April 22, 2024 - Earth Day Event

Endangered Tortoise, Trash Talk and Chuckwalla Monument

Sue Shigenaga, Certified California Naturalist/Community Scientist, Indian Wells Resident/IWFP Member,  organized and moderated this informative three-part presentation featuring experts on environmental preservation:

Dr. Luis Ramirez, Curator of Conservation, The Living Desert Zoo & Gardens – Back to the Basics: Habitat Restoration Not Only Helps the Desert Tortoise but the Entire Ecosystem

Alena Lonetree, Associate Social Scientist at The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens –  Time to Talk Trash: Protecting the Desert Tortoise, A Community-Based Approach to Waste Management and Conservation

Katie Barrows, Active Member, Protect California Deserts  –  Our New Chuckwalla National Monument

April 8, 2025 - Lisa Vossler Smith

Guest speaker Modernism Week CEO, cultural influencer, and “child of the Coachella Valley” Lisa Vossler Smith regaled attendees with the importance of Greater Palm Springs’ unique mid-mod architectural and inspirational heritage, its national and international impact and the recognition and relevance of the City of Indian Wells over the past decade. Other speakers of note were Coachella Valley Architect Lance O'Donnell of o2-architects and Modernism Week Creative Director, Graphic Designer, David Dixon. City of Indian Wells Council Member Greg Saunders was in attendance to present a certificate of appreciation to the Modernism Week organization on behalf of the City.

February 28, 2025 - Petrie Home Fundraiser

IWPF Iconic Home Fundraiser

This exclusive event was co-hosted by the Foundation and a gracious Indian Wells couple who infused a spacious 1964 William Cody designed Spanish ranch house with hip mid-century modernist sensibilities. Presented were fascinating stories about Paula Vickers Petrie and her husband Jack. Often it was ‘party central’ with the likes of Arnold Palmer, Frank Sinatra, Glenn Campbell, Johnny Bench, Barry Goldwater, Jack Lemon and many golf pros! Now best described as new-century luxury with a classic view to the outdoors and interior design carefully curated by the abode’s proprietress

November 26, 2024 - Historic Landmark #7

Sandpiper Garden Condominiums, 1965 

The Indian Wells Preservation Foundation and the City of Indian Wells celebrated the recognition of historic landmark #7 of the original Sandpiper Garden Condominiums, Native Oasis and Native Springs, in Indian Wells Country Club. Built in 1965 by renowned architect William Krisel AIA, they are distinct for their mid-century modern architecture, block layout, landscape gardening, and pristine mountain views.

April 30, 2024 - Making History: Mayors' Roundtable

Forty Years in the Making (1984-2024)

Presented by Community Activities Committee and Indian Wells Preservation Foundation in partnership with City of Indian Wells. This august group of City leaders, spanning over four decades, came together to discuss their unique challenges, achievements and the surprises they encountered while governing.

April 22, 2024 - Earth Day Event

The Indian Wells Community Activities Committee and IWPF partnered  to deepen the awareness of City residents on the changing environment and its direct impact on the Coachella Valley. This timely seminar served to underscore the significance of preservation and the important role our community can play.

Photo by Bob Wick, Los Angeles Times, November 25, 2023, Author Mark Butler, former superintendent of Joshua Tree National Park and National Park Service 38-year career employee.

February 22, 2024 - Fundraiser on Fairway

IWPF Iconic Home Fundraiser

This unique event was co-hosted by the Foundation and a gracious Indian Wells property owner. Originally architected by John Walling in 1978, the home was restyled in 2022 to create a mix of mid-century modern and stunning tropical paradise. Attended by City Councilmember and IWPF Liaison Donna Griffith, author of Mod Mirage, Melissa Riche and Adele Cygelman best-selling author of Palm Springs Modern and former magazine editor of Architectural Digest.  

.

December 5, 2023 - Historic Landmark #6

Casa Dorado Condominium Community and Clubhouse, 1963 

45-005 Camino Dorado

116 resort-style homes nestled in a picturesque park ambiance and framed by magnificent mountain vistas. The mid-century designs captivate with their pronounced rooflines, masonry block walls and expansive glass windows that seamlessly merge indoor luxury with the beauty of the desert landscape.

April 27, 2022 - Historic Landmark #5

Erawan Garden Hotel, 1962-1996

45-000 Indian Wells Lane

Admired for its heritage, architecture and design especially those swooping roofs inspired by Thai Temples. Demolished to become Miramonte Resort & Spa, 1996; effective June 2023 hotel rebrands to Tommy Bahama Miramonte Resort & Spa.

October 14, 2019 - Historic Landmark #4

Crank-Garland House, 1961

75-900 Fairway Drive

Model home for Desert Bel Air Estates, Karlyn Neel purchased in 2019, then pursued Cultural Resources designation and The Mills Act designation.

December 4, 2016 - Historic Landmark #3

Desi Arnaz Western Hills Hotel, 1957

76-661 CA Hwy 111

Lucie Arnaz attended 2016 historic landmark dedication event, shared family stories and provided CD memorabilia. Current hotel designed in 1987 by celebrated Indian Wells architect, John Walling.

March 5, 2016 - Historic Landmark #2

Beck Adobe, 1932

45-700 Purple Hills Road

Back in the day, this distinguished, now revitalized home was part of Bex Date Gardens and a former headquarters for General George S. Patton during World War II maneuvers. Philip De Lemur purchased  in 2008 and renovated.

November 7, 2004 - Historic Landmark #1

Cavanagh Adobe, 1922

45-410 Cook Street

H. Addison Sanders, Contractor, Bert and Albert Cavanagh. Architects Diane Wilk Burch and Michael Burch purchased home in 2011, extensive structural retrofit with modest renovations. Modernism Week/City Centennial celebration, October 14, 2022.