On September 30, 2021, the Palm Springs City Council unanimously voted to designate the Alexander Residence at 1350 Ladera Circle as a Class 1 Historic Site, the City of Palm Springs’ highest level of landmark designation. Also known as the “House of Tomorrow,” the 1960 residence was designed by master architect William Krisel of Palmer & Krisel for real estate developer Robert “Bob” Alexander, his wife homemaker and philanthropist Helene, and daughter Jill. As on-call consultants to the City, Chattel prepared a historic resources report that served as the basis of the nomination.
The Alexanders were part of a family of real estate developers led by Bob’s father, George Alexander. Together, George and Bob oversaw the Alexander Construction Company, which built over 1,000 homes in over 10 subdivisions in Palm Springs. When Bob and Helene moved into the Alexander Residence, their home and lifestyle were featured in a six-page spread in a 1962 issue of Look Magazine. Bob and Helene would live in the home from 1960 until their deaths in a plane crash in 1965.
Cal Bernstein, Look Magazine, 1962
Constructed with a unique interpretation of the Mid-Century Modern style with Organic and Googie elements, the Alexander Residence features a spaceship-like quality of design in its vast shed roof configuration with striking point appearing to lift off at the front façade. The building is characterized by floor-to-ceiling windows; exterior use of fieldstone, stucco, glass, and aluminum; multiple levels that change in elevation with the sloping site; and a variety of expressive visual details such as circular, seeded aggregate steppingstones that lead up to a decorative iron gate and dramatic, full height, highly decorative double door entry.
Though not significant to its designation, the Alexander Residence was also briefly occupied by Elvis and Priscilla Presley following their wedding in 1967. The property spent several years known as the Elvis Presley Honeymoon Hideaway, hosting various events and tours related to the King of Rock and Roll.
The new property owner supported the Class 1 Historic Site designation and has been rehabilitating the property to upgrade systems and restore its former grandeur.