The Palm Springs Modern Committee ("PSMODCOM") was formed in 1999 during the effort to save the Albert Frey-designed 1955 Fire Station #1 from being demolished for a parking garage. As an advocacy group, we coordinated a letter-writing campaign and testified at public hearings in support of a nomination for designating the fire station as a City of Palm Springs Class One Historic Site. After many months of effort, we witnessed the City Council's unanimous vote for Class One designation. PSMODCOM was next involved in the attempt to save the Frey/Chambers Alpha Beta/Ralphs shopping center at Ramon and Sunrise from demolition. Despite our success in motivating the developer to complete an Environmental Impact Report, we were not successful in convincing either the city's planning commission or city council to consider mitigations that would integrate the buildings into the new development. Demolition is expected shortly. Out of this tragic loss we were able to gain a commitment from the developer to provide $50,000 for a comprehensive historic resources survey of the City of Palm Springs. The survey is being conducted by professional architectural historians (to be completed in 2004), and will result in formal, state-certified documentation of the significance of 150 - 200 properties not currently listed as Class One sites.

City National Bank (now Bank of America) Victor Gruen Associates, Rudy Baumfeld, Designer, 1959

Alpha Beta Market, Albert Frey, 1960 Demolished 2002

Robinson's Department Store Pereira and Luckman, 1958

Utilizing the pioneering architectural history research of Tony Merchell, the Modern Committee produced a full-color map of Palm Springs Modern sites. These maps are available for purchase through this website (see Maps). We participate in the annual Palm Springs Modernism Show with a table and display highlighting important Modern buildings, both existing and lost, and current preservation issues. Members worked with the city and new owner of the AIA-award winning Robinson's Department Store (1958, Pereira and Luckman) in achieving a more sensitive remodel of the building. PSMODCOM members monitor and periodically attend meetings of the city's Design Review Board, Planning Commission, and City Council. A major goal is to assist owners of historic Modern buildings to apply for Class One Historic Site designation in Palm Springs. We are preparing a comprehensive Designation Packet that includes helpful materials, Q and A, applications, and examples of nominations for Class One sites and for obtaining substantial property tax reductions for designated properties (see Designation).

In 2002, during escrow of Richard Neutra's 1962 Maslon House in Rancho Mirage we heard rumors of possibly serious modifications to the residence. Within days of escrow's close, a demolition permit had been applied for and approved by the City of Rancho Mirage and the Maslon House completely razed. In our frustration and outrage, Modcommers organized a worldwide publicity effort. Since then, the City of Rancho Mirage has commissioned a thorough historic resources survey of the entire city and is in the process of adopting a historic preservation ordinance. We educated the managers of the architectural significance of the Bank of America (originally City National Bank, Victor Gruen and Assoc., 1960, corner intersection of Palm Canyon and Indian Avenue). In 2002 we officially became a 501c(3) non-profit California Public Benefit Corporation. As such we gain the protections from litigation and ability to raise funds afforded to a non-profit organization. Funds are used to further our long-term education, outreach, and preservation efforts.

We invite you to join us in our important preservation efforts (see Join)

The Palm Springs Modern Committee

Contact: Peter Moruzzi

Website Design: Michael Stern

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