Villa Alejo: 1960s Poolside Apartment Living at Palm Springs’ Premier Brise Soleil Building

Grab this unique opportunity to experience 1960s poolside apartment living by touring Villa Alejo, Palm Springs’ beautifully preserved brise soleil building, only four blocks from CAMP. Designed in 1965 by architect Donal Engen as a short- and long-term luxury rental apartment building and converted to condominiums in the 70s, Villa Alejo is made up of 66 units on three floors completely surrounding a lush palm-tree-lined courtyard with Y-shaped pool and spa overlooking the San Jacinto Mountains. During the day, patterned sunshine from the staggered pipe bris soleil floods the building’s breezeways. In the evening, the bris soleil is lit, giving the building a magical air. A pair of magnificent original carved wood doors welcome visitors to the lobby. Villa Alejo also includes Coachella Valley’s first subterranean garage. Rumor has it that members of the Rat Pack stayed here—and why not? The building originally included a staffed fitness center, saunas, shuffleboard, a paddle tennis court, and a putting green.

The homes you’ll tour offer a wide range of design sensibilities, from 60s kitsch to 70s suburban coziness to sleek modernism. Look for a hidden secret in the large medallion mounted to your right as you enter.

$50

Things to Know
There are seven (7) homes on this tour. 
This tour is for all ages.
Parking: Lot adjacent to building and street parking along Calle Encilia 
There are some exterior and/or interior steps.
There are elevators in the building.
Please no food, drinks, pets or smoking permitted in homes.
The building and units are wheelchair accessible.
The organizer of this event is Villa Alejo HOA.

Event Check-in Location
Villa Alejo
277 E Alejo Rd
Palm Springs, CA 92262
View Map

Photo Credits: Peter Clancy