A father and son, and two architects
Vista Las Palmas was developed by the father and son team of George and Robert Alexander. The neighbors' foundation says the firm of Palmer and Krisel, along with architect Charles Du Bois, designed approximately 330 homes here.
Each brought a signature. William Krisel contributed his butterfly roof houses and a folded plate design, among others. Du Bois created the distinctive "Swiss Miss" A-frame.
The Alexanders didn't just build here. Robert and his wife Helene moved from Los Angeles to Palm Springs in 1957 and lived in Vista Las Palmas.
Close enough to Hollywood
The foundation explains the draw: Palm Springs was an escape that was still close enough for performers and studio executives to get back quickly when they were called. Dean Martin is among the people Modernism Week lists as having lived in the neighborhood.
The Alexanders' own house became the most famous one on the block. Look magazine gave the "House of Tomorrow" an eight page spread in its September 1962 issue, and on May 1, 1967, Elvis and Priscilla Presley came here after their wedding.
Houses with a record
- House of Tomorrow (Elvis honeymoon house)1350 Ladera Circle
Robert and Helene Alexander's home, attributed to Palmer & Krisel: circular glass rooms under a batwing roof. Featured in Look in 1962; Elvis and Priscilla Presley honeymooned here in 1967.
Source - Theodore and Claire Morse Residence1197 Abrigo Road
A 1960 Alexander house by Palmer & Krisel, transformed by Hal Levitt after a 1961 commission. Class 1 Historic Site, approved January 13, 2016.
Source - Martin Residence1000 W Via Vadera
A 1960 Palmer & Krisel folded plate design, now being restored.
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Vista Las Palmas today
The Vista Las Palmas Neighbors Foundation is open to residents and property owners and works on preservation and neighborhood improvements.
Its Modernism Week home tour raises money that the foundation gives away locally: between $10,000 and $30,000 a year to community organizations.
