The Legacy of the Alexander Construction Company in Palm Springs

 
 
he Alexander Construction Company, founded by George Alexander and his son, Robert Alexander, had an enormous impact on the residential development of Palm Springs from 1956 to 1965. After proving to his father, with the success of a small development in Los Angeles, that there was an untapped market for moderately priced modern homes, the Alexander Construction Company began to purchase empty desert land in Palm Springs. They hired talented architects versed in the modern vernacular and developed faster methods of building, which also was more economical and profitable. Building continued until 1965, when tragedy struck the family and Bob, George, and their wives, Jimmie and Helene, were among 8 passengers killed in a Lear jet crash near Palm Springs. The construction of these homes significantly increased the size of Palm Springs and caused the city to take on a new shape, direction, and character as an enclave of modern architecture, now referenced as mid-century modern style. These houses, collectively known as “Alexanders” have come to be appreciated for their rational designs, modernist style, and innovative construction.

Renaissance of Urban Public Space: Halprin’s Portland Open Space Sequence Modernism Week 2020

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The Halprin Landscape Conservancy’s recently celebrated restoration of the Portland Open Space Sequence and its impact on the emerging Fountain District is the subject of this presentation. $12 (1 hr) As the first park conservancy focused on the stewardship of a collection of Modernist landscapes, the Halprin Landscape Conservancy (HLC) recently celebrated the transformation of the Portland Open Space Sequence to its original glory. The Conservancy made its presence known with the memorable and enormously successful, City Dance of Lawrence and Anna Halprin, a NEA American Masterworks music/dance performance, while also publishing the book, Where the Revolution Began: Lawrence and Anna Halprin and the Reinvention of Public Space (2009).    

Poolside Fashion & Architectural Tour Modernism Week 2020

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blankTiki-lovers and midcentury modern cocktail culture enthusiasts unite! Royal Hawaiian Estates invites you to enjoy peek-a-boo home views, a fashion show and happy hour at our Polynesian-inspired community. The event begins with a self-guided tour of our park-like grounds and peek-a-boo visits of several units within the community (including a keepsake map illustrated by RHE condo-owner Shag). The event will culminate with tiki cocktails, a midcentury vintage fashion show and historical highlights around the pool. Iconic Atomic is a generous sponsor of the vintage fashion show. Come learn about the history of this Donald Wexler-Richard Harrison designed community and walk away with insider gossip of its storied past!