probably because the numbers of structures are few. But what he did, he did well! This house is reminiscent of the early modernists like Neutra and Schindler (evidenced by the long band of windows facing the street and simplicity of design), yet predict the work of new masters like Gehry and Pie (evidenced by the wonderful pagoda roof and the use of common materials).

07 – Palevsky House, 1021 W Celio Dr, 1968, Craig Elwood. A classic modernist compound by a master of his trade.

08 – View of the Coachella Valley from W Celio Drive.

09 – Edris House, 1030 W Celio Dr, 1953, E Stewart Williams. With a commanding view of the Coachella Valley, this house is expertly designed to take in the amazing view. An inverted roof is held down by a rock chimney, anchoring the house to the cliff.

10 – Raymond-Loewy House, 600 W Panorama Rd, 1946, Albert Frey. Perfectly situation on the site, this striking house is nestled in behind boulders and trees for maximum privacy. It’s Albert Frey at his best. Unfortunately, it’s impossible to photograph from the street!

11 – Alexander-May House, 424 W Vista Chino Rd, 1952, Edward Fickett. Quintessential Fickett. Behind the added three-car garage, which now dominates the façade, is the original modernist intent. His

ideas here (especially the entrance) would be widely used in many late 60’s and early 70’s designs.

12 – Kaufmann Desert House, 470 W Vista Chino Rd, 1946, Richard Neutra. He Kaufmann house is a work of art. This is the house which is most-often compared with Frank Lloyd Wright’s Falling Water. What else can you say about Neutra’s design that hasn’t already been said? Nothing. It’s perfect. Simply perfect. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaufmann_Desert_House and en.wikiarquitectura.com/index.php/Kaufmann_House

13 – House of Tomorrow (Robert & Helene Alexander House), 1350 Ladera Cir, 1962, William Krisel. It’s a house! It’s a plane! It’s. . it’s. . . different. I’m not sure what I expected from the “House of Tomorrow,” but this wasn’t quite it. It’s more like the “House of Yesterday’s Tomorrow.” But it’s still an innovated and charming house. Less charming was the owner’s assistant trying to sell us on $60 per person tour tickets, just to see where Elvis and Priscilla Presley slept on their honeymoon. Really?

14 – Las Palmas Estates, Camino Sur Rd & Via Vadera, 1950’s, William Krisel and Charles DuBois (Separately). These houses are fanciful and fun, and for some inexplicable reason makes you think of Bedrock! Maybe they designed the houses from a neighborhood such as this.

15 – Dina Shore Estate, 432 Hermosa Rd, 1964, Donald Wexler. Not exactly forward thinking, rather it’s a solid and well-executed example of large-scale residential mid-century modern architecture. It gives the initial impression of a school or library, with the extensive park grounds, but that only adds to the character.

16 – All Worlds Resorts. I couldn’t resist. Here’s how the rest of us live when we’re on vacation.

Still, though, not bad.

For those interested in Palm Springs

mid-century architecture, there’s a great website with more pictures: rebeccaandstephen.com/gallery/midcenturymodern/

Palm Springs Mid-Century Modern.

In August, 2013, Greg and I trekked out to Palm Springs for a friend’s birthday party – I know, an unforgivable time of year, unless you like 110 degrees and 75% humidity! While we were there, we decided to check out mid-century modern neighborhoods, considering retirement is just around the corner (10 years, assuming I’ll be able to retire). What we saw, we liked. We left thinking, “Yeah, we could do this.” But back at home, in Silver Lake, reality set in. The “Sure, why not?” turned into “Hell no!” Still, we love the architecture, and it’s something to keep in mind. . .

01 – Title Page - Palm Springs Modern Committee (PS MODCOM) - A Map of Modern Palm Springs. But you’ll have to plunk down the $5 for your own copy, and support the cause like we did. Sorry.

02 – Racquet Club Estates, Racquet Club Drive & Via Miraleste, 1959 to 1961, William Krisel for the William Alexander Construction Company,– This was our first stop on our adventure. The Racquet Club Estates looks like a great neighborhood, on its way up (hopefully). The entire neighborhood looks almost like it’s right out of the mind of the creator for the Jettson’s. I especially loved the original garage doors.

03 – Alexander Steel Houses, Simms & Sunnyview (300 & 330 E Molino Rd, 3100, 3125, 3133, 3165 Sunny View Dr, & 290 Simms Rd), 1960 – 1962, Donald Wexler and Richard Harrison for the William Alexander Constriction Company. It’s amazing how often the name “William Alexander” comes up when talking mid-century architecture in Palm Springs. Here he attempted something new – houses made of all steel. (I know, desert/steel. Right?) It turned out to be not such a hot idea (or rather, too hot of one). What had been planned as a whole subdivision, ended up realizing only 7 magnificent houses. Number 2 is even on the National Register of Historic Places. You can see some interesting stuff in the eligibility statement with the NPS: ohp.parks.ca.gov/pages/1067/files/steel%20development%20h...

04 – Carey-Pizzoli House, 600 W Panorama Dr, 1946, Albert Frey. This is the kind of house you look at and think, “That’s an ugly mid-1960’s split-level ranch house. Why is it on the PS MODCOM map?” Then you read the description again, and think, “What? 1946?” Then you realize why it’s on the list. It preceded the tract ranch houses by 20 years. The architect, Albert Frey, was visionary.

05 – Shapiro House, 711 W Panorama Dr, 1969, Michael Black. I’m not a fan of Michael Black, but the house is interesting, with the huge private interior courtyard and futuristic Star Wars design.

06 – Franz Alexander House, 1011 W Celio Dr, 1954, Walter White. I’m not so familiar with Walter White’s work, probably because the numbers of structures are few. But what he did, he did well! This house is reminiscent of the early modernists like Neutra and Schindler (evidenced by the long band of windows facing the street and simplicity of design), yet predict the work of new masters like Gehry and Pie (evidenced by the wonderful pagoda roof and the use of common materials).

07 – Palevsky House, 1021 W Celio Dr, 1968, Craig Elwood. A classic modernist compound by a master of his trade.

08 – View of the Coachella Valley from W Celio Drive.

09 – Edris House, 1030 W Celio Dr, 1953, E Stewart Williams. With a commanding view of the Coachella Valley, this house is expertly designed to take in the amazing view. An inverted roof is held down by a rock chimney, anchoring the house to the cliff.

10 – Raymond-Loewy House, 600 W Panorama Rd, 1946, Albert Frey. Perfectly situation on the site, this striking house is nestled in behind boulders and trees for maximum privacy. It’s Albert Frey at his best. Unfortunately, it’s impossible to photograph from the street!

11 – Alexander-May House, 424 W Vista Chino Rd, 1952, Edward Fickett. Quintessential Fickett. Behind the added three-car garage, which now dominates the façade, is the original modernist intent. His

ideas here (especially the entrance) would be widely used in many late 60’s and early 70’s designs.

12 – Kaufmann Desert House, 470 W Vista Chino Rd, 1946, Richard Neutra. He Kaufmann house is a work of art. This is the house which is most-often compared with Frank Lloyd Wright’s Falling Water. What else can you say about Neutra’s design that hasn’t already been said? Nothing. It’s perfect. Simply perfect. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaufmann_Desert_House and en.wikiarquitectura.com/index.php/Kaufmann_House

13 – House of Tomorrow (Robert & Helene Alexander House), 1350 Ladera Cir, 1962, William Krisel. It’s a house! It’s a plane! It’s. . it’s. . . different. I’m not sure what I expected from the “House of Tomorrow,” but this wasn’t quite it. It’s more like the “House of Yesterday’s Tomorrow.” But it’s still an innovated and charming house. Less charming was the owner’s assistant trying to sell us on $60 per person tour tickets, just to see where Elvis and Priscilla Presley slept on their honeymoon. Really?

14 – Las Palmas Estates, Camino Sur Rd & Via Vadera, 1950’s, William Krisel and Charles DuBois (Separately). These houses are fanciful and fun, and for some inexplicable reason makes you think of Bedrock! Maybe they designed the houses from a neighborhood such as this.

15 – Dina Shore Estate, 432 Hermosa Rd, 1964, Donald Wexler. Not exactly forward thinking, rather it’s a solid and well-executed example of large-scale residential mid-century modern architecture. It gives the initial impression of a school or library, with the extensive park grounds, but that only adds to the character.

16 – All Worlds Resorts. I couldn’t resist. Here’s how the rest of us live when we’re on vacation.

Still, though, not bad.

For those interested in Palm Springs

mid-century architecture, there’s a great website with more pictures: rebeccaandstephen.com/gallery/midcenturymodern/

Palm Springs Mid-Century Modern.

In August, 2013, Greg and I trekked out to Palm Springs for a friend’s birthday party – I know, an unforgivable time of year, unless you like 110 degrees and 75% humidity! While we were there, we decided to check out mid-century modern neighborhoods, considering retirement is just around the corner (10 years, assuming I’ll be able to retire). What we saw, we liked. We left thinking, “Yeah, we could do this.” But back at home, in Silver Lake, reality set in. The “Sure, why not?” turned into “Hell no!” Still, we love the architecture, and it’s something to keep in mind. . .

01 – Title Page - Palm Springs Modern Committee (PS MODCOM) - A Map of Modern Palm Springs. But you’ll have to plunk down the $5 for your own copy, and support the cause like we did. Sorry.

02 – Racquet Club Estates, Racquet Club Drive & Via Miraleste, 1959 to 1961, William Krisel for the William Alexander Construction Company,– This was our first stop on our adventure. The Racquet Club Estates looks like a great neighborhood, on its way up (hopefully). The entire neighborhood looks almost like it’s right out of the mind of the creator for the Jettson’s. I especially loved the original garage doors.

03 – Alexander Steel Houses, Simms & Sunnyview (300 & 330 E Molino Rd, 3100, 3125, 3133, 3165 Sunny View Dr, & 290 Simms Rd), 1960 – 1962, Donald Wexler and Richard Harrison for the William Alexander Constriction Company. It’s amazing how often the name “William Alexander” comes up when talking mid-century architecture in Palm Springs. Here he attempted something new – houses made of all steel. (I know, desert/steel. Right?) It turned out to be not such a hot idea (or rather, too hot of one). What had been planned as a whole subdivision, ended up realizing only 7 magnificent houses. Number 2 is even on the National Register of Historic Places. You can see some interesting stuff in the eligibility statement with the NPS: ohp.parks.ca.gov/pages/1067/files/steel%20development%20h...

04 – Carey-Pizzoli House, 600 W Panorama Dr, 1946, Albert Frey. This is the kind of house you look at and think, “That’s an ugly mid-1960’s split-level ranch house. Why is it on the PS MODCOM map?” Then you read the description again, and think, “What? 1946?” Then you realize why it’s on the list. It preceded the tract ranch houses by 20 years. The architect, Albert Frey, was visionary.

05 – Shapiro House, 711 W Panorama Dr, 1969, Michael Black. I’m not a fan of Michael Black, but the house is interesting, with the huge private interior courtyard and futuristic Star Wars design.

06 – Franz Alexander House, 1011 W Celio Dr, 1954, Walter White. I’m not so familiar with Walter White’s work, probably because the numbers of structures are few. But what he did, he did well! This house is reminiscent of the early modernists like Neutra and Schindler (evidenced by the long band of windows facing the street and simplicity of design), yet predict the work of new masters like Gehry and Pie (evidenced by the wonderful pagoda roof and the use of common materials).

07 – Palevsky House, 1021 W Celio Dr, 1968, Craig Elwood. A classic modernist compound by a master of his trade.

08 – View of the Coachella Valley from W Celio Drive.

09 – Edris House, 1030 W Celio Dr, 1953, E Stewart Williams. With a commanding view of the Coachella Valley, this house is expertly designed to take in the amazing view. An inverted roof is held down by a rock chimney, anchoring the house to the cliff.

10 – Raymond-Loewy House, 600 W Panorama Rd, 1946, Albert Frey. Perfectly situation on the site, this striking house is nestled in behind boulders and trees for maximum privacy. It’s Albert Frey at his best. Unfortunately, it’s impossible to photograph from the street!

11 – Alexander-May House, 424 W Vista Chino Rd, 1952, Edward Fickett. Quintessential Fickett. Behind the added three-car garage, which now dominates the façade, is the original modernist intent. His

ideas here (especially the entrance) would be widely used in many late 60’s and early 70’s designs.

12 – Kaufmann Desert House, 470 W Vista Chino Rd, 1946, Richard Neutra. He Kaufmann house is a work of art. This is the house which is most-often compared with Frank Lloyd Wright’s Falling Water. What else can you say about Neutra’s design that hasn’t already been said? Nothing. It’s perfect. Simply perfect. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaufmann_Desert_House and en.wikiarquitectura.com/index.php/Kaufmann_House

13 – House of Tomorrow (Robert & Helene Alexander House), 1350 Ladera Cir, 1962, William Krisel. It’s a house! It’s a plane! It’s. . it’s. . . different. I’m not sure what I expected from the “House of Tomorrow,” but this wasn’t quite it. It’s more like the “House of Yesterday’s Tomorrow.” But it’s still an innovated and charming house. Less charming was the owner’s assistant trying to sell us on $60 per person tour tickets, just to see where Elvis and Priscilla Presley slept on their honeymoon. Really?

14 – Las Palmas Estates, Camino Sur Rd & Via Vadera, 1950’s, William Krisel and Charles DuBois (Separately). These houses are fanciful and fun, and for some inexplicable reason makes you think of Bedrock! Maybe they designed the houses from a neighborhood such as this.

15 – Dina Shore Estate, 432 Hermosa Rd, 1964, Donald Wexler. Not exactly forward thinking, rather it’s a solid and well-executed example of large-scale residential mid-century modern architecture. It gives the initial impression of a school or library, with the extensive park grounds, but that only adds to the character.

16 – All Worlds Resorts. I couldn’t resist. Here’s how the rest of us live when we’re on vacation.

Still, though, not bad.

For those interested in Palm Springs

mid-century architecture, there’s a great website with more pictures: rebeccaandstephen.com/gallery/midcenturymodern/

Palm Springs Mid-Century Modern.

In August, 2013, Greg and I trekked out to Palm Springs for a friend’s birthday party – I know, an unforgivable time of year, unless you like 110 degrees and 75% humidity! While we were there, we decided to check out mid-century modern neighborhoods, considering retirement is just around the corner (10 years, assuming I’ll be able to retire). What we saw, we liked. We left thinking, “Yeah, we could do this.” But back at home, in Silver Lake, reality set in. The “Sure, why not?” turned into “Hell no!” Still, we love the architecture, and it’s something to keep in mind. . .

01 – Title Page - Palm Springs Modern Committee (PS MODCOM) - A Map of Modern Palm Springs. But you’ll have to plunk down the $5 for your own copy, and support the cause like we did. Sorry.

02 – Racquet Club Estates, Racquet Club Drive & Via Miraleste, 1959 to 1961, William Krisel for the William Alexander Construction Company,– This was our first stop on our adventure. The Racquet Club Estates looks like a great neighborhood, on its way up (hopefully). The entire neighborhood looks almost like it’s right out of the mind of the creator for the Jettson’s. I especially loved the original garage doors.

03 – Alexander Steel Houses, Simms & Sunnyview (300 & 330 E Molino Rd, 3100, 3125, 3133, 3165 Sunny View Dr, & 290 Simms Rd), 1960 – 1962, Donald Wexler and Richard Harrison for the William Alexander Constriction Company. It’s amazing how often the name “William Alexander” comes up when talking mid-century architecture in Palm Springs. Here he attempted something new – houses made of all steel. (I know, desert/steel. Right?) It turned out to be not such a hot idea (or rather, too hot of one). What had been planned as a whole subdivision, ended up realizing only 7 magnificent houses. Number 2 is even on the National Register of Historic Places. You can see some interesting stuff in the eligibility statement with the NPS: ohp.parks.ca.gov/pages/1067/files/steel%20development%20h...

04 – Carey-Pizzoli House, 600 W Panorama Dr, 1946, Albert Frey. This is the kind of house you look at and think, “That’s an ugly mid-1960’s split-level ranch house. Why is it on the PS MODCOM map?” Then you read the description again, and think, “What? 1946?” Then you realize why it’s on the list. It preceded the tract ranch houses by 20 years. The architect, Albert Frey, was visionary.

05 – Shapiro House, 711 W Panorama Dr, 1969, Michael Black. I’m not a fan of Michael Black, but the house is interesting, with the huge private interior courtyard and futuristic Star Wars design.

06 – Franz Alexander House, 1011 W Celio Dr, 1954, Walter White. I’m not so familiar with Walter White’s work, probably because the numbers of structures are few. But what he did, he did well! This house is reminiscent of the early modernists like Neutra and Schindler (evidenced by the long band of windows facing the street and simplicity of design), yet predict the work of new masters like Gehry and Pie (evidenced by the wonderful pagoda roof and the use of common materials).

07 – Palevsky House, 1021 W Celio Dr, 1968, Craig Elwood. A classic modernist compound by a master of his trade.

08 – View of the Coachella Valley from W Celio Drive.

09 – Edris House, 1030 W Celio Dr, 1953, E Stewart Williams. With a commanding view of the Coachella Valley, this house is expertly designed to take in the amazing view. An inverted roof is held down by a rock chimney, anchoring the house to the cliff.

10 – Raymond-Loewy House, 600 W Panorama Rd, 1946, Albert Frey. Perfectly situation on the site, this striking house is nestled in behind boulders and trees for maximum privacy. It’s Albert Frey at his best. Unfortunately, it’s impossible to photograph from the street!

11 – Alexander-May House, 424 W Vista Chino Rd, 1952, Edward Fickett. Quintessential Fickett. Behind the added three-car garage, which now dominates the façade, is the original modernist intent. His

ideas here (especially the entrance) would be widely used in many late 60’s and early 70’s designs.

12 – Kaufmann Desert House, 470 W Vista Chino Rd, 1946, Richard Neutra. He Kaufmann house is a work of art. This is the house which is most-often compared with Frank Lloyd Wright’s Falling Water. What else can you say about Neutra’s design that hasn’t already been said? Nothing. It’s perfect. Simply perfect. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaufmann_Desert_House and en.wikiarquitectura.com/index.php/Kaufmann_House

13 – House of Tomorrow (Robert & Helene Alexander House), 1350 Ladera Cir, 1962, William Krisel. It’s a house! It’s a plane! It’s. . it’s. . . different. I’m not sure what I expected from the “House of Tomorrow,” but this wasn’t quite it. It’s more like the “House of Yesterday’s Tomorrow.” But it’s still an innovated and charming house. Less charming was the owner’s assistant trying to sell us on $60 per person tour tickets, just to see where Elvis and Priscilla Presley slept on their honeymoon. Really?

14 – Las Palmas Estates, Camino Sur Rd & Via Vadera, 1950’s, William Krisel and Charles DuBois (Separately). These houses are fanciful and fun, and for some inexplicable reason makes you think of Bedrock! Maybe they designed the houses from a neighborhood such as this.

15 – Dina Shore Estate, 432 Hermosa Rd, 1964, Donald Wexler. Not exactly forward thinking, rather it’s a solid and well-executed example of large-scale residential mid-century modern architecture. It gives the initial impression of a school or library, with the extensive park grounds, but that only adds to the character.

16 – All Worlds Resorts. I couldn’t resist. Here’s how the rest of us live when we’re on vacation.

Still, though, not bad.

For those interested in Palm Springs

mid-century architecture, there’s a great website with more pictures: rebeccaandstephen.com/gallery/midcenturymodern/

Palm Springs Mid-Century Modern.

In August, 2013, Greg and I trekked out to Palm Springs for a friend’s birthday party – I know, an unforgivable time of year, unless you like 110 degrees and 75% humidity! While we were there, we decided to check out mid-century modern neighborhoods, considering retirement is just around the corner (10 years, assuming I’ll be able to retire). What we saw, we liked. We left thinking, “Yeah, we could do this.” But back at home, in Silver Lake, reality set in. The “Sure, why not?” turned into “Hell no!” Still, we love the architecture, and it’s something to keep in mind. . .

01 – Title Page - Palm Springs Modern Committee (PS MODCOM) - A Map of Modern Palm Springs. But you’ll have to plunk down the $5 for your own copy, and support the cause like we did. Sorry.

02 – Racquet Club Estates, Racquet Club Drive & Via Miraleste, 1959 to 1961, William Krisel for the William Alexander Construction Company,– This was our first stop on our adventure. The Racquet Club Estates looks like a great neighborhood, on its way up (hopefully). The entire neighborhood looks almost like it’s right out of the mind of the creator for the Jettson’s. I especially loved the original garage doors.

03 – Alexander Steel Houses, Simms & Sunnyview (300 & 330 E Molino Rd, 3100, 3125, 3133, 3165 Sunny View Dr, & 290 Simms Rd), 1960 – 1962, Donald Wexler and Richard Harrison for the William Alexander Constriction Company. It’s amazing how often the name “William Alexander” comes up when talking mid-century architecture in Palm Springs. Here he attempted something new – houses made of all steel. (I know, desert/steel. Right?) It turned out to be not such a hot idea (or rather, too hot of one). What had been planned as a whole subdivision, ended up realizing only 7 magnificent houses. Number 2 is even on the National Register of Historic Places. You can see some interesting stuff in the eligibility statement with the NPS: ohp.parks.ca.gov/pages/1067/files/steel%20development%20h...

04 – Carey-Pizzoli House, 600 W Panorama Dr, 1946, Albert Frey. This is the kind of house you look at and think, “That’s an ugly mid-1960’s split-level ranch house. Why is it on the PS MODCOM map?” Then you read the description again, and think, “What? 1946?” Then you realize why it’s on the list. It preceded the tract ranch houses by 20 years. The architect, Albert Frey, was visionary.

