Déjà Vu Vintage Finery will celebrate its grand opening by hosting a fashion show on February 16, 2012 to kick off The Palm Springs Modernism Week. The theme is “Jet Set Style-Mid Century Fashion,” with looks inspired by early historic Palm Springs hotspots such as the Racquet Club, The Chi Chi Club and other haunts of Palm Springs illustrious star-studded past. The evening features a silent auction of vintage clothing, purses, and accessories .  A pop-up store at The Ace Hotel will make many of our fabulous designer fashions available throughout the weekend. Proceeds from the event will benefit The Palm Springs Preservation Foundation.

The event will take place at The Ace Hotel & Swim Club at 701 East Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs 2/16/2011 at 7:00PM.
Tickets are $20.00 and available for purchase on the website www.dejavuroom.com or by calling Déjà Vu Vintage Finery 760.699.5365

We never want a repeat of 2009 in Palm Springs, what felt like the depths of the Recession….  The good news, is that things are picking up in Palm Springs, as reported in The Desert Sun this past week.   The following are highlights of the article that shows Palm Springs is experiencing an economic recovery.

Palm Springs has experienced a surge in tourism; tax revenue from hotel stays up 17.7% from 2010 to 2011,  and new airline routes by Virgin America connecting the city with New York and San Francisco are expected to open up the link for visitors from the East Coast.    

Real Estate is also on an upswing in Palm Springs.   Housing prices are  up over 10% from 2009 to present, showing an ever increasing demand for Palm Springs Real Estate.  People are scouring the market for great deals on vacation homes, after a few years’ drought of buyers waiting for the economic climate to improve.  The Paul Kaplan Group experienced record sales in 2011, to become #1 in sales for the year in Palm Springs.  2012 is proving to be as robust with over 21 homes sold by the Paul Kaplan Group in January, as buyers flock to the desert to buy 2nd homes, and vacation homes.

The local Palm Springs economy is further boosted by the high season events:   International Film Festival(this year attracting the likes of Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie and George Clooney). We’re gearing up in February, for the annual Modernism Week, celebrating the wondrous architecture of the desert with works by Albert Frey, A. Quincy Jones and William F. Cody.  Tickets for the events are mostly already sold out.   And in April there’s the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival,one of the biggest and most profitable outdoor concerts in the country. This year it extends over two weekends this year from April 13-22 and brings performances by Radiohead, Florence + the Machine and David Guetta.

“Bohemian spirits in search of eternal sunshine and a less hurried urban life have always been at the root of desert migration, and those dreaming of a different life fuel many of the city’s burgeoning businesses — quirky cantinas, mid-century antique shops, lively bars and restaurants,”  says Michael Martin.  The Saguaro Hotel is a vibrant new venue operated by the Joie de Vivre hotel chain, opening Feb. 1, promises to infuse life to the South Palm Canyon area with vibrant guest rooms and lively restaurant. 

Cheeky’s Restaurant has proven one of the city’s tastier success stories and become an eatery known for its creative healthy breakfasts and feel-good foodie lunches. Last year, the restaurant added a pizza eatery called Birba next door, and this year the company has expanded to include the Alcazar Hotel.  Alcazar Hotel sits just west of the city’s downtown stretch, on the edge of the Palm Springs design district amid stylish antique stores, clothiers and art galleries.  Lulu’s, opening this past year in downtown Palm Springs, is a hip trendy new restaurant that has become a popular hot spot for visitors and residents alike.  One of the hot spots in Palm Springs, with a booming successful business, is Trio, voted one of the  top restaurants in town.  They recently started a lunch service which has proven to be very popular.

The recent demolition of the decrepit Palm Springs Fashion Plaza in January, show signs that redevelopment is finally underway in the downtown core of Palm Springs. 

All good news for the recovery of Palm Springs…  Many people including myself,have commented that after a tough few years, it feels like we’re about to experience another Palm Springs Renaissance!  Bring it on!

