Frey House II
Albert Frey (1903-1998), one of the most important modern architects of our time, lived and worked in Palm Springs since 1934.
Over a long and prolific career, he produced more than 200 building designs, including such notable local landmarks as the Palm Springs City Hall and the Aerial Tramway Valley Station with John Porter Clark.
Frey House ll, his long-time residence is perched on the hillside at the west end of Tahquitz Canyon Way. Frey House II, architect Albert Frey's second home in Palm Springs, completed in 1964.
At the time it was built, it was at the highest elevation of any residence in the city. Frey took five years to select the site and a year to measure the movement of the sun using a 10-foot pole.
After reviewing his plans, Palm Springs City Hall called the design "crazy" but finally gave its approval.
It was the second Palm Springs house that Albert Frey designed for himself and it has become a hillside landmark. Perched part way up the San Jacinto mountain, the house looks across the expanse of the Coachella Valley.
It was designed to have as little impact on the surrounding environment. Measuring only 800 square feet, the house is compact but very functional. A concrete block podium forms the base for the simple steel structure house. It has a steel-frame with large spans of glass and sheathing in painted corrugated metal.
Video 7-minute vignette for Palm Springs Life
magazine covering the Frey House II.
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Photo credits: Bethany Nauert
