Appreciating The Palm Springs Architectural Record

The Palm Springs architectural record is anchored by architecturally-significant and historically-significant homes that have set the tone for the look, shape and feel of Palm Springs and the greater Coachella Valley. The collection stands alone in its demonstration of desert modernism, a midcentury style that has maintained its relevance and fandom decades on. Every passing year, that record grows.

Black-and-white east elevation of the Sutter Residence showing its concrete block mass and flat roof — East elevation of the Sutter Residence. Julius Shulman, 1961.

Vintage color transparency of the Koerner House garden with flowering desert planting and palms — Garrett Eckbo's planting in period color. Getty Research Institute.

WHY PALM SPRINGS HISTORIC DESIGNATION MATTERS

It is fair to say that nearly the entire identity of Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley is tethered to its unmistakable and eternally celebrated midcentury architecture. Palm Springs was a beacon for midcentury design as architects across distinct eras flocked to the desert with inspired visions of architectural innovation. In Palm Springs, those architects crafted an enduring intersection of art and function that draws tourists and captures global attention year after year.

Notably, there wouldn’t be as many historically-significant and architecturally-significant homes with any structural or aesthetic integrity to appreciate without the implementation of policies that support historic designation. Preservation and historical societies have provided consequential support for historic designation by underscoring the significance of select properties. The Mills Act, a California-exclusive statute that decreases property tax liability for historic homes, has also quietly incentivized buyers to purchase and maintain properties of significance.

Between these two efforts, and coupled with the nostalgic energy that radiates throughout Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley, historic designation has flourished. It has not only helped an area known as Old Hollywood’s playground maintain its long-established roots, but it has allowed these same communities to move into the modern era with grace and pride.

In Palm Springs and across the Coachella Valley, historic designation isn’t just a trend. It isn’t exclusive to one neighborhood, either. It is an identity that puts the area on the map.

EXPLORE CLASS 1 HISTORIC RESOURCES IN PALM SPRINGS

All 126 individually designated Class 1 historic sites in Palm Springs, listed alphabetically. Architect is shown where it has been confirmed against nomination-grade sources — currently 86 of the 126.

