Mid Century Architecture

Mid Century Modern Communities

Mid-century modern architecture has a rich history in the Greater Palm Springs area, with a number of notable architects and designers leaving their mark on the desert landscape. From the sleek and streamlined designs of William Krisel to the unique and experimental work of Albert Frey and Robson Chambers, these architects helped to define the look and feel of Palm Springs in the mid-20th century.

Today, these mid-century modern communities offer a unique living experience for those who appreciate the architectural style and design elements of this era. Many of these homes feature open floor plans, post-and-beam construction, and floor-to-ceiling glass walls that allow for a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor living spaces.

Located throughout the Greater Palm Springs area, these communities vary in size and location, but all share a commitment to mid-century modern design and style. Whether you're looking for a cozy one-bedroom condo or a spacious three-bedroom home, you're sure to find something that fits your needs and preferences.

The communities featured on this page offer not only stylish and unique homes but also a sense of history and culture that is deeply ingrained in the fabric of Palm Springs. From the sleek lines of Desert Skies to the stunning mountain views of Sandcliff, each community has its own distinct personality and charm.

We hope that this guide will serve as a helpful resource for anyone interested in exploring the world of mid-century modern architecture and design in the Greater Palm Springs area. Please don't hesitate to reach out to us if you have any questions or would like to learn more about any of the properties listed.

Calypso Palms

Calypso Palms is a unique Mid Century community situated on nearly half an acre in Palm Springs, California. The community features twelve units, which were originally the executive suites of the adjacent Club Trinidad hotel. Calypso Palms is a true hidden gem of the Mid Century era. The architectural design of the homes is distinctive, featuring a folded plate roofline and exposed beams, which add character to the community. The homes in Calypso Palms range in size from approximately 1,200 to 1,500 square feet and offer two bedrooms and two bathrooms. The community offers residents access to a large swimming pool, spa, and beautifully landscaped grounds.

Country Club Estates

Country Club Estates is a beautiful Mid Century modern community located in the south of Palm Springs, California. Designed by renowned architect A. Quincy Jones and built in 1963, the community features 30 low-density single-story homes situated on a 4.6-acre parcel. Each unit in Country Club Estates boasts walls of glass that surround a large open atrium with stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The community amenities include one pool and one spa, which offer residents a relaxing and serene environment in which to unwind. The two available floor plans in the community both 2 bed 2 bath and either are 1,800 or 1,400 sqft.

Desert Lanai

Desert Lanai is a beautiful Mid Century modern community located in Palm Springs, California. Designed by the architectural firm Wexler & Harrison in 1959, the community features 30 homes with a distinctive modernist design. The community offers residents access to a large swimming pool, stunning mountain views, and beautifully landscaped grounds. The homes in Desert Lanai feature a unique floor plan with large windows and sliding glass doors that allow natural light to flow through the space, creating a bright and airy atmosphere. The homes range in size from approximately 1,000 to 1,600 square feet and offer one to two bedrooms and one to two bathrooms.

Firebird Estates

Firebird Estates is a beautiful Mid Century modern community located in Palm Springs, California. Designed by the architectural firm Palmer & Krisel in 1959, the community features 30 homes with a modernist design. The homes in Firebird Estates are characterized by their distinctive rooflines, clean lines, and large windows that allow natural light to flow through the space. The community offers residents access to a large swimming pool, beautifully landscaped grounds, and stunning views of the San Jacinto Mountains. The homes range in size from approximately 1,000 to 1,600 square feet and offer one to two bedrooms and one to two bathrooms.

Lantana Lodge

Designed by William Krisel in 1959, the community features 18 single-story condominiums that range in size from approximately 600 to 900 square feet, with one bedroom and one bathroom. The homes feature unique design elements such as post-and-beam construction, clerestory windows, and private outdoor spaces. The community is known for its stunning mountain views and is located in a prime location, just a short distance from downtown Palm Springs and popular hiking trails. 

Ocotillo Lodge

Designed by William Krisel in 1957, the community features 80 homes, each with unique architectural features such as post-and-beam construction, floor-to-ceiling glass walls, and private outdoor spaces. The community is known for its stunning mountain views and is located in a prime location, just a short distance from downtown Palm Springs and popular hiking trails. The homes range in size from approximately 600 to 1,100 square feet, with one or two bedrooms and one or two bathrooms.

Park Imperial North

Park Imperial North is a mid-century modern residential community located in the southern part of Palm Springs, California. The community was designed by architect Barry Berkus and built in 1961. It consists of 90 single-story attached homes, each featuring a private patio or courtyard that offers plenty of natural light and a connection to the outdoors.

The homes in Park Imperial North are characterized by clean lines, post-and-beam construction, and large windows that provide a bright and airy feel. The community also includes a central pool and spa area for residents to enjoy, and it's located in a convenient location near shopping, dining, and entertainment venues.

Racquet Club Garden Villas

Racquet Club Garden Villas is a mid-century modern residential community located in Palm Springs, California. Originally part of the famous Racquet Club, the community was designed by renowned mid-century architect William F. Cody and built in 1959. The complex was ingeniously designed to give guests privacy while providing easy access to resort activities.

The gated grounds are located just minutes from downtown Palm Springs, with excellent restaurants and trendy shops. The post and beam architecture with floor-to-ceiling glass walls creates a seamless transition between indoors and outdoors, which is a signature look and design of Cody. The concrete block walls and large cantilevered roof overhangs are additional trademark design elements. The patterned concrete block used is exclusive to Racquet Club Garden Villas.

