South Palm Canyond Drive in Palm Springs, CA with palm trees and Modernism Week banner

Alexander Spotlight Tour: Alexander Desert Dreams, 1957

Tour inside an exceptional 1950s home in the celebrated Twin Palms neighborhood.

Designed by architects Dan Palmer and William Krisel and built in 1957 by the renowned Alexander Construction Company, this striking home captures the optimism, innovation and effortless indoor-outdoor lifestyle that helped define Palm Springs Modernism.

Originally created as part of the revolutionary Alexander residential developments, the home retains many of the architectural details that make these houses so enduringly iconic, including its distinctive rooflines, tongue-and-groove ceilings, clerestory windows and expansive glass that connects the bright, open interiors to the private pool and gardens. The great room centers around a dramatic fireplace and offers an immediate sense of the relaxed yet sophisticated lifestyle for which Palm Springs became famous. The beautifully updated interiors balance contemporary luxury with the character of the original architecture, while the expansive kitchen, private pool and landscaped grounds demonstrate the quintessential Alexander approach to desert living. Desert Modernist Architect Albert Frey designed a remodel of the house in 1988.

The experience continues outdoors, where mountain views, lush landscaping, a generous pool and multiple entertaining spaces create the quintessential Palm Springs setting. Guests will have the rare opportunity to explore this privately owned midcentury residence and experience firsthand the architecture, atmosphere and indoor-outdoor lifestyle that made the Alexander homes a defining chapter in the history of Palm Springs.

Location & Attendee Information

  • What are the appropriate ages for this activity?Person All ages
  • Are pets, animals, or service animals permitted?Dog on a leash Pets and animals not permitted
  • Are food and drinks permitted?Food and drink No food or drinks permitted in homes
  • What are the mobility considerations for this activity?Person walking Walking & standing activity
  • What type of parking is available?Car Free neighborhood street parking
  • What is the policy for personal effects?Bag or purse Large purses, bags, backpacks not permitted
  • Is photography permitted?Camera Photography permitted
  • Are restrooms available?Restroom sign Restrooms not available
  • Is this an indoor or outdoor activity?Sun Indoor activity
  • What is the policy regarding smoking?Cigarette with smoke No smoking or e-cigarettes
  • What type of tour is this?Group of people Interior/exterior tour
The organizer of this event is: Modernism Week

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