"The Palm Springs Preservation Foundation was established in 1997, as a non-profit educational foundation, to identity and recognize our historic sites, which set Palm Springs apart from other desert communities. Our "Village" history, reflected in our unique architecture is as distinctive and diverse as is our population growth. Since then, our scope of awareness has grown to include the entire Coachella Valley, especially pertinent since the senseless demolition of Neutra's Maslon house in the city of Rancho Mirage in 2002.
Architecture is living history:
The purpose of our foundation is to carry forth that message and assist in the recognition and preservation of historic sites. We began our efforts by recognizing and according honor to the Palm Springs Community Church; The Neutra-designed Kaufmann House and its restoration; and the "Mousie" and William Powell residence of Mediterranean Revival architecture, with two subsequent additions in that style by Albert Frey.
As international interest in Mid-Century Modernism developed,it was our great pleasure to honor Albert Frey, FAIA and Stewart Williams, FAIA. Culver Nichols, builder and patron of Albert Frey's gas station; the O'Donnell home, "Eye of the Desert" and Mayor Frank Bogert have been honored more recently as Palm Springs 'monuments' worth of recognition.
We believe that in honoring architectural history, not only the site itself but also the patron, the builder, and the historian deserve designation and recognition. In the first half of the twentieth century, Palm Springs advanced from decade to decade through the building endeavors of such names as McCallum, Coffman, and McManus; Stevens. O''Donnell and Hicks; Trousdale, Meiselman, Dunas, and Alexander."
- Professor Carl Prout, founding president of the Palm Springs Historic Site Preservation Foundation. (Now edited to the Palm Springs Preservation Foundation)
In 2001, we honored the Alexander legacy with our weekend focus on the 1500 structures that were built by the George and Robert Alexander Construction Company. Our Tribute Journal is a concise publication that documents that period.
Most recently we honored the influence of Polynesia style here in the desert, better known as Tiki. A fascinating account of how a south sea mind set made its way to the mainland to influence our desert architecture as well as fashion, culinary exotica, music and television. Again, all chronicled in our Desert Polynesia Tribute Journal.
As we endeavor to focus attention on the historical influences of the region, we believe that AWARENESS, EDUCATION and PRESERVATION are words that encompass who we are and our mission.
-William Kopelk, President
