Palm Desert Mid Century Modern Restoration

Hugh Kaptur AIA, whose career in architecture spans five decades and notable works include the Steve McQueen house, Palm Springs Fire Stations #3 and #4, the Tahquitz Plaza as well as the William Holden Estate, is the last living mid century modern architect. The house at Covered Wagon Trl is an authentic example of “the quiet elegance” that Kaptur has always stated his work aims to represent. Meticulously restored by Chris Salay, the cabinetry, countertops, tile and color details have all been refurbished where intact and restored if not original. An expert in this field, Chris seeks to maintain the integrity of the architect’s original vision while updating fixtures for modern living. Described as “architecturally significant” by Palm Spring’s Modernism Week, this post and beam house is one of the few houses left in the Palm Springs area that has not been “reimagined” by a developer. One can see the architect’s early influence by Donald Wexler, for whom he briefly worked, its dramatic features include a double sided fireplace, block walls and floor to ceiling windows, with large patios that embrace indoor/outdoor living. The beams were scraped in order to uncover the original color, the block walls were stripped and color matched, even the front door is the original color, revealed when the door handle was removed to be polished. Unlike many designers, Chris does not change the original footprint of the house. He removed any overhangs or additions to put the house back to exactly as it once was in 1962. His goal? For you to enter the house and be transported to another era.