The Palm Springs Preservation Foundation presents Alexander Weekend in Palm Springs on March 25 - 27, 2011. The event is a three day celebration of The Alexander Construction Company and their contribution of building several mid-century modern developments in the city. Many of the residences built by The Alexander Construction Company were designed by Bill Krisel so his innovative plans are also celebrated during the weekend. More than 2,500 modern Alexander homes carry on today in Palm Springs.
Event sponsor, Paul Kaplan, principal of Paul Kaplan Modern Real Estate Group, said of the weekend, "I'm proud to be sponsoring this celebration of the most noted innovative developer of homes in Palm Springs." He went on to add, "The Alexanders built modern architectural tract homes for the masses in the late 1950s, introducing a new way of living. The post and beam homes incorporated the indoors with the outdoors, by use of sliding walls of glass, clerestory windows, and open floor plans - the perfect combination for the Palm Springs lifestyle. 50 years later, these homes, now labeled, "Mid-Century," remain in demand and have contributed to the resurgence of the Palm Springs real estate market, and growing appreciation for Desert Modernism."
Week end events will include panel discussions, cocktail parties, home tours and a book signing. Invited panelists for the event include Bill Krisel and Don Wexler. Home tours are schedule for both Saturday and Sunday. On Saturday's tour view two of the Alexander Construction Company's most important modernist neighborhoods, Twin Palms and Vista Las Palmas. Fine examples of midcentury residential architecture will be showcased, including "Butterfly," "Swiss Miss," and other modernist roof-lines. The tour will also include the "House of Tomorrow," the Alexander's own home (aka the "Elvis Honeymoon Hideaway"), considered one of the most innovative modernist residences ever built. Refreshments will be served at the last tour house.
On Sunday's tour discover more of the Alexander Construction Company's legacy by touring the Bill Krisel-designed Racquet Club Road Estates and the Sunmor neighborhood, along with the Don Wexler-designed Green Fairway Estates neighborhood. The tour of these neighborhoods will showcase the Alexander's less appreciated work.
Events can be purchased separately with Saturday's home tour costing $85 per person and Sunday's tour is priced at $45 per person. Prices include a copy of the Alexander tribute journal and a collectible tour map. A one hour lunch break is scheduled. A week end pass that includes both tours, reservations at the panel discussion, a cocktail party and book signing is priced at $165 per person.
Alexander-built neighborhoods remain in high demand in the current Palm Springs real estate market. According to area real estate agents most well priced mid century Alexander homes attract attention from many buyers. Kaplan states, "For example, The Racquet Club Estates neighborhood remains one of the more popular locations. It is possible to find a fixer in a range of about $250,000 in that neighborhood but be prepared for multiple offers as there are many people looking to purchase. My real estate firm has always focused on the mid-century home-buyer; we've sold dozens of Alexander homes, which range from $200,000 to over $1,000,000"
The Alexander Construction Company remains an integral part of Palm Springs history and mid-century modern architecture. They are responsible for bringing second desert homes to middle income buyers. Tickets to events can be purchased on The Palm Springs Preservation Foundation's website or for more information call (760) 837-7117.
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