Palm Springs

2010

January 1, 2010 by Futura Girl

Chairperson

Regina O’Brien, 2009-2015

Milestones in the Community

Meeting Locations

Event

The Sixties Turn 50

Nine month program with various events spotlighting iconic buildings of the 1960s including tours, panel discussions, online polls, and a mobile app.

Home Sixties Home

Tour of iconic tracts of MCM Homes across Los Angeles.
http://takesunset.com/2010/03/home-sixties-home-tour/

Advocacy:

Lincoln Place

Ralph A. Vaughn & Heth Warton, 1949-1951 concludes a ten year long effort to save this important Garden city apartment complex. Saved!

Johnnies Broiler

Downey coffee shop receives a LAC Preservation Award
https://www.laconservancy.org/locations/bobs-big-boy-broiler

Balboa Highlands

Successful HPOZ nomination of housing tract developed by Joseph Eichler. 108 Mid Century homes designed by A. Quincy Jones and Emmons as well as Claude Oakland. Nomination primarily written by Adriene Biondo.

Annual Holiday Party:

Clifton’s Cafeteria

Modern Master Awards:

Eldon Davis, AIA
William Krisel, FAIA
Dion Neutra, FAIA
Victor Newlove, AIA

Tangents

MAK Architecture Shulman Tour

Tour on the 100th birthday of renowned architecture photographer Julius Shulman, October 10, 2010. Featured modern residences shot over the course of his career: Lovell Health House (Richard Neutra, 1929), Gold House (R.M. Schindler, 1945), Kun House (Richard Neutra, 1936), Hillside House (Carl Louis Maston, 1948), Shulman House (Raphael Soriano, 1950), and Gantert House (Pierre Koenig, 1981).

Stardust Las Vegas Closing

ModCom members meet to witness the last show in the showroom – Steve and Edye Gourmet.

Mondo Lounge III

Final Mondo Lounge event at the Palms Hotel October 10, 2010

Shag Store Opens

SHAG Store opens in Palm Springs. Cherry Capri finally introduces Alan Hess to SHAG on May 8, 2010

Knott’s Preserved: From Boysenberry to Theme Park, the History of Knott’s Berry Farm

by Christopher Merritt (Author), J. Eric Lynxwiler (Author), Tony Baxter(Foreword) – June 1, 2010. ModCom friends gather at the Birdcage Theater to enjoy a slide show.
https://www.amazon.com/Knotts-Preserved-Boysenberry-Theme-History/dp/1883318777/ref=llvn-20

Southern California Eats 2

More of Southern California’s roadside eateries by John Eng and Adriene Biondo.

https://www.amazon.com/Southern-California-Eats-John-Eng/dp/0764336398/ref=llvn-20

2009

January 1, 2009 by Futura Girl

Chairperson

Alan Lieb, 2008-2009

Regina O’Brien, 2009-2015

Milestones in the Community

Modern Masters Awards are established

Meeting Locations

Events

City of Seekers L.A. Unique Spiritual Legacy

Tour of buildings of the 20^th century that have ties to unusual spiritual movements.

It’s a Mod, Mod, Mod, Mod City

Tour was part of a year-long program called “The Sixties Turn 50” to highlight the fact than many of our mid-20th century buildings are now eligible for historic landmark status.
http://ellenbloom.blogspot.com/2009/11/its-mod-mod-mod-mod-city.html

Advocacy

Johnnies Broiler

Downey which was determined eligible for the California Register in 2002 is unceremoniously AND illegally demolished in 2007. Jim Louder agrees to rebuild the Broiler as a new Bob’s Big Boy restaurant along with assistance from the City of Downey Redevelopment Agency.

CBS Columbia Square

Saved March 2009

Columbia Savings

1965 bank building on Miracle Mile demolished in 2010.
https://www.laconservancy.org/issues/columbia-savings

Annual Holiday Party:

Los Angeles City Hall

Modern Master Awards

Jack Laxar
Leland Lee
Julius Shulman
Marvin Rand

Tangents

MAC Architecture Tour

Annual tour focus Silverlake and Los Feliz on October 4, 200 including seven residences dating from 1926 through 1964, by seminal architects R.M. Schindler, Gregory Ain, Raphael Soriano, Harwell Harris and Craig Ellwood.

