Albert Frey designed the Palm Springs City Hall at 3200 E Tahquitz Canyon Way

Palm Springs, CA

Albert Frey stands as one of the most influential architectural figures in the history of Palm Springs. He contributed significantly to the city’s distinctive modernist design aesthetic that captivates residents and visitors alike.

Frey was born in Zurich Switzerland, in 1903. After studying architecture, he began his career by taking a position in Paris, where he joined the office of Le Corbusier, an internationally recognized architect in the modernist movement.

Under the guidance of Le Corbusier, Frey honed his skills and absorbed the principles of modern architecture, eventually moving to New York where he left a mark with the design of the Aluminaire House in 1930, a remarkable feat completed within a mere ten days for the prestigious Architectural League Show. This metal and glass structure showcased Frey’s penchant for innovative materials and efficient use of space.

Yet, it was in Palm Springs, California that Frey visited in 1934, that really helped Frey’s career take off. He worked on a project for office/apartment dual-use building on Palm Canyon and he immediately felt an affinity for the desert landscape. This project marked the beginning of what would later be recognized as “desert modernism,” a style characterized by its seamless integration with Palm Springs and an emphasis on clean lines and functionality.

From 1935-1937 Frey decided to stay in Palm Springs teaming up with his business partner John Porter Clark on and off for nearly two decades. Throughout his tenure in Palm Springs, Frey’s designs continued to push the boundaries of modern architecture, with each project reflecting his commitment to innovation and modernist design.

Today, the legacy of Albert Frey lives on in the striking architecture that graces the streets of Palm Springs. From iconic structures such as Palm Springs City Hall, the Palm Springs Visitors Center, and the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway Valley Station, to residential and hotel projects such as Cree House II, Frey House II, and the Monkey Tree Hotel Frey not only helped shape the physical landscape of Palm Springs but also left an indelible mark on the very essence of the city’s identity.

Albert Frey Cree House II

Some notable projects Frey worked on are:

Kocher – Sampson Building (1934) – 766 North Palm Canyon

The Kellogg Studio (1936) – 321 West Vereda Sur. Altered.

The Mason House (1937) – 448 Cottonwood Road – Altered and became condominiums.

The Chaney Apartments (1939) – 275 East Tamarisk Road

The Julian Sieroty House (1941) – 695 East Vereda Sur – Restored by Frey in 1989.

The Racquet Club Bungalows (1945) – 2743 North Indian Avenue

Villa Hermosa apartments (1946) – 155 Hermosa Place

The Colgan Apartments (1946) – 269 Chuckwalla Road – Name changed to Villa Orleans. 15 units.

The Raymond Loewy House (1946) – 600 West Panorama Road – Minor alterations.

The Andrew and Anna Jergens House, aka Graceland West (1946) – 845 West Chino Canyon

Bel Vista Residence (1946) – 1164 North Calle Rolph

Sun View Estates Home (1950) is adjacent to Deep Well Ranch estates just east of Sagebrush Road on South Calle Rolph.

Palm Springs City Hall (1952 – 1957) – 3200 E Tahquitz Canyon Way 

Cree House II (1955) – 67389 E Palm Canyon Dr

The Laura Carey House, aka the Carey-Pirozzi House (1956) – 651 West Via Escuela

The Frelinghuysen House (1959) – 707 Panorama Road

The Monkey Tree Hotel (1960) – 2388 E Racquet Club Rd

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway Valley Station (1963) 

The Hugo Steinmeyer House (1962) – 318 Pablo Drive

Residence (1964) – 318 West Pablo Dr

Frey House II (1964) – 686 Palisades Drive

The Author, Eric Gray, is a REALTOR®️ with Better Homes and Gardens Desert Lifestyle Properties, CA DRE 02225444