Modernism Week Spotlight: Indian Canyons Neighborhood Tour
The Indian Canyons Neighborhood, originally known as the Canyon Country Club, is located in South Palm Springs. The neighborhood began to spring up around an 18-hole golf course in the early 1960’s, so many of the homes feature classic mid-century architecture, landscaping and interior design. During Modernism Week 2023, seven homes were open to the public for touring.
The Indian Canyons Neighborhood Organization
The tour began at the distinctly mid-century 1961 clubhouse, featuring gorgeous views of the San Jacinto mountains and designed by architects Donald Wexler and Rick Harrison. After the golf club fell into some financial hardship, the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians took over the golf course operations (I’m not sure of the year). As part of the takeover, the Indian Canyons Neighborhood Organization worked with the resort to make the North Course Clubhouse open to the public for dining, so anyone can enjoy the views. I’ve checked their website and the info is a bit sparse but it might be worth a try to experience the mid-century vibe.
Other architects with homes in this neighborhood include many of the famous desert modernists such as Charles Du Bois, Palmer & Krisel, Harold L. Lacy (below), James H. McNaughton, Stan Sackley, Laszlo Sandor and Hank Webber.
As to the individual home tours, I’ve compiled my favorite photos here but in respect for the owners’ privacy, I will not include the individual home addresses. All I can say is that if Modernism Week offers this tour again next year, I absolutely recommend attending! See the end of this post for more information about the event.
Indoor-Outdoor Living along the Indian Canyons Neighborhood Tour
I toured several of the open homes and while individual interior design and exterior façades differed, the homes’ open floor plans, plentiful use of glass and incorporation of the natural beauty of the desert into the design are uniting features.
Hollywood Celebrities and Design Stars Alike along the Indian Canyons Neighborhood Tour
Of course, Modernism Week loves to highlight the star-studded list of celebrities who frequented Palm Springs back in the mid-century area. The Indian Canyons neighborhood attracted the likes of Sammy Davis, Jr., Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and more. I’m more interested in the actual architecture and design, though, and prefer to spot my favorite design stars like Noguchi or Eames…
Architect Harold L. (Hal) Lacy’s Hawaiian Mid-Century Gets an Update
One of the homes on the tour was designed by architect Harold L. (Hal) Lacy and built by Paul Butler in 1971. At the time, Lacy created a distinctly Hawaiian vibe. At the time of the original building, Lacy included what was called a “Dickey Roof”, which was named after the Hawaiian born designer C.W. Dickey (1877-1942). Apparently inspired by native Hawaiian buildings, the home featured a double pitch roof, but adapted to the desert. A desert roof needs to take into account very high winds and sudden, heavy rainfall. The double pitched roof also provided room for insulation from the high summer heat. Finally, deep overhangs protect the home from direct sunlight.
As is typical in these homes, often times, someone from the 80’s or 90’s purchased the home and made wild changes to the original design. The great thing about the Modernism Week series is to see how these recent homeowners are researching and rehabilitating these homes to something closer to their original design. In the case of this home, they did a total upgrade and brought it back to muted, calmer colors.
Both a Home and a Gallery
Of the several homes I toured, one home stood out, and for good reason. After just a few moments inside, I knew that whoever had designed the home had a deep appreciation for art, architecture and seamless design. In addition, the artwork was displayed so lovingly, it was hard to decipher if the art accented the home or if the home was a vehicle for displaying art. Either way, I discovered that the owner was former architect turned assemblage sculptor Ted Chapin. Ted was there during the tour, talking about the home and his artwork. Ted is represented by prestigious Melissa Morgan Fine art on El Paseo in Palm Desert.
Impressive Exteriors along the Indian Canyons Neighborhood Tour
At another home, an impressive 14-foot tall colonnade welcomes you into the home, originally built in 1971. The stunning entryway was featured in the book “Palm Springs Weekend“.
More Wallpaper!
Yes, there was lots of wallpaper on the Indian Canyons Home Tour, but used much more sparingly than in some of the other homes I toured during Modernism Week. Often times found in the bedroom and equally often, only on one wall, the wallpaper serves to add color or just the right geometric pattern to tie in the mid-century decor.
Modernism Week Information
Modernism Week is an annual event which takes place in Palm Springs, California and the surrounding Coachella Valley. There is a smaller event, which happens in the Fall, called “Fall Preview”. The main event takes place in February with ten days of home tours, talks, movies, parties, bus tours, bike tours, shopping and more. Advanced tickets are typically required of most events and many of the popular tours and events sell out quickly. Tickets typically go on sale in December. All of this information can be found on their website at Modernism Week. However, I have been many times now as a media participant and am happy to answer any of your questions. You can email me here or leave a comment below.
My YouTube recap of Modernism Week 2023 is here, with more videos and images of the Indian Canyons Neighborhood Tour:
If you enjoyed this post, you might also enjoy:
Modernism Week Spotlight: Yoasis Home Tour
Modernism Week Spotlight: The Lautner Compound
Modernism Week Fall Preview 2020
Hidden Gem Series: El Rancho Vista Estates in Palm Springs, CA
Perched Above the Desert: The Cree House by Albert Frey
Modernism Week Fall Preview in Palm Springs, CA
Neutra’s Unprecedented Lovell Health House
Walker Guest House/ Palm Springs Modernism week
More on Palm Springs Architecture:
I’ve rounded up a selection of books to provide more information the unique and distinct mid-century architecture and design found in Palm Springs, CA and the surrounding Coachella Valley.
Architects, Interior Designers, Artists:
Are you looking to promote your beautiful creations? Please reach out to see how we can collaborate. You can read more about collaborating with me here. Or just email me here!
Want Great Art, Architecture and Cultural Travel Content Straight to Your Inbox? No spammy emails, I promise. Sign up for my newsletter:
Note to reader: This post contains links that at no cost to you, by clicking, I may earn a small commission which helps pay for this content.
Leave a Reply