1710 N Via Miraleste, Palm Springs

This 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom condominium at Park Imperial North exemplifies the collaborative design vision that emerged from architect Barry Berkus and developer Jack Meiselman’s partnership in early-1960s Palm Springs. Completed in 1961 at 1,242 square feet, the unit reflects the defining principles of Desert Modernism: an open-plan interior that prioritizes spatial flow, carefully considered fenestration that governs light and orientation, and a structural vocabulary that treats architecture as both shelter and sculptural form.

The unit is oriented along an east/west axis, a deliberate planning decision that regulates solar exposure throughout the day and fills the interior with consistent, diffuse natural light. Clerestory windows — a hallmark of the Meiselman residential typology — draw additional light into the living spaces while preserving wall area and privacy, a solution well-suited to the desert climate.

Among the property’s most architecturally distinctive features are its spider beam legs — expressive structural elements that elevate the building above grade and introduce a characteristic rhythm to the building’s profile. These elements, visible from the street, are a signature gesture of the Berkus design and a key identifier within the Park Imperial North complex. The unit also offers direct street-front door entry, an atypical configuration within a condominium setting that reinforces the single-family quality of the living experience.

Two exterior patios extend the interior living area outward: the primary patio runs the full length of the unit, providing a generous outdoor room that relates closely to the main living spaces, while a secondary front patio offers framed views toward the surrounding mountain range.

Communal amenities include two swimming pools and a spa pool, with select units offering direct access to the heated pool from their private patios. The community’s modest scale and consistent architectural language have allowed Park Imperial North to retain much of its original mid-century character, making it a notable example of the planned residential developments that shaped Palm Springs’ growth during the late 1950s and early 1960s.

Condo Development & Neighborhood Context

Park Imperial North is a 51-unit residential condominium complex developed by Jack Meiselman and designed by architect Barry Berkus, situated in central Palm Springs within close proximity to the downtown corridor. The development was conceived as a cohesive community of mid-century modern residences that balance individual privacy with shared amenity spaces — a model consistent with Meiselman’s broader approach to planned residential development in the Coachella Valley.

The development is located in one of Palm Springs’ most centrally located residential zones, with convenient access to the city’s commercial, cultural, and recreational amenities that define its urban core. Its proximity to downtown and the area’s warm-weather appeal have historically sustained strong interest in the community, both among long-term residents and as a destination for seasonal occupancy.