Design Scene Article: California Dreaming

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Article: California Dreaming (continued)

Palm Springs hosts one of the highest concentrations of Mid-century modern architecture in the US, and despite near perfect weather and picturesque mountains and palm trees, it is the architecture that is drawing a new crowd to the Coachella valley. It is what is enticing me and let me tell you all about it. First of all where else can you find so many brilliant architects in one place- well maybe certain parts o

f LA... But names like Neutra, Lautner, Frey, Cody, Williams; Elwood, Wright, Wexler, Jones, Becket, Purcell, etc. don't just come along everyday. The fact that Albert Frey alone designed over 200 buildings in and around Palm Springs is enough to make any architectural aficionado start drooling at the mouth- I can't go into the whole list but check out some of my favorite places and go to some of the links and plan your own journey to utopia.

First of all stop by and see Courtney at Modern Way -just past the Tramway gas station and next to the visitor's center- He will have the cool Palm Springs Modern Committee maps that have all the architectural must-sees. Cruise down the main drag, Palm Canyon, and check out the various vintage stores with names like Dazzles, Delta 88, Sublime, Retrospect etc. along the way (watch for Eames fiberglass rockers on the sidewalk and you'll know you've found one). When you get to 400 North Palm Canyon stop by M Modern Gallery and see:

Murder. Models. Madness.
Photographs from the Motion Picture BLOW-UP
The Ultimate MOD Culture Movie of the 60s
(featuring never before seen photos)
June 6th through July 1st, 2003

VERUSCHKA, the featured model who plays herself in the film flew in from New York (yes cold rainy New York) for the opening and we were there to mingle with the Palm Springs glitterati. After the gallery check out Trina Turks flagship store for fun summer fashions in a very cool space. Once you have scored your new Palm Springs duds head to the Estrella Hotel Resort & Spa (415 South Belardo Road) for a mohito in the hot all white bar- watch the celebs duck into their rooms while you get your groove on- continue your adventure pool side or in your private bungalow at L'Horizon Hotel (1050 East Palm Canyon Drive), the William Cody designed property that transports you to another time when leisure meant something. If you want a little edgier retro-design feeling then check into the Orbit In and be surrounded by all your favorite mid-century designers - the furniture that is.

There are many more places to hang out especially for great food (and lots of early-bird specials), but a must go is the only true New York deli in town, Sherman's Deli 401 Tahquitz Canyon Way.. Check out the beet borscht soup or the potato latkas and be transported back to the other coast, but only if you really want to.

Article By David Shearer
Founder
Totem Design