Introducing Steel House Number 1, a mid-century modern masterpiece by architects Donald Wexler and Richard Harrison. Built in the early 1960s by the Alexander Construction Company, this historic home is one of only seven steel houses and one of just two featuring the signature folded-plate roofline that defines its iconic aesthetic. Located in Palm Springs' Racquet Club Road Estates, this home was part of an ambitious plan to create low-maintenance, prefabricated steel houses designed to withstand desert conditions resisting warping, pests, earthquakes, and fire. Sixty years on, the steel framing remains structurally sound, testifying to its innovative construction.In 2014, Wexler himself was consulted during the tasteful restoration. Iconic features like eight-foot glass panels, sliding doors, and clerestory windows have been preserved, offering remarkable mountain views and visual interest throughout. Inside, an open floor plan features formal living and dining areas, a den overlooking a private backyard with a heated saltwater boomerang-shaped pool, and an open kitchen ideal for entertaining. The home boasts two spacious bedrooms, perfect for hosting guests, both offering mountain views and direct outdoor access. The main bedroom includes an en-suite bath, while the guest room provides comfort and privacy for visitors. Abundant indoor/outdoor living spaces allow you to fully enjoy the desert climate. Floor-to-ceiling glass doors seamlessly blend the interior with outdoor patios, perfect for relaxation and social gatherings. Situated in vibrant Palm Springs, this home offers both tranquillity and adventure, with world-class amenities moments away. Steel House Number 1 is a rare opportunity to own a desert gem, a testament to visionary architecture awaiting its next chapter.
Sold
$1,210,000
290 E Simms Rd, Palm Springs, CA 92262
2beds
1,532sqft
Residential, Single Family Residence
Built in 1962
10,018 sqft lot
$1,210,100 Zestimate®
$790/sqft
$-- HOA
What's special
Zillow last checked: 7 hours ago
Listing updated: April 07, 2025 at 09:26am
Listed by:
Alex Dethier DRE # 01926911 760-808-3300,
BD Homes-The Paul Kaplan Group 760-459-0057,
Sara Swanson DRE # 01959496 760-399-0706,
BD Homes-The Paul Kaplan Group
Bought with:
Jennifer Pope-Innes, DRE # 02245463
eXp Realty of California Inc
Source: CLAW,MLS#: 24-445287

Facts & features
Interior
Bedrooms & bathrooms
- Bedrooms: 2
- Bathrooms: 2
- Full bathrooms: 2
Heating
- Central
Cooling
- Central Air
Appliances
- Included: Dishwasher, Dryer, Washer, Refrigerator, Range/Oven
- Laundry: Inside, Laundry Area
Features
- Dining Area
- Flooring: Tile
- Has fireplace: No
- Fireplace features: None
Interior area
- Total structure area: 1,532
- Total interior livable area: 1,532 sqft
Property
Parking
- Total spaces: 2
- Parking features: Detached Carport
- Has carport: Yes
Features
- Levels: One
- Stories: 1
- Entry location: Foyer
- Has private pool: Yes
- Pool features: In Ground, Heated, Heated And Filtered, Salt Water, Private
- Spa features: None
- Has view: Yes
- View description: Pool, Mountain(s)
- Has water view: Yes
Lot
- Size: 10,018 sqft
- Dimensions: 100 x 100
Details
- Additional structures: None
- Parcel number: 501031012
- Zoning: R1
- Special conditions: Standard
Construction
Type & style
- Home type: SingleFamily
- Architectural style: Architectural
- Property subtype: Residential, Single Family Residence
Materials
- Roof: Metal
Condition
- Year built: 1962
Community & neighborhood
Location
- Region: Palm Springs
Services availability

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