Is It Time For a 70's Renaissance in Palm Springs

Palm Springs Art Museum - Circa 1976

Is it time for a 70’s renaissance in Palm Springs.  Undeniably, Palm Springs is considered by many to be the “heartland” when it comes to mid-century design and architecture. However, in a city that offers a wealth of beautiful homes and architecture from the 1970’s, isn’t there room for appreciation and cultivation of art and architecture from that decade?  And, isn’t it time for it to flourish?  Savvy individuals with a trained eye and open mind say YES! 

While some grimace at the thought of 70’s design and culture, and images of the interior of Kitty Forman’s home from “That 70’s Show” might come to mind, it was also a time period that gave birth to some highly acclaimed accomplishments in the arts.   I.M. Pei’s East Building of the National Gallery on The Mall in Washington D.C. was completed in 1978.  David Hockney’s Portrait of an Artist (Pool with Two Figures) and Mount Fuji and Flowers paintings date back to 1972.  And also in 1972,  Lou Reed came out with the classic “Walk on the Wild Side”.   And speaking of groundbreaking assets from that decade, here in Palm Springs, we can point to the iconic Bob Hope house on Southridge, which was designed in the 1970’s by L.A. architect John Lautner.

More and more, refined 70’s sensibilities are working their way into housing and design here.  Pick up a current magazine featuring fine homes from the Coachella Valley (for example see the “Palm Springs Life, Home + Design” magazine, Spring 2019 edition), and you will find great examples of 1970’s furniture and art objects that are being incorporated into stylish, modern interiors.  Drop in at the Ace Hotel and admire their designer’s use of whimsical yet tasteful macramé art objects.  The same goes for the Lobby of the Rowen Hotel.  Or, for less whimsey and perhaps a more posh yet bold take on 70’s design, visit the lobby of the Parker Hotel with its ultra-cool round fireplace.

Moreover, the residential housing market in Palm Springs is ripe for a 70’s renaissance.  For instance, the palm springs neighborhood currently referred to as “Sonora-Sunrise” (considered by some to be part of the “Los Compadres” neighborhood), offers some excellent examples of well-designed, attractive, comfortable and spacious homes built in the 1970s’.  Some folks are finding that the gems in this neighborhood offer far more in terms of value, views, size (including ample yards and greenspace), location, amenities, micro-climate, design features, and overall design performance than they might find in mid-century homes located elsewhere in the Palm Springs Area – not to mention the fact that the neighborhood is set in a beautifully landscaped, park-like setting with spectacular mountain views, and miles of pleasant walkways that provide a virtual dog walker’s paradise.   Whether you are looking for condos, single family homes, or condos that feel like single family homes, you will find them in the Sonora-Sunrise neighborhood.  Take a peek at the following communities: Mesquite Canyon Estates, Sunrise Villas and Sunrise East. They offer some great 70’s homes that are condos but set on large, lushly landscaped sites replete with generous green and open spaces, and a true sense of privacy.  As to single family homes, take a drive down Sonora and La Reina (and adjacent cul-de sacs) to get a look at some fantastic single family homes that were originally marketed under the name “La Reina Estates”.  Most of these home have open floor plans, with roomy interiors, cathedral ceilings, 3-4 bedrooms, often 3 baths, pools in private enclosed yards, and gorgeous views of San Jacinto and the mountains forming the south canyon leading to Indian Canyons.  

Los Compadres / Sonora Sunrise Home - Circa 1974

If you’d like to see some homes in this neighborhood or others, please call Russell at 760-898-8399 or John at 208-232-1198. 

Also, stay tuned for a more in-depth look at La Reina Estates in a future blog post.

Poolside Realty / Poolsiderealty.com

Russell Hill / DRE 01427657 / 760.898.8399 / russell@poolsiderealty.com

John Bevan / DRE 02089387 / 208-232-1198 / john@poolsiderealty.com