05 – Shapiro House, 711 W Panorama Dr, 1969, Michael Black. I’m not a fan of Michael Black, but the house is interesting, with the huge private interior courtyard and futuristic Star Wars design.

06 – Franz Alexander House, 1011 W Celio Dr, 1954, Walter White. I’m not so familiar with Walter White’s work, probably because the numbers of structures are few. But what he did, he did well! This house is reminiscent of the early modernists like Neutra and Schindler (evidenced by the long band of windows facing the street and simplicity of design), yet predict the work of new masters like Gehry and Pie (evidenced by the wonderful pagoda roof and the use of common materials).

07 – Palevsky House, 1021 W Celio Dr, 1968, Craig Elwood. A classic modernist compound by a master of his trade.

08 – View of the Coachella Valley from W Celio Drive.

09 – Edris House, 1030 W Celio Dr, 1953, E Stewart Williams. With a commanding view of the Coachella Valley, this house is expertly designed to take in the amazing view. An inverted roof is held down by a rock chimney, anchoring the house to the cliff.

10 – Raymond-Loewy House, 600 W Panorama Rd, 1946, Albert Frey. Perfectly situation on the site, this striking house is nestled in behind boulders and trees for maximum privacy. It’s Albert Frey at his best. Unfortunately, it’s impossible to photograph from the street!

11 – Alexander-May House, 424 W Vista Chino Rd, 1952, Edward Fickett. Quintessential Fickett. Behind the added three-car garage, which now dominates the façade, is the original modernist intent. His

ideas here (especially the entrance) would be widely used in many late 60’s and early 70’s designs.

12 – Kaufmann Desert House, 470 W Vista Chino Rd, 1946, Richard Neutra. He Kaufmann house is a work of art. This is the house which is most-often compared with Frank Lloyd Wright’s Falling Water. What else can you say about Neutra’s design that hasn’t already been said? Nothing. It’s perfect. Simply perfect. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaufmann_Desert_House and en.wikiarquitectura.com/index.php/Kaufmann_House

13 – House of Tomorrow (Robert & Helene Alexander House), 1350 Ladera Cir, 1962, William Krisel. It’s a house! It’s a plane! It’s. . it’s. . . different. I’m not sure what I expected from the “House of Tomorrow,” but this wasn’t quite it. It’s more like the “House of Yesterday’s Tomorrow.” But it’s still an innovated and charming house. Less charming was the owner’s assistant trying to sell us on $60 per person tour tickets, just to see where Elvis and Priscilla Presley slept on their honeymoon. Really?

14 – Las Palmas Estates, Camino Sur Rd & Via Vadera, 1950’s, William Krisel and Charles DuBois (Separately). These houses are fanciful and fun, and for some inexplicable reason makes you think of Bedrock! Maybe they designed the houses from a neighborhood such as this.

15 – Dina Shore Estate, 432 Hermosa Rd, 1964, Donald Wexler. Not exactly forward thinking, rather it’s a solid and well-executed example of large-scale residential mid-century modern architecture. It gives the initial impression of a school or library, with the extensive park grounds, but that only adds to the character.

16 – All Worlds Resorts. I couldn’t resist. Here’s how the rest of us live when we’re on vacation.

Still, though, not bad.

For those interested in Palm Springs

mid-century architecture, there’s a great website with more pictures: rebeccaandstephen.com/gallery/midcenturymodern/

Palm Springs Mid-Century Modern.

In August, 2013, Greg and I trekked out to Palm Springs for a friend’s birthday party – I know, an unforgivable time of year, unless you like 110 degrees and 75% humidity! While we were there, we decided to check out mid-century modern neighborhoods, considering retirement is just around the corner (10 years, assuming I’ll be able to retire). What we saw, we liked. We left thinking, “Yeah, we could do this.” But back at home, in Silver Lake, reality set in. The “Sure, why not?” turned into “Hell no!” Still, we love the architecture, and it’s something to keep in mind. . .

01 – Title Page - Palm Springs Modern Committee (PS MODCOM) - A Map of Modern Palm Springs. But you’ll have to plunk down the $5 for your own copy, and support the cause like we did. Sorry.

02 – Racquet Club Estates, Racquet Club Drive & Via Miraleste, 1959 to 1961, William Krisel for the William Alexander Construction Company,– This was our first stop on our adventure. The Racquet Club Estates looks like a great neighborhood, on its way up (hopefully). The entire neighborhood looks almost like it’s right out of the mind of the creator for the Jettson’s. I especially loved the original garage doors.

03 – Alexander Steel Houses, Simms & Sunnyview (300 & 330 E Molino Rd, 3100, 3125, 3133, 3165 Sunny View Dr, & 290 Simms Rd), 1960 – 1962, Donald Wexler and Richard Harrison for the William Alexander Constriction Company. It’s amazing how often the name “William Alexander” comes up when talking mid-century architecture in Palm Springs. Here he attempted something new – houses made of all steel. (I know, desert/steel. Right?) It turned out to be not such a hot idea (or rather, too hot of one). What had been planned as a whole subdivision, ended up realizing only 7 magnificent houses. Number 2 is even on the National Register of Historic Places. You can see some interesting stuff in the eligibility statement with the NPS: ohp.parks.ca.gov/pages/1067/files/steel%20development%20h...

04 – Carey-Pizzoli House, 600 W Panorama Dr, 1946, Albert Frey. This is the kind of house you look at and think, “That’s an ugly mid-1960’s split-level ranch house. Why is it on the PS MODCOM map?” Then you read the description again, and think, “What? 1946?” Then you realize why it’s on the list. It preceded the tract ranch houses by 20 years. The architect, Albert Frey, was visionary.

05 – Shapiro House, 711 W Panorama Dr, 1969, Michael Black. I’m not a fan of Michael Black, but the house is interesting, with the huge private interior courtyard and futuristic Star Wars design.

06 – Franz Alexander House, 1011 W Celio Dr, 1954, Walter White. I’m not so familiar with Walter White’s work, probably because the numbers of structures are few. But what he did, he did well! This house is reminiscent of the early modernists like Neutra and Schindler (evidenced by the long band of windows facing the street and simplicity of design), yet predict the work of new masters like Gehry and Pie (evidenced by the wonderful pagoda roof and the use of common materials).

07 – Palevsky House, 1021 W Celio Dr, 1968, Craig Elwood. A classic modernist compound by a master of his trade.

08 – View of the Coachella Valley from W Celio Drive.

09 – Edris House, 1030 W Celio Dr, 1953, E Stewart Williams. With a commanding view of the Coachella Valley, this house is expertly designed to take in the amazing view. An inverted roof is held down by a rock chimney, anchoring the house to the cliff.

10 – Raymond-Loewy House, 600 W Panorama Rd, 1946, Albert Frey. Perfectly situation on the site, this striking house is nestled in behind boulders and trees for maximum privacy. It’s Albert Frey at his best. Unfortunately, it’s impossible to photograph from the street!

11 – Alexander-May House, 424 W Vista Chino Rd, 1952, Edward Fickett. Quintessential Fickett. Behind the added three-car garage, which now dominates the façade, is the original modernist intent. His

ideas here (especially the entrance) would be widely used in many late 60’s and early 70’s designs.

12 – Kaufmann Desert House, 470 W Vista Chino Rd, 1946, Richard Neutra. He Kaufmann house is a work of art. This is the house which is most-often compared with Frank Lloyd Wright’s Falling Water. What else can you say about Neutra’s design that hasn’t already been said? Nothing. It’s perfect. Simply perfect. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaufmann_Desert_House and en.wikiarquitectura.com/index.php/Kaufmann_House

13 – House of Tomorrow (Robert & Helene Alexander House), 1350 Ladera Cir, 1962, William Krisel. It’s a house! It’s a plane! It’s. . it’s. . . different. I’m not sure what I expected from the “House of Tomorrow,” but this wasn’t quite it. It’s more like the “House of Yesterday’s Tomorrow.” But it’s still an innovated and charming house. Less charming was the owner’s assistant trying to sell us on $60 per person tour tickets, just to see where Elvis and Priscilla Presley slept on their honeymoon. Really?

14 – Las Palmas Estates, Camino Sur Rd & Via Vadera, 1950’s, William Krisel and Charles DuBois (Separately). These houses are fanciful and fun, and for some inexplicable reason makes you think of Bedrock! Maybe they designed the houses from a neighborhood such as this.

15 – Dina Shore Estate, 432 Hermosa Rd, 1964, Donald Wexler. Not exactly forward thinking, rather it’s a solid and well-executed example of large-scale residential mid-century modern architecture. It gives the initial impression of a school or library, with the extensive park grounds, but that only adds to the character.

16 – All Worlds Resorts. I couldn’t resist. Here’s how the rest of us live when we’re on vacation.

Still, though, not bad.

For those interested in Palm Springs

mid-century architecture, there’s a great website with more pictures: rebeccaandstephen.com/gallery/midcenturymodern/

Mrs. Snyder’s Pileated Woodpeckers

I was just 16, a sweet innocent kid, whose forte was not school life. When that last bell rang at three, I was down the hall and out the door. Nevertheless, thanks to the library, I did a lot of independent reading. I learned the world was far more than the simplicity of my street, a row of small bungalows. Nine years earlier it had been a pasture with singing Meadowlarks, calling Bobwhites, Queen Anne’s Lace, fireflies and Black Swallowtails. But the streets kept expanding in all directions. The woods and fields kept shrinking into smaller patches. Finally, there was nothing but homes, sidewalks and lawns—farewell to paradise, welcome to a Detroit suburb. Despite the ongoing urbanization, the outdoors never stopped calling out to me. Unlike many of my peers, I didn’t spend much time in front of a TV. I tuned in to whatever the seasons had to offer. My treasured discoveries often were when I was alone.

For the last few years my focus had been shifting from butterflies, snakes and turtles to birds. The ninth of March, 1963, was a nippy morning, perhaps in the upper 20’s. Straight ahead was Huron Point on Lake Saint Clair, being the main feature of Metro Beach Metropark. The insides of my cheap tennis shoes were without snow melt. No wind was stinging my face or cutting through my shabby pants. The almost mile-long beach to the point was an easy walk. This was my third March on Huron Point, a place of the unexpected, especially when a silent sky listens to the sudden snapping and groaning of buckling ice. Migrating Tundra Swans often gave wonderful flyby views. Hearing the flocks was the sound of winter breaking up. It was a thrill, a simple one at that, just to know their destination, the faraway tundra, a region easily located in a geographical atlas at the Saint Clair Shores library.

During the previous three years, I had encountered one, maybe two, bird watchers at Metro Beach. Today was to be memorable. I beheld in the distance a group of people on Huron Point. They had scopes mounted on tripods, something I had never seen. With shyness I approached them and learned they were members of the Detroit Audubon Society on a field trip to see waterfowl, in particular, the staging swans. They were old enough to be my folks or even grandparents, except for Chris Feeney who was the first birder of school age I ever met. He would turn out be a life-long friend.

Guiding the group was Sergej Postupalsky, standing taller than everyone present. He was in his late twenties, a man of sturdy build though thin of frame. His Slavic accent and resonant voice easily gained one’s attention. In time I was to learn from him that his father, an academic of Saint Petersburg State University, fled Russia on account of the 1917 Revolution and settled in Czechoslovakia, where he married a Czech, Sergej being their son. On account of the Third Reich’s incorporation of Czech lands during 1938-45, Sergej was educated in German, but spoke Russian and Czech at home. The Soviet takeover of postwar Czechoslovakia forced his family to flee. They eventually immigrated to the United States. It was through the window of a train departing the New York City area that Sergej, as a teenager, had his first view of a Bald Eagle, a close-up along the Hudson. So, here he was, an arrival in a new country, seeing of all things its national symbol, live and free. This experience was the spark that would ignite his life-long activity with raptors, particularly, his field work with Ospreys and Bald Eagles.

As an earnest student of birds, I must have made an impression. Sergej welcomed me to join him on a field trip. Picking me up was easy. He lived just six miles away on Lozier Street in Warren. The following May we went Up North in Michigan. I couldn’t ask for a better teacher and guide. It was a grand tour of nest sites with an emphasis on Ospreys and Bald Eagles. First was Michelson’s Landing by outboard for nesting Ospreys; one nest was low enough on a White Pine stump to see two eggs. Also viewed were nests of Least Bittern, Black Tern and Pied-billed Grebe. The rest of the trip was spent searching for or observing active Bald Eagle nests at Bull Lake, Burt Lake and Black Lake.

Sergej was a wit, a master of dry humor, but a no nonsense guy when it came to the science of raptors. We were not in northern Michigan to simply run around listing birds as objects for a score in some competitive activity. He introduced me to the importance of birds as indicators of environmental health. What hurts an eagle can ultimately hurt you. In those days, thanks to DDT, Ospreys and Bald Eagles were heading for extinction, at least in parts of the Great Lakes. Getting data on the breeding success or failure of Osprey and Bald Eagle populations by location was of utmost importance.

May 26th, a Sunday, was to have its low moment and its high moment. That morning, Sergej was scanning a distant eagle’s nest. He said, “You should have been looking through the scope. I just saw a flyby Pileated.“ Even if I had my binoculars up I wouldn’t have seen it. It was that far out. Nevertheless my spirit was somewhat dampened for the rest of the day.

The afternoon turned out to be comfortably warm; the delicate green of fresh forest growth filtered the sunshine. Biting bugs were yet to hatch—it couldn’t be a better day. We were on the east side of the Black River near where it flows into Black Lake. Then trouble began. Sergej’s impressive Chrysler wouldn’t start. I had to be in school tomorrow morning and he had to be at work. Home by the fastest route in those days was a good 300 miles. Sergej tinkered under the hood. Still it wouldn’t start. He needed a phone. It so happened we were parked close to a house. He knocked and was invited in.

Meanwhile I remained in the car with all the windows down, now and then taking looks at a migrant Wilson’s Warbler in the roadside shrubs. It was getting to be about seven o’clock. Sergej’s stay in the house was getting a bit too long. To pass time, I leafed through my Peterson guide. I had the book opened to the woodpecker plate just as the lady of the house, Mrs. Snyder, approached and looked into the car. She took a look at the plate.

“Have you ever seen a Pileated Woodpecker?”

“No.”

“Would you like to?”

“Yes! Where?”

“Oh, about sixty feet from here. I’ll show you.”

About 60 feet from her house and about 50 feet back from the road, an aspen stub some 20 feet high stood on the edge of a wooded swamp. The nest hole was two feet from the top. Mrs. Snyder said the pair had been on the nest for about two weeks.

“Just wait here, you’ll see them.”

I sat on the ground, about 30 feet away, my back against a tree trunk. Maybe ten minutes or so passed; I heard nearby cackling. The male alighted on the stub and tapped. The female flew out of the nest hole. He cautiously eyed me before entering the nest. When a loud vehicle drove by, he poked his head out with raised crest then withdrew out of sight. The pair exchanged nest duties three times, the male entered on the last observed exchange.

So, I didn’t have to die to know what heaven is all about; I was already there with a pair of nesting Pileated Woodpeckers. I hoped Sergej's car would never start. After about 45 minutes reality set in. A loose ground wire was tightened, the car started—time to go home. I thanked Mrs. Snyder and we were off. The next day, I wasn’t tired one bit in school, though I had arrived home well after midnight. Euphoria was still flowing through me.

Alan Ryff

Palm Springs Mid-Century Modern.

In August, 2013, Greg and I trekked out to Palm Springs for a friend’s birthday party – I know, an unforgivable time of year, unless you like 110 degrees and 75% humidity! While we were there, we decided to check out mid-century modern neighborhoods, considering retirement is just around the corner (10 years, assuming I’ll be able to retire). What we saw, we liked. We left thinking, “Yeah, we could do this.” But back at home, in Silver Lake, reality set in. The “Sure, why not?” turned into “Hell no!” Still, we love the architecture, and it’s something to keep in mind. . .

01 – Title Page - Palm Springs Modern Committee (PS MODCOM) - A Map of Modern Palm Springs. But you’ll have to plunk down the $5 for your own copy, and support the cause like we did. Sorry.

02 – Racquet Club Estates, Racquet Club Drive & Via Miraleste, 1959 to 1961, William Krisel for the William Alexander Construction Company,– This was our first stop on our adventure. The Racquet Club Estates looks like a great neighborhood, on its way up (hopefully). The entire neighborhood looks almost like it’s right out of the mind of the creator for the Jettson’s. I especially loved the original garage doors.

03 – Alexander Steel Houses, Simms & Sunnyview (300 & 330 E Molino Rd, 3100, 3125, 3133, 3165 Sunny View Dr, & 290 Simms Rd), 1960 – 1962, Donald Wexler and Richard Harrison for the William Alexander Constriction Company. It’s amazing how often the name “William Alexander” comes up when talking mid-century architecture in Palm Springs. Here he attempted something new – houses made of all steel. (I know, desert/steel. Right?) It turned out to be not such a hot idea (or rather, too hot of one). What had been planned as a whole subdivision, ended up realizing only 7 magnificent houses. Number 2 is even on the National Register of Historic Places. You can see some interesting stuff in the eligibility statement with the NPS: ohp.parks.ca.gov/pages/1067/files/steel%20development%20h...

04 – Carey-Pizzoli House, 600 W Panorama Dr, 1946, Albert Frey. This is the kind of house you look at and think, “That’s an ugly mid-1960’s split-level ranch house. Why is it on the PS MODCOM map?” Then you read the description again, and think, “What? 1946?” Then you realize why it’s on the list. It preceded the tract ranch houses by 20 years. The architect, Albert Frey, was visionary.

05 – Shapiro House, 711 W Panorama Dr, 1969, Michael Black. I’m not a fan of Michael Black, but the house is interesting, with the huge private interior courtyard and futuristic Star Wars design.

06 – Franz Alexander House, 1011 W Celio Dr, 1954, Walter White. I’m not so familiar with Walter White’s work, probably because the numbers of structures are few. But what he did, he did well! This house is reminiscent of the early modernists like Neutra and Schindler (evidenced by the long band of windows facing the street and simplicity of design), yet predict the work of new masters like Gehry and Pie (evidenced by the wonderful pagoda roof and the use of common materials).

07 – Palevsky House, 1021 W Celio Dr, 1968, Craig Elwood. A classic modernist compound by a master of his trade.

08 – View of the Coachella Valley from W Celio Drive.

09 – Edris House, 1030 W Celio Dr, 1953, E Stewart Williams. With a commanding view of the Coachella Valley, this house is expertly designed to take in the amazing view. An inverted roof is held down by a rock chimney, anchoring the house to the cliff.

10 – Raymond-Loewy House, 600 W Panorama Rd, 1946, Albert Frey. Perfectly situation on the site, this striking house is nestled in behind boulders and trees for maximum privacy. It’s Albert Frey at his best. Unfortunately, it’s impossible to photograph from the street!

11 – Alexander-May House, 424 W Vista Chino Rd, 1952, Edward Fickett. Quintessential Fickett. Behind the added three-car garage, which now dominates the façade, is the original modernist intent. His

ideas here (especially the entrance) would be widely used in many late 60’s and early 70’s designs.

12 – Kaufmann Desert House, 470 W Vista Chino Rd, 1946, Richard Neutra. He Kaufmann house is a work of art. This is the house which is most-often compared with Frank Lloyd Wright’s Falling Water. What else can you say about Neutra’s design that hasn’t already been said? Nothing. It’s perfect. Simply perfect. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaufmann_Desert_House and en.wikiarquitectura.com/index.php/Kaufmann_House

13 – House of Tomorrow (Robert & Helene Alexander House), 1350 Ladera Cir, 1962, William Krisel. It’s a house! It’s a plane! It’s. . it’s. . . different. I’m not sure what I expected from the “House of Tomorrow,” but this wasn’t quite it. It’s more like the “House of Yesterday’s Tomorrow.” But it’s still an innovated and charming house. Less charming was the owner’s assistant trying to sell us on $60 per person tour tickets, just to see where Elvis and Priscilla Presley slept on their honeymoon. Really?

14 – Las Palmas Estates, Camino Sur Rd & Via Vadera, 1950’s, William Krisel and Charles DuBois (Separately). These houses are fanciful and fun, and for some inexplicable reason makes you think of Bedrock! Maybe they designed the houses from a neighborhood such as this.

15 – Dina Shore Estate, 432 Hermosa Rd, 1964, Donald Wexler. Not exactly forward thinking, rather it’s a solid and well-executed example of large-scale residential mid-century modern architecture. It gives the initial impression of a school or library, with the extensive park grounds, but that only adds to the character.

16 – All Worlds Resorts. I couldn’t resist. Here’s how the rest of us live when we’re on vacation.

Still, though, not bad.

For those interested in Palm Springs

mid-century architecture, there’s a great website with more pictures: rebeccaandstephen.com/gallery/midcenturymodern/

Palm Springs Mid-Century Modern.

In August, 2013, Greg and I trekked out to Palm Springs for a friend’s birthday party – I know, an unforgivable time of year, unless you like 110 degrees and 75% humidity! While we were there, we decided to check out mid-century modern neighborhoods, considering retirement is just around the corner (10 years, assuming I’ll be able to retire). What we saw, we liked. We left thinking, “Yeah, we could do this.” But back at home, in Silver Lake, reality set in. The “Sure, why not?” turned into “Hell no!” Still, we love the architecture, and it’s something to keep in mind. . .

