William Krisel | Twin Palms

The homes in the Twin Palms development were all slightly different as a result of differing rooflines and clever site arrangement. The exterior colors varied from house to house, but they all complemented the desert environment. Photo by Henry ConnellModern Design for the Masses in Palm SpringsBefore World War II, Palm Springs was known as a getaway for celebrities and wealthy socialites. But as the middle class burgeoned after the war, families of more modest means were also looking for second homes. Alexander Construction, already a successful home builder in Los Angeles, arrived in Palm Springs in 1955. Shortly thereafter, the company purchased a tract of land on the southern edge of the city. It hired Krisel to design the housing development. The Alexanders challenged Krisel to create a modern subdivision. Prior to Twin Palms, virtually all housing tracts of the time consisted of cookie-cutter ranch-style houses. The Alexanders had seen the modern house Krisel had built for himself in L.A.’s Brentwood neighborhood, featuring exposed post-and-beam construction and walls of glass that blurred the lines between indoors and out. Krisel had worked with the Alexanders on tract projects in Los Angeles’ San Fernando Valley, where he demonstrated his skill at creating modern designs that were also efficient to build. Together — the Alexanders with their expertise in land acquisition and frugal construction and Krisel with his holistic approach to modern design — the team was able to offer buyers an affordable, modern American dream. The development known as Twin Palms was built in phases from 1956 to 1958 — and became the first successful modern-home subdivision in Palm Springs.

Front elevation of one of the many

Another exterior. Note different screening options.