PALM SPRINGS

PALM SPRINGS ICONIC MID-CENTURY MODERN ARCHITECTURE

"This page is dedicated to extraordinary modern design and architecture in Palm Springs and intends to highlight those properties that represent the unique lifestyle so many of us have discovered and covet and have great reverence for. I encourage your feedback and thoughts and reach out to you the community of both fans and creators of these spectacular properties.

The iconic mid-century modern architectural Palm Springs home has long been my passion. As a native of Los Angeles, I remember traveling to Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley with my family since I was a just a little baby. Early on in my life, my interest in modern architecture and design was awakened and inspired by these visionary sleek homes and their dramatic surroundings. The dry & sunny Southern California environment allowed form and function to co-exist with the outdoors. The elegant clean lines, seamless walls of glass, soaring ceilings, and indoor-outdoor spaces embraced the relaxed lifestyle and captured the beautiful valleys and horizons.

Many wonderful mid-century modern architects whose careers where booming in Los Angeles in the 1950-60’s soon found that there clients were buying/building second homes in the desert and good fortune had giving them the opportunity to create some of what has since become some of the world’s  most iconic mid-century architecture. These modern architects such as Richard Neutra, John Lautner, A. Quincy Jones, William Krisel, Donald Wexler, Albert Frey, & William F. Cody and developer’s such as George and Robert Alexander have made Palm Springs one of the largest concentrations of mid-century modern architecture anywhere.

As a prominent top producing real estate realtor and a notable modern architectural designer, my interest in Palm Springs has long been about discovering, preserving, renovating, and modernizing with integrity iconic homes. I myself am a proud owner of a 1957 William Krisel, Alexander Built, Butterfly roof design “A” plan in the original mid-century Twin Palms neighborhood which I have recently redesigned and completely renovated. While searching for iconic mid-century homes in Palm Springs over many years, I found my obsession and devotion for this unique place and it’s architecture something I wanted to share with those other individuals who are either discovering the magic of these homes in Palm Springs or already a devote fanatic like myself" - Markus.

METAMORPHOSIS OF KRISEL-DESIGNED HOME A LABOR OF LOVE FOR MODERNIST LA-BASED ARCHITECTURAL DESIGNER MARKUS CANTER

 

  

Much like the butterfly emerges from its cocoon, reminding us of life’s unceasing pattern of rebirth and renewal, so too has this mid-century modern style home been elegantly transformed for life in the new millennium.  With a butterfly roof and a timeless design that seamlessly fits into the natural landscape, the home represents one of the best examples of William Krisel’s work in the Twin Palms neighborhood.

Now that it has undergone an extensive restoration and modernization process, the home also reflects the vision of Markus Canter, a notable architectural designer.  “We’re proud about the way this turned out, because it reflects the culmination of many hours of work, years of research and planning,” said Canter, who traveled from his native Los Angeles on a weekly basis during the five-month renovation.  

Canter has been vacationing in Palm Springs since his childhood.  He and his wife Cristie St. James purchased the home to have a place to relax and unwind with their family and friends.  “Cristie and I had our eye on this place for years,” laughed Canter. “I had long considered this Krisel home to be one of the best the Twin Palms area had to offer, since it is located on one of the best streets in the neighborhood and featured the most iconic and rare roofline.”

Canter should know.  His design work is scattered throughout Greater Los Angeles, especially the Hollywood Hills and Sunset Strip areas.  A graduate of Occidental College, where he earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, Canter is also a top-producing Realtor who is routinely sought out by clients interested in homes with architectural significance. 

Though Canter has been hired to redesign numerous properties, this was the first project that he had the opportunity to let his design sensibilities run free on one of his own homes.  In fact, the entire renovation was custom designed to his exact details and preferences for materials and finishes.  Combining modern, man-made materials with organic, warm tones and hardwoods, Canter focused on ensuring that all of the details in the home were in harmony with its already balanced space and volume. 

“An extensive renovation was never part of the plan,” said Canter, “however I had a vision of what the home could be and I loved it too much to pass on the chance of bringing it up to speed.  With the work that was done, especially to the kitchen and bathrooms, I think Mr. Krisel would agree that we have created an open, Zen-like space that also provides a high degree of functionality in the modern landscape.”

