South Palm Canyond Drive in Palm Springs, CA with palm trees and Modernism Week banner

Twin Palms Residence: PS ModCom Iconic Home Tour

In 1956, construction began on a new idea for housing in Palm Springs that would forever transform the makeup of the town. The Alexander Construction Company presciently hired architect William Krisel to design a series of unique post and beam houses of essentially the same floor plan and concept. Krisel utilized different facades and unique rooflines to brilliantly create a neighborhood that at once felt custom. Krisel created 9 different elevations utilizing flat, gabled, and inverted rooflines that gave a different feeling to each house.

This home features his iconic ‘Floating Butterfly' roofline which was uniquely the only ever built in the Twin Palms neighborhood. In 2006 the homeowner, Chris Menrad, past president of the Palm Springs Modern Committee and currently serving on the executive board, worked with Krisel on restoring both the interior and exterior features back to the original design, including painting the house back to the original color palette.

During the restoration, the front yard landscaping was also designed and updated by William Krisel. Inside, the home is furnished with wonderful art and period-correct furnishings throughout.

The house was designated as a Class One Historic Site by the City of Palm Springs in 2010, as noted on the plaque by the driveway.

A wonderful opportunity to explore an iconic midcentury Modern masterpiece!

Photo Credits: Bill Stewart, Chris Menrad

Location & Attendee Information

  • What are the appropriate ages for this activity?Person All ages
  • What are the mobility considerations for this activity?Person walking Walking activity with exterior and/or interior steps
  • What type of parking is available?Car Free neighborhood street parking
  • What is the policy regarding smoking?Cigarette with smoke No smoking or e-cigarettes
  • What type of tour is this?Group of people Interior/exterior tour
  • What type of ADA accessibility is available?Wheelchair Not wheelchair accessible

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