Project:
Palm Spring Visitor Center
2901 North Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92262
Owner:
City of Palm Springs
Architect:
Ana Escalante, AIA and Lace O'Donnell, AIA
Team Member:
Martin Brunner, Rosalinda Chapa and Stephen Gardner
Contractor:
Commercial Diversified
Area:
Existing 2,100 s.f., addition 450 s.f.
Materials:
Panelized steel walls, sandblasted glass screens, painted structural steel canopies
Cost:
$500,000.00
Completion:
2003
Project Description:
The conversion of an historically significant modern architectural landmark, Albert Frey's tramway gas station (1963), into a functional and signature visitor's center and entry point for the city of palm entry point for the city of Palm Springs. Re-planning of the site allows for greater access, parking, and visibility. A new bathroom facility is sited behind the main structure, allowing for minimal disturbance to the existing architectural gem. The new bathrooms incorporate prefabricated panel walls with clerestory natural lighting, generous shade canopies, and filtered glass screen walls providing both safety and privacy, and the design embraces a distinct modern aesthetic yet remains complementary to the strong shape and profile of the existing building.