Palm Springs Holiday: A Vintage Tour from Palm Springs to the Saltan Sea

by Peter Moruzzi – September 1, 2009
https://www.amazon.com/Palm-Springs-Holiday-Vintage-Saltan/dp/1423604768/ref=llvn-20

Autumn’s Come Undone

A radical departure in SHAG’s style away from satirical pop Modern look – to a dark and foreboding feeling. New book by Shag– October 15, 2009
https://www.amazon.com/Autumns-Come-Undone-Shag/dp/0979330734/ref=llvn-20

“William Krisel, Architect”

Film is produced by Design on Screen
http://www.designonscreen.org/dvds/william-krisel-architect/

Case Study Houses June 2009

by Elizabeth Smith (Author), Peter Gossel (Editor), Julius Shulman (Photographer)
https://www.amazon.com/Case-Study-Houses-Elizabeth-Smith/dp/3836510219/ref=llvn-20

Southern California Eats

A fresh look at Southern California’s roadside eateries. Embark on a road trip to out-of-the-way Route 66 landmarks, futuristic Googie coffee shops, and exotic Polynesian paradises. Part-homage and part-guidebook, this photo essay captures the flavor and character of Southern California’s most unique eating establishments. By John Eng and Adriene Biondo.
https://www.amazon.com/Southern-California-Eats-John-Eng/dp/0764333321/ref=llvn-20

2006

January 1, 2006 by Futura Girl

Chairperson

Adriene Biondo, 2005-2008

Milestones in the Community

Palm Springs Modernism Show & Sale by Dolphin Promotions and an annual symposium is organized by the Palm Springs Art Museum’s Architecture and Design Council, showcase the world-renowned midcentury modern architecture of Palm Springs. This was an outgrowth of an earlier “20th Century” show that began in 2000.

Meeting Locations

Event

Spectacular Vernacular Tour

details

Advocacy

Capitol Records Building

HCM Nomination written by ____

The Foster Residence in Balboa Highlands

Successful HCM #848 nomination of Mid Century Modern home designed by A. Quincy Jones and Frederick Emmons. Nomination written by Mary-Margaret Stratton.

Mullen and Bluett building

1949 department store designed in great detail by Stiles O. Clements was demolished in 2006 alongside the 1936 Phelps-Terkel store by Morgan, walls and Clements.
https://www.laconservancy.org/locations/mullen-and-bluett-demolished

Tangents

MAK Architecture Tour

The 2006 fundraiser tour on October 1, 2006 featured houses by Modernist masters including Irving Gill, Frank Lloyd Wright, Rudolph Schindler, John Lautner and Pierre Koenig. It concentrated on residencies around the Hollywood Hills.

Eichler Network

The Eichler Network Newsletter changes its name to CA-Modern Magazine since 2006

2001

January 1, 2001 by Futura Girl

Chairperson

Michael Palumbo, 1999-2001

Alan Lieb, 2001-2004

Milestones in the Community

Tiki Oasis – Otto Von Stroheim, a friend of the Modern Committee, begins to produce what will become an annual event that celebrates the Polynesian Pop culture in Southern California and abroad. It was first celebrated at the Caliente Tropics Motel in Palm Springs in 2001. Modern committee members and extended family who contributed included: Pete Moruzzi, Sven Kirsten, Kevin & Jody, Steve Luchsinger, Crazy Al, Bamboo Ben, Derek Yaniger, Mateo, Jim Giddings, Lee Joseph.
http://www.tikioasis.com

Meeting Locations

Events

Silverlake Tour

A LAC ModCom tour of SilverLake is produced in collaboration with the Museum of Contemporary Art on May 5, 2001

3D L.A.: Modernism in Three Dimensions. The Stereo Photography of Jack Laxar 1953-1965

A 3-D slide show of mid-century buildings displayed in Downtown Los Angeles.

Tangents

Knotts Berry Farm Tour

Ad hoc tour of Knott’s Berry Farm took place on Saturday, June 23, 2001 produced by Mary-Margaret Stratton. Speakers included: Chris Merritt, Daniel Paul and Charles Phoenix.
http://new.lottalivin.com/events/past-lotta-events/knotts/

MAK Architecture Tour

Tour on August 19, 2001 featured residences designed by architect R.M. Schindler: Gold House (Studio City, 1945), and Elliot House (Los Feliz, 1930)and Rodriguez House (Glendale, 1941).

