2044 Jacques Dr., Palm Springs, CA

2044 Jacques Drive – A Photographed Icon of Meiselman Design

Few homes embody the spirit of Palm Springs’ mid-century modern lifestyle as vividly as 2044 Jacques Drive, a Jack Meiselman home built in 1959 and later transformed into one of the city’s most recognized modernist residences. With a 1,436 square-foot plan, three bedrooms, and two baths, this home demonstrates how the clean lines and functional layouts of Desert Modernism continue to inspire both contemporary living and creative culture.

From the street, the home presents classic Meiselman characteristics: a low-profile roofline, crisp geometric proportions, and the use of shadow-block detailing—a material hallmark of the late 1950s that introduced sculptural depth to otherwise minimalist facades. Inside, the post-and-beam structure is immediately evident, allowing for wide open interior spaces and the signature tongue-and-groove ceilings that have become a visual shorthand for Palm Springs modernism.

What makes this home particularly distinctive is its dual identity as both a residence and a cultural landmark. Over the years, it has served as the backdrop for photo shoots by brands as varied as Bergdorf Goodman, Ray-Ban, Mercedes, and Rivian, attesting to its enduring visual appeal. It has also been featured twice on the prestigious Palm Springs Modernism Week architectural tour, cementing its reputation as one of the city’s most photogenic examples of Desert Modernist design.

The home’s layout emphasizes both privacy and flow. The remodeled galley kitchen serves as a central divider, separating the primary suite from the two guest bedrooms—an approach that reflects Meiselman’s early concern with balancing communal spaces with private retreats. To the south, expansive glass walls flood the living room with light and frame uninterrupted mountain views, while sliding doors extend the interior directly onto a shadow-block sun porch. This transitional space, complete with a reading nook and even a grand piano, underscores the home’s role as both a retreat and a gathering place.

The outdoor environment elevates the home’s mid-century vision of indoor-outdoor living to a resort-like level. Situated on nearly a quarter-acre lot, the backyard is anchored by a pool and spa, surrounded by a shaded patio, a fire pit, and even a small fruit grove. The result is a private sanctuary that captures a 120-degree panorama of the San Jacinto Mountains, offering views that rival any in Palm Springs.

Neighborhood Context – Central Palm Springs

2044 Jacques Drive is located in a central Palm Springs neighborhood with close ties to the city’s mid-century development boom. Many of the surrounding homes are also Meiselman-built, creating a cohesive architectural identity. The neighborhood remains prized for its combination of quiet residential streets and proximity to the city’s cultural highlights, including downtown restaurants, shops, and the annual Modernism Week tours that often spotlight homes like this one.

In essence, 2044 Jacques Drive is more than just a beautifully preserved Meiselman—it is a cultural ambassador of Palm Springs’ modernist heritage. Its history of photographic and architectural recognition speaks to the timeless quality of Meiselman’s designs, while its thoughtful renovations ensure it remains as functional and inspiring today as it was in 1959.