To Read the full article, click the link below:

Palm Springs Is in Economic Bloom Again

The real estate market in Palm Springs is heating up again.  At The Paul Kaplan Group, we had the best December in years, selling over 14 homes in December, which is normally the slowest month of the year.

The California Association of Realtors posted the following press release-  California home sales rise in December, posting 11-month sales high, C.A.R. reports

LOS ANGELES (Jan. 17) – California home sales rose for the third consecutive
month in December, marking the highest level since January 2011, according to
data from the CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® (C.A.R.).  Sales also were up
from a year ago, marking the sixth consecutive annual increase.

“With the economy slowly improving, home buyers – investors and first-time
buyers alike – took advantage of affordable  interest rates and made a push to
close escrow by the end of year,” said C.A.R. President LeFrancis Arnold.
“Robust sales over the past few months signal the housing market is treading
above water on its own in the first full year without the government stimulus
that has helped housing in the last couple of years.”

Closed escrow sales of existing, single-family detached homes in California
totaled a seasonally adjusted annualized rate of 520,940 in December, according
to information collected by C.A.R. from more than 90 local REALTOR® associations
and MLSs statewide.  December’s sales were up 3.3 percent from November’s
revised pace of 504,420 and were up 0.1 percent from the revised 520,330 sales
pace recorded in December 2010.  The statewide sales figure represents what
would be the total number of homes sold during 2011 if sales maintained the
December pace throughout the year.  It is adjusted to account for seasonal
factors that typically influence home sales.

The statewide median price of an existing, single-family detached home posted
its second consecutive monthly gain, increasing 1.8 percent to $285,920 in
December, up from a revised $280,960 in November.  However, the median price was
down 6.2 percent from the revised $304,770 median price recorded in December
2010.

“Fourth quarter sales were stronger than we expected, thanks to recent
improving consumer confidence and an economy that’s slowly showing signs of
growth.  As a result, sales came in slightly above our fall projection,” said
C.A.R. Vice President and Chief Economist Leslie Appleton-Young.  “For 2011 as a
whole, sales reached a preliminary 497,860 homes sold statewide, up 1.1 percent
from the 492,290 homes sold in 2010.  However, the statewide median price
declined 6.3 percent for the year, to reach a preliminary $285,950, down from
the revised $305,010 recorded in 2010.

“Home prices are stabilizing for the distressed market, where we see robust
demand, but we continue to see downward pressure on home prices in some higher
end markets,” said Appleton-Young.

Other key facts of C.A.R.’s December 2011 resale housing report include:

• Housing inventory remains tight throughout California, with the Unsold
  Inventory Index for existing, single-family detached homes declining to 4.2
  months in December, down from 5.0 months in November and down from a 5.0-month
  supply in December 2010.  The index indicates the number of months needed to
  deplete the supply of homes on the market at the current sales rate.
• Thirty-year fixed-mortgage interest rates averaged 3.96 percent during
  December 2011, down from 4.71 percent in December 2010, according to Freddie
  Mac.  Adjustable-mortgage interest rates averaged 2.79 percent in December 2011,
  compared with 3.31 percent in December 2010.
• The median number of days it took to sell a single-family home edged up to
  58.7 days in December 2011, compared with a revised 58.0 days for the same
  period a year ago.

For more information on Palm Springs real estate, visit www.PaulKaplanGroup.com

Palm Springs Modernism Week Highlight:

Walk of Stars Dedication

FRIDAY, February 17, 2012  2:00 PM
William F. Cody, F.A.I.A.

William Cody’s indelible contribution to Palm Springs’s architectural resources is celebrated and honored at this free Modernism Week event in Palm Springs. Join Cody family members, city officials, architecture aficionados, and owners of Cody-designed residences in paying tribute to the architect recognized for his “less is more” approach to design. Landmark Cody projects in Palm Springs include the 1949 award- winning Hotel Del Marcos, L’Horizon Hotel, St. Theresa Catholic Church, Palm Springs Public Library, and the Atakian Building, as well as private residences; the Abernathy House, the Jorgensen/Mavis Residence, and the Racquet Club Cottages West condominiums. Enjoy a reception immediately following in the adjacent Palm Springs Art Museum’s Edwards Harris Center for Architecture and Design. Each attendee will receive a keepsake program with map.

