ICONIC

Palm Springs is a big city with that small town feel. Residents are friendly and welcoming to tourists and visitors. Inevitably, some visitors enjoy Palm Springs so much they decide to stay long term, or perhaps even relocate or retire in Palm Springs. When it comes to picking the best neighborhood to rent a vacation home in or where to buy a home in Palm Springs, there are many great areas. And of course, if you’re interested in exploring or learning more about the best neighbourhoods in Palm Springs with cool architecture and great homes to see, there’s lots to choose from.

What is Kings Point in Palm Springs?

King’s Point is a community of 44 detached mid-century modern condominium homes in Palm Springs, designed by architect Willam Krisel and built between 1968 and 1970. Krisel was able to create a multi-home project with King’s Point, combining structural elements with 21st Century touches. The community is private, and visitors should not venture into the community without an invitation. Fortunately, those looking to get a peek at the homes of King’s Point can see plenty from the street.

What architectural style is Kings Point neighborhood?

The style of the homes is described by Krisel as “international modern”, using a minimalist concept with open interiors, expanses of glass, and strong vertical and horizontal lines. It uses architectural concrete blocks, white stucco, and a lack of baseboards or moldings.

Krisel modified International Modern for the Palm Springs area by expanding window size to let in more light and give owners spectacular views, as well as extending the roof eaves to provide more shade from the heat and direct sunlight.

Krisel was interested in good design and catered his work to designs that were affordable, creating designs that were more pragmatic and that had an affordable bottom line. Kessel said, “My architecture was trying to improve how people live and enjoy the benefits of their surroundings.”

Many homeowners have embraced this sentiment and made showpieces of their homes. Occasionally this community will open its doors to outsiders, such as through events like Modernism Week home tours. Many homes here are spacious, bright and airy and some even have spectacular decor, such as the so-called James Bond house, with its glass floor and James Bond-themed rooms.

What features do Kings Point Homes Have?

Kings Point homes are known for their sizeable footprint, shallow front yards, and flat roof styles. The three-bedroom homes are also known for their walls of glass, facing toward either the Indian Canyons Golf Course or a central pool and garden area. The windows allow for great views of the sky and the San Jacinto and Santa Rosa mountains.

The homes also feature sunken garden rooms that lead to the living room, private patio areas, and terrazzo floors. They have 2 car garages, and the community has narrow, quiet streets. Many of the homes in Kings Point have brightly colored doors.

Where is Kings Point?

King’s Point is located in South Palm Springs, off Murray Canyon Drive, between Kings Road E and Kings Road West, near the Indian Canyons Golf Resort.

What amenities are close to Kings Point?

Kings Point borders the Indian Canyon Golf Resort and is a short drive from a number of parks, including Baristo Park and Ruth Hardy Park. It’s a short drive from Palm Springs Convention Center, the Moorten Botanical Garden and Cactarium, and the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum. It’s also close to the San Jacinto mountains and a short drive from Indian Canyon and Tahquitz Canyon. It’s about a 12-minute drive from Palm Springs International Airport (PSP).

-Written by Dave Ware, special to moderntourspalmsprings.com