Modernism Week 2025 VIP Bus Tour
Together with Modernism Week and Dunn-Edwards, Willis is pleased to offer a Private VIP Bus Tour highlighting the best of Modernism Week for design professionals. This year, you and your peers will enjoy private viewings of four properties!
Choose from 1 of 2 days – February 18 or 19, 2025.
VIP ACCESS ($400 Value)
Early Access pricing ends on December 13th
Reg. $165 / Early Access $125 for Design Industry Association Members
Reg. $195 / Early Access $175 for Non-Members
VIP guests will receive:
- Convenient pick-up locations from San Diego, Orange County and a local pick-up in Palm Springs
- Exclusive trade-only tours of four distinct mid-century designed properties
- Light breakfast, lunch, beverages and snacks
- An educational speaking seminar at CAMP
- A closing cocktail reception with hors d’oeuvres
- Live entertainment
- Chances to win daily prizes
CHOOSE YOUR BUS TOUR DATE
Pick 1 of 2 days!
Highlighting the Best of Modernism Week 2025
We’ll be making all of the stops during your VIP experience! Some of the biggest stand-out homes designed by incredible architects and designers you won’t want to miss. Coupled with drinks, snacks and entertainment, this year’s tour will be one to remember!
Modernism Week Featured Home: The West House
Welcome to a tour of a dynamic residence in the cherished Old Las Palmas neighborhood, built in 1954 and previously owned by actor Adam West, best known for his role as Batman.
This property was renovated by renowned architect Albert Frey, who incorporated numerous Modernist design features. The residence has undergone a complete metamorphosis, with extensive exterior landscaping and interior redesign. It includes customized elevated details and revitalized Modernist aesthetics with an innovative twist, all while paying tribute to Albert Frey’s signature architectural elements and honoring the iconic legacy of Batman.
Plaza Theatre
The Plaza Theatre has an impressive role in the history of Palm Springs. Over the decades, the building has deteriorated, and the Plaza Theatre Foundation has been established to raise funds in order to support the City of Palm Springs’ effort to fully restore the historic theatre. We will take a brief visit to discover the progress of the current restoration.
The theatre’s iconic identity was established on its opening to the public in 1936 with the world premiere of the Oscar-winning George Cukor film, Camille, with its legendary star, Greta Garbo, who allegedly slipped into the back of the theatre after the lights went down. In addition to being a movie theatre, it was also the venue for nationally-broadcast radio theatre programs by such luminaries as Bob Hope, Bing Crosby, Jack Benny, and Amos ‘n’ Andy.
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Frank Sinatra’s Twin Palms Estate
Twin Palms was designed by E. Stewart Williams, one of several architects that have become synonymous with Palm Springs’ unique brand of “desert modernism”. Frank Sinatra and his wife Nancy commissioned local architect Williams to design a home where they could escape the gossip and cameras of Hollywood. It was the architect’s first residential project.
Sinatra’s 4,500-square-foot includes four bedrooms and seven bathrooms, one of which has a chipped sink from where he allegedly threw a champagne bottle at second wife Ava Gardner!
CAMP for Learning Lab
Guest Speakers: J. R. Roberts and Jim Cook
This extraordinary presentation will transport you to the golden age of Hollywood and Palm Springs, revealing the remarkable story of how the Plaza Theatre shaped this iconic desert getaway.
Modernism Week Featured Home: Sackley Chase Sensation
This stunning 70s residence was designed by the prolific Palm Springs architect Stan Sackley in 1976 and beautifully decorated by the iconic interior designer Steve Chase.
This remarkable home, recently updated by Grace Home Furnishings, features striking Brutalist features, including pristine Italian natural travertine floors and expansive walls of glass that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and the Indian Canyons golf course.
Cocktail Party
The tour ends with a cocktail party hosted by Willis CEO, Mike Hetherman in his beautiful backyard setting. Enjoy a relaxed evening with expertly crafted cocktails and tasty hors d’oeuvres accompanied by live music from The Dreamboats. This is a great opportunity to connect with colleagues and friends in a welcoming atmosphere.
CHOOSE YOUR BUS TOUR DATE
Pick 1 of 2 days!
Learning Lab at CAMP
Guest Speakers: J. R. Roberts and Jim Cook
Join us for an extraordinary presentation that transports you to the golden age of Hollywood and Palm Springs, revealing the remarkable story of how the Plaza Theatre shaped this iconic desert getaway. Featuring showbiz expert and historian Jim Cook alongside Plaza Theatre Foundation President J.R. Roberts, this event will take you on an engaging journey through the rich history of the Plaza Theatre, illustrating how Palm Springs earned its reputation as the ultimate “Playground of the Stars.”
Event Highlights:
- A visually stunning presentation with rarely seen videos, interviews, and captivating archival photographs.
- Insightful explorations of the intriguing ties between Hollywood and Palm Springs.
- Behind-the-scenes glimpses into the glamorous lifestyles and residences that brought Hollywood to the desert.
- Post-show discussion about the exciting progress of the Plaza Theatre’s restoration and its vision for the future.
Jim Cook
With over 50 years of show business experience Jim Cook has a vast knowledge of entertainment history. Jim’s background as creative director and senior management for iHeart media coupled with his extensive film nostalgia collections and thorough research on local history are hallmarks of his speaking engagements.
J.R. Roberts
J.R.’s career history includes owning and operating two architecture and design firms, one in Los Angeles and one in the Bay Area where he specialized in the redesign and restoration of existing buildings. He also served as the lead fundraiser and the founding Managing Director of the Palm Springs Art Museum Architecture and Design Center, Edwards Harris Pavilion, which opened in November 2014. In that capacity he helped raise more than 4.5 million dollars to purchase and renovate the historic building and transform it into a world-renowned museum. He continues his design practice while investing in and restoring old buildings. J.R. was a City Councillor in Palm Springs from 2015 to 2019, where he also served as Mayor Pro-Term. J.R. hopes to contribute his design, fundraising, and communications skills to bring the Plaza Theatre back to its former glory.
CHOOSE YOUR BUS TOUR DATE
Pick 1 of 2 days!
Official Pick-Up Locations
Below are the three official pick-up locations for the Modernism Week 2025 VIP Bus Tours.
Buses from San Diego and Orange County will arrive at the Palm Springs location at 10:00 am where the tour will begin.
February 18
February 19
CHOOSE YOUR BUS TOUR DATE
Pick 1 of 2 days!