To accomplish his goal of producing a harmonious and clean structure aligned with the architect’s original intentions, Canter performed a thorough redesign of the interior, exterior and landscaping.  The result is tranquil, open space filled with sunlight.  Adding walnut wood  accents brought about a sense of balance and warmth.  

“Preserving the character of this home was very important to us,” notes Canter. “I’ve always had an affinity for Palm Springs and the beautiful modern architecture that’s prevalent to the area, especially the work of William Krisel.  It’s always been impressive and interesting to me that Twin Palms reflects his overarching idea for what an entire neighborhood should be, not just a single property.”

Beginning his work in the early 1950s, William Krisel is best known for the post-and-beam houses he built in collaboration with the Alexander Construction Company in Palm Springs.  With over 2,500 homes constructed in the northern Coachella Valley, he and the Alexander Construction Company made a profound and lasting alteration to the landscape.  The majority of the homes in the Twin Palms neighborhood average around 1,600 square feet and originally sold for about $29,000.

Though his ideas initially met with a great deal of resistance, Krisel’s ability to bring modern design to average people and focus on avoiding cookie-cutter rows of houses eventually earned him acclaim.  Applying his belief that the architect should be responsible for designing the entire property, not just the structure, his designs included a variety of rooflines, patterned brick, berms and walkways. 

In keeping with Krisel’s ideas, Canter incorporated a beautiful landscape design with the structure’s clean lines and graceful architecture.  Guided by a focus on combining aesthetics with function, Canter utilized landscape design elements and locally-sourced plants with a tolerance for the intense weather that is synonymous to Palm Springs. 

With a pool as the focal point and towering palm trees everywhere, Canter’s vision for the landscape design was quickly accepted and praised.  When he presented his artistic renderings for the master bathroom, however, he was surprised by the amount of resistance and skepticism he encountered.

“The original bathrooms were claustrophobic and not in keeping with what one would expect of a home of this caliber,” said Canter.  

To align the master bedroom with the open, airy feel of the rest of the home, Canter removed all the walls that contained the small master bathroom.  Finding enough additional space to create a spacious walk-in shower with the feel of being outside was accomplished by enclosing an atrium that Krisel had positioned adjacent to the master bedroom. 

By placing a massive skylight over the shower, which has glass walls and tile that extends to the ceiling, Canter transformed the master bedroom into a space that is both aesthetically pleasing and sexy.  “This design is not for everyone,” admitted Canter, laughing. “I can only imagine the resistance that Krisel would have encountered back in the ‘50s if he had used this design.”

Canter noted that his vision for the bathroom had simply not been done before with Alexander homes.  “I think a lot of the resistance I felt when I presented my drawings was a result of this being such a unique, out-of-the-box idea,” explained Canter, who worked exclusively with local contractors.  “The original master bedroom had such amazing value and light.  I wanted to realize the modern feel of the home without compromising its integrity or modernism.”

Now that it is complete, many of Canter’s visitors have commented that the master bedroom adds a distinctive finish to the home, with its combination of beauty and function.  He noted that, “I like to think that Krisel would approve of what we did to the bathroom—how it is open  and bright and feels much larger than it is, which is in keeping with the theme of the rest of the home.” 

Canter explained that he was initially motivated to purchase the home by its iconic butterfly roofline.  “The butterfly roof is really the best possible use of space, since it allows for so much natural light and views that extend to the ceiling,” said Canter. “It is also one of the most aerodynamic and therefore durable designs in existence, which makes it especially appealing considering the winds that affect Palm Springs on an almost daily basis.”

Possibly the most efficient design for the Palm Springs climate and landscape, the butterfly roof is formed by two adjacent gables sloping inward.  The result is a roofline that angles upward, to capture rainfall and allow for large expanses of glass.

“One of my favorite things about this home is that you can sit in the living room and take in views of two mountain ranges towering above. Cristie and I had a fascination with it for a long time because of the way the roofline makes it simultaneously beautiful yet striking from the curb,” said Canter, who started in the design field at the age of 21 as a production designer for major film projects.   

Canter added that he purchased the home with a goal of providing his friends and family with an opportunity to immerse themselves into the beauty and experience of Krisel’s designs, as well as to create a clean, modern Zen space for the body and mind to unwind.  