HSPBHistoric siteArchitectDesignated
#137The 1st Security Bank dar Maroc (aka “Korakia Pensione”)—2023
#104The Abe Schwartz ResidenceHal Levitt2017
#33BThe Aerial Tramway Valley StationNR 2015Clark, Frey & Chambers1996
#156Albert Frey Bel Vista Home #3NR 2024Albert Frey2024
#32The Albert Frey Residence #2NR 2015Albert Frey1996
#119The Allan Kramer ResJames H. McNaughton2020
#36American Legion Post #519Clark & Frey1999
#74Apache Rd. Alexander Residence—2010
#128Araby Adobe (aka “El Dumpo Adobe”)—2022
#129Araby Rock Houses—2022
#64The Arthur Elrod Res.(NR-5)NR 2016John Lautner2021
#113The Avery Field Cabin RuinsOwner-built — no architect2019
#100Bel Vista Residence #1Albert Frey (with John Porter Clark)2016
#105Bel Vista Residence #2NR 2020Albert Frey (with John Porter Clark)2017
#148Blankenhorn ResidenceGarrett van Pelt, Jr.2023
#159The Bunnham-Wells ResidenceJohn Porter Clark2024
#26The California Water & Telephone Bldg.—1990
#107The Carl Haymond ResidenceFrey & Chambers2017
#9Carl Lykken’s Department Store—1985
#25The Carrie Birge Residence (aka Ingleside Inn)George Washington Smith1990
#75The Cary Grant House (Las Palomas)—2011
#82Casa PalmerasPaul Revere Williams2012
#80The Charlie Farrell Residence—2014
#52The City National BankVictor Gruen Associates (Rudi Baumfeld)2007
#53The Coachella Valley S & LNR 2016E. Stewart Williams2008
#47The Col. H. C. & Mary Davidson Residence (“La Merienda” aka “Ship of the Desert”)Adrian Wilson & Earle Webster2004
#23The Community ChurchWilliam Charles Tanner1985
#4The Cornelia White ResidenceNo architect — builder-built1984
#134The Crockett ResidenceHerbert W. Burns2021
#165The Cullerton-Chaddick ResidenceWilliam F. Cody2025
#78The Del Marcos HotelWilliam F. Cody2012
#102Desert Star ApartmentsHoward Lapham2016
#139The Donald Wexler ResidenceNR 2019Donald Wexler2022
#68The Dorothy Goodloe Res. (AKA Casablanca adobe)—2009
#29ADr. C. H. Peppers & Dr. Smith Building—1993
#132Dr. Franz Alexander Res (NR-4)NR 2016Walter S. White2020
#162Dr. Harry and Betty Garber ResidenceRichard A. Harrison2025
#76Dr. Hugh Stephens Residence—2010
#48The Earl Neel Residence—2005
#171The Edmund Goulding ResidenceNo architect of record2026
#12El Mirador GarageWalker & Eisen1990
#1El Mirador Hotel TowerWalker & Eisen1984
#27El Paseo BuildingJonathan Ring1990
#168The Fallows-Cone Residence—2026
#39Fire Station #1NR 2015Albert Frey2000
#170First Church of Christ ScientistAlbert Frey (Frey & Chambers)2026
#7Frances Stevens SchoolJohn Porter Clark1984
#153Frank Conklin Res./ Palm Springs Club—2023
#77The Frank Sinatra ResidenceNR 2016E. Stewart Williams2011
#158Gas Company Building—2024
#87General Houses, Inc. Model Home—2013
#21The Geo. Roberson Residence—1986
#142The George Gilman ResidenceHerbert W. Burns2022
#135The Goldberg Residence—2021
#45Grace Lewis Miller Residence (Neutra)NR 2020Richard Neutra2002
#175The Hal Forrest Residence—2026
#157The Harriet Van Horn Residence—2024
#106The Harry Robinson Res—2017
#131The Henry Pearson Residence—2021
#56Invernada (Geo. Heigho) Residence—2008
#125The J.Cheney Wells ResidenceAlbert Frey2020
#84J.W. Robinsons BuildingCharles Luckman Associates + William L. Pereira2013
#86The James L. Abernathy ResidenceWilliam F. Cody2013
#50The John & Fannie Hamrick Res.NR 2016Clark & Frey2006
#112The John Macy Res.—2018
#5The Judge John McCallum AdobeNo architect — builder-built1984
#118The Kirk Douglas ResWexler & Harrison2020
#79The Kocher-Samson BuildingNR 2015Albert Frey & A. Lawrence Kocher2012
#22La Plaza Center (full block)Harry J. Williams1987
#69La Serena Villas Hotel—2009
#127Las Palmas Liquor—2020
#33EThe Laura K. Carey ResidenceNR 2015Albert Frey1996
#180The Laurence Harvey Residence—2026
#126The Lawrence Welk Residence—2020
#150Leon Koerner ResidenceNR 2016E. Stewart Williams2023
#160Merrill Lynch BuildingDonald Wexler2024
#123The O’Donnell Golf CourseNR 2020William Charles Tanner (1936 Golf House)2019
#55The Oasis Commercial BuildingNR 2017E. Stewart Williams2010
#10The Oasis HotelLloyd Wright1985
#10The Oasis Hotel: Dining RoomLloyd Wright2018
#72The Orchid Tree Inn (also Class 2)—2010
#15Our Lady of Solitude Catholic ChurchAlbert C. Martin1985
#70P.S International Airport Front Façade.NR 2021Donald Wexler2009
#13The Pacific Building—1985
#8Palm Canyon Stone Street Marker—1984
#35Palm Springs Art MuseumNR 2016E. Stewart Williams1998
#33DPalm Springs City HallNR 2015Clark, Frey & Chambers + Williams, Williams & Williams1996
#89The Paul Dougherty ResidenceJohn Porter Clark2013
#22The Plaza TheatreHarry J. Williams1991
#67The Rachel De Brabant Residence (aka “Casino House”)—2010
#161The Ratner ResidenceWexler & Harrison2024
#33CThe Raymond Loewy ResidenceNR 2015Albert Frey & Raymond Loewy1996
#163The Richard and Signe Holechek Res.—2025
#169The Robinson Residence—2025
#143The Robson Chambers ResidenceRobson Chambers2022
#136The Robt Alexander Residence (aka “House of Tomorrow”)William Krisel / Palmer & Krisel2021
#122The Roland Bishop Res.William J. Dodd (Dodd & Richards)2019
#167The Rubin Building—2025
#54The Santa Fe Federal S & LNR 2016E. Stewart Williams2009
#130The Shea Residence—2020
#176The Snyder ResidenceWilliam Charles Tanner2026
#108The Steve McQueen ResidenceHugh M. Kaptur2019
#152Steven Cushman Residence—2023
#124The Sunmor Model HomeWexler & Harrison2020
#149Tahquitz Creek Golf Crs Clubhs—2023
#97Tahquitz PlazaHugh Kaptur2015
#173Temple IsaiahE. Stewart Williams; Wexler & Harrison (1960–62)2026
#94The Theo & Clair Morse ResidencePalmer & Krisel; Hal Levitt (1961 remodel)2016
#19The Thomas O’Donnell ResidenceNR 2011Harry Williams2000
#51The Town & Country CenterNR 2015Paul R. Williams + A. Quincy Jones2016
#90The Town & Desert ApartmentsHerbert W. Burns2014
#99Tram Shell Gas StationWilliam F. Cody2017
#85Twin Palms ResidenceWilliam Krisel / Palmer & Krisel2013
#95Village Manor HotelHerbert W. Burns2016
#111The Walter Kirschner Res.Brewster & Benedict2019
#2The Welwood Murray Cemetery—1985
#3Welwood Murray Memorial LibraryJohn Porter Clark1984
#43Wexler/Steel Home (1 of 7)NR 2021Donald Wexler (w/ Ric Harrison)2001
#43Wexler/Steel Home (2 of 7)NR 2021Donald Wexler (w/ Ric Harrison)2001
#43Wexler/Steel Home (3 of 7)NR 2021Donald Wexler (w/ Ric Harrison)2001
#43Wexler/Steel Home (4 of 7)NR 2021Donald Wexler (w/ Ric Harrison)2001
#43Wexler/Steel Home (5 of 7)NR 2021Donald Wexler (w/ Ric Harrison)2001
#43Wexler/Steel Home (6 of 7)NR 2021Donald Wexler (w/ Ric Harrison)2001
#46The William Edris ResidenceNR 2016E. Stewart Williams2003
#151William Schwartz Residence—2023
#34The Willows, (Wm. Mead Residence)William J. Dodd (Dodd & Richards)1998