01 – Title Page - Palm Springs Modern Committee (PS MODCOM) - A Map of Modern Palm Springs. But you’ll have to plunk down the $5 for your own copy, and support the cause like we did. Sorry.

02 – Racquet Club Estates, Racquet Club Drive & Via Miraleste, 1959 to 1961, William Krisel for the William Alexander Construction Company,– This was our first stop on our adventure. The Racquet Club Estates looks like a great neighborhood, on its way up (hopefully). The entire neighborhood looks almost like it’s right out of the mind of the creator for the Jettson’s. I especially loved the original garage doors.

03 – Alexander Steel Houses, Simms & Sunnyview (300 & 330 E Molino Rd, 3100, 3125, 3133, 3165 Sunny View Dr, & 290 Simms Rd), 1960 – 1962, Donald Wexler and Richard Harrison for the William Alexander Constriction Company. It’s amazing how often the name “William Alexander” comes up when talking mid-century architecture in Palm Springs. Here he attempted something new – houses made of all steel. (I know, desert/steel. Right?) It turned out to be not such a hot idea (or rather, too hot of one). What had been planned as a whole subdivision, ended up realizing only 7 magnificent houses. Number 2 is even on the National Register of Historic Places. You can see some interesting stuff in the eligibility statement with the NPS: ohp.parks.ca.gov/pages/1067/files/steel%20development%20h...

04 – Carey-Pizzoli House, 600 W Panorama Dr, 1946, Albert Frey. This is the kind of house you look at and think, “That’s an ugly mid-1960’s split-level ranch house. Why is it on the PS MODCOM map?” Then you read the description again, and think, “What? 1946?” Then you realize why it’s on the list. It preceded the tract ranch houses by 20 years. The architect, Albert Frey, was visionary.

05 – Shapiro House, 711 W Panorama Dr, 1969, Michael Black. I’m not a fan of Michael Black, but the house is interesting, with the huge private interior courtyard and futuristic Star Wars design.

06 – Franz Alexander House, 1011 W Celio Dr, 1954, Walter White. I’m not so familiar with Walter White’s work, probably because the numbers of structures are few. But what he did, he did well! This house is reminiscent of the early modernists like Neutra and Schindler (evidenced by the long band of windows facing the street and simplicity of design), yet predict the work of new masters like Gehry and Pie (evidenced by the wonderful pagoda roof and the use of common materials).

07 – Palevsky House, 1021 W Celio Dr, 1968, Craig Elwood. A classic modernist compound by a master of his trade.

08 – View of the Coachella Valley from W Celio Drive.

09 – Edris House, 1030 W Celio Dr, 1953, E Stewart Williams. With a commanding view of the Coachella Valley, this house is expertly designed to take in the amazing view. An inverted roof is held down by a rock chimney, anchoring the house to the cliff.

10 – Raymond-Loewy House, 600 W Panorama Rd, 1946, Albert Frey. Perfectly situation on the site, this striking house is nestled in behind boulders and trees for maximum privacy. It’s Albert Frey at his best. Unfortunately, it’s impossible to photograph from the street!

11 – Alexander-May House, 424 W Vista Chino Rd, 1952, Edward Fickett. Quintessential Fickett. Behind the added three-car garage, which now dominates the façade, is the original modernist intent. His

ideas here (especially the entrance) would be widely used in many late 60’s and early 70’s designs.

12 – Kaufmann Desert House, 470 W Vista Chino Rd, 1946, Richard Neutra. He Kaufmann house is a work of art. This is the house which is most-often compared with Frank Lloyd Wright’s Falling Water. What else can you say about Neutra’s design that hasn’t already been said? Nothing. It’s perfect. Simply perfect. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaufmann_Desert_House and en.wikiarquitectura.com/index.php/Kaufmann_House

13 – House of Tomorrow (Robert & Helene Alexander House), 1350 Ladera Cir, 1962, William Krisel. It’s a house! It’s a plane! It’s. . it’s. . . different. I’m not sure what I expected from the “House of Tomorrow,” but this wasn’t quite it. It’s more like the “House of Yesterday’s Tomorrow.” But it’s still an innovated and charming house. Less charming was the owner’s assistant trying to sell us on $60 per person tour tickets, just to see where Elvis and Priscilla Presley slept on their honeymoon. Really?

14 – Las Palmas Estates, Camino Sur Rd & Via Vadera, 1950’s, William Krisel and Charles DuBois (Separately). These houses are fanciful and fun, and for some inexplicable reason makes you think of Bedrock! Maybe they designed the houses from a neighborhood such as this.

15 – Dina Shore Estate, 432 Hermosa Rd, 1964, Donald Wexler. Not exactly forward thinking, rather it’s a solid and well-executed example of large-scale residential mid-century modern architecture. It gives the initial impression of a school or library, with the extensive park grounds, but that only adds to the character.

16 – All Worlds Resorts. I couldn’t resist. Here’s how the rest of us live when we’re on vacation.

Still, though, not bad.

For those interested in Palm Springs

mid-century architecture, there’s a great website with more pictures: rebeccaandstephen.com/gallery/midcenturymodern/

Palm Springs Mid-Century Modern.

In August, 2013, Greg and I trekked out to Palm Springs for a friend’s birthday party – I know, an unforgivable time of year, unless you like 110 degrees and 75% humidity! While we were there, we decided to check out mid-century modern neighborhoods, considering retirement is just around the corner (10 years, assuming I’ll be able to retire). What we saw, we liked. We left thinking, “Yeah, we could do this.” But back at home, in Silver Lake, reality set in. The “Sure, why not?” turned into “Hell no!” Still, we love the architecture, and it’s something to keep in mind. . .

01 – Title Page - Palm Springs Modern Committee (PS MODCOM) - A Map of Modern Palm Springs. But you’ll have to plunk down the $5 for your own copy, and support the cause like we did. Sorry.

02 – Racquet Club Estates, Racquet Club Drive & Via Miraleste, 1959 to 1961, William Krisel for the William Alexander Construction Company,– This was our first stop on our adventure. The Racquet Club Estates looks like a great neighborhood, on its way up (hopefully). The entire neighborhood looks almost like it’s right out of the mind of the creator for the Jettson’s. I especially loved the original garage doors.

03 – Alexander Steel Houses, Simms & Sunnyview (300 & 330 E Molino Rd, 3100, 3125, 3133, 3165 Sunny View Dr, & 290 Simms Rd), 1960 – 1962, Donald Wexler and Richard Harrison for the William Alexander Constriction Company. It’s amazing how often the name “William Alexander” comes up when talking mid-century architecture in Palm Springs. Here he attempted something new – houses made of all steel. (I know, desert/steel. Right?) It turned out to be not such a hot idea (or rather, too hot of one). What had been planned as a whole subdivision, ended up realizing only 7 magnificent houses. Number 2 is even on the National Register of Historic Places. You can see some interesting stuff in the eligibility statement with the NPS: ohp.parks.ca.gov/pages/1067/files/steel%20development%20h...

04 – Carey-Pizzoli House, 600 W Panorama Dr, 1946, Albert Frey. This is the kind of house you look at and think, “That’s an ugly mid-1960’s split-level ranch house. Why is it on the PS MODCOM map?” Then you read the description again, and think, “What? 1946?” Then you realize why it’s on the list. It preceded the tract ranch houses by 20 years. The architect, Albert Frey, was visionary.

05 – Shapiro House, 711 W Panorama Dr, 1969, Michael Black. I’m not a fan of Michael Black, but the house is interesting, with the huge private interior courtyard and futuristic Star Wars design.

06 – Franz Alexander House, 1011 W Celio Dr, 1954, Walter White. I’m not so familiar with Walter White’s work, probably because the numbers of structures are few. But what he did, he did well! This house is reminiscent of the early modernists like Neutra and Schindler (evidenced by the long band of windows facing the street and simplicity of design), yet predict the work of new masters like Gehry and Pie (evidenced by the wonderful pagoda roof and the use of common materials).

07 – Palevsky House, 1021 W Celio Dr, 1968, Craig Elwood. A classic modernist compound by a master of his trade.

08 – View of the Coachella Valley from W Celio Drive.

09 – Edris House, 1030 W Celio Dr, 1953, E Stewart Williams. With a commanding view of the Coachella Valley, this house is expertly designed to take in the amazing view. An inverted roof is held down by a rock chimney, anchoring the house to the cliff.

10 – Raymond-Loewy House, 600 W Panorama Rd, 1946, Albert Frey. Perfectly situation on the site, this striking house is nestled in behind boulders and trees for maximum privacy. It’s Albert Frey at his best. Unfortunately, it’s impossible to photograph from the street!

11 – Alexander-May House, 424 W Vista Chino Rd, 1952, Edward Fickett. Quintessential Fickett. Behind the added three-car garage, which now dominates the façade, is the original modernist intent. His

ideas here (especially the entrance) would be widely used in many late 60’s and early 70’s designs.

12 – Kaufmann Desert House, 470 W Vista Chino Rd, 1946, Richard Neutra. He Kaufmann house is a work of art. This is the house which is most-often compared with Frank Lloyd Wright’s Falling Water. What else can you say about Neutra’s design that hasn’t already been said? Nothing. It’s perfect. Simply perfect. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaufmann_Desert_House and en.wikiarquitectura.com/index.php/Kaufmann_House

13 – House of Tomorrow (Robert & Helene Alexander House), 1350 Ladera Cir, 1962, William Krisel. It’s a house! It’s a plane! It’s. . it’s. . . different. I’m not sure what I expected from the “House of Tomorrow,” but this wasn’t quite it. It’s more like the “House of Yesterday’s Tomorrow.” But it’s still an innovated and charming house. Less charming was the owner’s assistant trying to sell us on $60 per person tour tickets, just to see where Elvis and Priscilla Presley slept on their honeymoon. Really?

14 – Las Palmas Estates, Camino Sur Rd & Via Vadera, 1950’s, William Krisel and Charles DuBois (Separately). These houses are fanciful and fun, and for some inexplicable reason makes you think of Bedrock! Maybe they designed the houses from a neighborhood such as this.

15 – Dina Shore Estate, 432 Hermosa Rd, 1964, Donald Wexler. Not exactly forward thinking, rather it’s a solid and well-executed example of large-scale residential mid-century modern architecture. It gives the initial impression of a school or library, with the extensive park grounds, but that only adds to the character.

16 – All Worlds Resorts. I couldn’t resist. Here’s how the rest of us live when we’re on vacation.

Still, though, not bad.

For those interested in Palm Springs

mid-century architecture, there’s a great website with more pictures: rebeccaandstephen.com/gallery/midcenturymodern/

In March 1973 Cathay Pacific signed letters of intent with Lockheed for the L-1011 with the center tank feature to enable widebodied comfort on Cathay's regional routes throughout Asia, replacing the venerable old 707s. More Tristars were also optioned in the Cathay order. With a shaky start coinciding with the oil crisis as well as financial tumult at not only some key Lockheed customers (such as Court Line) but also with Lockheed and Rolls-Royce, Cathay would eventually scoop up some ex-Eastern birds to become one of the last major carriers to operate the Tristar. The last flight would be in 1995 from Nagoya, Japan to Taipei, Taiwan and the aircraft found itself replaced by the modern technology in the shape of the A340/A330.

What if things really went south for Lockheed and Rolls-Royce in the 1970s? There never was really any question on which widebodied trijet Cathay would order- the strong British roots of the airline and its home base at Kai Tak made the Rolls-Royce powered L-1011 the clear choice for the airline.

But what if Cathay succumbs to reality around 1975 assuming a complete failure of the Lockheed program had the UK government not placed Rolls-Royce in receivership? I figure that Cathay's British roots would have had the Swire Group attempting a possible financial infusion for Lockheed and Rolls-Royce to save the order, but perhaps financial realities set in and the airline decides to go with DC-10-30s instead.

My illustration above depicts a Cathay Pacific DC-10-30 as it would have appeared around 1983 after having been in service with the airline for approximately five years or so assuming an introduction to service out of Kai Tak in 1978.

The Cathay Tristar fleet at this time had the titles "Super Tristar" emblazoned on the #2 intake sides, but I didn't have the room for something comparable on the DC-10 as the tail design occupied a large part of the engine nacelle- I had initially just had the tail design on the fin, but the large bulk of the #2 nacelle had the scheme too disjointed from the rest of the livery (seems to be a persistent challenge in liveries for the DC-10. Someday I'll do a little review on how various airlines tackled the issue.....). So instead I settled for less elaborate "Super DC-10" titles in white block script under the cockpit.

Over the course of researching this livery for this illustration, I found that there have been subtle changes to Cathay's old livery over the years.

Note this shot: www.airliners.net/open.file/300498/M/ Notice that the Swire Group logo ahead of the fuselage titles is different. This was the older style logo that dated back to the days of the 707s and earlier.

Next evolution: www.airliners.net/open.file/016242/M/ Note the change in the Swire Group logo to the style I used in the illustration. The UK flag is on the fin and "Super Tristar" titles are on the #2 intake sides.

Next slide, please: www.airliners.net/open.file/210531/M/ Notice how the "SuperTristar" titles have been removed?

And then: www.airliners.net/open.file/293958/M/ The UK flag on the fin is now gone, thanks to political pressure from the neighbor to the north. This is the final variation that Cathay's Tristars wore.

Pretty much everything else about the early 1980s variation I tried to carry over to the DC-10-30 airframe. Even the #1 and #2 nacelles were left baremetal, there's an area of baremetal at the aft fuselage (though on Cathay's 707s and 747s this was actually slanted forward for some reason) and the registration is carried on the fin below the UK flag. And the registration VH-HOK is actually one carried by one of Cathay's first Tristars.

Enjoy!

Palm Springs Mid-Century Modern.

In August, 2013, Greg and I trekked out to Palm Springs for a friend’s birthday party – I know, an unforgivable time of year, unless you like 110 degrees and 75% humidity! While we were there, we decided to check out mid-century modern neighborhoods, considering retirement is just around the corner (10 years, assuming I’ll be able to retire). What we saw, we liked. We left thinking, “Yeah, we could do this.” But back at home, in Silver Lake, reality set in. The “Sure, why not?” turned into “Hell no!” Still, we love the architecture, and it’s something to keep in mind. . .

01 – Title Page - Palm Springs Modern Committee (PS MODCOM) - A Map of Modern Palm Springs. But you’ll have to plunk down the $5 for your own copy, and support the cause like we did. Sorry.

02 – Racquet Club Estates, Racquet Club Drive & Via Miraleste, 1959 to 1961, William Krisel for the William Alexander Construction Company,– This was our first stop on our adventure. The Racquet Club Estates looks like a great neighborhood, on its way up (hopefully). The entire neighborhood looks almost like it’s right out of the mind of the creator for the Jettson’s. I especially loved the original garage doors.

03 – Alexander Steel Houses, Simms & Sunnyview (300 & 330 E Molino Rd, 3100, 3125, 3133, 3165 Sunny View Dr, & 290 Simms Rd), 1960 – 1962, Donald Wexler and Richard Harrison for the William Alexander Constriction Company. It’s amazing how often the name “William Alexander” comes up when talking mid-century architecture in Palm Springs. Here he attempted something new – houses made of all steel. (I know, desert/steel. Right?) It turned out to be not such a hot idea (or rather, too hot of one). What had been planned as a whole subdivision, ended up realizing only 7 magnificent houses. Number 2 is even on the National Register of Historic Places. You can see some interesting stuff in the eligibility statement with the NPS: ohp.parks.ca.gov/pages/1067/files/steel%20development%20h...

04 – Carey-Pizzoli House, 600 W Panorama Dr, 1946, Albert Frey. This is the kind of house you look at and think, “That’s an ugly mid-1960’s split-level ranch house. Why is it on the PS MODCOM map?” Then you read the description again, and think, “What? 1946?” Then you realize why it’s on the list. It preceded the tract ranch houses by 20 years. The architect, Albert Frey, was visionary.

05 – Shapiro House, 711 W Panorama Dr, 1969, Michael Black. I’m not a fan of Michael Black, but the house is interesting, with the huge private interior courtyard and futuristic Star Wars design.

06 – Franz Alexander House, 1011 W Celio Dr, 1954, Walter White. I’m not so familiar with Walter White’s work, probably because the numbers of structures are few. But what he did, he did well! This house is reminiscent of the early modernists like Neutra and Schindler (evidenced by the long band of windows facing the street and simplicity of design), yet predict the work of new masters like Gehry and Pie (evidenced by the wonderful pagoda roof and the use of common materials).

07 – Palevsky House, 1021 W Celio Dr, 1968, Craig Elwood. A classic modernist compound by a master of his trade.

08 – View of the Coachella Valley from W Celio Drive.

09 – Edris House, 1030 W Celio Dr, 1953, E Stewart Williams. With a commanding view of the Coachella Valley, this house is expertly designed to take in the amazing view. An inverted roof is held down by a rock chimney, anchoring the house to the cliff.

10 – Raymond-Loewy House, 600 W Panorama Rd, 1946, Albert Frey. Perfectly situation on the site, this striking house is nestled in behind boulders and trees for maximum privacy. It’s Albert Frey at his best. Unfortunately, it’s impossible to photograph from the street!

11 – Alexander-May House, 424 W Vista Chino Rd, 1952, Edward Fickett. Quintessential Fickett. Behind the added three-car garage, which now dominates the façade, is the original modernist intent. His

ideas here (especially the entrance) would be widely used in many late 60’s and early 70’s designs.

12 – Kaufmann Desert House, 470 W Vista Chino Rd, 1946, Richard Neutra. He Kaufmann house is a work of art. This is the house which is most-often compared with Frank Lloyd Wright’s Falling Water. What else can you say about Neutra’s design that hasn’t already been said? Nothing. It’s perfect. Simply perfect. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaufmann_Desert_House and en.wikiarquitectura.com/index.php/Kaufmann_House

13 – House of Tomorrow (Robert & Helene Alexander House), 1350 Ladera Cir, 1962, William Krisel. It’s a house! It’s a plane! It’s. . it’s. . . different. I’m not sure what I expected from the “House of Tomorrow,” but this wasn’t quite it. It’s more like the “House of Yesterday’s Tomorrow.” But it’s still an innovated and charming house. Less charming was the owner’s assistant trying to sell us on $60 per person tour tickets, just to see where Elvis and Priscilla Presley slept on their honeymoon. Really?

14 – Las Palmas Estates, Camino Sur Rd & Via Vadera, 1950’s, William Krisel and Charles DuBois (Separately). These houses are fanciful and fun, and for some inexplicable reason makes you think of Bedrock! Maybe they designed the houses from a neighborhood such as this.

15 – Dina Shore Estate, 432 Hermosa Rd, 1964, Donald Wexler. Not exactly forward thinking, rather it’s a solid and well-executed example of large-scale residential mid-century modern architecture. It gives the initial impression of a school or library, with the extensive park grounds, but that only adds to the character.

16 – All Worlds Resorts. I couldn’t resist. Here’s how the rest of us live when we’re on vacation.

Still, though, not bad.

For those interested in Palm Springs

mid-century architecture, there’s a great website with more pictures: rebeccaandstephen.com/gallery/midcenturymodern/

Palm Springs Mid-Century Modern.

In August, 2013, Greg and I trekked out to Palm Springs for a friend’s birthday party – I know, an unforgivable time of year, unless you like 110 degrees and 75% humidity! While we were there, we decided to check out mid-century modern neighborhoods, considering retirement is just around the corner (10 years, assuming I’ll be able to retire). What we saw, we liked. We left thinking, “Yeah, we could do this.” But back at home, in Silver Lake, reality set in. The “Sure, why not?” turned into “Hell no!” Still, we love the architecture, and it’s something to keep in mind. . .

01 – Title Page - Palm Springs Modern Committee (PS MODCOM) - A Map of Modern Palm Springs. But you’ll have to plunk down the $5 for your own copy, and support the cause like we did. Sorry.

02 – Racquet Club Estates, Racquet Club Drive & Via Miraleste, 1959 to 1961, William Krisel for the William Alexander Construction Company,– This was our first stop on our adventure. The Racquet Club Estates looks like a great neighborhood, on its way up (hopefully). The entire neighborhood looks almost like it’s right out of the mind of the creator for the Jettson’s. I especially loved the original garage doors.

03 – Alexander Steel Houses, Simms & Sunnyview (300 & 330 E Molino Rd, 3100, 3125, 3133, 3165 Sunny View Dr, & 290 Simms Rd), 1960 – 1962, Donald Wexler and Richard Harrison for the William Alexander Constriction Company. It’s amazing how often the name “William Alexander” comes up when talking mid-century architecture in Palm Springs. Here he attempted something new – houses made of all steel. (I know, desert/steel. Right?) It turned out to be not such a hot idea (or rather, too hot of one). What had been planned as a whole subdivision, ended up realizing only 7 magnificent houses. Number 2 is even on the National Register of Historic Places. You can see some interesting stuff in the eligibility statement with the NPS: ohp.parks.ca.gov/pages/1067/files/steel%20development%20h...

04 – Carey-Pizzoli House, 600 W Panorama Dr, 1946, Albert Frey. This is the kind of house you look at and think, “That’s an ugly mid-1960’s split-level ranch house. Why is it on the PS MODCOM map?” Then you read the description again, and think, “What? 1946?” Then you realize why it’s on the list. It preceded the tract ranch houses by 20 years. The architect, Albert Frey, was visionary.

05 – Shapiro House, 711 W Panorama Dr, 1969, Michael Black. I’m not a fan of Michael Black, but the house is interesting, with the huge private interior courtyard and futuristic Star Wars design.

