Royal Hawaiian Estates Restoration and Mills Act Designation

The Royal Hawaiian Estates was designed by architects, Don Wexler, FAIA and Richard Harrison in the 1960’s. It was designated Palm Springs’ first Residential Historic District by the city council on February 3, 2010, which in turn allowed individual homes in this historic district to become eligible to apply for the Mills Act Historic Designation.

Constructed in 1959 and 1960, the complex has 12 buildings with 40 units on five acres. Wooden Tiki ornaments and other decorative details give the buildings and the grounds a tropical feel indoor and outdoor. A comprehensive restoration was completed of this Unit with research, articulation, and implementation of the restoration program outlined in the Mills Act Historic Designation application. Craig personally attended city hall meetings, interfaced with the Planning Department,and oversaw this restoration. In December of 2013, the Historic Property Preservation Agreement for the Mills Act Designation of Unit 217 was signed at the Palm Springs City Hall.

In recognition of this designation, the AIA California Desert Chapter hosted a tour and lecture by Craig Hammond where he gave the history of the Royal Hawaiian Estates and an overview on the process of applying for the Mills Act Designation.

This home at Royal Hawaiian Estates has enjoyed participation in many Palm Springs Modernism Month showcases, received press recognition, and set the example for other homeowners in this Residential Historic District.