Twin Palms and Vista Las Palmas stand as two of the most iconic mid-century neighborhoods in Palm Springs, serving as showcases for the groundbreaking designs of the Alexander Construction Company and their lead architect, William Krisel. During the 1950s and 1960s, these neighborhoods became a testament to the postwar American dream, providing stylish yet affordable homes to a rapidly growing population drawn to the desert’s warm climate and leisure-oriented lifestyle.
These areas are particularly notable for their distinctive Krisel-designed homes, featuring:
Butterfly, folded plate, and flat rooflines that emphasize geometric design.
Post-and-beam construction that allows for open interiors and seamless indoor-outdoor living.
Expansive clerestory windows that flood homes with natural light while maintaining privacy.
Desert-friendly landscaping with native plants, rock gardens, and palm trees, reflecting the arid environment.
Krisel’s designs were radically modern yet highly accessible, allowing middle-class homeowners to enjoy cutting-edge modernist aesthetics without the custom-built price tag. Today, these neighborhoods remain some of the most sought-after areas in Palm Springs, filled with meticulously restored homes that celebrate the golden era of modern design.
Famous Homes in Twin Palms & Vista Las Palmas
The Elvis Honeymoon Hideaway (1960, Designed by Robert Alexander)
The Elvis Honeymoon Hideaway, designed in 1960 by Robert Alexander, is a futuristic circular home known for its dramatic floating spiral staircase, curved stone walls, and sunken living room—all hallmarks of mid-century modern excess. Originally built for Robert and Helene Alexander, the visionaries behind Alexander Homes, the estate gained fame in 1967 when Elvis and Priscilla Presley spent their honeymoon there, cementing its place as an iconic piece of Palm Springs history.
The Kaufmann Desert House (1946, Designed by Richard Neutra)
Numerous Well-Preserved Alexander Homes
Neighborhood Character & Modern Appeal
Today, Twin Palms & Vista Las Palmas continue to attract architecture enthusiasts, preservationists, and design lovers looking to own a piece of mid-century history. The neighborhoods feature:
Annual Modernism Week home tours that highlight restored properties.
High-end restorations and luxury renovations, keeping homes true to their mid-century roots.
A-list celebrity residents drawn to the neighborhood’s architectural significance and exclusivity.
Strict preservation guidelines, ensuring that the mid-century aesthetic remains intact.
These neighborhoods offer more than just housing—they represent a cultural movement, preserving the best of Palm Springs’ golden age of modernism. Whether you're admiring the bold lines of a Krisel butterfly roof or exploring the home where Elvis and Priscilla honeymooned, Twin Palms & Vista Las Palmas stand as living museums of mid-century design.
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