06 – Franz Alexander House, 1011 W Celio Dr, 1954, Walter White. I’m not so familiar with Walter White’s work, probably because the numbers of structures are few. But what he did, he did well! This house is reminiscent of the early modernists like Neutra and Schindler (evidenced by the long band of windows facing the street and simplicity of design), yet predict the work of new masters like Gehry and Pie (evidenced by the wonderful pagoda roof and the use of common materials).

07 – Palevsky House, 1021 W Celio Dr, 1968, Craig Elwood. A classic modernist compound by a master of his trade.

08 – View of the Coachella Valley from W Celio Drive.

09 – Edris House, 1030 W Celio Dr, 1953, E Stewart Williams. With a commanding view of the Coachella Valley, this house is expertly designed to take in the amazing view. An inverted roof is held down by a rock chimney, anchoring the house to the cliff.

10 – Raymond-Loewy House, 600 W Panorama Rd, 1946, Albert Frey. Perfectly situation on the site, this striking house is nestled in behind boulders and trees for maximum privacy. It’s Albert Frey at his best. Unfortunately, it’s impossible to photograph from the street!

11 – Alexander-May House, 424 W Vista Chino Rd, 1952, Edward Fickett. Quintessential Fickett. Behind the added three-car garage, which now dominates the façade, is the original modernist intent. His

ideas here (especially the entrance) would be widely used in many late 60’s and early 70’s designs.

12 – Kaufmann Desert House, 470 W Vista Chino Rd, 1946, Richard Neutra. He Kaufmann house is a work of art. This is the house which is most-often compared with Frank Lloyd Wright’s Falling Water. What else can you say about Neutra’s design that hasn’t already been said? Nothing. It’s perfect. Simply perfect. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaufmann_Desert_House and en.wikiarquitectura.com/index.php/Kaufmann_House

13 – House of Tomorrow (Robert & Helene Alexander House), 1350 Ladera Cir, 1962, William Krisel. It’s a house! It’s a plane! It’s. . it’s. . . different. I’m not sure what I expected from the “House of Tomorrow,” but this wasn’t quite it. It’s more like the “House of Yesterday’s Tomorrow.” But it’s still an innovated and charming house. Less charming was the owner’s assistant trying to sell us on $60 per person tour tickets, just to see where Elvis and Priscilla Presley slept on their honeymoon. Really?

14 – Las Palmas Estates, Camino Sur Rd & Via Vadera, 1950’s, William Krisel and Charles DuBois (Separately). These houses are fanciful and fun, and for some inexplicable reason makes you think of Bedrock! Maybe they designed the houses from a neighborhood such as this.

15 – Dina Shore Estate, 432 Hermosa Rd, 1964, Donald Wexler. Not exactly forward thinking, rather it’s a solid and well-executed example of large-scale residential mid-century modern architecture. It gives the initial impression of a school or library, with the extensive park grounds, but that only adds to the character.

16 – All Worlds Resorts. I couldn’t resist. Here’s how the rest of us live when we’re on vacation.

Still, though, not bad.

For those interested in Palm Springs

mid-century architecture, there’s a great website with more pictures: rebeccaandstephen.com/gallery/midcenturymodern/

Palm Springs Mid-Century Modern.

In August, 2013, Greg and I trekked out to Palm Springs for a friend’s birthday party – I know, an unforgivable time of year, unless you like 110 degrees and 75% humidity! While we were there, we decided to check out mid-century modern neighborhoods, considering retirement is just around the corner (10 years, assuming I’ll be able to retire). What we saw, we liked. We left thinking, “Yeah, we could do this.” But back at home, in Silver Lake, reality set in. The “Sure, why not?” turned into “Hell no!” Still, we love the architecture, and it’s something to keep in mind. . .

01 – Title Page - Palm Springs Modern Committee (PS MODCOM) - A Map of Modern Palm Springs. But you’ll have to plunk down the $5 for your own copy, and support the cause like we did. Sorry.

02 – Racquet Club Estates, Racquet Club Drive & Via Miraleste, 1959 to 1961, William Krisel for the William Alexander Construction Company,– This was our first stop on our adventure. The Racquet Club Estates looks like a great neighborhood, on its way up (hopefully). The entire neighborhood looks almost like it’s right out of the mind of the creator for the Jettson’s. I especially loved the original garage doors.

03 – Alexander Steel Houses, Simms & Sunnyview (300 & 330 E Molino Rd, 3100, 3125, 3133, 3165 Sunny View Dr, & 290 Simms Rd), 1960 – 1962, Donald Wexler and Richard Harrison for the William Alexander Constriction Company. It’s amazing how often the name “William Alexander” comes up when talking mid-century architecture in Palm Springs. Here he attempted something new – houses made of all steel. (I know, desert/steel. Right?) It turned out to be not such a hot idea (or rather, too hot of one). What had been planned as a whole subdivision, ended up realizing only 7 magnificent houses. Number 2 is even on the National Register of Historic Places. You can see some interesting stuff in the eligibility statement with the NPS: ohp.parks.ca.gov/pages/1067/files/steel%20development%20h...

04 – Carey-Pizzoli House, 600 W Panorama Dr, 1946, Albert Frey. This is the kind of house you look at and think, “That’s an ugly mid-1960’s split-level ranch house. Why is it on the PS MODCOM map?” Then you read the description again, and think, “What? 1946?” Then you realize why it’s on the list. It preceded the tract ranch houses by 20 years. The architect, Albert Frey, was visionary.

05 – Shapiro House, 711 W Panorama Dr, 1969, Michael Black. I’m not a fan of Michael Black, but the house is interesting, with the huge private interior courtyard and futuristic Star Wars design.

06 – Franz Alexander House, 1011 W Celio Dr, 1954, Walter White. I’m not so familiar with Walter White’s work, probably because the numbers of structures are few. But what he did, he did well! This house is reminiscent of the early modernists like Neutra and Schindler (evidenced by the long band of windows facing the street and simplicity of design), yet predict the work of new masters like Gehry and Pie (evidenced by the wonderful pagoda roof and the use of common materials).

07 – Palevsky House, 1021 W Celio Dr, 1968, Craig Elwood. A classic modernist compound by a master of his trade.

08 – View of the Coachella Valley from W Celio Drive.

09 – Edris House, 1030 W Celio Dr, 1953, E Stewart Williams. With a commanding view of the Coachella Valley, this house is expertly designed to take in the amazing view. An inverted roof is held down by a rock chimney, anchoring the house to the cliff.

10 – Raymond-Loewy House, 600 W Panorama Rd, 1946, Albert Frey. Perfectly situation on the site, this striking house is nestled in behind boulders and trees for maximum privacy. It’s Albert Frey at his best. Unfortunately, it’s impossible to photograph from the street!

11 – Alexander-May House, 424 W Vista Chino Rd, 1952, Edward Fickett. Quintessential Fickett. Behind the added three-car garage, which now dominates the façade, is the original modernist intent. His

ideas here (especially the entrance) would be widely used in many late 60’s and early 70’s designs.

12 – Kaufmann Desert House, 470 W Vista Chino Rd, 1946, Richard Neutra. He Kaufmann house is a work of art. This is the house which is most-often compared with Frank Lloyd Wright’s Falling Water. What else can you say about Neutra’s design that hasn’t already been said? Nothing. It’s perfect. Simply perfect. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaufmann_Desert_House and en.wikiarquitectura.com/index.php/Kaufmann_House

13 – House of Tomorrow (Robert & Helene Alexander House), 1350 Ladera Cir, 1962, William Krisel. It’s a house! It’s a plane! It’s. . it’s. . . different. I’m not sure what I expected from the “House of Tomorrow,” but this wasn’t quite it. It’s more like the “House of Yesterday’s Tomorrow.” But it’s still an innovated and charming house. Less charming was the owner’s assistant trying to sell us on $60 per person tour tickets, just to see where Elvis and Priscilla Presley slept on their honeymoon. Really?

14 – Las Palmas Estates, Camino Sur Rd & Via Vadera, 1950’s, William Krisel and Charles DuBois (Separately). These houses are fanciful and fun, and for some inexplicable reason makes you think of Bedrock! Maybe they designed the houses from a neighborhood such as this.

15 – Dina Shore Estate, 432 Hermosa Rd, 1964, Donald Wexler. Not exactly forward thinking, rather it’s a solid and well-executed example of large-scale residential mid-century modern architecture. It gives the initial impression of a school or library, with the extensive park grounds, but that only adds to the character.

16 – All Worlds Resorts. I couldn’t resist. Here’s how the rest of us live when we’re on vacation.

Still, though, not bad.

For those interested in Palm Springs

mid-century architecture, there’s a great website with more pictures: rebeccaandstephen.com/gallery/midcenturymodern/

Palm Springs Mid-Century Modern.

In August, 2013, Greg and I trekked out to Palm Springs for a friend’s birthday party – I know, an unforgivable time of year, unless you like 110 degrees and 75% humidity! While we were there, we decided to check out mid-century modern neighborhoods, considering retirement is just around the corner (10 years, assuming I’ll be able to retire). What we saw, we liked. We left thinking, “Yeah, we could do this.” But back at home, in Silver Lake, reality set in. The “Sure, why not?” turned into “Hell no!” Still, we love the architecture, and it’s something to keep in mind. . .

01 – Title Page - Palm Springs Modern Committee (PS MODCOM) - A Map of Modern Palm Springs. But you’ll have to plunk down the $5 for your own copy, and support the cause like we did. Sorry.

02 – Racquet Club Estates, Racquet Club Drive & Via Miraleste, 1959 to 1961, William Krisel for the William Alexander Construction Company,– This was our first stop on our adventure. The Racquet Club Estates looks like a great neighborhood, on its way up (hopefully). The entire neighborhood looks almost like it’s right out of the mind of the creator for the Jettson’s. I especially loved the original garage doors.

03 – Alexander Steel Houses, Simms & Sunnyview (300 & 330 E Molino Rd, 3100, 3125, 3133, 3165 Sunny View Dr, & 290 Simms Rd), 1960 – 1962, Donald Wexler and Richard Harrison for the William Alexander Constriction Company. It’s amazing how often the name “William Alexander” comes up when talking mid-century architecture in Palm Springs. Here he attempted something new – houses made of all steel. (I know, desert/steel. Right?) It turned out to be not such a hot idea (or rather, too hot of one). What had been planned as a whole subdivision, ended up realizing only 7 magnificent houses. Number 2 is even on the National Register of Historic Places. You can see some interesting stuff in the eligibility statement with the NPS: ohp.parks.ca.gov/pages/1067/files/steel%20development%20h...

04 – Carey-Pizzoli House, 600 W Panorama Dr, 1946, Albert Frey. This is the kind of house you look at and think, “That’s an ugly mid-1960’s split-level ranch house. Why is it on the PS MODCOM map?” Then you read the description again, and think, “What? 1946?” Then you realize why it’s on the list. It preceded the tract ranch houses by 20 years. The architect, Albert Frey, was visionary.

05 – Shapiro House, 711 W Panorama Dr, 1969, Michael Black. I’m not a fan of Michael Black, but the house is interesting, with the huge private interior courtyard and futuristic Star Wars design.

06 – Franz Alexander House, 1011 W Celio Dr, 1954, Walter White. I’m not so familiar with Walter White’s work, probably because the numbers of structures are few. But what he did, he did well! This house is reminiscent of the early modernists like Neutra and Schindler (evidenced by the long band of windows facing the street and simplicity of design), yet predict the work of new masters like Gehry and Pie (evidenced by the wonderful pagoda roof and the use of common materials).

07 – Palevsky House, 1021 W Celio Dr, 1968, Craig Elwood. A classic modernist compound by a master of his trade.

08 – View of the Coachella Valley from W Celio Drive.

09 – Edris House, 1030 W Celio Dr, 1953, E Stewart Williams. With a commanding view of the Coachella Valley, this house is expertly designed to take in the amazing view. An inverted roof is held down by a rock chimney, anchoring the house to the cliff.

10 – Raymond-Loewy House, 600 W Panorama Rd, 1946, Albert Frey. Perfectly situation on the site, this striking house is nestled in behind boulders and trees for maximum privacy. It’s Albert Frey at his best. Unfortunately, it’s impossible to photograph from the street!

11 – Alexander-May House, 424 W Vista Chino Rd, 1952, Edward Fickett. Quintessential Fickett. Behind the added three-car garage, which now dominates the façade, is the original modernist intent. His

ideas here (especially the entrance) would be widely used in many late 60’s and early 70’s designs.

12 – Kaufmann Desert House, 470 W Vista Chino Rd, 1946, Richard Neutra. He Kaufmann house is a work of art. This is the house which is most-often compared with Frank Lloyd Wright’s Falling Water. What else can you say about Neutra’s design that hasn’t already been said? Nothing. It’s perfect. Simply perfect. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaufmann_Desert_House and en.wikiarquitectura.com/index.php/Kaufmann_House

13 – House of Tomorrow (Robert & Helene Alexander House), 1350 Ladera Cir, 1962, William Krisel. It’s a house! It’s a plane! It’s. . it’s. . . different. I’m not sure what I expected from the “House of Tomorrow,” but this wasn’t quite it. It’s more like the “House of Yesterday’s Tomorrow.” But it’s still an innovated and charming house. Less charming was the owner’s assistant trying to sell us on $60 per person tour tickets, just to see where Elvis and Priscilla Presley slept on their honeymoon. Really?

14 – Las Palmas Estates, Camino Sur Rd & Via Vadera, 1950’s, William Krisel and Charles DuBois (Separately). These houses are fanciful and fun, and for some inexplicable reason makes you think of Bedrock! Maybe they designed the houses from a neighborhood such as this.

15 – Dina Shore Estate, 432 Hermosa Rd, 1964, Donald Wexler. Not exactly forward thinking, rather it’s a solid and well-executed example of large-scale residential mid-century modern architecture. It gives the initial impression of a school or library, with the extensive park grounds, but that only adds to the character.

16 – All Worlds Resorts. I couldn’t resist. Here’s how the rest of us live when we’re on vacation.

Still, though, not bad.

For those interested in Palm Springs

mid-century architecture, there’s a great website with more pictures: rebeccaandstephen.com/gallery/midcenturymodern/

Palm Springs Mid-Century Modern.

In August, 2013, Greg and I trekked out to Palm Springs for a friend’s birthday party – I know, an unforgivable time of year, unless you like 110 degrees and 75% humidity! While we were there, we decided to check out mid-century modern neighborhoods, considering retirement is just around the corner (10 years, assuming I’ll be able to retire). What we saw, we liked. We left thinking, “Yeah, we could do this.” But back at home, in Silver Lake, reality set in. The “Sure, why not?” turned into “Hell no!” Still, we love the architecture, and it’s something to keep in mind. . .

01 – Title Page - Palm Springs Modern Committee (PS MODCOM) - A Map of Modern Palm Springs. But you’ll have to plunk down the $5 for your own copy, and support the cause like we did. Sorry.

02 – Racquet Club Estates, Racquet Club Drive & Via Miraleste, 1959 to 1961, William Krisel for the William Alexander Construction Company,– This was our first stop on our adventure. The Racquet Club Estates looks like a great neighborhood, on its way up (hopefully). The entire neighborhood looks almost like it’s right out of the mind of the creator for the Jettson’s. I especially loved the original garage doors.

03 – Alexander Steel Houses, Simms & Sunnyview (300 & 330 E Molino Rd, 3100, 3125, 3133, 3165 Sunny View Dr, & 290 Simms Rd), 1960 – 1962, Donald Wexler and Richard Harrison for the William Alexander Constriction Company. It’s amazing how often the name “William Alexander” comes up when talking mid-century architecture in Palm Springs. Here he attempted something new – houses made of all steel. (I know, desert/steel. Right?) It turned out to be not such a hot idea (or rather, too hot of one). What had been planned as a whole subdivision, ended up realizing only 7 magnificent houses. Number 2 is even on the National Register of Historic Places. You can see some interesting stuff in the eligibility statement with the NPS: ohp.parks.ca.gov/pages/1067/files/steel%20development%20h...

04 – Carey-Pizzoli House, 600 W Panorama Dr, 1946, Albert Frey. This is the kind of house you look at and think, “That’s an ugly mid-1960’s split-level ranch house. Why is it on the PS MODCOM map?” Then you read the description again, and think, “What? 1946?” Then you realize why it’s on the list. It preceded the tract ranch houses by 20 years. The architect, Albert Frey, was visionary.

05 – Shapiro House, 711 W Panorama Dr, 1969, Michael Black. I’m not a fan of Michael Black, but the house is interesting, with the huge private interior courtyard and futuristic Star Wars design.

06 – Franz Alexander House, 1011 W Celio Dr, 1954, Walter White. I’m not so familiar with Walter White’s work, probably because the numbers of structures are few. But what he did, he did well! This house is reminiscent of the early modernists like Neutra and Schindler (evidenced by the long band of windows facing the street and simplicity of design), yet predict the work of new masters like Gehry and Pie (evidenced by the wonderful pagoda roof and the use of common materials).

07 – Palevsky House, 1021 W Celio Dr, 1968, Craig Elwood. A classic modernist compound by a master of his trade.

08 – View of the Coachella Valley from W Celio Drive.

09 – Edris House, 1030 W Celio Dr, 1953, E Stewart Williams. With a commanding view of the Coachella Valley, this house is expertly designed to take in the amazing view. An inverted roof is held down by a rock chimney, anchoring the house to the cliff.

10 – Raymond-Loewy House, 600 W Panorama Rd, 1946, Albert Frey. Perfectly situation on the site, this striking house is nestled in behind boulders and trees for maximum privacy. It’s Albert Frey at his best. Unfortunately, it’s impossible to photograph from the street!

11 – Alexander-May House, 424 W Vista Chino Rd, 1952, Edward Fickett. Quintessential Fickett. Behind the added three-car garage, which now dominates the façade, is the original modernist intent. His

ideas here (especially the entrance) would be widely used in many late 60’s and early 70’s designs.

12 – Kaufmann Desert House, 470 W Vista Chino Rd, 1946, Richard Neutra. He Kaufmann house is a work of art. This is the house which is most-often compared with Frank Lloyd Wright’s Falling Water. What else can you say about Neutra’s design that hasn’t already been said? Nothing. It’s perfect. Simply perfect. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaufmann_Desert_House and en.wikiarquitectura.com/index.php/Kaufmann_House

13 – House of Tomorrow (Robert & Helene Alexander House), 1350 Ladera Cir, 1962, William Krisel. It’s a house! It’s a plane! It’s. . it’s. . . different. I’m not sure what I expected from the “House of Tomorrow,” but this wasn’t quite it. It’s more like the “House of Yesterday’s Tomorrow.” But it’s still an innovated and charming house. Less charming was the owner’s assistant trying to sell us on $60 per person tour tickets, just to see where Elvis and Priscilla Presley slept on their honeymoon. Really?

14 – Las Palmas Estates, Camino Sur Rd & Via Vadera, 1950’s, William Krisel and Charles DuBois (Separately). These houses are fanciful and fun, and for some inexplicable reason makes you think of Bedrock! Maybe they designed the houses from a neighborhood such as this.

15 – Dina Shore Estate, 432 Hermosa Rd, 1964, Donald Wexler. Not exactly forward thinking, rather it’s a solid and well-executed example of large-scale residential mid-century modern architecture. It gives the initial impression of a school or library, with the extensive park grounds, but that only adds to the character.

16 – All Worlds Resorts. I couldn’t resist. Here’s how the rest of us live when we’re on vacation.

Still, though, not bad.

For those interested in Palm Springs

mid-century architecture, there’s a great website with more pictures: rebeccaandstephen.com/gallery/midcenturymodern/

Palm Springs Mid-Century Modern.

In August, 2013, Greg and I trekked out to Palm Springs for a friend’s birthday party – I know, an unforgivable time of year, unless you like 110 degrees and 75% humidity! While we were there, we decided to check out mid-century modern neighborhoods, considering retirement is just around the corner (10 years, assuming I’ll be able to retire). What we saw, we liked. We left thinking, “Yeah, we could do this.” But back at home, in Silver Lake, reality set in. The “Sure, why not?” turned into “Hell no!” Still, we love the architecture, and it’s something to keep in mind. . .

01 – Title Page - Palm Springs Modern Committee (PS MODCOM) - A Map of Modern Palm Springs. But you’ll have to plunk down the $5 for your own copy, and support the cause like we did. Sorry.

02 – Racquet Club Estates, Racquet Club Drive & Via Miraleste, 1959 to 1961, William Krisel for the William Alexander Construction Company,– This was our first stop on our adventure. The Racquet Club Estates looks like a great neighborhood, on its way up (hopefully). The entire neighborhood looks almost like it’s right out of the mind of the creator for the Jettson’s. I especially loved the original garage doors.

03 – Alexander Steel Houses, Simms & Sunnyview (300 & 330 E Molino Rd, 3100, 3125, 3133, 3165 Sunny View Dr, & 290 Simms Rd), 1960 – 1962, Donald Wexler and Richard Harrison for the William Alexander Constriction Company. It’s amazing how often the name “William Alexander” comes up when talking mid-century architecture in Palm Springs. Here he attempted something new – houses made of all steel. (I know, desert/steel. Right?) It turned out to be not such a hot idea (or rather, too hot of one). What had been planned as a whole subdivision, ended up realizing only 7 magnificent houses. Number 2 is even on the National Register of Historic Places. You can see some interesting stuff in the eligibility statement with the NPS: ohp.parks.ca.gov/pages/1067/files/steel%20development%20h...

04 – Carey-Pizzoli House, 600 W Panorama Dr, 1946, Albert Frey. This is the kind of house you look at and think, “That’s an ugly mid-1960’s split-level ranch house. Why is it on the PS MODCOM map?” Then you read the description again, and think, “What? 1946?” Then you realize why it’s on the list. It preceded the tract ranch houses by 20 years. The architect, Albert Frey, was visionary.

