Robson Chambers House Tour: Major Restoration of an Architecturally Significant 1946 Gem

The Robson Chambers residence was lovingly and meticulously restored by Fashion and Editorial photographers Carlos Serrao and Monica May taking cues from original bluelines, 1948 Julius Shulman photos, and material in books and magazines. For their efforts they won the Palm Springs Modern Committee’s 2022 Residential Renovation Award.

The home was originally designed as an inexpensive two-bedroom residence that could be easily expanded to meet the needs of a growing family, which it did over the years to its present 1,750 square feet. Design elements include carefully chosen period-appropriate materials, sliding-glass doors at three points that afford easy access to the outdoors, a pocket door clad in combed plywood in the living room that partitioned an area to be used as a guest bedroom, and the enclosure of the patio off the kitchen with opaque glass panels to use as a dining area. A primary bedroom with a dressing room and bath were added in 1950, as well as a double carport adjoining the kitchen. A pool was added sometime during the late 1960s or early ’70s.

The home was designed by Chambers after he had joined the firm of Albert Frey and John Porter Clark. Chambers, who grew up in nearby Banning, earned an architectural degree at University of Southern California as well as an AIA Medal of Distinction. He spent World War II designing military bases before arriving in Palm Springs and joining Clark and Frey. He was named partner in 1953, and the firm became Clark, Frey and Chambers. Three years later, John Porter Clark left, and the name was pared to Frey and Chambers. Signature projects during this era were the North Shore Beach and Yacht Club, Palm Springs City Hall, and the Valley Station of the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway.

$45

Things to Know
To avoid confusion, and as a courtesy to other tour goers, please arrive at your designated tour start time.
No children or pets and no smoking please.
Restrooms are not available for tour use.
Ample street parking is available but please be respectful of the neighborhood and do not park in front of mail boxes or driveways.
No food and covered drinks only allowed in the home.
Interior photography is permitted for personal use.
The organizer of this event is the Friends of the Palm Springs Library.
Friends of the Palm Springs Library 

Event Check-in Location
Printed on ticket.
 

Photo Credits: Carlos Serrano – Julius Shulman – Friends of the Palm Springs Library