A 1954 modernist home in Woodland Hills, designed by Don Saxon Palmer and William Krisel, is now on the market for $995,000. The 1,980-square-foot property includes four bedrooms, three bathrooms, and a renovated interior that maintains its original architectural integrity.

Advertisement

The $245,000 jump since the 2020 sale

The current asking price of $995 ,000 for the Woodland Hills residence represents a significant increase over its previous transaction. According to the report,the home last sold in August 2020 for $750,000 to a married copule who invested in extensive remodeling to bring the 1954 structure up to modern living standards.

This price appreciation reflects not only the general rise in Southern California real estate but also the added value of high-end updates.. The renovations included a contemporary kitchen with quartz countertops and custom white oak cabinets, which now serves as a centerpiece for the home's open-plan layout.

How the Corbin Palms project shaped the Palm Springs aesthetic

The residence is more than just a family home; it is a piece of architectural history linked to the Corbin Palms project. As the report notes, architects Don Saxon Palmer and William Krisel collaborated with developer George Alexander to create affordable postwar family homes that didn't sacrifice style. This specific Woodland Hills property was part of a well-planned tract of 287 homes that served as a precursor to the duo's later work.

The success of these early collaborations eventually transformed the landscape of the California desert. Palmer and Krisel went on to design 2,530 tract homes in Palm Springs, effectively doubling the size of that city and cementing the low-slung rooflines and open-air flows as the definitive "Palm Springs style."

Preserving the post-and-beam integrity of a 1,980-square-foot layout

Despite the modern updates,the Woodland Hills home retains the core elements of the 1954 design by Alexander Construction Co. The property features original post-and-beam construction and vaulted wood ceilings, which are hallmarks of the mid-century modernist movement. The interior flow is designed to merge the living,dining, and kitchen areas, while wood-slat privacy screens provide a subtle transition at the entryway.

The outdoor space is equally integrated into the living experience. French doors lead to a swimming pool, a barbecue island, and a dining terrace paved with flagstone. The presence of mature citrus trees and tropical foliage further emphasizes the indoor-outdoor synergy that Palmer and Krisel championed throughout their careers.

Who is the current buyer profile for Woodland Hills modernism?

While the listing provides a detailed look at the home's features, several questions remain regarding the current market dynamics for this specific tract. It is unclear if the $995,000 price point is consistent with other Palmer and Krisel homes in the Woodland Hills area or if this property stands as a unique outlier due to its renovation quality.

Furthermore, the report does not specify whether the home has any official historic designations or if there are restrictive covenants within the 287-home tract to prevent future alterations to the modernist facades. Understanding these factors would be critical for a buyer interested in the long-term preservation of the home's architectural pedigree.