05 – Shapiro House, 711 W Panorama Dr, 1969, Michael Black. I’m not a fan of Michael Black, but the house is interesting, with the huge private interior courtyard and futuristic Star Wars design.

06 – Franz Alexander House, 1011 W Celio Dr, 1954, Walter White. I’m not so familiar with Walter White’s work, probably because the numbers of structures are few. But what he did, he did well! This house is reminiscent of the early modernists like Neutra and Schindler (evidenced by the long band of windows facing the street and simplicity of design), yet predict the work of new masters like Gehry and Pie (evidenced by the wonderful pagoda roof and the use of common materials).

07 – Palevsky House, 1021 W Celio Dr, 1968, Craig Elwood. A classic modernist compound by a master of his trade.

08 – View of the Coachella Valley from W Celio Drive.

09 – Edris House, 1030 W Celio Dr, 1953, E Stewart Williams. With a commanding view of the Coachella Valley, this house is expertly designed to take in the amazing view. An inverted roof is held down by a rock chimney, anchoring the house to the cliff.

10 – Raymond-Loewy House, 600 W Panorama Rd, 1946, Albert Frey. Perfectly situation on the site, this striking house is nestled in behind boulders and trees for maximum privacy. It’s Albert Frey at his best. Unfortunately, it’s impossible to photograph from the street!

11 – Alexander-May House, 424 W Vista Chino Rd, 1952, Edward Fickett. Quintessential Fickett. Behind the added three-car garage, which now dominates the façade, is the original modernist intent. His

ideas here (especially the entrance) would be widely used in many late 60’s and early 70’s designs.

12 – Kaufmann Desert House, 470 W Vista Chino Rd, 1946, Richard Neutra. He Kaufmann house is a work of art. This is the house which is most-often compared with Frank Lloyd Wright’s Falling Water. What else can you say about Neutra’s design that hasn’t already been said? Nothing. It’s perfect. Simply perfect. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaufmann_Desert_House and en.wikiarquitectura.com/index.php/Kaufmann_House

13 – House of Tomorrow (Robert & Helene Alexander House), 1350 Ladera Cir, 1962, William Krisel. It’s a house! It’s a plane! It’s. . it’s. . . different. I’m not sure what I expected from the “House of Tomorrow,” but this wasn’t quite it. It’s more like the “House of Yesterday’s Tomorrow.” But it’s still an innovated and charming house. Less charming was the owner’s assistant trying to sell us on $60 per person tour tickets, just to see where Elvis and Priscilla Presley slept on their honeymoon. Really?

14 – Las Palmas Estates, Camino Sur Rd & Via Vadera, 1950’s, William Krisel and Charles DuBois (Separately). These houses are fanciful and fun, and for some inexplicable reason makes you think of Bedrock! Maybe they designed the houses from a neighborhood such as this.

15 – Dina Shore Estate, 432 Hermosa Rd, 1964, Donald Wexler. Not exactly forward thinking, rather it’s a solid and well-executed example of large-scale residential mid-century modern architecture. It gives the initial impression of a school or library, with the extensive park grounds, but that only adds to the character.

16 – All Worlds Resorts. I couldn’t resist. Here’s how the rest of us live when we’re on vacation.

Still, though, not bad.

For those interested in Palm Springs

mid-century architecture, there’s a great website with more pictures: rebeccaandstephen.com/gallery/midcenturymodern/

Palm Springs Mid-Century Modern.

In August, 2013, Greg and I trekked out to Palm Springs for a friend’s birthday party – I know, an unforgivable time of year, unless you like 110 degrees and 75% humidity! While we were there, we decided to check out mid-century modern neighborhoods, considering retirement is just around the corner (10 years, assuming I’ll be able to retire). What we saw, we liked. We left thinking, “Yeah, we could do this.” But back at home, in Silver Lake, reality set in. The “Sure, why not?” turned into “Hell no!” Still, we love the architecture, and it’s something to keep in mind. . .

01 – Title Page - Palm Springs Modern Committee (PS MODCOM) - A Map of Modern Palm Springs. But you’ll have to plunk down the $5 for your own copy, and support the cause like we did. Sorry.

02 – Racquet Club Estates, Racquet Club Drive & Via Miraleste, 1959 to 1961, William Krisel for the William Alexander Construction Company,– This was our first stop on our adventure. The Racquet Club Estates looks like a great neighborhood, on its way up (hopefully). The entire neighborhood looks almost like it’s right out of the mind of the creator for the Jettson’s. I especially loved the original garage doors.

03 – Alexander Steel Houses, Simms & Sunnyview (300 & 330 E Molino Rd, 3100, 3125, 3133, 3165 Sunny View Dr, & 290 Simms Rd), 1960 – 1962, Donald Wexler and Richard Harrison for the William Alexander Constriction Company. It’s amazing how often the name “William Alexander” comes up when talking mid-century architecture in Palm Springs. Here he attempted something new – houses made of all steel. (I know, desert/steel. Right?) It turned out to be not such a hot idea (or rather, too hot of one). What had been planned as a whole subdivision, ended up realizing only 7 magnificent houses. Number 2 is even on the National Register of Historic Places. You can see some interesting stuff in the eligibility statement with the NPS: ohp.parks.ca.gov/pages/1067/files/steel%20development%20h...

04 – Carey-Pizzoli House, 600 W Panorama Dr, 1946, Albert Frey. This is the kind of house you look at and think, “That’s an ugly mid-1960’s split-level ranch house. Why is it on the PS MODCOM map?” Then you read the description again, and think, “What? 1946?” Then you realize why it’s on the list. It preceded the tract ranch houses by 20 years. The architect, Albert Frey, was visionary.

05 – Shapiro House, 711 W Panorama Dr, 1969, Michael Black. I’m not a fan of Michael Black, but the house is interesting, with the huge private interior courtyard and futuristic Star Wars design.

06 – Franz Alexander House, 1011 W Celio Dr, 1954, Walter White. I’m not so familiar with Walter White’s work, probably because the numbers of structures are few. But what he did, he did well! This house is reminiscent of the early modernists like Neutra and Schindler (evidenced by the long band of windows facing the street and simplicity of design), yet predict the work of new masters like Gehry and Pie (evidenced by the wonderful pagoda roof and the use of common materials).

07 – Palevsky House, 1021 W Celio Dr, 1968, Craig Elwood. A classic modernist compound by a master of his trade.

08 – View of the Coachella Valley from W Celio Drive.

09 – Edris House, 1030 W Celio Dr, 1953, E Stewart Williams. With a commanding view of the Coachella Valley, this house is expertly designed to take in the amazing view. An inverted roof is held down by a rock chimney, anchoring the house to the cliff.

10 – Raymond-Loewy House, 600 W Panorama Rd, 1946, Albert Frey. Perfectly situation on the site, this striking house is nestled in behind boulders and trees for maximum privacy. It’s Albert Frey at his best. Unfortunately, it’s impossible to photograph from the street!

11 – Alexander-May House, 424 W Vista Chino Rd, 1952, Edward Fickett. Quintessential Fickett. Behind the added three-car garage, which now dominates the façade, is the original modernist intent. His

ideas here (especially the entrance) would be widely used in many late 60’s and early 70’s designs.

12 – Kaufmann Desert House, 470 W Vista Chino Rd, 1946, Richard Neutra. He Kaufmann house is a work of art. This is the house which is most-often compared with Frank Lloyd Wright’s Falling Water. What else can you say about Neutra’s design that hasn’t already been said? Nothing. It’s perfect. Simply perfect. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaufmann_Desert_House and en.wikiarquitectura.com/index.php/Kaufmann_House

13 – House of Tomorrow (Robert & Helene Alexander House), 1350 Ladera Cir, 1962, William Krisel. It’s a house! It’s a plane! It’s. . it’s. . . different. I’m not sure what I expected from the “House of Tomorrow,” but this wasn’t quite it. It’s more like the “House of Yesterday’s Tomorrow.” But it’s still an innovated and charming house. Less charming was the owner’s assistant trying to sell us on $60 per person tour tickets, just to see where Elvis and Priscilla Presley slept on their honeymoon. Really?

14 – Las Palmas Estates, Camino Sur Rd & Via Vadera, 1950’s, William Krisel and Charles DuBois (Separately). These houses are fanciful and fun, and for some inexplicable reason makes you think of Bedrock! Maybe they designed the houses from a neighborhood such as this.

15 – Dina Shore Estate, 432 Hermosa Rd, 1964, Donald Wexler. Not exactly forward thinking, rather it’s a solid and well-executed example of large-scale residential mid-century modern architecture. It gives the initial impression of a school or library, with the extensive park grounds, but that only adds to the character.

16 – All Worlds Resorts. I couldn’t resist. Here’s how the rest of us live when we’re on vacation.

Still, though, not bad.

For those interested in Palm Springs

mid-century architecture, there’s a great website with more pictures: rebeccaandstephen.com/gallery/midcenturymodern/

Palm Springs Mid-Century Modern.

In August, 2013, Greg and I trekked out to Palm Springs for a friend’s birthday party – I know, an unforgivable time of year, unless you like 110 degrees and 75% humidity! While we were there, we decided to check out mid-century modern neighborhoods, considering retirement is just around the corner (10 years, assuming I’ll be able to retire). What we saw, we liked. We left thinking, “Yeah, we could do this.” But back at home, in Silver Lake, reality set in. The “Sure, why not?” turned into “Hell no!” Still, we love the architecture, and it’s something to keep in mind. . .

01 – Title Page - Palm Springs Modern Committee (PS MODCOM) - A Map of Modern Palm Springs. But you’ll have to plunk down the $5 for your own copy, and support the cause like we did. Sorry.

02 – Racquet Club Estates, Racquet Club Drive & Via Miraleste, 1959 to 1961, William Krisel for the William Alexander Construction Company,– This was our first stop on our adventure. The Racquet Club Estates looks like a great neighborhood, on its way up (hopefully). The entire neighborhood looks almost like it’s right out of the mind of the creator for the Jettson’s. I especially loved the original garage doors.

03 – Alexander Steel Houses, Simms & Sunnyview (300 & 330 E Molino Rd, 3100, 3125, 3133, 3165 Sunny View Dr, & 290 Simms Rd), 1960 – 1962, Donald Wexler and Richard Harrison for the William Alexander Constriction Company. It’s amazing how often the name “William Alexander” comes up when talking mid-century architecture in Palm Springs. Here he attempted something new – houses made of all steel. (I know, desert/steel. Right?) It turned out to be not such a hot idea (or rather, too hot of one). What had been planned as a whole subdivision, ended up realizing only 7 magnificent houses. Number 2 is even on the National Register of Historic Places. You can see some interesting stuff in the eligibility statement with the NPS: ohp.parks.ca.gov/pages/1067/files/steel%20development%20h...

04 – Carey-Pizzoli House, 600 W Panorama Dr, 1946, Albert Frey. This is the kind of house you look at and think, “That’s an ugly mid-1960’s split-level ranch house. Why is it on the PS MODCOM map?” Then you read the description again, and think, “What? 1946?” Then you realize why it’s on the list. It preceded the tract ranch houses by 20 years. The architect, Albert Frey, was visionary.

05 – Shapiro House, 711 W Panorama Dr, 1969, Michael Black. I’m not a fan of Michael Black, but the house is interesting, with the huge private interior courtyard and futuristic Star Wars design.

06 – Franz Alexander House, 1011 W Celio Dr, 1954, Walter White. I’m not so familiar with Walter White’s work, probably because the numbers of structures are few. But what he did, he did well! This house is reminiscent of the early modernists like Neutra and Schindler (evidenced by the long band of windows facing the street and simplicity of design), yet predict the work of new masters like Gehry and Pie (evidenced by the wonderful pagoda roof and the use of common materials).

07 – Palevsky House, 1021 W Celio Dr, 1968, Craig Elwood. A classic modernist compound by a master of his trade.

08 – View of the Coachella Valley from W Celio Drive.

09 – Edris House, 1030 W Celio Dr, 1953, E Stewart Williams. With a commanding view of the Coachella Valley, this house is expertly designed to take in the amazing view. An inverted roof is held down by a rock chimney, anchoring the house to the cliff.

10 – Raymond-Loewy House, 600 W Panorama Rd, 1946, Albert Frey. Perfectly situation on the site, this striking house is nestled in behind boulders and trees for maximum privacy. It’s Albert Frey at his best. Unfortunately, it’s impossible to photograph from the street!

11 – Alexander-May House, 424 W Vista Chino Rd, 1952, Edward Fickett. Quintessential Fickett. Behind the added three-car garage, which now dominates the façade, is the original modernist intent. His

ideas here (especially the entrance) would be widely used in many late 60’s and early 70’s designs.

12 – Kaufmann Desert House, 470 W Vista Chino Rd, 1946, Richard Neutra. He Kaufmann house is a work of art. This is the house which is most-often compared with Frank Lloyd Wright’s Falling Water. What else can you say about Neutra’s design that hasn’t already been said? Nothing. It’s perfect. Simply perfect. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaufmann_Desert_House and en.wikiarquitectura.com/index.php/Kaufmann_House

13 – House of Tomorrow (Robert & Helene Alexander House), 1350 Ladera Cir, 1962, William Krisel. It’s a house! It’s a plane! It’s. . it’s. . . different. I’m not sure what I expected from the “House of Tomorrow,” but this wasn’t quite it. It’s more like the “House of Yesterday’s Tomorrow.” But it’s still an innovated and charming house. Less charming was the owner’s assistant trying to sell us on $60 per person tour tickets, just to see where Elvis and Priscilla Presley slept on their honeymoon. Really?

14 – Las Palmas Estates, Camino Sur Rd & Via Vadera, 1950’s, William Krisel and Charles DuBois (Separately). These houses are fanciful and fun, and for some inexplicable reason makes you think of Bedrock! Maybe they designed the houses from a neighborhood such as this.

15 – Dina Shore Estate, 432 Hermosa Rd, 1964, Donald Wexler. Not exactly forward thinking, rather it’s a solid and well-executed example of large-scale residential mid-century modern architecture. It gives the initial impression of a school or library, with the extensive park grounds, but that only adds to the character.

16 – All Worlds Resorts. I couldn’t resist. Here’s how the rest of us live when we’re on vacation.

Still, though, not bad.

For those interested in Palm Springs

mid-century architecture, there’s a great website with more pictures: rebeccaandstephen.com/gallery/midcenturymodern/

Palm Springs Mid-Century Modern.

In August, 2013, Greg and I trekked out to Palm Springs for a friend’s birthday party – I know, an unforgivable time of year, unless you like 110 degrees and 75% humidity! While we were there, we decided to check out mid-century modern neighborhoods, considering retirement is just around the corner (10 years, assuming I’ll be able to retire). What we saw, we liked. We left thinking, “Yeah, we could do this.” But back at home, in Silver Lake, reality set in. The “Sure, why not?” turned into “Hell no!” Still, we love the architecture, and it’s something to keep in mind. . .

01 – Title Page - Palm Springs Modern Committee (PS MODCOM) - A Map of Modern Palm Springs. But you’ll have to plunk down the $5 for your own copy, and support the cause like we did. Sorry.

02 – Racquet Club Estates, Racquet Club Drive & Via Miraleste, 1959 to 1961, William Krisel for the William Alexander Construction Company,– This was our first stop on our adventure. The Racquet Club Estates looks like a great neighborhood, on its way up (hopefully). The entire neighborhood looks almost like it’s right out of the mind of the creator for the Jettson’s. I especially loved the original garage doors.

03 – Alexander Steel Houses, Simms & Sunnyview (300 & 330 E Molino Rd, 3100, 3125, 3133, 3165 Sunny View Dr, & 290 Simms Rd), 1960 – 1962, Donald Wexler and Richard Harrison for the William Alexander Constriction Company. It’s amazing how often the name “William Alexander” comes up when talking mid-century architecture in Palm Springs. Here he attempted something new – houses made of all steel. (I know, desert/steel. Right?) It turned out to be not such a hot idea (or rather, too hot of one). What had been planned as a whole subdivision, ended up realizing only 7 magnificent houses. Number 2 is even on the National Register of Historic Places. You can see some interesting stuff in the eligibility statement with the NPS: ohp.parks.ca.gov/pages/1067/files/steel%20development%20h...

04 – Carey-Pizzoli House, 600 W Panorama Dr, 1946, Albert Frey. This is the kind of house you look at and think, “That’s an ugly mid-1960’s split-level ranch house. Why is it on the PS MODCOM map?” Then you read the description again, and think, “What? 1946?” Then you realize why it’s on the list. It preceded the tract ranch houses by 20 years. The architect, Albert Frey, was visionary.

05 – Shapiro House, 711 W Panorama Dr, 1969, Michael Black. I’m not a fan of Michael Black, but the house is interesting, with the huge private interior courtyard and futuristic Star Wars design.

06 – Franz Alexander House, 1011 W Celio Dr, 1954, Walter White. I’m not so familiar with Walter White’s work, probably because the numbers of structures are few. But what he did, he did well! This house is reminiscent of the early modernists like Neutra and Schindler (evidenced by the long band of windows facing the street and simplicity of design), yet predict the work of new masters like Gehry and Pie (evidenced by the wonderful pagoda roof and the use of common materials).

07 – Palevsky House, 1021 W Celio Dr, 1968, Craig Elwood. A classic modernist compound by a master of his trade.

08 – View of the Coachella Valley from W Celio Drive.

09 – Edris House, 1030 W Celio Dr, 1953, E Stewart Williams. With a commanding view of the Coachella Valley, this house is expertly designed to take in the amazing view. An inverted roof is held down by a rock chimney, anchoring the house to the cliff.

10 – Raymond-Loewy House, 600 W Panorama Rd, 1946, Albert Frey. Perfectly situation on the site, this striking house is nestled in behind boulders and trees for maximum privacy. It’s Albert Frey at his best. Unfortunately, it’s impossible to photograph from the street!

11 – Alexander-May House, 424 W Vista Chino Rd, 1952, Edward Fickett. Quintessential Fickett. Behind the added three-car garage, which now dominates the façade, is the original modernist intent. His

ideas here (especially the entrance) would be widely used in many late 60’s and early 70’s designs.

12 – Kaufmann Desert House, 470 W Vista Chino Rd, 1946, Richard Neutra. He Kaufmann house is a work of art. This is the house which is most-often compared with Frank Lloyd Wright’s Falling Water. What else can you say about Neutra’s design that hasn’t already been said? Nothing. It’s perfect. Simply perfect. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaufmann_Desert_House and en.wikiarquitectura.com/index.php/Kaufmann_House

13 – House of Tomorrow (Robert & Helene Alexander House), 1350 Ladera Cir, 1962, William Krisel. It’s a house! It’s a plane! It’s. . it’s. . . different. I’m not sure what I expected from the “House of Tomorrow,” but this wasn’t quite it. It’s more like the “House of Yesterday’s Tomorrow.” But it’s still an innovated and charming house. Less charming was the owner’s assistant trying to sell us on $60 per person tour tickets, just to see where Elvis and Priscilla Presley slept on their honeymoon. Really?

14 – Las Palmas Estates, Camino Sur Rd & Via Vadera, 1950’s, William Krisel and Charles DuBois (Separately). These houses are fanciful and fun, and for some inexplicable reason makes you think of Bedrock! Maybe they designed the houses from a neighborhood such as this.

15 – Dina Shore Estate, 432 Hermosa Rd, 1964, Donald Wexler. Not exactly forward thinking, rather it’s a solid and well-executed example of large-scale residential mid-century modern architecture. It gives the initial impression of a school or library, with the extensive park grounds, but that only adds to the character.

16 – All Worlds Resorts. I couldn’t resist. Here’s how the rest of us live when we’re on vacation.

Still, though, not bad.

For those interested in Palm Springs

mid-century architecture, there’s a great website with more pictures: rebeccaandstephen.com/gallery/midcenturymodern/

Palm Springs Mid-Century Modern.

In August, 2013, Greg and I trekked out to Palm Springs for a friend’s birthday party – I know, an unforgivable time of year, unless you like 110 degrees and 75% humidity! While we were there, we decided to check out mid-century modern neighborhoods, considering retirement is just around the corner (10 years, assuming I’ll be able to retire). What we saw, we liked. We left thinking, “Yeah, we could do this.” But back at home, in Silver Lake, reality set in. The “Sure, why not?” turned into “Hell no!” Still, we love the architecture, and it’s something to keep in mind. . .

01 – Title Page - Palm Springs Modern Committee (PS MODCOM) - A Map of Modern Palm Springs. But you’ll have to plunk down the $5 for your own copy, and support the cause like we did. Sorry.

02 – Racquet Club Estates, Racquet Club Drive & Via Miraleste, 1959 to 1961, William Krisel for the William Alexander Construction Company,– This was our first stop on our adventure. The Racquet Club Estates looks like a great neighborhood, on its way up (hopefully). The entire neighborhood looks almost like it’s right out of the mind of the creator for the Jettson’s. I especially loved the original garage doors.

03 – Alexander Steel Houses, Simms & Sunnyview (300 & 330 E Molino Rd, 3100, 3125, 3133, 3165 Sunny View Dr, & 290 Simms Rd), 1960 – 1962, Donald Wexler and Richard Harrison for the William Alexander Constriction Company. It’s amazing how often the name “William Alexander” comes up when talking mid-century architecture in Palm Springs. Here he attempted something new – houses made of all steel. (I know, desert/steel. Right?) It turned out to be not such a hot idea (or rather, too hot of one). What had been planned as a whole subdivision, ended up realizing only 7 magnificent houses. Number 2 is even on the National Register of Historic Places. You can see some interesting stuff in the eligibility statement with the NPS: ohp.parks.ca.gov/pages/1067/files/steel%20development%20h...

