A Genius in Our Midst - Palm Spring’s own Albert Frey (1903-1998)
The Modernism of Palm Springs’ Renowned Architect, Albert Frey
Palm Spring’s own Albert Frey (1903-1998), an internationally-renowned architect, left his signature throughout the desert during his career. Many of his projects, whether they were schools, public buildings, commercial sites or ranch style combined his ideas of modernism and commercialism. As he often stated, he could not have practiced his lifetime devotion to his profession without keeping his business’s door open.
He lived in Palm Springs from 1934 to his death, from a time when there were 1500 residents in the bustling city it is today. He became involved in the city through a partner. When he arrived, he fell in love with the area, especially the Santa Rosa Mountains. He never left Palm Springs. He married a local belle, Marianne Cook. Naturally, one of his first projects was building a home for the two of them.
Frey combined the two threads of modernism and realism in his architectural style. He designed for people who wanted ranch style homes or city officials who wanted a Mediterranean style building
. But, as he worked, he always tried to incorporate modernism in his design.
His design process began in his mind. He then sketched his thoughts on paper. Finally and frequently, he made models. One of these models was for the Tramway Gas Station. City officials could not visualize what he had in mind. He wanted to design an impressive and unique entry building for Palm Springs, not just another Spanish colonial building.
When controversies regarding the gas station erupted years later, Frey entered the discussion. He believed it should be turned into the Palm Springs Visitor Center
Frey used new materials such as glass, corrugated materials and aluminum. The use of these new materials would probably not be approved by Palm Springs building materials today. His contributions to the city were great nonetheless. He was, in his time and place, one of the giants of local, national and international architecture even though he never attempted to rise to the level of fame he ultimately achieved.
In fact, it was because he stayed here and worked in Palm Springs that some of the� city architecture was recognized as being at the forefront of the modernism of its times. Many came to study with Frey as he had done earlier before his arrival in the City.
When one speaks of architecture in the Desert, the first name mentioned is Albert Frey.
Photos courtesy of R. Christian Anderson Photography and Design