I am seriously, falling head over heels in love with Palm Springs and anything and everything is an excuse for me to drop whatever I am doing, get into my car, and make the 1.5 hour drive east to this desert oasis. Two weekends ago, Los Angeles Home Staging + Design Company, Modern Mecca had the opportunity to participate in an event celebrating the 84th birthday of renowned modernist architect, Donald Wexler.

The celebration kicked-off on Friday, January 22nd with the screening of the film ‘Journeyman Architect: The Life and Work of Donald Wexler,’ by Jake Gorst at the Camelot Theater. On Saturday, the 23rd a yummy jazz brunch was served, followed by a tour of Wexler-designed properties ranging from tract homes in El Rancho Vista Estates, to custom residences of celebrity homes such as Dinah Shore’s, and Wexler’s own Palm Springs home. An evening cocktail fundraiser was held at the Leff/Florsheim House (1957) – an event that also featured a silent auction of stunning photographs by Julius Shulman and Juergen Nogai.

Wexler Weekend continued on Sunday, the 24th, with ‘Steel Some Time’, a home tour at the Wexler Steel Development Houses in the Racquet Club Estates neighborhood. Donald Wexler and his partner Ric Harrison master-planned a neighborhood of 38 such homes, but only seven were built. Most have been restored and are a must-see for devotees of Palm Springs modernist architecture. Three Steel Homes were open to the public and available for viewing. Members and volunteers of the Palm Springs Preservation Foundation (organizer of the event) were on site making sure everyone enjoyed the tour and had a good time.

The highlight of the trip, was not only being able to tour several of the mid century modern homes which are usually not open to the general public, but meeting the Architect, Donald Wexler that designed them – truly an honor and a pleasure.

A combination of snow-capped mountain views, glorious weather and wonderful conversations made me realize that I could definitely get used to this laid-back lifestyle. Mimosas and hors d’oeuvres were served by the sparkling pool. I was delighted. For the architecture-obsessed and mid century modernista that I am, the fun and stylish Wexler Weekend couldn’t have been better.

Special thanks to our friends Richard Kip Serafin (Member of The Palm Springs Preservation Foundation) and Brian Wexler (Donald Wexler’s son) for welcoming us so graciously to Palm Springs and the Steel Homes. The Modern Mecca Team feels a little like part of this incredible Mid Century Modern family already.

(Photo: Modern Mecca, January 2010)

Renowned modernist architect Donald Wexler (center), surrounded by friends and members of the Palm Springs Preservation Foundation

(Photo: Modern Mecca, January 2010)

Donald Wexler, enjoys the celebration with family and friends at the 'Steel Some Time' event

(Photo: Modern Mecca, January 2010)

Nothing says “Welcome to Palm Springs” more than a Steel Home

(Photo: Modern Mecca, January 2010)

Palm Springs, California

Tall, and gorgeous and lovely palm trees welcome visitors to Palm Springs, the desert oasis…

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