04 – Carey-Pizzoli House, 600 W Panorama Dr, 1946, Albert Frey. This is the kind of house you look at and think, “That’s an ugly mid-1960’s split-level ranch house. Why is it on the PS MODCOM map?” Then you read the description again, and think, “What? 1946?” Then you realize why it’s on the list. It preceded the tract ranch houses by 20 years. The architect, Albert Frey, was visionary.

05 – Shapiro House, 711 W Panorama Dr, 1969, Michael Black. I’m not a fan of Michael Black, but the house is interesting, with the huge private interior courtyard and futuristic Star Wars design.

06 – Franz Alexander House, 1011 W Celio Dr, 1954, Walter White. I’m not so familiar with Walter White’s work, probably because the numbers of structures are few. But what he did, he did well! This house is reminiscent of the early modernists like Neutra and Schindler (evidenced by the long band of windows facing the street and simplicity of design), yet predict the work of new masters like Gehry and Pie (evidenced by the wonderful pagoda roof and the use of common materials).

07 – Palevsky House, 1021 W Celio Dr, 1968, Craig Elwood. A classic modernist compound by a master of his trade.

08 – View of the Coachella Valley from W Celio Drive.

09 – Edris House, 1030 W Celio Dr, 1953, E Stewart Williams. With a commanding view of the Coachella Valley, this house is expertly designed to take in the amazing view. An inverted roof is held down by a rock chimney, anchoring the house to the cliff.

10 – Raymond-Loewy House, 600 W Panorama Rd, 1946, Albert Frey. Perfectly situation on the site, this striking house is nestled in behind boulders and trees for maximum privacy. It’s Albert Frey at his best. Unfortunately, it’s impossible to photograph from the street!

11 – Alexander-May House, 424 W Vista Chino Rd, 1952, Edward Fickett. Quintessential Fickett. Behind the added three-car garage, which now dominates the façade, is the original modernist intent. His

ideas here (especially the entrance) would be widely used in many late 60’s and early 70’s designs.

12 – Kaufmann Desert House, 470 W Vista Chino Rd, 1946, Richard Neutra. He Kaufmann house is a work of art. This is the house which is most-often compared with Frank Lloyd Wright’s Falling Water. What else can you say about Neutra’s design that hasn’t already been said? Nothing. It’s perfect. Simply perfect. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaufmann_Desert_House and en.wikiarquitectura.com/index.php/Kaufmann_House

13 – House of Tomorrow (Robert & Helene Alexander House), 1350 Ladera Cir, 1962, William Krisel. It’s a house! It’s a plane! It’s. . it’s. . . different. I’m not sure what I expected from the “House of Tomorrow,” but this wasn’t quite it. It’s more like the “House of Yesterday’s Tomorrow.” But it’s still an innovated and charming house. Less charming was the owner’s assistant trying to sell us on $60 per person tour tickets, just to see where Elvis and Priscilla Presley slept on their honeymoon. Really?

14 – Las Palmas Estates, Camino Sur Rd & Via Vadera, 1950’s, William Krisel and Charles DuBois (Separately). These houses are fanciful and fun, and for some inexplicable reason makes you think of Bedrock! Maybe they designed the houses from a neighborhood such as this.

15 – Dina Shore Estate, 432 Hermosa Rd, 1964, Donald Wexler. Not exactly forward thinking, rather it’s a solid and well-executed example of large-scale residential mid-century modern architecture. It gives the initial impression of a school or library, with the extensive park grounds, but that only adds to the character.

16 – All Worlds Resorts. I couldn’t resist. Here’s how the rest of us live when we’re on vacation.

Still, though, not bad.

For those interested in Palm Springs

mid-century architecture, there’s a great website with more pictures: rebeccaandstephen.com/gallery/midcenturymodern/

Palm Springs Mid-Century Modern.

In August, 2013, Greg and I trekked out to Palm Springs for a friend’s birthday party – I know, an unforgivable time of year, unless you like 110 degrees and 75% humidity! While we were there, we decided to check out mid-century modern neighborhoods, considering retirement is just around the corner (10 years, assuming I’ll be able to retire). What we saw, we liked. We left thinking, “Yeah, we could do this.” But back at home, in Silver Lake, reality set in. The “Sure, why not?” turned into “Hell no!” Still, we love the architecture, and it’s something to keep in mind. . .

01 – Title Page - Palm Springs Modern Committee (PS MODCOM) - A Map of Modern Palm Springs. But you’ll have to plunk down the $5 for your own copy, and support the cause like we did. Sorry.

02 – Racquet Club Estates, Racquet Club Drive & Via Miraleste, 1959 to 1961, William Krisel for the William Alexander Construction Company,– This was our first stop on our adventure. The Racquet Club Estates looks like a great neighborhood, on its way up (hopefully). The entire neighborhood looks almost like it’s right out of the mind of the creator for the Jettson’s. I especially loved the original garage doors.

03 – Alexander Steel Houses, Simms & Sunnyview (300 & 330 E Molino Rd, 3100, 3125, 3133, 3165 Sunny View Dr, & 290 Simms Rd), 1960 – 1962, Donald Wexler and Richard Harrison for the William Alexander Constriction Company. It’s amazing how often the name “William Alexander” comes up when talking mid-century architecture in Palm Springs. Here he attempted something new – houses made of all steel. (I know, desert/steel. Right?) It turned out to be not such a hot idea (or rather, too hot of one). What had been planned as a whole subdivision, ended up realizing only 7 magnificent houses. Number 2 is even on the National Register of Historic Places. You can see some interesting stuff in the eligibility statement with the NPS: ohp.parks.ca.gov/pages/1067/files/steel%20development%20h...

04 – Carey-Pizzoli House, 600 W Panorama Dr, 1946, Albert Frey. This is the kind of house you look at and think, “That’s an ugly mid-1960’s split-level ranch house. Why is it on the PS MODCOM map?” Then you read the description again, and think, “What? 1946?” Then you realize why it’s on the list. It preceded the tract ranch houses by 20 years. The architect, Albert Frey, was visionary.

05 – Shapiro House, 711 W Panorama Dr, 1969, Michael Black. I’m not a fan of Michael Black, but the house is interesting, with the huge private interior courtyard and futuristic Star Wars design.

06 – Franz Alexander House, 1011 W Celio Dr, 1954, Walter White. I’m not so familiar with Walter White’s work, probably because the numbers of structures are few. But what he did, he did well! This house is reminiscent of the early modernists like Neutra and Schindler (evidenced by the long band of windows facing the street and simplicity of design), yet predict the work of new masters like Gehry and Pie (evidenced by the wonderful pagoda roof and the use of common materials).

07 – Palevsky House, 1021 W Celio Dr, 1968, Craig Elwood. A classic modernist compound by a master of his trade.

08 – View of the Coachella Valley from W Celio Drive.

09 – Edris House, 1030 W Celio Dr, 1953, E Stewart Williams. With a commanding view of the Coachella Valley, this house is expertly designed to take in the amazing view. An inverted roof is held down by a rock chimney, anchoring the house to the cliff.

10 – Raymond-Loewy House, 600 W Panorama Rd, 1946, Albert Frey. Perfectly situation on the site, this striking house is nestled in behind boulders and trees for maximum privacy. It’s Albert Frey at his best. Unfortunately, it’s impossible to photograph from the street!

11 – Alexander-May House, 424 W Vista Chino Rd, 1952, Edward Fickett. Quintessential Fickett. Behind the added three-car garage, which now dominates the façade, is the original modernist intent. His

ideas here (especially the entrance) would be widely used in many late 60’s and early 70’s designs.

12 – Kaufmann Desert House, 470 W Vista Chino Rd, 1946, Richard Neutra. He Kaufmann house is a work of art. This is the house which is most-often compared with Frank Lloyd Wright’s Falling Water. What else can you say about Neutra’s design that hasn’t already been said? Nothing. It’s perfect. Simply perfect. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaufmann_Desert_House and en.wikiarquitectura.com/index.php/Kaufmann_House

13 – House of Tomorrow (Robert & Helene Alexander House), 1350 Ladera Cir, 1962, William Krisel. It’s a house! It’s a plane! It’s. . it’s. . . different. I’m not sure what I expected from the “House of Tomorrow,” but this wasn’t quite it. It’s more like the “House of Yesterday’s Tomorrow.” But it’s still an innovated and charming house. Less charming was the owner’s assistant trying to sell us on $60 per person tour tickets, just to see where Elvis and Priscilla Presley slept on their honeymoon. Really?

14 – Las Palmas Estates, Camino Sur Rd & Via Vadera, 1950’s, William Krisel and Charles DuBois (Separately). These houses are fanciful and fun, and for some inexplicable reason makes you think of Bedrock! Maybe they designed the houses from a neighborhood such as this.

15 – Dina Shore Estate, 432 Hermosa Rd, 1964, Donald Wexler. Not exactly forward thinking, rather it’s a solid and well-executed example of large-scale residential mid-century modern architecture. It gives the initial impression of a school or library, with the extensive park grounds, but that only adds to the character.

16 – All Worlds Resorts. I couldn’t resist. Here’s how the rest of us live when we’re on vacation.

Still, though, not bad.

For those interested in Palm Springs

mid-century architecture, there’s a great website with more pictures: rebeccaandstephen.com/gallery/midcenturymodern/

Palm Springs Mid-Century Modern.

In August, 2013, Greg and I trekked out to Palm Springs for a friend’s birthday party – I know, an unforgivable time of year, unless you like 110 degrees and 75% humidity! While we were there, we decided to check out mid-century modern neighborhoods, considering retirement is just around the corner (10 years, assuming I’ll be able to retire). What we saw, we liked. We left thinking, “Yeah, we could do this.” But back at home, in Silver Lake, reality set in. The “Sure, why not?” turned into “Hell no!” Still, we love the architecture, and it’s something to keep in mind. . .

01 – Title Page - Palm Springs Modern Committee (PS MODCOM) - A Map of Modern Palm Springs. But you’ll have to plunk down the $5 for your own copy, and support the cause like we did. Sorry.

02 – Racquet Club Estates, Racquet Club Drive & Via Miraleste, 1959 to 1961, William Krisel for the William Alexander Construction Company,– This was our first stop on our adventure. The Racquet Club Estates looks like a great neighborhood, on its way up (hopefully). The entire neighborhood looks almost like it’s right out of the mind of the creator for the Jettson’s. I especially loved the original garage doors.

03 – Alexander Steel Houses, Simms & Sunnyview (300 & 330 E Molino Rd, 3100, 3125, 3133, 3165 Sunny View Dr, & 290 Simms Rd), 1960 – 1962, Donald Wexler and Richard Harrison for the William Alexander Constriction Company. It’s amazing how often the name “William Alexander” comes up when talking mid-century architecture in Palm Springs. Here he attempted something new – houses made of all steel. (I know, desert/steel. Right?) It turned out to be not such a hot idea (or rather, too hot of one). What had been planned as a whole subdivision, ended up realizing only 7 magnificent houses. Number 2 is even on the National Register of Historic Places. You can see some interesting stuff in the eligibility statement with the NPS: ohp.parks.ca.gov/pages/1067/files/steel%20development%20h...

04 – Carey-Pizzoli House, 600 W Panorama Dr, 1946, Albert Frey. This is the kind of house you look at and think, “That’s an ugly mid-1960’s split-level ranch house. Why is it on the PS MODCOM map?” Then you read the description again, and think, “What? 1946?” Then you realize why it’s on the list. It preceded the tract ranch houses by 20 years. The architect, Albert Frey, was visionary.

05 – Shapiro House, 711 W Panorama Dr, 1969, Michael Black. I’m not a fan of Michael Black, but the house is interesting, with the huge private interior courtyard and futuristic Star Wars design.

06 – Franz Alexander House, 1011 W Celio Dr, 1954, Walter White. I’m not so familiar with Walter White’s work, probably because the numbers of structures are few. But what he did, he did well! This house is reminiscent of the early modernists like Neutra and Schindler (evidenced by the long band of windows facing the street and simplicity of design), yet predict the work of new masters like Gehry and Pie (evidenced by the wonderful pagoda roof and the use of common materials).

07 – Palevsky House, 1021 W Celio Dr, 1968, Craig Elwood. A classic modernist compound by a master of his trade.

08 – View of the Coachella Valley from W Celio Drive.

09 – Edris House, 1030 W Celio Dr, 1953, E Stewart Williams. With a commanding view of the Coachella Valley, this house is expertly designed to take in the amazing view. An inverted roof is held down by a rock chimney, anchoring the house to the cliff.

10 – Raymond-Loewy House, 600 W Panorama Rd, 1946, Albert Frey. Perfectly situation on the site, this striking house is nestled in behind boulders and trees for maximum privacy. It’s Albert Frey at his best. Unfortunately, it’s impossible to photograph from the street!

11 – Alexander-May House, 424 W Vista Chino Rd, 1952, Edward Fickett. Quintessential Fickett. Behind the added three-car garage, which now dominates the façade, is the original modernist intent. His

ideas here (especially the entrance) would be widely used in many late 60’s and early 70’s designs.

12 – Kaufmann Desert House, 470 W Vista Chino Rd, 1946, Richard Neutra. He Kaufmann house is a work of art. This is the house which is most-often compared with Frank Lloyd Wright’s Falling Water. What else can you say about Neutra’s design that hasn’t already been said? Nothing. It’s perfect. Simply perfect. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaufmann_Desert_House and en.wikiarquitectura.com/index.php/Kaufmann_House

13 – House of Tomorrow (Robert & Helene Alexander House), 1350 Ladera Cir, 1962, William Krisel. It’s a house! It’s a plane! It’s. . it’s. . . different. I’m not sure what I expected from the “House of Tomorrow,” but this wasn’t quite it. It’s more like the “House of Yesterday’s Tomorrow.” But it’s still an innovated and charming house. Less charming was the owner’s assistant trying to sell us on $60 per person tour tickets, just to see where Elvis and Priscilla Presley slept on their honeymoon. Really?

14 – Las Palmas Estates, Camino Sur Rd & Via Vadera, 1950’s, William Krisel and Charles DuBois (Separately). These houses are fanciful and fun, and for some inexplicable reason makes you think of Bedrock! Maybe they designed the houses from a neighborhood such as this.

15 – Dina Shore Estate, 432 Hermosa Rd, 1964, Donald Wexler. Not exactly forward thinking, rather it’s a solid and well-executed example of large-scale residential mid-century modern architecture. It gives the initial impression of a school or library, with the extensive park grounds, but that only adds to the character.

16 – All Worlds Resorts. I couldn’t resist. Here’s how the rest of us live when we’re on vacation.

Still, though, not bad.

For those interested in Palm Springs

mid-century architecture, there’s a great website with more pictures: rebeccaandstephen.com/gallery/midcenturymodern/

Palm Springs Mid-Century Modern.

In August, 2013, Greg and I trekked out to Palm Springs for a friend’s birthday party – I know, an unforgivable time of year, unless you like 110 degrees and 75% humidity! While we were there, we decided to check out mid-century modern neighborhoods, considering retirement is just around the corner (10 years, assuming I’ll be able to retire). What we saw, we liked. We left thinking, “Yeah, we could do this.” But back at home, in Silver Lake, reality set in. The “Sure, why not?” turned into “Hell no!” Still, we love the architecture, and it’s something to keep in mind. . .

01 – Title Page - Palm Springs Modern Committee (PS MODCOM) - A Map of Modern Palm Springs. But you’ll have to plunk down the $5 for your own copy, and support the cause like we did. Sorry.

02 – Racquet Club Estates, Racquet Club Drive & Via Miraleste, 1959 to 1961, William Krisel for the William Alexander Construction Company,– This was our first stop on our adventure. The Racquet Club Estates looks like a great neighborhood, on its way up (hopefully). The entire neighborhood looks almost like it’s right out of the mind of the creator for the Jettson’s. I especially loved the original garage doors.

03 – Alexander Steel Houses, Simms & Sunnyview (300 & 330 E Molino Rd, 3100, 3125, 3133, 3165 Sunny View Dr, & 290 Simms Rd), 1960 – 1962, Donald Wexler and Richard Harrison for the William Alexander Constriction Company. It’s amazing how often the name “William Alexander” comes up when talking mid-century architecture in Palm Springs. Here he attempted something new – houses made of all steel. (I know, desert/steel. Right?) It turned out to be not such a hot idea (or rather, too hot of one). What had been planned as a whole subdivision, ended up realizing only 7 magnificent houses. Number 2 is even on the National Register of Historic Places. You can see some interesting stuff in the eligibility statement with the NPS: ohp.parks.ca.gov/pages/1067/files/steel%20development%20h...

04 – Carey-Pizzoli House, 600 W Panorama Dr, 1946, Albert Frey. This is the kind of house you look at and think, “That’s an ugly mid-1960’s split-level ranch house. Why is it on the PS MODCOM map?” Then you read the description again, and think, “What? 1946?” Then you realize why it’s on the list. It preceded the tract ranch houses by 20 years. The architect, Albert Frey, was visionary.

05 – Shapiro House, 711 W Panorama Dr, 1969, Michael Black. I’m not a fan of Michael Black, but the house is interesting, with the huge private interior courtyard and futuristic Star Wars design.

06 – Franz Alexander House, 1011 W Celio Dr, 1954, Walter White. I’m not so familiar with Walter White’s work, probably because the numbers of structures are few. But what he did, he did well! This house is reminiscent of the early modernists like Neutra and Schindler (evidenced by the long band of windows facing the street and simplicity of design), yet predict the work of new masters like Gehry and Pie (evidenced by the wonderful pagoda roof and the use of common materials).

07 – Palevsky House, 1021 W Celio Dr, 1968, Craig Elwood. A classic modernist compound by a master of his trade.

08 – View of the Coachella Valley from W Celio Drive.

09 – Edris House, 1030 W Celio Dr, 1953, E Stewart Williams. With a commanding view of the Coachella Valley, this house is expertly designed to take in the amazing view. An inverted roof is held down by a rock chimney, anchoring the house to the cliff.

10 – Raymond-Loewy House, 600 W Panorama Rd, 1946, Albert Frey. Perfectly situation on the site, this striking house is nestled in behind boulders and trees for maximum privacy. It’s Albert Frey at his best. Unfortunately, it’s impossible to photograph from the street!

11 – Alexander-May House, 424 W Vista Chino Rd, 1952, Edward Fickett. Quintessential Fickett. Behind the added three-car garage, which now dominates the façade, is the original modernist intent. His

ideas here (especially the entrance) would be widely used in many late 60’s and early 70’s designs.

12 – Kaufmann Desert House, 470 W Vista Chino Rd, 1946, Richard Neutra. He Kaufmann house is a work of art. This is the house which is most-often compared with Frank Lloyd Wright’s Falling Water. What else can you say about Neutra’s design that hasn’t already been said? Nothing. It’s perfect. Simply perfect. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaufmann_Desert_House and en.wikiarquitectura.com/index.php/Kaufmann_House

13 – House of Tomorrow (Robert & Helene Alexander House), 1350 Ladera Cir, 1962, William Krisel. It’s a house! It’s a plane! It’s. . it’s. . . different. I’m not sure what I expected from the “House of Tomorrow,” but this wasn’t quite it. It’s more like the “House of Yesterday’s Tomorrow.” But it’s still an innovated and charming house. Less charming was the owner’s assistant trying to sell us on $60 per person tour tickets, just to see where Elvis and Priscilla Presley slept on their honeymoon. Really?

14 – Las Palmas Estates, Camino Sur Rd & Via Vadera, 1950’s, William Krisel and Charles DuBois (Separately). These houses are fanciful and fun, and for some inexplicable reason makes you think of Bedrock! Maybe they designed the houses from a neighborhood such as this.

15 – Dina Shore Estate, 432 Hermosa Rd, 1964, Donald Wexler. Not exactly forward thinking, rather it’s a solid and well-executed example of large-scale residential mid-century modern architecture. It gives the initial impression of a school or library, with the extensive park grounds, but that only adds to the character.

16 – All Worlds Resorts. I couldn’t resist. Here’s how the rest of us live when we’re on vacation.

Still, though, not bad.

For those interested in Palm Springs

mid-century architecture, there’s a great website with more pictures: rebeccaandstephen.com/gallery/midcenturymodern/

Palm Springs Mid-Century Modern.

In August, 2013, Greg and I trekked out to Palm Springs for a friend’s birthday party – I know, an unforgivable time of year, unless you like 110 degrees and 75% humidity! While we were there, we decided to check out mid-century modern neighborhoods, considering retirement is just around the corner (10 years, assuming I’ll be able to retire). What we saw, we liked. We left thinking, “Yeah, we could do this.” But back at home, in Silver Lake, reality set in. The “Sure, why not?” turned into “Hell no!” Still, we love the architecture, and it’s something to keep in mind. . .

01 – Title Page - Palm Springs Modern Committee (PS MODCOM) - A Map of Modern Palm Springs. But you’ll have to plunk down the $5 for your own copy, and support the cause like we did. Sorry.

02 – Racquet Club Estates, Racquet Club Drive & Via Miraleste, 1959 to 1961, William Krisel for the William Alexander Construction Company,– This was our first stop on our adventure. The Racquet Club Estates looks like a great neighborhood, on its way up (hopefully). The entire neighborhood looks almost like it’s right out of the mind of the creator for the Jettson’s. I especially loved the original garage doors.