All-American Ads of the 50s

by Jim Heimann (Editor) – December 1, 2001
https://www.amazon.com/All-American-Ads-50s-Jim-Heimann/dp/3822811580/ref=llvn-20

ART OF SHAG: BOTTOMLESS COCKTAIL

by Shag
https://www.amazon.com/ART-SHAG-BOTTOMLESS-COCKTAIL-Shag/dp/0867195282/ref=llvn-20

Palm Springs Modernism Scene Explodes

Palm Springs Modern Committee

PS Modcom produces a comprehensive map to Modern Architecture

Alexander Weekend

Palm Springs Preservation Foundation (PS PF) produces an “Alexander Weekend” March 25-27

When Mod Went Mass: A Celebration of Alexander Homes

Palm Springs Historic Site Foundation produces a weekend of exclusive home tours November 2-4

Palm Springs Weekend: The Architecture and Design of a Midcentury Oasis

by Andrew Danish (Author), Alan Hess – April, 2001
https://www.amazon.com/Palm-Springs-Weekend-Architecture-Midcentury/dp/0811828042/ref=llvn-20

1999

January 1, 1999 by Futura Girl

Chairperson

Chris Nichols, 1998-1999

Michael Palumbo, 1999-2001

Milestones in the Community

LottaLiving Online Community is born. Initiated by Mary-Margaret Stratton in order to widen the net of preservation to advocates beyond the Southern California area.
www.lottaliving.com/bb
Palm Springs Modern Committee – PS Modcom is founded in part by ModCom member Peter Moruzzi
www.psmodcom.org

Meeting Locations

Advocacy

Van De Kamps Windmill

Denny’s propses to demolish the giant Dutch windmill on top of the 1967 Route 66 (Huntington Drive in Arcadia) folded plate roof coffee shop designed by Pasadena architects Harold Bissner and Harold Zoo. Mary-Margaret and Cary Stratton don handmade paper windmill hats that garner much needed publicity at a rally. The building is preserved. The windmill actually starts to operate again in 2016 – the first time since 1989.
https://www.laconservancy.org/locations/dennys

Tangents:

Cruising the Pomona Valley 1930-1970 Tour

Ad hoc tour and booklet produced by Charles Phoenix that also included an in-depth tour of the Los Angeles County Fairgrounds. Given on June 15, 1999
https://www.amazon.com/Cruising-Pomona-Valley-1930-thru/dp/0967292107/ref=llvn-20

Leis, Luaus, and Alohas: The Lure of Hawai’i in the Fifties (Island Treasures)

Book co-written by Fred E. Basten and Charles Phoenix published in July, 1999
https://www.amazon.com/Leis-Luaus-Alohas-Fifties-Treasures/dp/0896103978/ref=llvn-20

Fabulous Las Vegas in the ’50s: Glitz, Glamour and Games

Book of pure kitsch from Elvis to Liberace, Ann Margret to Sinatra and more, co-written by Fred E. Basten and Charles Phoenix published October 1, 1999
https://www.amazon.com/Fabulous-Las-Vegas-50s-Glamour/dp/188331805X/ref=llvn-20

Sins of the City: The Real Los Angeles Noir

The author, Jim Heimann, gives a lecture on the other sinful side of L.A. at Art Center College of Design in Pasadena. The book is releases May 1, 1999
https://www.amazon.com/Sins-City-Real-Angeles-Noir/dp/0811823199/ref=llvn-20

1998

January 1, 1998 by Futura Girl

Chairperson

Chris Nichols, 1998-1999

Milestones in the Community

Modern Committee Website is launched initiated by Mary-Margaret Stratton
Charles Phoenix First “Americana” Slide Show first showed his slides to ModCom members. His first public event, entitled “God Bless Americana: The Retro Vacation Slide Show of the USA”, was held at the California Map and Travel Store in Los Angeles in 1998. What begins as a friendly get-together mushrooms into a phenomenon. His outreach ends up bring Modern kitsch images to the masses
http://www.charlesphoenix.com/

Meeting Locations

Events

A Place in the Sun: Architecture of Wayne McAllister 1928-1961

Exhibit honors the influential work of Wayne McAllister showcasing his career from 1930s drive-in restaurants to Las Vegas hotels in the 1950s

Terminal Island Long Beach Tour

Ad hoc self-driving caravan tour produced by Daniel Paul

Advocacy

Albert Frey Gas Station in Palm Springs – check this date

Modcom travels to speak on behalf of the Tramway Gas Station at the PS City Council

Cinerama Done

Pacific Theaters, proposed a project that would have destroyed the theater’s existing plaza, box offices, and marquee. Modcom contributed to the efforts of Doug Haines to save the iconic theater in Hollywood (along with Hollywood Heritage and Friends of Cinerama) which was made an HCM on December 18, 1998.
https://www.laconservancy.org/locations/cinerama-dome

Tangents

MAK Center Schindler Tour

Tour on November 6 – 7, 1998 presented: Sachs Apartments (1926-1928, 1934-1940), Grokowsky House (1928), Elliot House (1930), Yates Studio (1938, remodeled 1998), Falk Apartments (1939-1940), Roth House (1945), and Laurelwood Apartments (1946-1949).

