Atomic Ranch Talk & Tour: The House That Sold the Neighborhood

In 1957, this home was the furnished model for Little Beverly Hills. Nearly seventy years later, it's once again a showpiece that feels both historically faithful and thoroughly of the moment.

In 1957, this home opened its doors as the furnished model home for the Alexander tract in Little Beverly Hills—the floor plan and elevation drawn by William Krisel, AIA, the architect whose vision helped define Palm Springs midcentury Modernism, and built by the Alexander Construction Company.

Nearly 70 years later, it's once again a showpiece—this time through the eyes of homeowners Brian Ramos and Brandon Elliott, whose recent, extensive back-to-back renovations gave the home a complete exterior modernization designed to reintroduce many of Krisel's original design elements. Working with architect Stanley Anderson, AIA, Brian & Brandon approached the renovation with an eye toward preserving Krisel’s architectural vocabulary while thoughtfully introducing contemporary materials and details. Using Krisel’s original design for the home as a guide, Anderson helped translate that vision for the present day. The result is a home that feels both historically faithful and thoroughly of the moment.

Little Beverly Hills is one of the smallest complete midcentury Modern neighborhoods in Southern California—a tight-knit pocket of South Palm Springs originally platted in the early 1950s as Ramon Rise Estates. When the Alexander Construction Company began selling homes there in 1957, the tract was marketed under the name Enchanted Village, with William Krisel drawing the plans and elevations. Decades later, residents organized as a Modern neighborhood association and settled on a new name inspired by the streets themselves—Bedford, Roxbury, Beverly, Compadre—nearly all borrowed from their famous namesakes 100 miles west.

See how the home stands again as a stunning model for how thoughtful restoration and modern materials can honor a design legacy without freezing it in time. Turquoise accents on the front door and mailbox echo the vintage midcentury palette, while new breeze blocks and pristine landscaping add a clean, contemporary finishing touch. The backyard pool area opens to sweeping views of Mt. San Jacinto–the kind of indoor-outdoor living Palm Springs Modernism was built for.

You’ll then gather for a discussion with Atomic Ranch Editor Jickie Torres; Stanley Anderson, AIA, the architect behind the home’s recent exterior modernization; and Brian Ramos, the passionate homeowner, preservationist, and steward of Palm Springs' architectural history. Anderson will share how Krisel’s original design informed the renovation and discuss the architectural elements and materials selected to modernize the home while maintaining a clear connection to its rich midcentury history. Brian, a member of the Board of Directors and Communications Officer for the Little Beverly Hills Neighborhood Organization, will detail the home’s unique history and share the ins and outs of bringing the renovation to life.

Atomic Ranch

Photo Credits: Dan Chavkin

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 outside food or drinks
  • What are the mobility considerations for this activity?Person walking Walking activity with exterior and/or interior steps
  • 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 discouraged
  • Are restrooms available?Restroom sign Restrooms not available
  • Is this an indoor or outdoor activity?Sun Indoor and outdoor 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
  • What type of ADA accessibility is available?Wheelchair Not wheelchair accessible
The organizer of this event is: Atomic Ranch

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