03 – Alexander Steel Houses, Simms & Sunnyview (300 & 330 E Molino Rd, 3100, 3125, 3133, 3165 Sunny View Dr, & 290 Simms Rd), 1960 – 1962, Donald Wexler and Richard Harrison for the William Alexander Constriction Company. It’s amazing how often the name “William Alexander” comes up when talking mid-century architecture in Palm Springs. Here he attempted something new – houses made of all steel. (I know, desert/steel. Right?) It turned out to be not such a hot idea (or rather, too hot of one). What had been planned as a whole subdivision, ended up realizing only 7 magnificent houses. Number 2 is even on the National Register of Historic Places. You can see some interesting stuff in the eligibility statement with the NPS: ohp.parks.ca.gov/pages/1067/files/steel%20development%20h...

04 – Carey-Pizzoli House, 600 W Panorama Dr, 1946, Albert Frey. This is the kind of house you look at and think, “That’s an ugly mid-1960’s split-level ranch house. Why is it on the PS MODCOM map?” Then you read the description again, and think, “What? 1946?” Then you realize why it’s on the list. It preceded the tract ranch houses by 20 years. The architect, Albert Frey, was visionary.

05 – Shapiro House, 711 W Panorama Dr, 1969, Michael Black. I’m not a fan of Michael Black, but the house is interesting, with the huge private interior courtyard and futuristic Star Wars design.

06 – Franz Alexander House, 1011 W Celio Dr, 1954, Walter White. I’m not so familiar with Walter White’s work, probably because the numbers of structures are few. But what he did, he did well! This house is reminiscent of the early modernists like Neutra and Schindler (evidenced by the long band of windows facing the street and simplicity of design), yet predict the work of new masters like Gehry and Pie (evidenced by the wonderful pagoda roof and the use of common materials).

07 – Palevsky House, 1021 W Celio Dr, 1968, Craig Elwood. A classic modernist compound by a master of his trade.

08 – View of the Coachella Valley from W Celio Drive.

09 – Edris House, 1030 W Celio Dr, 1953, E Stewart Williams. With a commanding view of the Coachella Valley, this house is expertly designed to take in the amazing view. An inverted roof is held down by a rock chimney, anchoring the house to the cliff.

10 – Raymond-Loewy House, 600 W Panorama Rd, 1946, Albert Frey. Perfectly situation on the site, this striking house is nestled in behind boulders and trees for maximum privacy. It’s Albert Frey at his best. Unfortunately, it’s impossible to photograph from the street!

11 – Alexander-May House, 424 W Vista Chino Rd, 1952, Edward Fickett. Quintessential Fickett. Behind the added three-car garage, which now dominates the façade, is the original modernist intent. His

ideas here (especially the entrance) would be widely used in many late 60’s and early 70’s designs.

12 – Kaufmann Desert House, 470 W Vista Chino Rd, 1946, Richard Neutra. He Kaufmann house is a work of art. This is the house which is most-often compared with Frank Lloyd Wright’s Falling Water. What else can you say about Neutra’s design that hasn’t already been said? Nothing. It’s perfect. Simply perfect. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaufmann_Desert_House and en.wikiarquitectura.com/index.php/Kaufmann_House

13 – House of Tomorrow (Robert & Helene Alexander House), 1350 Ladera Cir, 1962, William Krisel. It’s a house! It’s a plane! It’s. . it’s. . . different. I’m not sure what I expected from the “House of Tomorrow,” but this wasn’t quite it. It’s more like the “House of Yesterday’s Tomorrow.” But it’s still an innovated and charming house. Less charming was the owner’s assistant trying to sell us on $60 per person tour tickets, just to see where Elvis and Priscilla Presley slept on their honeymoon. Really?

14 – Las Palmas Estates, Camino Sur Rd & Via Vadera, 1950’s, William Krisel and Charles DuBois (Separately). These houses are fanciful and fun, and for some inexplicable reason makes you think of Bedrock! Maybe they designed the houses from a neighborhood such as this.

15 – Dina Shore Estate, 432 Hermosa Rd, 1964, Donald Wexler. Not exactly forward thinking, rather it’s a solid and well-executed example of large-scale residential mid-century modern architecture. It gives the initial impression of a school or library, with the extensive park grounds, but that only adds to the character.

16 – All Worlds Resorts. I couldn’t resist. Here’s how the rest of us live when we’re on vacation.

Still, though, not bad.

For those interested in Palm Springs

mid-century architecture, there’s a great website with more pictures: rebeccaandstephen.com/gallery/midcenturymodern/

Palm Springs Mid-Century Modern.

In August, 2013, Greg and I trekked out to Palm Springs for a friend’s birthday party – I know, an unforgivable time of year, unless you like 110 degrees and 75% humidity! While we were there, we decided to check out mid-century modern neighborhoods, considering retirement is just around the corner (10 years, assuming I’ll be able to retire). What we saw, we liked. We left thinking, “Yeah, we could do this.” But back at home, in Silver Lake, reality set in. The “Sure, why not?” turned into “Hell no!” Still, we love the architecture, and it’s something to keep in mind. . .

01 – Title Page - Palm Springs Modern Committee (PS MODCOM) - A Map of Modern Palm Springs. But you’ll have to plunk down the $5 for your own copy, and support the cause like we did. Sorry.

02 – Racquet Club Estates, Racquet Club Drive & Via Miraleste, 1959 to 1961, William Krisel for the William Alexander Construction Company,– This was our first stop on our adventure. The Racquet Club Estates looks like a great neighborhood, on its way up (hopefully). The entire neighborhood looks almost like it’s right out of the mind of the creator for the Jettson’s. I especially loved the original garage doors.

03 – Alexander Steel Houses, Simms & Sunnyview (300 & 330 E Molino Rd, 3100, 3125, 3133, 3165 Sunny View Dr, & 290 Simms Rd), 1960 – 1962, Donald Wexler and Richard Harrison for the William Alexander Constriction Company. It’s amazing how often the name “William Alexander” comes up when talking mid-century architecture in Palm Springs. Here he attempted something new – houses made of all steel. (I know, desert/steel. Right?) It turned out to be not such a hot idea (or rather, too hot of one). What had been planned as a whole subdivision, ended up realizing only 7 magnificent houses. Number 2 is even on the National Register of Historic Places. You can see some interesting stuff in the eligibility statement with the NPS: ohp.parks.ca.gov/pages/1067/files/steel%20development%20h...

04 – Carey-Pizzoli House, 600 W Panorama Dr, 1946, Albert Frey. This is the kind of house you look at and think, “That’s an ugly mid-1960’s split-level ranch house. Why is it on the PS MODCOM map?” Then you read the description again, and think, “What? 1946?” Then you realize why it’s on the list. It preceded the tract ranch houses by 20 years. The architect, Albert Frey, was visionary.

05 – Shapiro House, 711 W Panorama Dr, 1969, Michael Black. I’m not a fan of Michael Black, but the house is interesting, with the huge private interior courtyard and futuristic Star Wars design.

06 – Franz Alexander House, 1011 W Celio Dr, 1954, Walter White. I’m not so familiar with Walter White’s work, probably because the numbers of structures are few. But what he did, he did well! This house is reminiscent of the early modernists like Neutra and Schindler (evidenced by the long band of windows facing the street and simplicity of design), yet predict the work of new masters like Gehry and Pie (evidenced by the wonderful pagoda roof and the use of common materials).

07 – Palevsky House, 1021 W Celio Dr, 1968, Craig Elwood. A classic modernist compound by a master of his trade.

08 – View of the Coachella Valley from W Celio Drive.

09 – Edris House, 1030 W Celio Dr, 1953, E Stewart Williams. With a commanding view of the Coachella Valley, this house is expertly designed to take in the amazing view. An inverted roof is held down by a rock chimney, anchoring the house to the cliff.

10 – Raymond-Loewy House, 600 W Panorama Rd, 1946, Albert Frey. Perfectly situation on the site, this striking house is nestled in behind boulders and trees for maximum privacy. It’s Albert Frey at his best. Unfortunately, it’s impossible to photograph from the street!

11 – Alexander-May House, 424 W Vista Chino Rd, 1952, Edward Fickett. Quintessential Fickett. Behind the added three-car garage, which now dominates the façade, is the original modernist intent. His

ideas here (especially the entrance) would be widely used in many late 60’s and early 70’s designs.

12 – Kaufmann Desert House, 470 W Vista Chino Rd, 1946, Richard Neutra. He Kaufmann house is a work of art. This is the house which is most-often compared with Frank Lloyd Wright’s Falling Water. What else can you say about Neutra’s design that hasn’t already been said? Nothing. It’s perfect. Simply perfect. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaufmann_Desert_House and en.wikiarquitectura.com/index.php/Kaufmann_House

13 – House of Tomorrow (Robert & Helene Alexander House), 1350 Ladera Cir, 1962, William Krisel. It’s a house! It’s a plane! It’s. . it’s. . . different. I’m not sure what I expected from the “House of Tomorrow,” but this wasn’t quite it. It’s more like the “House of Yesterday’s Tomorrow.” But it’s still an innovated and charming house. Less charming was the owner’s assistant trying to sell us on $60 per person tour tickets, just to see where Elvis and Priscilla Presley slept on their honeymoon. Really?

14 – Las Palmas Estates, Camino Sur Rd & Via Vadera, 1950’s, William Krisel and Charles DuBois (Separately). These houses are fanciful and fun, and for some inexplicable reason makes you think of Bedrock! Maybe they designed the houses from a neighborhood such as this.

15 – Dina Shore Estate, 432 Hermosa Rd, 1964, Donald Wexler. Not exactly forward thinking, rather it’s a solid and well-executed example of large-scale residential mid-century modern architecture. It gives the initial impression of a school or library, with the extensive park grounds, but that only adds to the character.

16 – All Worlds Resorts. I couldn’t resist. Here’s how the rest of us live when we’re on vacation.

Still, though, not bad.

For those interested in Palm Springs

mid-century architecture, there’s a great website with more pictures: rebeccaandstephen.com/gallery/midcenturymodern/

Palm Springs Mid-Century Modern.

In August, 2013, Greg and I trekked out to Palm Springs for a friend’s birthday party – I know, an unforgivable time of year, unless you like 110 degrees and 75% humidity! While we were there, we decided to check out mid-century modern neighborhoods, considering retirement is just around the corner (10 years, assuming I’ll be able to retire). What we saw, we liked. We left thinking, “Yeah, we could do this.” But back at home, in Silver Lake, reality set in. The “Sure, why not?” turned into “Hell no!” Still, we love the architecture, and it’s something to keep in mind. . .

01 – Title Page - Palm Springs Modern Committee (PS MODCOM) - A Map of Modern Palm Springs. But you’ll have to plunk down the $5 for your own copy, and support the cause like we did. Sorry.

02 – Racquet Club Estates, Racquet Club Drive & Via Miraleste, 1959 to 1961, William Krisel for the William Alexander Construction Company,– This was our first stop on our adventure. The Racquet Club Estates looks like a great neighborhood, on its way up (hopefully). The entire neighborhood looks almost like it’s right out of the mind of the creator for the Jettson’s. I especially loved the original garage doors.

03 – Alexander Steel Houses, Simms & Sunnyview (300 & 330 E Molino Rd, 3100, 3125, 3133, 3165 Sunny View Dr, & 290 Simms Rd), 1960 – 1962, Donald Wexler and Richard Harrison for the William Alexander Constriction Company. It’s amazing how often the name “William Alexander” comes up when talking mid-century architecture in Palm Springs. Here he attempted something new – houses made of all steel. (I know, desert/steel. Right?) It turned out to be not such a hot idea (or rather, too hot of one). What had been planned as a whole subdivision, ended up realizing only 7 magnificent houses. Number 2 is even on the National Register of Historic Places. You can see some interesting stuff in the eligibility statement with the NPS: ohp.parks.ca.gov/pages/1067/files/steel%20development%20h...

04 – Carey-Pizzoli House, 600 W Panorama Dr, 1946, Albert Frey. This is the kind of house you look at and think, “That’s an ugly mid-1960’s split-level ranch house. Why is it on the PS MODCOM map?” Then you read the description again, and think, “What? 1946?” Then you realize why it’s on the list. It preceded the tract ranch houses by 20 years. The architect, Albert Frey, was visionary.

05 – Shapiro House, 711 W Panorama Dr, 1969, Michael Black. I’m not a fan of Michael Black, but the house is interesting, with the huge private interior courtyard and futuristic Star Wars design.

06 – Franz Alexander House, 1011 W Celio Dr, 1954, Walter White. I’m not so familiar with Walter White’s work, probably because the numbers of structures are few. But what he did, he did well! This house is reminiscent of the early modernists like Neutra and Schindler (evidenced by the long band of windows facing the street and simplicity of design), yet predict the work of new masters like Gehry and Pie (evidenced by the wonderful pagoda roof and the use of common materials).

07 – Palevsky House, 1021 W Celio Dr, 1968, Craig Elwood. A classic modernist compound by a master of his trade.

08 – View of the Coachella Valley from W Celio Drive.

09 – Edris House, 1030 W Celio Dr, 1953, E Stewart Williams. With a commanding view of the Coachella Valley, this house is expertly designed to take in the amazing view. An inverted roof is held down by a rock chimney, anchoring the house to the cliff.

10 – Raymond-Loewy House, 600 W Panorama Rd, 1946, Albert Frey. Perfectly situation on the site, this striking house is nestled in behind boulders and trees for maximum privacy. It’s Albert Frey at his best. Unfortunately, it’s impossible to photograph from the street!

11 – Alexander-May House, 424 W Vista Chino Rd, 1952, Edward Fickett. Quintessential Fickett. Behind the added three-car garage, which now dominates the façade, is the original modernist intent. His

ideas here (especially the entrance) would be widely used in many late 60’s and early 70’s designs.

12 – Kaufmann Desert House, 470 W Vista Chino Rd, 1946, Richard Neutra. He Kaufmann house is a work of art. This is the house which is most-often compared with Frank Lloyd Wright’s Falling Water. What else can you say about Neutra’s design that hasn’t already been said? Nothing. It’s perfect. Simply perfect. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaufmann_Desert_House and en.wikiarquitectura.com/index.php/Kaufmann_House

13 – House of Tomorrow (Robert & Helene Alexander House), 1350 Ladera Cir, 1962, William Krisel. It’s a house! It’s a plane! It’s. . it’s. . . different. I’m not sure what I expected from the “House of Tomorrow,” but this wasn’t quite it. It’s more like the “House of Yesterday’s Tomorrow.” But it’s still an innovated and charming house. Less charming was the owner’s assistant trying to sell us on $60 per person tour tickets, just to see where Elvis and Priscilla Presley slept on their honeymoon. Really?

14 – Las Palmas Estates, Camino Sur Rd & Via Vadera, 1950’s, William Krisel and Charles DuBois (Separately). These houses are fanciful and fun, and for some inexplicable reason makes you think of Bedrock! Maybe they designed the houses from a neighborhood such as this.

15 – Dina Shore Estate, 432 Hermosa Rd, 1964, Donald Wexler. Not exactly forward thinking, rather it’s a solid and well-executed example of large-scale residential mid-century modern architecture. It gives the initial impression of a school or library, with the extensive park grounds, but that only adds to the character.

16 – All Worlds Resorts. I couldn’t resist. Here’s how the rest of us live when we’re on vacation.

Still, though, not bad.

For those interested in Palm Springs

mid-century architecture, there’s a great website with more pictures: rebeccaandstephen.com/gallery/midcenturymodern/

Palm Springs Mid-Century Modern.

In August, 2013, Greg and I trekked out to Palm Springs for a friend’s birthday party – I know, an unforgivable time of year, unless you like 110 degrees and 75% humidity! While we were there, we decided to check out mid-century modern neighborhoods, considering retirement is just around the corner (10 years, assuming I’ll be able to retire). What we saw, we liked. We left thinking, “Yeah, we could do this.” But back at home, in Silver Lake, reality set in. The “Sure, why not?” turned into “Hell no!” Still, we love the architecture, and it’s something to keep in mind. . .

01 – Title Page - Palm Springs Modern Committee (PS MODCOM) - A Map of Modern Palm Springs. But you’ll have to plunk down the $5 for your own copy, and support the cause like we did. Sorry.

02 – Racquet Club Estates, Racquet Club Drive & Via Miraleste, 1959 to 1961, William Krisel for the William Alexander Construction Company,– This was our first stop on our adventure. The Racquet Club Estates looks like a great neighborhood, on its way up (hopefully). The entire neighborhood looks almost like it’s right out of the mind of the creator for the Jettson’s. I especially loved the original garage doors.

03 – Alexander Steel Houses, Simms & Sunnyview (300 & 330 E Molino Rd, 3100, 3125, 3133, 3165 Sunny View Dr, & 290 Simms Rd), 1960 – 1962, Donald Wexler and Richard Harrison for the William Alexander Constriction Company. It’s amazing how often the name “William Alexander” comes up when talking mid-century architecture in Palm Springs. Here he attempted something new – houses made of all steel. (I know, desert/steel. Right?) It turned out to be not such a hot idea (or rather, too hot of one). What had been planned as a whole subdivision, ended up realizing only 7 magnificent houses. Number 2 is even on the National Register of Historic Places. You can see some interesting stuff in the eligibility statement with the NPS: ohp.parks.ca.gov/pages/1067/files/steel%20development%20h...

04 – Carey-Pizzoli House, 600 W Panorama Dr, 1946, Albert Frey. This is the kind of house you look at and think, “That’s an ugly mid-1960’s split-level ranch house. Why is it on the PS MODCOM map?” Then you read the description again, and think, “What? 1946?” Then you realize why it’s on the list. It preceded the tract ranch houses by 20 years. The architect, Albert Frey, was visionary.

05 – Shapiro House, 711 W Panorama Dr, 1969, Michael Black. I’m not a fan of Michael Black, but the house is interesting, with the huge private interior courtyard and futuristic Star Wars design.

06 – Franz Alexander House, 1011 W Celio Dr, 1954, Walter White. I’m not so familiar with Walter White’s work, probably because the numbers of structures are few. But what he did, he did well! This house is reminiscent of the early modernists like Neutra and Schindler (evidenced by the long band of windows facing the street and simplicity of design), yet predict the work of new masters like Gehry and Pie (evidenced by the wonderful pagoda roof and the use of common materials).

07 – Palevsky House, 1021 W Celio Dr, 1968, Craig Elwood. A classic modernist compound by a master of his trade.

08 – View of the Coachella Valley from W Celio Drive.

09 – Edris House, 1030 W Celio Dr, 1953, E Stewart Williams. With a commanding view of the Coachella Valley, this house is expertly designed to take in the amazing view. An inverted roof is held down by a rock chimney, anchoring the house to the cliff.

10 – Raymond-Loewy House, 600 W Panorama Rd, 1946, Albert Frey. Perfectly situation on the site, this striking house is nestled in behind boulders and trees for maximum privacy. It’s Albert Frey at his best. Unfortunately, it’s impossible to photograph from the street!

11 – Alexander-May House, 424 W Vista Chino Rd, 1952, Edward Fickett. Quintessential Fickett. Behind the added three-car garage, which now dominates the façade, is the original modernist intent. His

ideas here (especially the entrance) would be widely used in many late 60’s and early 70’s designs.

12 – Kaufmann Desert House, 470 W Vista Chino Rd, 1946, Richard Neutra. He Kaufmann house is a work of art. This is the house which is most-often compared with Frank Lloyd Wright’s Falling Water. What else can you say about Neutra’s design that hasn’t already been said? Nothing. It’s perfect. Simply perfect. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaufmann_Desert_House and en.wikiarquitectura.com/index.php/Kaufmann_House

13 – House of Tomorrow (Robert & Helene Alexander House), 1350 Ladera Cir, 1962, William Krisel. It’s a house! It’s a plane! It’s. . it’s. . . different. I’m not sure what I expected from the “House of Tomorrow,” but this wasn’t quite it. It’s more like the “House of Yesterday’s Tomorrow.” But it’s still an innovated and charming house. Less charming was the owner’s assistant trying to sell us on $60 per person tour tickets, just to see where Elvis and Priscilla Presley slept on their honeymoon. Really?

14 – Las Palmas Estates, Camino Sur Rd & Via Vadera, 1950’s, William Krisel and Charles DuBois (Separately). These houses are fanciful and fun, and for some inexplicable reason makes you think of Bedrock! Maybe they designed the houses from a neighborhood such as this.

15 – Dina Shore Estate, 432 Hermosa Rd, 1964, Donald Wexler. Not exactly forward thinking, rather it’s a solid and well-executed example of large-scale residential mid-century modern architecture. It gives the initial impression of a school or library, with the extensive park grounds, but that only adds to the character.

16 – All Worlds Resorts. I couldn’t resist. Here’s how the rest of us live when we’re on vacation.

Still, though, not bad.

For those interested in Palm Springs

mid-century architecture, there’s a great website with more pictures: rebeccaandstephen.com/gallery/midcenturymodern/

Palm Springs Mid-Century Modern.

In August, 2013, Greg and I trekked out to Palm Springs for a friend’s birthday party – I know, an unforgivable time of year, unless you like 110 degrees and 75% humidity! While we were there, we decided to check out mid-century modern neighborhoods, considering retirement is just around the corner (10 years, assuming I’ll be able to retire). What we saw, we liked. We left thinking, “Yeah, we could do this.” But back at home, in Silver Lake, reality set in. The “Sure, why not?” turned into “Hell no!” Still, we love the architecture, and it’s something to keep in mind. . .

01 – Title Page - Palm Springs Modern Committee (PS MODCOM) - A Map of Modern Palm Springs. But you’ll have to plunk down the $5 for your own copy, and support the cause like we did. Sorry.