Sources: City of Palm Springs Historic Sites Register (revised July 20, 2026); architect attributions per Palm Springs Preservation Foundation nomination records.

Palm Springs has also designated 13 historic districts. Contributing structures within them are subject to Class 1 regulations but are not individually numbered, so they are not listed here. The city maintains a separate Class 2 list. The Sutter Residence (HSPB #133), for example, is Class 2, not Class 1. The Kaufmann Desert House (HSPB #29B) is omitted: the city register’s class column records it under HD-1 rather than as an individual Class 1 site. Architect, year built and style are not published in the city register. Those fields are sourced from Palm Springs Preservation Foundation nomination documents and are shown only where confirmed; where a nomination records no architect, the entry says so rather than leaving a gap. Entries still under verification are left blank rather than hedged.

HOW HISTORIC DESIGNATION WORKS

Attaining a Class 1 Historic designation in Palm Springs is not an easy lift. It takes quite a bit of research and diligence. The process begins with an application to the city’s planning department. The application alone is a comprehensive process, involving extensive research on the home’s significance, from its owner to its architect to its cultural impact. Applications are then reviewed by the Historic Site Preservation Board. The board holds a public hearing on the property under consideration and also determines eligibility based on seven district criteria included in the municipal code. If the board feels like a designation is deserving, it will forward a formal recommendation to the Palm Springs City Council.

It should be noted that this is only the process for Palm Springs, which utilizes a tiered framework for historic designation, offering four classes. Only Class 1 and Class 2 are eligible for the tax incentives available through the Mills Act.

Rancho Mirage, and other communities, approach historic designation their own way. In Rancho Mirage for example, a tiered system does not exist. Instead, a property is simply designated as historic without a class and the owner is offered the opportunity to apply for a Mills Act contract.

Infographic: how a Palm Springs home earns Class 1 Historic designation - the six-step process from application to the city's Planning Department, research on the home's significance, Historic Site Preservation Board review, a public hearing against seven criteria, the board's recommendation, and the City Council vote that adds it to the register of 126 Class 1 Historic Resources, which unlocks Mills Act property tax relief.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the architectural record for Palm Springs?

The architectural record for Palm Springs is largely filled with midcentury homes designed by master architects of the period.

What makes a Palm Springs home architecturally significant?

A Palm Springs home is determined to embody architectural significance through an exhaustive, research-intensive process that accompanies historic designation.

Does historic designation change the value of a home?

In general, historic designation has the potential to increase home values, particularly in Palm Springs, due in part to the Mills Act incentives and to the area’s notoriety for historic properties.

Can my home receive historic designation?

Homes are considered for historic designation in Palm Springs based on seven criteria for eligibility. The Historic Site Preservation Board reviews applications, holds public hearings and forwards recommendations to the Palm Springs City Council.

If you are interested in exploring the possibility of purchasing or selling a home that has received Class 1 Historic designation, the experienced team at PS Properties is ready to help. To continue this conversation with our dedicated team, contact us below or call 760-779-4500.

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