The Paul Kaplan Group is thrilled to be representing one of William Cody’s signature style homes, in Rancho Mirage.  For more information, click here.   

This stunning architecturally significant property, and designed by renowned Architect William Cody and originally owned by golf pro Jimmy Hines. (See attached document for more info on the history of this home). Located in the much desired and very private 10 home neighborhood of Thunderbird North. The 3 bed 3 bath home opens out from expansive walls of glass to one of the most breath-taking, panoramic views available in the entire desert. The great room is the hub of this entertainer’s delight, with custom cabinetry, hidden TV cabinet, original rock pversized fireplace, and custom glass doors which open to the pool and views. A private cabana was built adjacent to the pool and spa, featuring an outdoor kitchen area, as well as cozy firepit. The house has been upgraded extensively, including spa inspired bathrooms, a contemporary kitchen which boasts top of the line stainless appliances. This is your opportunity to own a stunning piece of desert mid-century architectural history.  Offered at $849,000  For more information contact Paul Kaplan at 760-285-8559 or Click Here.

Mid-century Modern Fans:  Here’s a new event being offered this year at the annual Palm Springs Modernism Week celebration, coming up in February:

The Marriage of Commerce and Creativity:
Modernism in Banking
Palm Springs Historical Society Walking Tour

February 16.

This walking tour departs at 10 a.m. from the Union Bank Palm Springs at 500 S. Indian Canyon Drive Palm Springs, and lasts approximately 1 hour. Covers the area south of Baristo Rd bordered by Indian Canyon Drive and S. Palm Canyon Drive and examines the history of the development and design of the area, including banks designed by E. Stewart Williams and Gruen & Associates.

Enjoy refreshments provided by Espresso Cielo and free admission to the McCallum Adobe and Cornelia White House.

For tickets, go to www.ModernismWeek.com

The Paul Kaplan Group is happy to announce another epicurean event in Palm Springs-  this one sounds fun and great to see some creative minds at work bring innovative events to Palm Springs.

Circle the date and bring your appetite! Over 40 of Southern California’s most unique and skilled chefs will be setting up in the parking area of the Spa Resort Casino in Palm Springs this coming February 4th.

PBS TV Host and “Minister of Culinary Awareness” Cliff Young (of the “Out To Eat” show) is organizing the inaugural “Palm Springs Food Truck Festival” at the Spa Resort Casino in Downtown Palm Springs. It all happens on Saturday, February 4th.

Cliff says, “This is not your typical food truck festival, this event will offer cutting-edge culinary flavors from chefs who want to take your palette on a journey you won’t soon forget. We are creating an unbelievable festival of haute cuisine you don’t want to miss.”

For more info on the Palm Springs Food Truck Festival, click the attached link:

http://www.palmspringsfoodtruckfestival.com/

Frank Sinatra had a number of homes in the Palm Springs area over the years-  Probably the most famous is the one by E. Stewart Williams, Twin Palms, in the center of Palm Springs.

However this is his family estate that he built in Rancho Mirage, in the Tamarisk Country Club.  It just hit the market at a whopping $4.5 million!  Built in 1970, it consists of 4 bedrooms, 6 baths, in 6900 sf of living space on a lot that’s 21,344 sf. 

Heres the description from the actual listing:

Former FRANK SINATRA Family Estate – Built by Sinatra on land originally owned by JACK BENNY; Named WONDER ESTATES — This Upscale home has had guest Celebrities, Movie Directors, and the Rich & Famous! Expansive backyard on the 17th Double Fairway of Tamarisk Country Club; Tennis Cts in C.C. Over 6,900 sf., 4 Bedrooms, 6 Bathrooms — Elegant Versace Furnishings; Gourmet Kitchen w/triple Stainless Refrigerator for those who like to Cook, like Frank did! Pool Table, Gym, Big Screen TVS, Resort-Style Pool & Spa w/Waterslide; over 20,000 SF of pristine landscaped grounds; Outdoor BBQ & Party Island; Filmed for TV by CBS Channel 2! FULLY TURNKEY FURNISHED — Bring your Bathing Suit & Toothbrush! Located in CENTER OF PRESTIGIOUS RANCHO MIRAGE — 5 Minutes to The River, Eisenhower Medical; 5-Star Restaurants; Theatres; Agua Caliente Spa & Casino; Shop & Dine at The River or El Paseo. YES, IT’S THE GOOD LIFE!

