A desert retreat that will have lovers of modern architecture flocking to get a glimpse of its wonder. In the spring of 2008, The John Lautner Desert Hot Springs motel was purchased by Los Angeles based interior designer Tracy Beckmann and furniture designer Ryan Trowbridge. Together they share a vision for the property’s future and plan to reopen in 2010 in conjunction with the Hammer Museum’s “Between Heaven and Earth” The Architecture of John Lautner exhibit arriving at the Palm Springs Art Museum. The motel is comprised of four ingenious interlocking structures. The dramatic play of light throughout the day and night is achieved with the thoughtful use of skylights and glass walls. An impressive succulent garden wraps each unit on three sides giving the guest the magical feeling of living in a terrarium. The outdoor patios and garden area are four steps up giving the room a feeling of being nestled in the desert earth. Each of the four rooms is remarkably spacious and will be appointed with luxurious furnishings and amenities. The two also plan to create the ultimate desert compound, which will enclose a Lautner inspired clubhouse, outdoor lounge and two pools. Guests will enjoy the ultimate in privacy while being shielded from the desert elements. 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.

Beckmann and Trowbridge are members of the John Lautner Foundation and are committed to the preservation of this historical landmark. Together they will make every attempt to utilize new and green technologies that Lautner himself would have approved of. “We are very proud to be contributing to the preservation of one of America’s architectural treasures.”