02 – Racquet Club Estates, Racquet Club Drive & Via Miraleste, 1959 to 1961, William Krisel for the William Alexander Construction Company,– This was our first stop on our adventure. The Racquet Club Estates looks like a great neighborhood, on its way up (hopefully). The entire neighborhood looks almost like it’s right out of the mind of the creator for the Jettson’s. I especially loved the original garage doors.

03 – Alexander Steel Houses, Simms & Sunnyview (300 & 330 E Molino Rd, 3100, 3125, 3133, 3165 Sunny View Dr, & 290 Simms Rd), 1960 – 1962, Donald Wexler and Richard Harrison for the William Alexander Constriction Company. It’s amazing how often the name “William Alexander” comes up when talking mid-century architecture in Palm Springs. Here he attempted something new – houses made of all steel. (I know, desert/steel. Right?) It turned out to be not such a hot idea (or rather, too hot of one). What had been planned as a whole subdivision, ended up realizing only 7 magnificent houses. Number 2 is even on the National Register of Historic Places. You can see some interesting stuff in the eligibility statement with the NPS: ohp.parks.ca.gov/pages/1067/files/steel%20development%20h...

04 – Carey-Pizzoli House, 600 W Panorama Dr, 1946, Albert Frey. This is the kind of house you look at and think, “That’s an ugly mid-1960’s split-level ranch house. Why is it on the PS MODCOM map?” Then you read the description again, and think, “What? 1946?” Then you realize why it’s on the list. It preceded the tract ranch houses by 20 years. The architect, Albert Frey, was visionary.

05 – Shapiro House, 711 W Panorama Dr, 1969, Michael Black. I’m not a fan of Michael Black, but the house is interesting, with the huge private interior courtyard and futuristic Star Wars design.

06 – Franz Alexander House, 1011 W Celio Dr, 1954, Walter White. I’m not so familiar with Walter White’s work, probably because the numbers of structures are few. But what he did, he did well! This house is reminiscent of the early modernists like Neutra and Schindler (evidenced by the long band of windows facing the street and simplicity of design), yet predict the work of new masters like Gehry and Pie (evidenced by the wonderful pagoda roof and the use of common materials).

07 – Palevsky House, 1021 W Celio Dr, 1968, Craig Elwood. A classic modernist compound by a master of his trade.

08 – View of the Coachella Valley from W Celio Drive.

09 – Edris House, 1030 W Celio Dr, 1953, E Stewart Williams. With a commanding view of the Coachella Valley, this house is expertly designed to take in the amazing view. An inverted roof is held down by a rock chimney, anchoring the house to the cliff.

10 – Raymond-Loewy House, 600 W Panorama Rd, 1946, Albert Frey. Perfectly situation on the site, this striking house is nestled in behind boulders and trees for maximum privacy. It’s Albert Frey at his best. Unfortunately, it’s impossible to photograph from the street!

11 – Alexander-May House, 424 W Vista Chino Rd, 1952, Edward Fickett. Quintessential Fickett. Behind the added three-car garage, which now dominates the façade, is the original modernist intent. His

ideas here (especially the entrance) would be widely used in many late 60’s and early 70’s designs.

12 – Kaufmann Desert House, 470 W Vista Chino Rd, 1946, Richard Neutra. He Kaufmann house is a work of art. This is the house which is most-often compared with Frank Lloyd Wright’s Falling Water. What else can you say about Neutra’s design that hasn’t already been said? Nothing. It’s perfect. Simply perfect. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaufmann_Desert_House and en.wikiarquitectura.com/index.php/Kaufmann_House

13 – House of Tomorrow (Robert & Helene Alexander House), 1350 Ladera Cir, 1962, William Krisel. It’s a house! It’s a plane! It’s. . it’s. . . different. I’m not sure what I expected from the “House of Tomorrow,” but this wasn’t quite it. It’s more like the “House of Yesterday’s Tomorrow.” But it’s still an innovated and charming house. Less charming was the owner’s assistant trying to sell us on $60 per person tour tickets, just to see where Elvis and Priscilla Presley slept on their honeymoon. Really?

14 – Las Palmas Estates, Camino Sur Rd & Via Vadera, 1950’s, William Krisel and Charles DuBois (Separately). These houses are fanciful and fun, and for some inexplicable reason makes you think of Bedrock! Maybe they designed the houses from a neighborhood such as this.

15 – Dina Shore Estate, 432 Hermosa Rd, 1964, Donald Wexler. Not exactly forward thinking, rather it’s a solid and well-executed example of large-scale residential mid-century modern architecture. It gives the initial impression of a school or library, with the extensive park grounds, but that only adds to the character.

16 – All Worlds Resorts. I couldn’t resist. Here’s how the rest of us live when we’re on vacation.

Still, though, not bad.

For those interested in Palm Springs

mid-century architecture, there’s a great website with more pictures: rebeccaandstephen.com/gallery/midcenturymodern/

Palm Springs Mid-Century Modern.

In August, 2013, Greg and I trekked out to Palm Springs for a friend’s birthday party – I know, an unforgivable time of year, unless you like 110 degrees and 75% humidity! While we were there, we decided to check out mid-century modern neighborhoods, considering retirement is just around the corner (10 years, assuming I’ll be able to retire). What we saw, we liked. We left thinking, “Yeah, we could do this.” But back at home, in Silver Lake, reality set in. The “Sure, why not?” turned into “Hell no!” Still, we love the architecture, and it’s something to keep in mind. . .

01 – Title Page - Palm Springs Modern Committee (PS MODCOM) - A Map of Modern Palm Springs. But you’ll have to plunk down the $5 for your own copy, and support the cause like we did. Sorry.

02 – Racquet Club Estates, Racquet Club Drive & Via Miraleste, 1959 to 1961, William Krisel for the William Alexander Construction Company,– This was our first stop on our adventure. The Racquet Club Estates looks like a great neighborhood, on its way up (hopefully). The entire neighborhood looks almost like it’s right out of the mind of the creator for the Jettson’s. I especially loved the original garage doors.

03 – Alexander Steel Houses, Simms & Sunnyview (300 & 330 E Molino Rd, 3100, 3125, 3133, 3165 Sunny View Dr, & 290 Simms Rd), 1960 – 1962, Donald Wexler and Richard Harrison for the William Alexander Constriction Company. It’s amazing how often the name “William Alexander” comes up when talking mid-century architecture in Palm Springs. Here he attempted something new – houses made of all steel. (I know, desert/steel. Right?) It turned out to be not such a hot idea (or rather, too hot of one). What had been planned as a whole subdivision, ended up realizing only 7 magnificent houses. Number 2 is even on the National Register of Historic Places. You can see some interesting stuff in the eligibility statement with the NPS: ohp.parks.ca.gov/pages/1067/files/steel%20development%20h...

04 – Carey-Pizzoli House, 600 W Panorama Dr, 1946, Albert Frey. This is the kind of house you look at and think, “That’s an ugly mid-1960’s split-level ranch house. Why is it on the PS MODCOM map?” Then you read the description again, and think, “What? 1946?” Then you realize why it’s on the list. It preceded the tract ranch houses by 20 years. The architect, Albert Frey, was visionary.

05 – Shapiro House, 711 W Panorama Dr, 1969, Michael Black. I’m not a fan of Michael Black, but the house is interesting, with the huge private interior courtyard and futuristic Star Wars design.

06 – Franz Alexander House, 1011 W Celio Dr, 1954, Walter White. I’m not so familiar with Walter White’s work, probably because the numbers of structures are few. But what he did, he did well! This house is reminiscent of the early modernists like Neutra and Schindler (evidenced by the long band of windows facing the street and simplicity of design), yet predict the work of new masters like Gehry and Pie (evidenced by the wonderful pagoda roof and the use of common materials).

07 – Palevsky House, 1021 W Celio Dr, 1968, Craig Elwood. A classic modernist compound by a master of his trade.

08 – View of the Coachella Valley from W Celio Drive.

09 – Edris House, 1030 W Celio Dr, 1953, E Stewart Williams. With a commanding view of the Coachella Valley, this house is expertly designed to take in the amazing view. An inverted roof is held down by a rock chimney, anchoring the house to the cliff.

10 – Raymond-Loewy House, 600 W Panorama Rd, 1946, Albert Frey. Perfectly situation on the site, this striking house is nestled in behind boulders and trees for maximum privacy. It’s Albert Frey at his best. Unfortunately, it’s impossible to photograph from the street!

11 – Alexander-May House, 424 W Vista Chino Rd, 1952, Edward Fickett. Quintessential Fickett. Behind the added three-car garage, which now dominates the façade, is the original modernist intent. His

ideas here (especially the entrance) would be widely used in many late 60’s and early 70’s designs.

12 – Kaufmann Desert House, 470 W Vista Chino Rd, 1946, Richard Neutra. He Kaufmann house is a work of art. This is the house which is most-often compared with Frank Lloyd Wright’s Falling Water. What else can you say about Neutra’s design that hasn’t already been said? Nothing. It’s perfect. Simply perfect. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaufmann_Desert_House and en.wikiarquitectura.com/index.php/Kaufmann_House

13 – House of Tomorrow (Robert & Helene Alexander House), 1350 Ladera Cir, 1962, William Krisel. It’s a house! It’s a plane! It’s. . it’s. . . different. I’m not sure what I expected from the “House of Tomorrow,” but this wasn’t quite it. It’s more like the “House of Yesterday’s Tomorrow.” But it’s still an innovated and charming house. Less charming was the owner’s assistant trying to sell us on $60 per person tour tickets, just to see where Elvis and Priscilla Presley slept on their honeymoon. Really?

14 – Las Palmas Estates, Camino Sur Rd & Via Vadera, 1950’s, William Krisel and Charles DuBois (Separately). These houses are fanciful and fun, and for some inexplicable reason makes you think of Bedrock! Maybe they designed the houses from a neighborhood such as this.

15 – Dina Shore Estate, 432 Hermosa Rd, 1964, Donald Wexler. Not exactly forward thinking, rather it’s a solid and well-executed example of large-scale residential mid-century modern architecture. It gives the initial impression of a school or library, with the extensive park grounds, but that only adds to the character.

16 – All Worlds Resorts. I couldn’t resist. Here’s how the rest of us live when we’re on vacation.

Still, though, not bad.

For those interested in Palm Springs

mid-century architecture, there’s a great website with more pictures: rebeccaandstephen.com/gallery/midcenturymodern/

I always wanted to live in a house like this when I grew up. I was not a spoiled kid, but my parents had a house in a very well-to-do area, and I thought everyone lived in houses and places like this. When I got out on my own around age 21, the hard reality set in.

Palm Springs Mid-Century Modern.

In August, 2013, Greg and I trekked out to Palm Springs for a friend’s birthday party – I know, an unforgivable time of year, unless you like 110 degrees and 75% humidity! While we were there, we decided to check out mid-century modern neighborhoods, considering retirement is just around the corner (10 years, assuming I’ll be able to retire). What we saw, we liked. We left thinking, “Yeah, we could do this.” But back at home, in Silver Lake, reality set in. The “Sure, why not?” turned into “Hell no!” Still, we love the architecture, and it’s something to keep in mind. . .

01 – Title Page - Palm Springs Modern Committee (PS MODCOM) - A Map of Modern Palm Springs. But you’ll have to plunk down the $5 for your own copy, and support the cause like we did. Sorry.

02 – Racquet Club Estates, Racquet Club Drive & Via Miraleste, 1959 to 1961, William Krisel for the William Alexander Construction Company,– This was our first stop on our adventure. The Racquet Club Estates looks like a great neighborhood, on its way up (hopefully). The entire neighborhood looks almost like it’s right out of the mind of the creator for the Jettson’s. I especially loved the original garage doors.

03 – Alexander Steel Houses, Simms & Sunnyview (300 & 330 E Molino Rd, 3100, 3125, 3133, 3165 Sunny View Dr, & 290 Simms Rd), 1960 – 1962, Donald Wexler and Richard Harrison for the William Alexander Constriction Company. It’s amazing how often the name “William Alexander” comes up when talking mid-century architecture in Palm Springs. Here he attempted something new – houses made of all steel. (I know, desert/steel. Right?) It turned out to be not such a hot idea (or rather, too hot of one). What had been planned as a whole subdivision, ended up realizing only 7 magnificent houses. Number 2 is even on the National Register of Historic Places. You can see some interesting stuff in the eligibility statement with the NPS: ohp.parks.ca.gov/pages/1067/files/steel%20development%20h...

04 – Carey-Pizzoli House, 600 W Panorama Dr, 1946, Albert Frey. This is the kind of house you look at and think, “That’s an ugly mid-1960’s split-level ranch house. Why is it on the PS MODCOM map?” Then you read the description again, and think, “What? 1946?” Then you realize why it’s on the list. It preceded the tract ranch houses by 20 years. The architect, Albert Frey, was visionary.

05 – Shapiro House, 711 W Panorama Dr, 1969, Michael Black. I’m not a fan of Michael Black, but the house is interesting, with the huge private interior courtyard and futuristic Star Wars design.

06 – Franz Alexander House, 1011 W Celio Dr, 1954, Walter White. I’m not so familiar with Walter White’s work, probably because the numbers of structures are few. But what he did, he did well! This house is reminiscent of the early modernists like Neutra and Schindler (evidenced by the long band of windows facing the street and simplicity of design), yet predict the work of new masters like Gehry and Pie (evidenced by the wonderful pagoda roof and the use of common materials).

07 – Palevsky House, 1021 W Celio Dr, 1968, Craig Elwood. A classic modernist compound by a master of his trade.

08 – View of the Coachella Valley from W Celio Drive.

09 – Edris House, 1030 W Celio Dr, 1953, E Stewart Williams. With a commanding view of the Coachella Valley, this house is expertly designed to take in the amazing view. An inverted roof is held down by a rock chimney, anchoring the house to the cliff.

10 – Raymond-Loewy House, 600 W Panorama Rd, 1946, Albert Frey. Perfectly situation on the site, this striking house is nestled in behind boulders and trees for maximum privacy. It’s Albert Frey at his best. Unfortunately, it’s impossible to photograph from the street!

11 – Alexander-May House, 424 W Vista Chino Rd, 1952, Edward Fickett. Quintessential Fickett. Behind the added three-car garage, which now dominates the façade, is the original modernist intent. His

ideas here (especially the entrance) would be widely used in many late 60’s and early 70’s designs.

12 – Kaufmann Desert House, 470 W Vista Chino Rd, 1946, Richard Neutra. He Kaufmann house is a work of art. This is the house which is most-often compared with Frank Lloyd Wright’s Falling Water. What else can you say about Neutra’s design that hasn’t already been said? Nothing. It’s perfect. Simply perfect. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaufmann_Desert_House and en.wikiarquitectura.com/index.php/Kaufmann_House

13 – House of Tomorrow (Robert & Helene Alexander House), 1350 Ladera Cir, 1962, William Krisel. It’s a house! It’s a plane! It’s. . it’s. . . different. I’m not sure what I expected from the “House of Tomorrow,” but this wasn’t quite it. It’s more like the “House of Yesterday’s Tomorrow.” But it’s still an innovated and charming house. Less charming was the owner’s assistant trying to sell us on $60 per person tour tickets, just to see where Elvis and Priscilla Presley slept on their honeymoon. Really?

14 – Las Palmas Estates, Camino Sur Rd & Via Vadera, 1950’s, William Krisel and Charles DuBois (Separately). These houses are fanciful and fun, and for some inexplicable reason makes you think of Bedrock! Maybe they designed the houses from a neighborhood such as this.

15 – Dina Shore Estate, 432 Hermosa Rd, 1964, Donald Wexler. Not exactly forward thinking, rather it’s a solid and well-executed example of large-scale residential mid-century modern architecture. It gives the initial impression of a school or library, with the extensive park grounds, but that only adds to the character.

16 – All Worlds Resorts. I couldn’t resist. Here’s how the rest of us live when we’re on vacation.

Still, though, not bad.

For those interested in Palm Springs

mid-century architecture, there’s a great website with more pictures: rebeccaandstephen.com/gallery/midcenturymodern/

Palm Springs Mid-Century Modern.

In August, 2013, Greg and I trekked out to Palm Springs for a friend’s birthday party – I know, an unforgivable time of year, unless you like 110 degrees and 75% humidity! While we were there, we decided to check out mid-century modern neighborhoods, considering retirement is just around the corner (10 years, assuming I’ll be able to retire). What we saw, we liked. We left thinking, “Yeah, we could do this.” But back at home, in Silver Lake, reality set in. The “Sure, why not?” turned into “Hell no!” Still, we love the architecture, and it’s something to keep in mind. . .

01 – Title Page - Palm Springs Modern Committee (PS MODCOM) - A Map of Modern Palm Springs. But you’ll have to plunk down the $5 for your own copy, and support the cause like we did. Sorry.

02 – Racquet Club Estates, Racquet Club Drive & Via Miraleste, 1959 to 1961, William Krisel for the William Alexander Construction Company,– This was our first stop on our adventure. The Racquet Club Estates looks like a great neighborhood, on its way up (hopefully). The entire neighborhood looks almost like it’s right out of the mind of the creator for the Jettson’s. I especially loved the original garage doors.

03 – Alexander Steel Houses, Simms & Sunnyview (300 & 330 E Molino Rd, 3100, 3125, 3133, 3165 Sunny View Dr, & 290 Simms Rd), 1960 – 1962, Donald Wexler and Richard Harrison for the William Alexander Constriction Company. It’s amazing how often the name “William Alexander” comes up when talking mid-century architecture in Palm Springs. Here he attempted something new – houses made of all steel. (I know, desert/steel. Right?) It turned out to be not such a hot idea (or rather, too hot of one). What had been planned as a whole subdivision, ended up realizing only 7 magnificent houses. Number 2 is even on the National Register of Historic Places. You can see some interesting stuff in the eligibility statement with the NPS: ohp.parks.ca.gov/pages/1067/files/steel%20development%20h...

04 – Carey-Pizzoli House, 600 W Panorama Dr, 1946, Albert Frey. This is the kind of house you look at and think, “That’s an ugly mid-1960’s split-level ranch house. Why is it on the PS MODCOM map?” Then you read the description again, and think, “What? 1946?” Then you realize why it’s on the list. It preceded the tract ranch houses by 20 years. The architect, Albert Frey, was visionary.

05 – Shapiro House, 711 W Panorama Dr, 1969, Michael Black. I’m not a fan of Michael Black, but the house is interesting, with the huge private interior courtyard and futuristic Star Wars design.

06 – Franz Alexander House, 1011 W Celio Dr, 1954, Walter White. I’m not so familiar with Walter White’s work, probably because the numbers of structures are few. But what he did, he did well! This house is reminiscent of the early modernists like Neutra and Schindler (evidenced by the long band of windows facing the street and simplicity of design), yet predict the work of new masters like Gehry and Pie (evidenced by the wonderful pagoda roof and the use of common materials).

07 – Palevsky House, 1021 W Celio Dr, 1968, Craig Elwood. A classic modernist compound by a master of his trade.

08 – View of the Coachella Valley from W Celio Drive.

09 – Edris House, 1030 W Celio Dr, 1953, E Stewart Williams. With a commanding view of the Coachella Valley, this house is expertly designed to take in the amazing view. An inverted roof is held down by a rock chimney, anchoring the house to the cliff.

10 – Raymond-Loewy House, 600 W Panorama Rd, 1946, Albert Frey. Perfectly situation on the site, this striking house is nestled in behind boulders and trees for maximum privacy. It’s Albert Frey at his best. Unfortunately, it’s impossible to photograph from the street!

11 – Alexander-May House, 424 W Vista Chino Rd, 1952, Edward Fickett. Quintessential Fickett. Behind the added three-car garage, which now dominates the façade, is the original modernist intent. His

ideas here (especially the entrance) would be widely used in many late 60’s and early 70’s designs.

12 – Kaufmann Desert House, 470 W Vista Chino Rd, 1946, Richard Neutra. He Kaufmann house is a work of art. This is the house which is most-often compared with Frank Lloyd Wright’s Falling Water. What else can you say about Neutra’s design that hasn’t already been said? Nothing. It’s perfect. Simply perfect. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaufmann_Desert_House and en.wikiarquitectura.com/index.php/Kaufmann_House

13 – House of Tomorrow (Robert & Helene Alexander House), 1350 Ladera Cir, 1962, William Krisel. It’s a house! It’s a plane! It’s. . it’s. . . different. I’m not sure what I expected from the “House of Tomorrow,” but this wasn’t quite it. It’s more like the “House of Yesterday’s Tomorrow.” But it’s still an innovated and charming house. Less charming was the owner’s assistant trying to sell us on $60 per person tour tickets, just to see where Elvis and Priscilla Presley slept on their honeymoon. Really?

14 – Las Palmas Estates, Camino Sur Rd & Via Vadera, 1950’s, William Krisel and Charles DuBois (Separately). These houses are fanciful and fun, and for some inexplicable reason makes you think of Bedrock! Maybe they designed the houses from a neighborhood such as this.

15 – Dina Shore Estate, 432 Hermosa Rd, 1964, Donald Wexler. Not exactly forward thinking, rather it’s a solid and well-executed example of large-scale residential mid-century modern architecture. It gives the initial impression of a school or library, with the extensive park grounds, but that only adds to the character.

16 – All Worlds Resorts. I couldn’t resist. Here’s how the rest of us live when we’re on vacation.

Still, though, not bad.

For those interested in Palm Springs

mid-century architecture, there’s a great website with more pictures: rebeccaandstephen.com/gallery/midcenturymodern/