The Rebirth of Albert Frey’s Historic 1946 Bel Vista Tract in Palm Springs

Built in 1946, Bel Vista is one of the earliest modern tracts of homes built in California and the first in Palm Springs. All 15 homes were identical, modest, and based on an International Style design Frey did in 1934. Twelve years ago, all were still standing, but most were unrecognizable. Alterations over the years had left the tract of homes with significant changes.

Todd Hays was determined to restore as many of the homes as possible and, with the help of an equally determined local architect, William LaVoie, technology was used to bring the entire tract back to life. Today, three homes are restored, three are Class 1 Historic Sites and two are on the National Register, but the story of restoration and preservation does not stop there. While bringing back individual homes was a painstaking, important part of the process, Bel Vista is a tract of 15 homes. Showing what the entire tract of homes once looked like is of equal importance.

How technology can be used to bring back lost historic sites holds an important lesson that what was “lost” might not be gone forever. The lecture will demonstrate how technology can enable us to “drive through” the original street of Bel Vista homes so everyone can experience what the original tract once looked like.

The Palm Springs Preservation Foundation is a non-profit organization whose mission is “to educate and promote public awareness of the importance of preserving the historical resources and architecture of the city of Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley area.” PSPF offers free membership as a public benefit. To learn more about the work of the foundation see www.pspreservationfoundation.org.  

Free, Ticketed Event

Things to Know
No children or pets and no smoking.
Free parking available.
Handicap parking is available. This event is wheelchair accessible.
The organizer of this event is Palm Springs Preservation Foundation.

Event Check-in Location
Camelot Theatres at the Palm Springs Cultural Center
2300 E Baristo Rd
Palm Springs, CA 92262 
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Photo Credits: Kelly Peak, William LaVoie, Todd Hays