Desert Modernism Heroes - Walter White

Written by Katy Carrier

The Paul Kaplan Group is grateful for the architects who have helped shape the “Desert Modernism” movement in Palm Springs.

Walter S. White, 1917-2002, designed a number of innovative properties in the Coachella Valley during the 1940s and ‘50s. Nearly 50 homes in Palm Desert alone have been attributed to White, and he maintained an office there near the corner of Highway 111 and Cabrillo Avenue.

White became known for creating unique roofs and even patented a method for constructing curved roofs using dowels, allowing for a change in the curvature of the roof.

Miles Bates house

The Miles Bates house in Palm Desert, built in 1955, features a wave-like curved roof,

…

Modernism Festivities

Modernism festivities kicks off in Palm Springs today, with 11 days of great activities and events ahead, including architectural tours, lectures and film screenings, parties, and the weekend-long Modernism Show & Sale. The Paul Kaplan Group is excited to be involved in a number events, and we hope that you can join us!

Beyond 'Poolside Gossip' - An onstage conversation between Nelda Linsk and Gary Johns, and screening of the film Slim Aarons, The High Life (February 23)

The iconic image of Slim Aarons' "Poolside Gossip” photograph comes to life once again with an onstage conversation between Nelda Linsk and the Paul Kaplan Group's own Gary Johns, followed by the North American Premier of the film Slim Aarons, The

…

Listing: 26 SIERRA VISTA DRIVE

RANCHO MIRAGE, CA 92270

High on the mountain sits this beautiful Rancho Mirage home presented by The Paul Kaplan Group, adjacent to the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in the guard gated community of Mirada Estates. This custom built 3,984-square-foot home was designed around incredible walls of glass that maximize the views while framing the great room, dining room and a modern kitchen. There are three en suite bedrooms, and one of the bedrooms can be utilized as an attached casita with panoramic views from the balcony of the majestic mountains. The dramatic infinity salt water pool and spa disappear into the unobstructed skyline, and you can enjoy the stunning view while bathing in the outdoor shower with an adjacent pool

…

Listing: 2245 S GENE AUTRY TRAIL UNIT C

PALM SPRINGS, CA 92264

Welcome to your new home at Canyon Sands, presented by The Paul Kaplan Group! Behind the front gate, you will find a private, generously-sized front patio. Once inside, this fully renovated three-bedroom, two-bath unit awaits your personal touches. The main living area is large and features vaulted wood beam tongue and groove ceilings, a gas fireplace, wood floors throughout, and it is flooded with natural light - perfect for entertaining. The large master bedroom features patio access and an en suite bathroom with a large shower. The second bedroom is located to the rear of the unit, and the third bedroom opens up to living room and can serve as a den. There is a second patio to the

…

Listing: 1099 W Chino Canyon Rd

Palm Springs, CA 92262

This large, contemporary home, presented by the Paul Kaplan Group, is perched high in the hills above Palm Springs, featuring privacy and seclusion in an organic, natural setting. It is the former home of virtuoso concert violinist Ruggiero Ricci. 

This move-in-ready, mini-estate has great views from most rooms, a modern kitchen, media room and expansive outdoor features including a pool, BBQ  area and fire pit. 

The master suite includes a fireplace, walk-in closet and bath with starlight ceiling and gorgeous views. The second bedroom has extensive closets and views, and the third bedroom doubles as an ideal home office with built-ins. The living room and dining room have

…

Listing: 347 S CAHUILLA RD

PALM SPRINGS, CA 92262

Hidden behind mature landscaping is this two-bedroom, two-bath bungalow and one-bedroom, one-bath casita, presented by the Paul Kaplan Group. Built in 1964, this home combines mid-century charm with all new interiors and upgraded systems. Spectacular mountain views and an abundance of privacy make this close-to-Palm Canyon gem a standout. 

A horseshoe driveway provides for plenty of off street parking and a two car garage allows for protected parking and storage. This corner property has hidden gardens, an outdoor shower, BBQ area and a skinny dip pool all with awesome, jaw-dropping mountain views.

For more information about this property click here,

…

Listing: 53965 AVENIDA OBREGON

LA QUINTA, CA 92253

53965 Avenida Obregon, La Quinta, CA 92253

Acclaimed modernist architect Walter S. White designed a collection of just four bungalows in La Quinta Cove in the 1940s and 1950s, and the Paul Kaplan Group is excited to now represent one of these special homes. White was known for innovative designs that pushed the boundaries of the era, and this historically designated property, built in 1958, features a unique three-armed pinwheel floor plan, with a striking low pitched roof line that extends out from the home to create a wide, angular form. 

Abundant clerestory windows, walls of glass and sliding glass doors connect the outdoors with the interior. The home has been lovingly restored and

…

2245 S GENE AUTRY TRAIL UNIT C

PALM SPRINGS, CA 92264

Welcome to your new home at Canyon Sands, presented by The Paul Kaplan Group! Behind the front gate, you will find a private, generously-sized front patio. Once inside, this fully renovated three-bedroom, two-bath unit awaits your personal touches. The main living area is large and features vaulted wood beam tongue and groove ceilings, a gas fireplace, wood floors throughout, and it is flooded with natural light - perfect for entertaining. The large master bedroom features patio access and an en suite bathroom with a large shower. The second bedroom is located to the rear of the unit, and the third bedroom opens up to living room and can serve as a den. There is a second patio to the rear of

…

Coachella Valley Savings and Loan #2

Desert Modernism Heroes - E. Stewart

Written by Katy Carrier

The Paul Kaplan Group is grateful for the architects who helped shape the “Desert Modernism” movement in Palm Springs.

Architect E. Stewart Williams, FAIA (1909-2005) started his career in New York in the office of Raymond Loewy, making the move out to California following serving in the Navy. Williams’ father, architect Harry Williams, had come to Palm Springs in 1936 to work on La Plaza, one of the first multi-use projects in California, combining offices, retail shops, a theater and residences. E. Stewart Williams set up shop with his father and brother under the name of Williams, Williams and Williams, and a fortuitous moment during the

…

February in Palm Springs means everything Modernism for The Paul Kaplan Group.  Below is a list of events we're sponsoring and part of for this years' week of Modernism this month in Palm Springs.  Some events are free;  some already sold out, but check the Modernism Week website for availability & to purchase tickets. 

  We look forward to a fun-filled week, and seeing old and new friends alike during one of the busiest weeks of the year in Palm Springs.  For more information please drop us a line at paul@paulkaplangroup.com.   If you'll be in town, check out our OPEN HOUSE GUIDE which will be updated every Friday.  Stop by, meet our team, check out some amazing mid-century and architectural homes.  If you'd like to schedule time to view…