Palm Springs home wins award

Judges at the Pacific Coast Builder's Conference bestowed the home of the year honor on Alta

The 2875SF home was designed by Patel Architecture. Design elements include an outdoor pavilion wiht a dinign area that juts out over the pool.

The award was given at the 43rd Golden Nugget awards in San Francisco. click here to see the complete list of winners.

The Alta community is located in South Palm Springs just off South Palm Canyon Drive.

Sunrise East - Palm Springs, CA

There are currently eight homes on the market in popular Sunrise East. Sunrise East is a gated low density community in South Palm Springs. There is ample green space and only 130 units. All have double attached garages. Square footages range from 1518SF for the two bedrooms, to 2136SF for the largest three bedroom units. Enter off Mesquite Ave.

1053 W Oakcrest Dr, $385,000.
2262 Oakcrest Dr, $400,000.
2222 Oakcrest Dr, $459,000.
2311 Oakcrest Dr, $477,500.
2450 Silver Oak Cir $485,000.
2236 Oakcrest Dr, $489,000.
2396 Oakcrest Dr, $489,000.
2452 Oakcrest Dr, $495,000.

400 Block N Palm Canyon

The Palm Springs city council voted unanimously tonight to uphold the Historic Preservation's vote last month to allow the demolition and thus the future development of 400 Palm , a mixed use development planned for 400 block of N. Palm Canyon. The Historic Preservation board had voted 4-2 to allow the demolition of the several buildings that make up the new development site. An appeal was made by one member and supporters of "historic preservation" to block the demolition on bases that the current buildings are historic and should be preserved. Emotions were high on both sides. Those wanting to prevent demolition say that the current buildings have historical significance and that they should be saved and incorporatated into the new development. The shuttered Monte Vista Hotel was the main concern. Those in support of demolition say that downtown needs this project to revitalize the downtown corridor. The new project cannot incorporate the current buildings, nor are they worth saving. Many speakers went beyond what the council was considering tonight (perhaps they knew the City Council's position all along?); those supporting the appeal said the new project is not the appropriate scale for the downtown "village". They worry the project is much too big. Those supporting the Historic Preservation Board's decision say those supporting the appeal are simply anti-growth, no matter the project. Council member Steve Pougnet said there were those who spoke before the council who don't support any development at all, even when it is pedestrian-friendly.

While the council voted tonight only to support the Historic Preservation Board's decision to allow for demolition, it is clear that the coucil supports whole-heartedly the 400 Palm development. As of this date, the project does not have all the neccessary approvals to begin construction. Demolition of the entire block can begin with tonight's unanimous council vote supporting demolition.

Plant of the Week

Cycas revoluta
Sago Palm

These plants look great in our desert gardens. They bring a tropical, "palm-like" look to our landscapes. With age, they can get as tall as 20ft, but probably much smaller in our desert climate! Generally, they do best with afternoon shade, but with time they can be acclimated to full sun. They're generally slow growers, but they're beautiful plants at any stage. I think they're well worth planting in the garden at any size! Pictured is a larger specimen that belongs to my neighbor. The other is a small one in my front garden. It's been planted about one year.

Smoke Tree Commons

Smoke Tree Commons, the large shopping center planned for E. Palm Canyon Drive at Barona, won approval from the Palm Springs city counsel on a unanimous vote. Only Mayor Pro Tem Ginny Foat had reservations about the project. In April the Planning Commission rejected the project on grounds that there would not be enough parking and there was concern about the architecture. The Desert Sun has the story

One concern of some in the community is the impact such a large development will have on traffic in the area. The plan calls for a new traffic signal at E Palm Canyon and La Reina Way. Concern is this will create a bottle neck. As a resident of Los Compadres/La Reina Estates, I think a traffic signal or pedestrian cross walk is mandatory at the new "intersection". Many in the neighborhood, I imagine, will walk to the new shopping center, especially if a specialty grocery store, such as Whole Foods, would locate there. The city counsel wants a new grocery store in the shopping center. Do we want La Reina Way opened up to thru traffic? Probably not. A traffic signal, however, is of utmost importance in linking the new shopping center with the Los Compadres neighborhood

New on the Market: Cathedral City Cove

This bright and airy Santa Fe-style home has three bedrooms, 2 baths in over 1700SF. Tasteful ceramic tile floors are throughout the common areas of this open floorplan home. The large kitchen has plenty of storage and counter space and is ideally located to take advantage of morning sun and pool views. The master bedroom faces the pool and has direct access to covered patio, which is pool side. The spacious master bath offers dual vanities, a soaking tub and a large seperate shower. Outside, there are mountian views from the pool and raised spa and a wonderful covered patio for al fresco dining and cocktails by the pool. All surrounded by lush landscaping.

37321 Melrose Dr, Cathedral City, CA 92234
Listed at $499,000.

Plant of the Week

Pachypodium geayi
Pachypodium lamerei

Madagascar Palm

This is an excellent plant for our desert climate. Thought it's a succulent from southern Africa, it provides a wonderful "tropical effect" to our desert gardens. The spiny trunk has a profuse green leafy head with fragrant white plumaria-like flowers in the summer. Plant will be 15 to 20 ft tall at maturity. Plant in a desert landscape with morning sun, afternoon shade.

ACTIVE LISTINGS IN LOS COMPADRES, PALM SPRINGS, CA

Currently, there are 15 active listings in Los Compadres. They range in price from $495,000. to $869,000. Below are addresses and list price as of 6/7/06

1015 S Farrell Dr, $495,000.
1284 S Farrell Dr, $499,000.
1274 S Beverly Dr, $499,000.
2996 E Sonora Rd, $509,000.
1356 S Beverly Dr, $525,000.
3188 E Anzuelo Cir, $539,000.
3140 S Cambridge Ct, $559,000.
2925 E Alta Loma Dr, $575,000.
2933 E Orella Cir, $579,000.
2981 E Los Posas Cir, $579,000.
3460 E Loma Vista Cir, $599,500.
3187 E Sonora Rd, $609,000.
1391 S San Mateo Dr, $700,000.
655 S Roxbury DR, $749,000.
2498 E El Choro Way, $869,000.

Magruder Chevrolet spot available

A prime location for new development is available at the old Magruder Chevrolet location at 999 S Palm Canyon Drive (@ Mesquite) in Palm Springs. It's advertised as a "mixed use" opportunity. Perhaps this is Palm Springs' opportunity to develop a "New Urbanist" community. While the site isn't quite large enough to develop a true New Urbanist community, it is adequate in size and perfect in location to include many of the principals of New Urbanism. This is especially true if this project were developed in conjuction with the one slated for the site directly across the street. What is New Urbanism? Click here to see

New on the Market: Sunrise Country Club

This 2 bedroom 2 bath condo is located in Sunrise Country Club. It's offered turnkey furnished and offers lots of privacy with its courtyard entry and greenbelt at the rear. No popcorn on the ceilings. Sunrise Country Club is superbly located near The River Shopping Center with its sought after shopping, dining and other cultural amenities. Listed at $324,000.

The address is 7 Majorca Dr., Rancho Mirage, CA 92270