“It was essential to us that we preserve the character and style of the original property, but it was also vital to ensure the home was transformed to meet the demands of modern life.  Now that it is finally done and I can stop driving back and forth to meet with contractors, I have to say that I feel more at home here than I do in Los Angeles,” said Canter.  "Whereas we work in LA, we feel that Palm Springs is our home."

Canter explained that he could hardly imagine a better place to spend time with his family than Palm Springs.  He added that, “With some of the most pristine hiking and recreational opportunities in the nation located nearby, plus the chance to experience a number of world-class options for shopping and fine dining all in the same day, Palm Springs offers an incredibly rewarding lifestyle.  When this home became available, we were thrilled about the idea of buying it and the prospect of enjoying such a beautiful and architecturally significant home with our friends and family.”

  1020 E LA VERNE WAY, PALM SPRINGS, CA  92264

As an architectural designer who just finished transforming my own magnificent Palm Springs William Krisel architectural mid-century home in Twin Palms original built by the Alexander Company, I can tell you that few of these amazing homes have been done well over the years when they have been "remodeled" or "updated". I am pleased to say that finally a great home has just been redone and put on the market for sale, 1020 E La Verne Way. This property has been refreshed for the new century and has been expanded to include an additional guest home, spa, firepit, and water features. In my opinion, those of you looking for a complete "move-in-ready" Palm Springs home package will appreciate this one in one of the areas best locations and neighborhoods! -Markus


Marketing Desctiption: 

A vintage Twin Palms Alexander has been transported into the 21st Century. Architectural features remain intact but professionally refashioned by H3K Design. Gushing with groove and sex appeal, the party invitations write themselves! The addition of a 500 sq foot detached rockin' guest house transforms the compound to 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. New pool, spa, outdoor fire pit, water feature, outdoor shower are the beginning of the ideal Palm Springs life-style. The former home of personal friend and interior designer to the Alexanders -- not only does this house have MCM pedigree but a wind-free South Palm Springs address!

Offered at $949,000

For more information please call 310.704.4248

    THE BOB and DOLORES HOPE ESTATE

 2466 SOUTHRIDGE DR, PALM SPRINGS 92264

Built in a true modernist fashion, featuring concrete, steel, and glass, one of my all-time favorite architects, John Lautner, designed this space age home for the legendary Bob Hope in 1973. Built in 1980, The large estate contains within it's spaceship exterior 6 bedrooms and more than 10 bathrooms, an indoor and outdoor pool, 2 tennis courts and a putting green. Beyond the free flowing striking open air structure, the stunning desert that surround the property and the mesmerizing view as if home is coming in for a landing will amaze even the most jaded. - Markus

Marketing Description: 
Bold + Iconic + Legendary + Timeless = The Bob & Dolores Hope Estate. Mere words cannot describe this majestic and historical piece of architecture which was the largest private residence designed by John Lautner and commissioned by legendary Bob & Dolores Hope. The property has entertained dignitaries from all over the world and is viewed by many as one of the most iconic pieces of architecture in the world.

For Sale for $34,000,000

                                   For more information please call 310.704.4248

 GOOD NEWS FOR EICHLER HOME FANS 

IN THE DESERT

Fans of the airy and modern mid-century homes built by Joseph Eichler's company between 1950 and 1974 (often just called an "Eichler"), will soon have an unique opportunity to own a brand new construction property in the greater Palm Springs area. These "original" new homes will be modernized for today's living in the desert. Exclusively built by HUD properties, various floor plans will be available. - Markus

For more information please call 310.704.4248

FLORSHEIM HOUSE, 1957 : Donald A. Wexler, FAIA

The Leff/Florsheim house, by Donald A. Wexler a significant modern Palm Springs home designed in 1957 was recently placed on the market for sale. Everything good about architecture in Palm Springs can be found in this purity of this mid-century home. Space, light, relaxation & privacy is wrapped up in this signature Wexler design and package on a large scale, with it's white terrazzo floors throughout, walls and floor to ceiling glass walls, and an open floor plan that methodically and gracefully lead the eye outdoors to the vivid Palm Springs sparkling swimming pool and spa, tailored landscaping, and spectacular mountain views. Just a block or so from one of Palm Spring's most famous iconic mid-century home, The Kaufmann home, by Richard Neutra, this celebrated architectural property is in a prime location and a rare opportunity to own such a quintessential Palm Springs home - Markus .

OFFERED AT $2,899,000

To set up a private showing please call 310.704.4248