John Lautner's Desert Hot Springs Motel Is Getting a Facelift

September 9, 2009 at 3:58 PM | by Heidi Atwal | 0 Comments

The name John Lautner is synonymous with Californian architecture. His work in the greater Los Angeles area from the 1940s forward represents some of the best in contemporary design�often dramatic, forward-thinking, and very much relevant today, which is why both long-time Lautner devotees and newfound fans continue to applaud his work. (It could also be the Brad Pitt-effect that's getting more people to stand up and pay attention to the field.)

Interior designer Tracy Beckmann, who, as we reported last week, is also responsible for the recent overhaul of the Los Angeles Athletic Club, and husband Ryan Trowbridge (a furniture designer) recently purchased the John Lautner Desert Hot Springs Motel and plan to reopen the property in 2010. Beckmann and Trowbridge are enthusiasts of the architect and are making sure that every step of renovation process falls in line with "green technologies that Lautner himself would have approved of." Like we said yesterday, green is definitely the new black.

The arid and quintessentially Californian surroundings of the motel seem to be playing an influential role in the design process, with plans to create a "desert compound" where a clubhouse, outdoor lounge, and two pools will be housed. You can also expect to see signature Lautner flourishes kept in tact as they're spruced up, such as glass walls which invite in plenty of natural light and garden areas that feel like they're a part of the desert environment.

But the project seems to be most about giving guests the opportunity to experience Lautner's work up close and personal. As the website notes, "Lautner�s residences have long been documented and photographed but seldom open to the public. This hotel will allow long time admirers and future admirers to come the opportunity to 'live' in a Lautner environment and to feel the unique experience of his design style."

No reservations or a specific opening date are available as of yet, but you can log onto www.hotellautner.com to get on the guest list for updates. All we have to say is, if it's open in time for next year's Coachella festival, we'll race you to the reservation table.

[Photo: Jan-Richard Kikkert, via The John Lautner Foundation]

HotelChatter

Select a Destination:

Tags: Hotel Renovations / California Hotels / Palm Springs Hotels / Motels / John Lautner / → All Tags