Guess what, its offered furnished too!!  Ok, this isn’t the typical groovey mid-century home that we typically feature-  as you can see from the pics-  but if living in a home that has some celebrity pedigree sounds appealing to you, then this is your house!  (and no doubt it could be a great vacation rental that could most likely generate big bucks!)

Here are more pic’s:

Listed by Power Brokers International.  Listing informatin courtesy of the Desert Area MLS.  For more information, contact The Paul Kaplan Group.

One of my favorite Palm Springs’ galleries, Stephen Archdeacon Gallery, is presenting a collection of photos featuring images from the Hollywood studio archives.  A great celebration that conincides with the Palm Springs International Film Festival.  Here’s the info:

Coinciding with the Palm Springs International Film Festival, the Stephen Archdeacon Gallery will present a selection of limited edition, archival photography from the 1950′s through the 1970′s of Hollywood Cinema. A selection of images from curator and archivist Howard Askenase will be featured, including: a Warner Brothers Studio still of James Dean from ‘REBEL WITHOUT A CAUSE’ and a 20th Century Fox Studio still of Marilyn Monroe from ‘GENTLEMAN PREFER BLONDES’, along with an image portrait of Clint Eastwood from ‘HANG ‘EM HIGH’, a beefcake shot of Steve McQueen, and a busty Elizabeth Taylor together with costar Marlon Brando from ‘REFLECTIONS IN A GOLDEN EYE’ among many others.

Terry Hastings is a Palm Springs artist who will be unveiling a portraiture series of RuPaul’s Drag Race Winner: Bebe Zahara Benet that are based on classic Hollywood starlets.

Documenting the trip between Hollywood and Palm Springs, Eric Nash will have new drawings on view. Collected by contemporary Hollywood players, Nash can be found in the homes of Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi, Jerry and Linda Bruckheimer, Orlando Bloom, Hillary Duff, Mena Suvari, and entertainment attorney Jacob Bloom in addition to many others.

A portion of the proceeds from silent auction items at this evening event will go to CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) of Riverside County which provides thousands of advocates to children who have been removed from their families because of abuse and neglect. CASA of Riverside County has been a pioneer in developing programming catered to LGBTQ foster youth. http://www.casariversidecounty.org/

Saturday, January 7, 6-9pm 

Please register for this event Click Here     

Stephen Archdeacon Gallery      

760-673-7520      

865 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92262   

One of the highlights each year during Palm Springs’ annual Modernism Week, is the Palm Springs ModCom’s annual party.  This year’s soiree should live up to the reputation of the yearly popular event. 

GALA Palm Springs BENEFIT PARTY

Celebrate with a tribute to the
1968 Peter Sellers’ cult movie ‘The Party’

Date: Saturday Feb 18, 2012
Time: 8pm-11pm
Tickets: $125 per person

PS ModCom and Hurundi V. Bakshi invite you an evening of way out fun in an ultra-mod glamorous home as we pay tribute to the 1968 Peter Sellers cult movie classic “The Party.”

Transform yourself back to the groovy days of sexy cocktail dresses, white shoes and Nehru jackets. And no glam party would be complete without plenty of Birdie Num Nums and the dulcet tones of Ms. Claudine Longet and the swingin’ back beat of Henry Mancini.

Tickets and event schedule available at:  Modernism Week Website.

The Paul Kaplan Group is proud to sponsor the:

THESE EVENTS SELL OUT EARLY!  Order tickets now while they last.