If you’re looking to understand Palm Springs’ mid-century modern roots, Twin Palms is the perfect place to begin.
Designed by architect William Krisel in 1956 and developed by George and Robert Alexander of the Alexander Construction Company between 1957 and 1958, Twin Palms is Palm Springs’ first mid-century modern tract neighborhood. While many homes have been altered over time, signature design elements such as butterfly and flat rooflines, post-and-beam construction, and expansive glass doors are still visible throughout the neighborhood.
One of the most popular Modernism Week neighborhood tours is the Twin Palms Guided Walking Tour led by longtime resident Eric Chiel, and the tour was also offered Thursday, Oct. 16 for Modernism Week – October. Chiel is the founding past chairperson of the Twin Palms Neighborhood Organization and author of “The ONE-PS Guide to Palm Springs Neighborhoods.”
For returning visitors, Chiel said that the two-hour tour evolves each year, highlighting different homes and areas within the neighborhood to keep the experience fresh and insightful.
Here are five things we learned on the tour.
Modernist movement was a rebellion against conformity
Chiel opened the tour with a historical reflection on how modernism emerged as a rebellion to industrialization and urban sprawl. Modernist architects wanted to restore creativity, nature, and human expression. This can be seen in Palm Springs and desert architecture with the use of experimental materials and outdoor elements blending with the indoors.
Modernism is all about thoughtful design
Krisel and the Alexanders were big believers in thoughtful design. Even though the homes in Twin Palms were built using just a few floor plans, they made sure each one felt unique. By rotating or mirroring the layouts, switching up the rooflines, and using different landscaping, they gave every house its own personality.
Butterfly roofs symbolize the neighborhood’s identity
One of Twin Palms’ most iconic architectural features is the butterfly roof. It’s a symbol of the neighborhood’s identity, but also innovation and individuality in design. The upward angle also allows for clerestory windows to bring in natural light and framed views of the sky and mountains.
The long butterfly covers the entire home and garage, while the short butterfly covers only the home structure.
The Octotillo Lodge was a Rat Pack hot spot
When the Ocotillo Lodge opened in 1958, it was a luxurious hotel and a glorious addition to Twin Palms. It had a champagne cork-shaped pool and floor-to-ceiling glass bungalows. It also became a playground for The Rat Pack and other Hollywood celebrities. It’s now a condominium complex, but has been restored to its original color palette, signage and most of its original architecture.
The blade sign is a symbol of legacy
In 2008, the City of Palm Springs started a program that let neighborhood organizations add blade signs to street signs in their areas — making it easier for people to recognize and connect with each neighborhood.
Twin Palms’ blade sign was designed by Hank Hudson with Krisel’s influence, featuring a swooping butterfly roof and twin palm trees. It’s a tribute to the original landscaping plan, where each home was planted with two palms, and the typography was from Krisel’s own sketches.
If you go
What: Modernism Week – October 2025
When: Oct. 16-19
Where: Various locations in Palm Springs (check website below for more info)
Cost: Varies by activity (check website below for more info)
More info: modernismweek.com/october-2025
Brian Blueskye covers arts and entertainment for the Desert Sun. He can be reached at brian.blueskye@desertsun.com.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Twin Palms tour reveals the roots of desert modernism during Modernism Week October
Reporting by Brian Blueskye, Palm Springs Desert Sun / Palm Springs Desert Sun
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