Dunn-Edwards Helps Revamp Historic Desert Condo Complex

Palm Springs is alive with a colorful rebirth of Mid-century gems. Case in point: the Sunrise L’anai. In partnership with Dunn-Edwards, this historic condominium complex recently completed an exterior renovation. Highlighting its “Swiss Miss” architecture, the complex is a blend of tropical Polynesian Tiki style and A-frame roofs reminiscent of Swiss chalets.

The palette is an easy blend of neutrals (DEW340 Whisper and DE6390 Chocolate Pudding), highlighted by bold accents (DET421 Le Corbusier Crush). The pops of color highlight many of the key detail features of the
complex, including the doors, beams and posts.

Sunrise L’anai was designed by Mid-century architect Charles E. DuBois, AIA, and completed in 1962 by builder Joseph C. Dunas, in partnership with the Alexander Building Company. DuBois also designed
15 residences in the Vista Las Palmas area of Palm Springs in a similar Swiss Miss style.

Many characteristics of the residences and Sunrise L’anai are shared — stone walls beside the interior courtyard and entranceways; large, shingled, two-story A-frame gables with eaves that descend
almost to the ground; partially open living areas beneath the central north and south gables with adjacent flat roofs; post and beam construction; and large windows.

The Sunrise Lanai complex encompasses 22 units — offered in six floor plans — clustered in six buildings. Most units have two bedrooms and a den; two baths; and private "sun dens," as the enclosed patios outside the units were referred to in the 1961-62 newspaper advertisements. There is also a central pool with breath-taking vistas. The starting price in 1962 was $17,950, a large sum at the time.

With its magnificent view of Mount San Jacinto, the Sunrise L’anai complex lives on in Palm Springs architectural history. To learn more and to see more of the complex during Modernism Week Feb. 15-25, purchase tickets for the Feb. 23 tour at modernismweek.com.

Images used with permission