Seven Lakes Country Club

Seven Lakes Country Club was designed by architects William Cody and Richard A. Harrison and built in 1965. The community consists of 341 attached homes that feature clean lines, post-and-beam construction (a Cody design staple), and large windows that provide natural light and a connection to the outdoors.

What sets Seven Lakes Country Club apart is that it's the only country club in the Palm Springs area with a mid-century modern design. The community's 18-hole executive golf course is a notable feature and is enjoyed by residents and visitors alike. In addition to golf, Seven Lakes Country Club offers luxurious amenities such as a clubhouse, a restaurant, tennis courts, swimming pools, and spas.

Canyon View Estates

Canyon View Estates is a mid-century modern community located in South Palm Springs, California, designed by architect William Krisel and built in 1962 by Roy Fey and Paul Trousdale. The community features 73 single-story homes with unique design elements such as post-and-beam construction, floor-to-ceiling glass walls, and private outdoor spaces. Interestingly, Canyon View Estates was one of the first communities in Palm Springs to feature underground utilities, a feature that was innovative for its time. The homes in Canyon View Estates range in size from approximately 1,300 to 1,600 square feet and offer a variety of floor plans.

Coco Cabana

Coco Cabana is a mid-century modern community located at 1881 S Araby Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92264. The community features 16 condominiums with a mix of one and two-bedroom floor plans. The homes feature Berkus' signature clean lines and open floor plans, as well as private outdoor spaces for each unit. The homes range in size from approximately 900 to 1,300 square feet, with one or two bathrooms.

Desert Holly

Desert Holly is a beautiful Mid Century modern community designed by architects William Krisel and Dan Palmer in 1958 and features 31 homes, each with a unique floor plan that stays true to the Mid Century modern style. The homes in Desert Holly are characterized by a distinctive roofline, which adds a unique and charming element to the community's overall design. The homes range in size from approximately 1,300 to 1,600 square feet and offer two to three bedrooms and two bathrooms. The community also features a large swimming pool,

Desert Skies

Desert Skies is a charming Mid Century modern community located in Palm Springs, California. The community was designed by the architectural firm Palmer & Krisel in 1959 and features 38 homes with a modernist aesthetic. The homes in Desert Skies are characterized by their clean lines, flat roofs, and unique butterfly rooflines. The community offers residents access to a large swimming pool and beautifully landscaped grounds. The homes range in size from approximately 1,000 to 1,500 square feet and offer one to two bedrooms and one to two bathrooms.

Garden Villas East

Garden Villas East is a beautiful Mid Century modern community located in Palm Springs, California. Designed by the architectural firm Palmer & Krisel in 1960, the community features 40 homes with a modernist aesthetic. The homes in Garden Villas East are characterized by their flat roofs, clean lines, and floor-to-ceiling glass walls that offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The community offers residents access to a large swimming pool, beautifully landscaped grounds, and a tranquil environment that is perfect for relaxation. The homes range in size from approximately 1,200 to 1,400 square feet and offer two bedrooms and two bathrooms.

Merito Manor

Designed by Charles DuBois in 1961, the community features 90 single-story condominiums that range in size from approximately 1,000 to 1,400 square feet, with two bedrooms and two bathrooms. The homes feature unique design elements such as floor-to-ceiling glass walls and private outdoor spaces. The community also features a swimming pool and clubhouse.

Palo Fierro Estates

Palo Fierro Estates is a mid-century modern condominium community that was developed in 1966 and is located in the South Palm Springs area of California. This community features a total of 34 units, which range in size from two to three bedrooms and two bathrooms.

Each of these units is designed with the indoor/outdoor lifestyle of the Palm Springs area in mind, with every unit featuring a private patio that is wrapped on three sides by the home. This design provides residents with ample outdoor living space and allows for an abundance of natural light to flood into the homes, creating a bright and airy feel.

Park Imperial South

Park Imperial South is a mid-century modern residential community located in the south end of Palm Springs, California. The community was designed by architect Barry Berkus and built in 1961. It consists of 96 single-story attached homes that are known for their clean lines, post-and-beam construction, and large windows that provide an abundance of natural light. Each home in Park Imperial South features a private patio or courtyard that offers residents plenty of outdoor living space, and the community includes a central pool and spa area for residents to enjoy. The community is also known for its strong sense of community and camaraderie, with residents often gathering for social events and activities.

Sandpiper

Sandpiper is a mid-century modern residential community located in Palm Desert, California. The community was designed by architects William Krisel and Dan Palmer and built in 1958-1962. The community consists of 306 attached homes that feature clean lines, post-and-beam construction, and large glass walls that allow for plenty of natural light and a connection to the outdoors.

Sandpiper is known for its striking modernist architecture and lushly landscaped central greenbelt area that features mature trees, flowering shrubs, and desert plants. The community offers luxurious amenities such as a central pool and spa area, a clubhouse, and access to nearby recreational activities like hiking, shopping, and dining.

The Palm Springs area is home to many mid-century modern communities, each with its own unique flair and appeal. Whether you're drawn to the clean lines of Racquet Club Garden Villas, the stunning natural scenery of Sandpiper, the modernist design of Desert Holly, or the lush landscaping of Seven Lakes, there's something for every mid-century modern enthusiast to appreciate. We've done our best to research and verify the information provided about each community, but please keep in mind that it's always a good idea to check multiple sources for accuracy.