Desert Modernism · Palm Springs
Mid-Century Modern Homes
Butterfly roofs, glass walls and pools made for cocktails. Welcome to the mid-century capital of the world.
Palm Springs has one of the greatest collections of mid-century modern architecture anywhere. From the 1940s through the 1970s, visionary architects and builders filled the desert with homes designed for sunshine, indoor-outdoor living and a whole lot of style. Today these homes are some of the most sought-after in the Coachella Valley, and helping buyers find (and sellers showcase) them is one of my favorite things to do.
See Homes Built 1945–1975 Ask Michael About an Original
The Legends
Names you'll hear on every tour
Builder
Alexander Construction Co.
Father-and-son builders George and Robert Alexander brought affordable modernism to Palm Springs, building more than 2,000 homes, many designed with William Krisel and Dan Palmer.
Architect
Albert Frey
The Swiss-born father of “desert modernism.” His Tramway Gas Station (now the Visitors Center) and hillside Frey House II are pilgrimages for design fans.
Architect
Richard Neutra
His 1946 Kaufmann Desert House is one of the most photographed homes in America: pure glass, steel and stone against the mountains.
Architect
E. Stewart Williams
Designer of Frank Sinatra's Twin Palms estate (complete with piano-shaped pool) and the Palm Springs Art Museum's Architecture and Design Center building.
Architect
Donald Wexler
Famous for his prefabricated steel houses of the early 1960s, plus schools, banks and the Palm Springs airport terminal.
Architect
John Lautner
The dramatic Elrod House, with its concrete-petal roof carved into the hillside, even made a cameo in a James Bond film.
Where to Look
Mid-century neighborhoods to know
Buyer Smarts
Before you fall in love with a butterfly roof
- Original vs. renovated. Some buyers want untouched terrazzo and vintage kitchens; others want a sensitive update. Both are out there, and both price very differently.
- Flat roofs need love. Ask about the roof's age and coating, plus HVAC, ductwork and single-pane glass. I'll point you to inspectors who know these homes.
- Historic designations. Some homes and districts carry Class 1 or historic district status, which can affect what you're able to change. We'll check before you write an offer.
- Land lease or fee land? Parts of Palm Springs sit on Agua Caliente tribal land. A leased-land home can be a great value, but the lease terms matter. I'll walk you through it.
- Plan around Modernism Week. Every February the city celebrates with home tours, parties and talks. It's a fantastic (and busy) time to shop for a mid-century home.
Selling a Mid-Century?
Your home has a story. Let's tell it.
Architect, builder, original features, famous neighbors: the right story brings the right buyers. I'll help you market your home to people who truly appreciate it.