Nestled in the heart of Palm Springs, El Rancho Vista Estates is famous for its mid-century modern architecture. This neighborhood is home to beautiful homes designed by the legendary architectural duo Wexler & Harrison. With its stunning examples of mid-century modern design, this unique community perfectly captures the elegance and creativity of its time. Explore and experience the magic for yourself! Keep reading to learn more about El Rancho Vista Estates.
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4 Things To Know About Mid-Century Modern Living in El Rancho Vista Estates
1. History
El Rancho Vista Estates holds a special place in Palm Springs history as it was the first from Wexler and Harrison. Roy Fey, a former accountant from Chicago, brought this exciting project to life. He decided to swap the Windy City for the sunny desert, where he built a real estate legacy.
Roy saw the incredible potential of Southern California Modernist architecture just as the post-war housing market was taking off. You can still recognize his mark on the neighborhood because he named one of the streets "East Avenida Fey Norte." Today, this charming neighborhood features around 75 attractive single-family homes. It is northeast of the Palm Springs International Airport and accessible via Vista Chino.
A little background of the architects: Donald Wexler was a game-changer regarding steel residential design. Before he made his way to Palm Springs in 1952, he worked with Richard Neutra. Once he got to Palm Springs, he teamed up with William Cody and kept at it for almost 60 years! In 1952, he also joined forces with USC grad Richard Harrison. They designed innovative and interesting homes throughout Southern California and Nevada.
2. Architectural Design
The homes have open-plan layouts with features like flat roofs, butterfly roofs, and down-turned eaves that set Harrison's style apart. You'll also spot mid-century vibes with decorative concrete block walls and massive glass walls that frame stunning mountain views. These features create a seamless transition from indoor to outdoor spaces. Recently, these homes have come back in style since so many people love their authentic mid-century modern look.
Fun fact: Harrison lived in one of the homes at 1593 Avenida Robert Miguel, which is unique since he designed the whole neighborhood!
3. Preservation
Over the years, different owners have made questionable changes, but things took a turn when mid-century design started coming back. Since 2000, John Lewis and Jane Steichen-Lewis have jumped in, buying and fixing up about twenty houses. They're dedicated to keeping the original vibe and textures while adding bold colors and natural desert landscaping. Thanks to their hard work, this classic neighborhood is still rocking its history and charm.
4. Luxurious Living
Roy Fey ensured every home in the neighborhood showcased a range of attractive features. You can find Chrysler refrigerated air conditioning, 4-inch rock wool insulation, and full fencing for privacy. The homes come with welcoming entries, 3 to 4 bedrooms, and 2 to 3 bathrooms. They also have spacious living and family rooms, patios, and carpeting. Sunken Roman tubs, tile floors, and underground utilities are also common features.
Today, the homes here look fantastic with their stylish restorations, fun pops of color, and quirky mid-century decorations. The backyards are inviting and perfect for hanging out with friends. This community embraces its architectural history, giving it a vibe you can only find in Palm Springs.
Contact Geoffrey Moore for more information about this neighborhood and its homes. He is a local expert ready to help you buy or sell real estate in Palm Springs.
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