Twin Palms Residence: PS ModCom Iconic Home Tour

In 1956, construction began on a new idea for housing in Palm Springs that would forever transform the makeup of the town. The Alexander Construction Company presciently hired architect William Krisel to design a series of unique post and beam houses of essentially the same floor plan and concept. Krisel utilized different facades and unique rooflines to brilliantly create a neighborhood that at once felt custom. Krisel created 9 different elevations utilizing flat, gabled, and inverted rooflines that gave a different feeling to each house.  

This home features his iconic ‘Floating Butterfly’ roofline which was uniquely the only ever built in the Twin Palms neighborhood. In 2006 the homeowner, Chris Menrad, past president of the Palm Springs Modern Committee and currently serving on the executive board, worked with Krisel on restoring both the interior and exterior features back to the original design, including painting the house back to the original color palette. 

During the restoration, the front yard landscaping was also designed and updated by William Krisel. Inside, the home is furnished with wonderful art and period-correct furnishings throughout. 

The house was designated as a Class One Historic Site by the City of Palm Springs in 2010, as noted on the plaque by the driveway. 

A wonderful opportunity to explore an iconic midcentury Modern masterpiece!

$35

Things To KnowAll ages
Not wheelchair accessible
Free neighborhood street parking
Walking activity with exterior and/or interior steps
Interior/exterior tour
No smoking or e-cigarettes

Important InformationThis tour was featured in February 2024.
The organizer of this event is Palm Springs Modern Committee.

Check-in Location Twin Palms Residence
1070 Apache Rd
Palm Springs, CA 92264View Map

Photo Credits: Bill Stewart, Chris Menrad {"locationAddressVisibility":"visible"}