Royal Hawaiian Estates 

Quorum Article - September 2003

Royal Hawaiian Estates (RHE), at the corner of South Palm Canyon and Twin Palms Drive in South Palm Springs, was designed by noted architects, Richard Harrison (now deceased) and Donald Wexler in the style known as "Mid-Century Modern.”* (see note below) The project was begun in 1959 and the first units sold in 1961. 

In addition to the classic open plan, with glass walls looking onto generous patios and enclosed courtyards, their design included architectural features of the then popular and romantic “Hawaiian” influence. Mock outrigger and sailing boat beams thrust out from both flat patio roofs and jutting A frame gables.  Interiors include vaulted ceilings that run the length of the living room and open on two sides for access to the entrance hall and dining room area.  The complex was featured by the Palm Springs Preservation Foundation in its annual celebration of historically significant Palm Springs architecture, November 1-3, 2002. 

Forty single-story, duplex-style homes are clustered on five acres that include landscaped common areas, two swimming pools and a spa.  Homes are two and three bedroom, two bath, each from 1250 to 1550 square feet.  The land is fee simple and 75% of the units are year round owner occupied.  Current HOA fees are $315 per month.  Each home includes a carport and separate storage area.

At this time, the homes are owned under Limited Partnership/Coop style agreements and most recent sales have realized between $135,000 and $170,000.  In the last two years, eight of these properties have been sold.  There is a waiting list of potential buyers. 

The management of the Royal Hawaiian Estates (RHE) has developed in a not altogether unusual pattern, beginning as developer-owned and sold as self managed limited partnerships.  In 1971, the homeowners developed a coop/condominium form of management, with revised and expanded CC&R’s and a five member Board of Directors.  The CC&R’s were last revised in 1998 and in 2002 an explanatory, updated Architectural Guideline was provided to all homeowners. 

Reflecting some major demographic changes throughout the Coachella Valley, the RHE complex is quite different in “attitude” today from the way it had been even two years ago.  For ecological as well as economic reasons, the board is hawkish on energy conservation.  Lighting fixtures and bulbs are rapidly being replaced with energy-savers. New pool pumps were selected with conservation in mind and a two year research project has demonstrated the advantage of carefully monitored heating temperatures in the pools and spas, with on/off cycles set to reduce heat restoration costs.  These ideas simply make sense in today’s world with today’s pocketbook. 

Bill Lewallen, in his second term as HOA president, reports that two years ago, previous boards had allowed this historically important property to deteriorate almost beyond repair.  “Termites, dry rot, checking paint, diseased and dying plants, and dysfunctional irrigation systems were the order of the day,” he says.  “Sweeping changes in the concerns of homeowners and new, aggressive board members have made a remarkable difference in the look and substance of this valuable property.”  In the next two years, Bill would like to see the community establish higher reserves funds, replace historical features, and make a full conversion to condominium status. 

A survey of current homeowners indicates that most were first attracted to RHE by the feeling of spaciousness provided by the glass walls and patios.  They also like the quiet serenity of this mature adult community as well as the walking distance proximity to Smoke Tree Shopping Center and downtown Palm Springs. 

RHE is managed by Desert Management.  Donna Hughes, who has been the association manager for three years, has found the recent changes both challenging and rewarding. Says Donna, “The Board of Directors, with Bill Lewallen as president, has made marked improvements with restoring the complex to its original architectural plan. However, despite the progress of the past couple of years, there is still much to be done.” Donna is looking forward to working with the board to see it all completed. 

*Note  (Adele Cygelman, Palm Springs Modern: Houses in the California Desert.  Rizzoli International Publications, Inc., New York, 1999.  Alan Hess and Andrew Danish, Palm Springs Weekend: The Architecture of a Midcentury Oasis.  Chronicle Books, San Francisco, 2001.)