Theodore and Claire Morse Residence 1197 Abrigo Road, Palm Springs, CA 92262
One of the most interesting modernist homes in the prestigious Vista Las Palmas neighborhood of Palm Springs, the Theodore and Claire Morse Residence (1960) started life as an Alexander tract home designed by the firm of Palmer & Krisel. In 1961, the Morses commissioned renowned Los Angeles architect Harold “Hal” Levitt to glamorize and expand the home turning it into a Hollywood-style “entertainment residence.” The Morse Residence is considered by many to have the best pool and bar entertainment combo in Palm Springs.
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On January 13, 2016 the Palm Springs city council unanimously approved (4-0 with one recusal) the Class 1 Historic Site nomination of the Theodore and Claire Morse Residence. Making public comment in support of the nomination was PSPF board member Ron Marshall who lauded architect Hal Levitt’s contribution to Palm Springs’ “built environment.”
On June 9, 2015 the city of Palm Springs’ Historic Site Preservation Board met and voted 7-0 to forward a proposed resolution to the city council to designate the Morse Residence a Class 1 Historic Site.
On March 3, 2015 the Palm Springs Preservation Foundation (acting as agent for the owners) submitted the Class 1 historic site nomination for the Theodore and Claire Morse Residence to the city’s Historic Site Preservation Board. The 42-page nomination was prepared for PSPF by PSPF board members Ron and Barbara Marshall.
On February 15, 2015 PSPF held a fundraising event at the Theodore and Claire Morse Residence. The event entitled “Hollywood Glam in Palm Springs” was a great success attended by over 150 partygoers.