May I Take Your Order: American Menu Design 1920-1960

A book which sheds light on many obscure Los Angeles eateries by Jim Heimann June 1, 1998
https://www.amazon.com/May-Take-Your-Order-1920-1960/dp/0811817830/ref=llvn-20

1997

January 1, 1997 by Futura Girl

Chairperson

Peter Moruzzi, 1992-1997

Milestones in the Community

Meeting Locations

Events

Cruising Industrial Los Angeles

Tour produced by Peter Mouruzzi which roughly follows the Los Angeles River and Major rails lines to discover the industrial backbone of Los Angeles. Stops include:

Sparkletts Water
Vernon Light and Power Plant

http://articles.latimes.com/1997/oct/03/local/me-38740

Advocacy

Grandma Prisbey’s Bottle Village Tour and Cleanup – check this date

Ad hoc tour of the folk art environment built between 1955 and 1983 in Simi Valley produced by Daniel Paul

Tangents

Modern Architecture in Palm Springs California, USA

A weekend Tour November 8 & 9 and Slide Show October 20. Produced entirely by Tony Merchell in conjunction with his presentation to the DOCOMOMO Conference in Germany. The tour becomes the foundation for future Palm Springs Modernism Advocacy.

SHAG Show

SHAG’s has his first solo gallery exhibition is in 1997. His seminal show “J is for Jetsetter” later in January 2001 at La Luz de Jesus Gallery at their original upstairs location on Melrose firmly cements the image of hip MidMod style in the arts community.

Chairperson

Milestones in the Community

Meeting Locations

Event

The Sixties Turn 50

Home Sixties Home

Advocacy:

Lincoln Place

Johnnies Broiler

Balboa Highlands

Annual Holiday Party:

Modern Master Awards:

Tangents

MAK Architecture Shulman Tour

Stardust Las Vegas Closing

Mondo Lounge III

Shag Store Opens

Knott’s Preserved: From Boysenberry to Theme Park, the History of Knott’s Berry Farm

Southern California Eats 2

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Chairperson

Milestones in the Community

Meeting Locations

Events

City of Seekers L.A. Unique Spiritual Legacy

It’s a Mod, Mod, Mod, Mod City

Advocacy

Johnnies Broiler

CBS Columbia Square

Columbia Savings

Annual Holiday Party:

Modern Master Awards

Tangents

MAC Architecture Tour

Palm Springs Holiday: A Vintage Tour from Palm Springs to the Saltan Sea

Autumn’s Come Undone

“William Krisel, Architect”

Case Study Houses June 2009

Southern California Eats

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Chairperson

Milestones in the Community

Meeting Locations

Event

Spectacular Vernacular Tour

Advocacy

Capitol Records Building

The Foster Residence in Balboa Highlands

Mullen and Bluett building

Tangents

MAK Architecture Tour

Americana the Beautiful: Mid Century Culture in Kodachrome

Oscar Niemeyer: Houses

Organic Architecture: The Other Modernism

Atomic Ranch: Design Ideas for Stylish Ranch Homes

Eichler Network

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Chairperson

Milestones in the Community

Meeting Locations

Events

Silverlake Tour

3D L.A.: Modernism in Three Dimensions. The Stereo Photography of Jack Laxar 1953-1965

Tangents

Knotts Berry Farm Tour

MAK Architecture Tour

All-American Ads of the 50s

ART OF SHAG: BOTTOMLESS COCKTAIL

Palm Springs Modernism Scene Explodes

Palm Springs Modern Committee

Alexander Weekend

When Mod Went Mass: A Celebration of Alexander Homes

Palm Springs Weekend: The Architecture and Design of a Midcentury Oasis

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Chairperson

Milestones in the Community

Meeting Locations

Advocacy

Van De Kamps Windmill

Tangents: