He was called " one of the great masters of desert modern architecture," known for his glass-and-steel houses, his simple but elegant aesthetic, and his innovative use of space. This week, we're mourning the loss of one of our favorite Mid-Century Modern architects, Donald Wexler, who died at home in Palm Desert, CA, on Friday. He was 89.
Some of Wexler's homes are on the market today, including these gems:
Wexler, affectionately known as the "Man of Steel" for his pioneering use of the metal, was known for maximizing desert views with his open floor plans and floor-to-ceiling glass walls. He's been credited with establishing Palm Springs as the embodiment of sleek and sophisticated desert resort lifestyle. His homes are a popular stop for tours during Modernism Week, an annual event that brings about 50,000 fans of architecture and design to Palm Springs. (Palm Springs has the highest concentration of Mid-Century Modern architecture in the world.)
Celebrities flock to his fascinating designs. Actor Leonardo DiCaprio paid $5.2 million for a home by the famed architect that was commissioned by TV host Dinah Shore in 1965.
In addition to numerous custom homes, Wexler's work includes schools, banks, and the Palm Springs International Airport's main terminal, completed in 1965.
"His body of work is still as fresh today as when first created," J.R. Roberts, a member of the Palm Springs Planning Commission, told the Desert Sun. "Many have and will continue to be inspired by him."
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