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July 24, 2011 Palm Springs
More Mid-Century Modernism from Palm Springs
As I mentioned in my previous post on Palm Springs, there were four major architectural firms in the city during the mid-century period. They were all able to survive–and thrive–by accepting all types of commissions. These architects did not just do high-end homes for the likes of Frank Sinatra; they also designed the more mundane buildings a growing area needs: gas stations, schools, churches, government buildings and retail stores. Here are some shots of these buildings that you will find throughout the desert modern oasis. I’ll start with City Hall, which was designed by Albert Frey, John Porter Clark, Robson Chambers and E. Stewart Williams.
I like the various techniques they used to block the sun, including extended eaves and metal cylinders.
Here are some more government buildings.
Palm Springs Fire Station No. 1 by Albert Frey, 1957.
County of Riverside Branch Administrative Center. I have not been able t0 find the architect of this building. I love the lines on this one.
A corner detail of the County of Riverside Branch Administrative Center.
County courthouse by E. Stewart Williams and John Porter Clark, 1962.
Here are a few banks. I would not mind going to the bank everyday with these designs.
Coachella Valley Savings and Loan #2 by E. Stewart Williams,1956.
Lobby of Coachella Valley Savings and Loan #2.
Coachella Valley Savings and Loan #3 by E. Stewart Williams, 1961.
Ode to Julius Shulman. Coachella Valley Savings and Loan at night in black and white.
The Palm Springs Art Museum just announced that it has purchased the Santa Fe Federal Savings and Loan building to house architectural exhibits and design programs.
Santa Fe Savings and Loan by E. Stewart Williams, 1957.
Here’s the original City National Bank (1959) by Rudy Baumfeld of Victor Gruen & Associates. The bank pays homage to Le Corbusier’s chapel in Ronchamp, France.
City National Banks sign.
City National Bank, 1959.
Entrance of the former City National Bank.
Here are a few churches.
Church of Christ.
St. Theresa Catholic Church by William Cody, 1968. Sonny Bono's funeral was held here.
Here a few commercial buildings beyond the banks highlighted above.
Originally the Trammway Gas Station by Frey and Chambers, 1965. Now the Palm Springs Visitor Center.
Palm Springs Art Museum by E. Stewart Williams, 1976.
King's Highway Diner at the Ace Hotel. It is a former Denny's.
Horizon Hotel. Originally L'Horizon by William Cody, 1952.
Octillo Lodge by William Krisel, 1956. Developed by George and Robert Alexander.
Rackstrom-Reid Building by Howard Lapham, 1961.
I love the stone and number sign.
Much needed brise soliel (sun shades) of the Rackstrom-Reid Building.
Oasis Office Building by E. Stewart Williams, 1952.
Originally the Robinson's Department Store by Pereira and Luckman, 1958.
Gas Company Building by Richard Ricciardi, 1969.
And to end this post, some dessert from the desert: Sherman’s Deli and Bakery.
Sherman's Deli and Bakery.
Next post on Palm Springs will focus on the architecture of Don Wexler.
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Thanks for the great post on Palm Springs and sharing the info on your blog.
Look forward to your next post.
Paul
Thanks Paul. Love looking on your site. Need to buy a place there some day.
Another great post on PS! Thank you, Michael.
LOVE LOVE LOVE the Santa Fe S&L and Rackstrom-Reid buildings!! The aluminum louvered panels are beyond fabulous. I take photos of these each time I go to Palm Springs. (We bought 10 somewhat similar louvered panels from Daniel Donnelly when he disassembled them from the printing co. building on Route 1 as part of our landscaping).
Have you been to Ronchamp? We went about five years ago. An incredible place.
Tom
Michigan Park/DC
Great Photos! I’ll be sure to tour these when I’m in town next!
Thanks Robert.