Few architects have left as indelible a mark on Palm Springs as Donald Wexler. His pioneering use of steel and his crisp modernist lines helped define the desert’s architectural identity in the mid-20th century. By the time he retired, Wexler was regarded not only as a master of modernism but as one of the great visionaries of American residential design.
In 2010, Wexler was coaxed out of retirement to imagine one last project. Working in collaboration with Palm Springs architect Lance O’Donnell, he sketched a design that captured his timeless sensibility—clean geometry, effortless integration with the desert landscape, and a seamless blend of elegance and function. The plan was completed in 2011, but it would take more than a decade for the home to finally rise from the desert floor. Now, newly built, this extraordinary residence is both a home and a piece of living history: the final built work of Donald Wexler.
Measuring 3,700 square feet, the four-bedroom, four-and-a-half-bath residence unfolds as a study in proportion and precision. A dedicated media room and expansive open spaces reflect a modern lifestyle while honoring Wexler’s belief in clarity of design. Glass walls blur the line between indoors and out, drawing the desert mountains into the living experience.
Technology enhances the artistry, with Lutron/Crestron systems, automated Lutron shades, owned solar with battery backup, security cameras, and high-efficiency Lennox air conditioning—even the garage is air-conditioned. Luxury appointments include Jenn-Air appliances, Duravit fixtures throughout, and spa-inspired baths with Sensowash toilets. Sustainability meets refinement with tankless water heaters and energy-efficient systems.
The home is set within Desert Palisades, an exclusive gated enclave dedicated to contemporary architectural excellence. Just minutes from downtown Palm Springs yet perched against the rugged desert terrain, the setting provides both privacy and drama—a fitting stage for a residence of such historic importance.
This is more than a house. It is a statement, a testament to Donald Wexler’s enduring genius and his final gift to the desert he helped shape. As Palm Springs continues to evolve as a global capital of modern design, this residence stands as a rare and remarkable chapter—where architecture becomes art.
Listed by Marc Sanders•DRE #01888083• Compass
