The Royal Hawaiian Estates, a tiki-themed apartment complex built in 1962, was designated an historic district by the City of Palm Springs.
From The Desert Sun: "With the council's vote, Royal Hawaiian Estates owners now can seek tax-reducing opportunities under the state's Mills Act, which covers historic properties.
'This is the type of historic preservation that we need in Palm Springs,' Mayor Pro Tem Rick Hutcheson said at Wednesday's meeting. He called it a 'bottom-up' approach initiated by property owners."
The Royal Hawaiian Estates' official website has extensive documentation of the history of the 40-unit complex as well as photographs.
From the website:"In the design of the Royal Hawaiian Estates, Donald Wexler and Rich Harrison make a statement in the truest spirit of their times. From their first conception, Wexler's ideas have been single-mindedly directed toward the clean, modernist lines of Bauhaus design adapted to unique desert scenery and climate. His apprenticeship with Neutra and Cody, his steadfast vision of clean lines leading the eye to open vistas, sometimes framed as graceful arches may be consider his personal signature. At the Royal Hawaiian Estates, we see his use of color and whimsical form to enhance the recreational aspect of desert file."
FULL STORY: Tiki-themed condo complex gets historic designation

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?

King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents
The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.

Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing
Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.

Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive
Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie