Introduction
Park Imperial North has one of those stories that reminds you why Palm Springs became such a center for mid-century modern design. Built in 1955, it sits on five acres in the Racquet Club Estates area, right at Vista Chino, Via Miraleste, and Louise Drive. The complex includes 51 attached units arranged in small clusters, creating a private, low-scale neighborhood that blends beautifully with the desert around it.
Park Imperial North was designed by Barry Berkus and built by the famed local tract builder Jack Meiselman.
Park Imperial North, Palm Springs
What makes Park Imperial North especially interesting is the team behind it. The developer was Jack Meiselman, a major figure in Palm Springs during the 1950s and 1960s. Meiselman and his brother Bernie built hundreds of modern homes across the city. They became known for taking the clean, modern look that Palm Springs was becoming famous for and making it available at a more approachable price than some of the better-known builders at the time. Jack had previously worked with the Alexander Construction Company, but after that partnership ended, he struck out on his own and helped shape entire neighborhoods that are now considered mid-century landmarks.
The units were marketed as modern, efficient, and comfortable. Park Imperial North earned the coveted “Gold Medallion” designation, meaning every home was fully electric and outfitted with General Electric appliances. Buyers were treated to features that sounded cutting-edge in 1955: GE “Mark 27” ranges with automatic timers, GE “Quick Recovery” water heaters, Textolite countertops in “White Gold,” wool carpeting, acoustic tiles designed to keep rooms quiet, and terrazzo walkways that extended right through to the patio. These were homes meant to feel fresh and forward-looking.
Community amenities fit the desert-resort lifestyle that Palm Springs was known for. The complex offered two pools, plus hot tubs added later. Early ads also mentioned a shuffleboard court and even a practice putting green—though historians haven’t been able to confirm the putting green ever existed. It may have been just one of those optimistic touches that mid-century developers liked to sprinkle into advertising.
Meiselman offered two floor plans, shown below:
Plan 200, which included a Master Bedroom and a Den/Bedroom. The Den/Bedroom came with an accordion folding door and a small closet. This plan included a hall bathroom with a “Jack and Jill” shower that was shared by both the Hall and Master Bathroom. The Master Bathroom included a bathtub.
Plan 300 which included a Master Bedroom, 2nd Bedroom, and a Den/Bedroom. The Den/Bedroom came with an accordion folding door and a small closet. This plan included a hall bathroom with a “Jack and Jill” shower that was shared by both the Hall and Master Bathroom. The Master Bathroom included a bathtub.
The entire grounds, swimming pools, and other facilities are private and may be used only by the owners of the individual residences and their invited guests.
Park Imperial North was the second residential condo development in Palm Springs, California, to sell the mid-century dream of luxury resort living. Berkus designed a space with clearstory windows, half walls, and open spaces, allowing people to live in an open floor plan without a lot of barriers.
Park Imperial North Floor Plans
Plan 200, shown above featured a Master Bedroom and a Den/Bedroom. The Den/Bedroom came with an accordion folding door and a small closet. This plan included a hall bathroom with a “Jack and Jill” shower that was shared by both the Hall and Master Bathroom. The Master Bathroom included a bathtub.
The Plan 300 model, shown below, featured a Master Bedroom, a second Bedroom, and a Den/Bedroom. The Den/Bedroom came with an accordion folding door and a small closet. This plan included a hall bathroom with a “Jack and Jill” shower shared by both the Hall and Master Bathrooms. The Master Bathroom included a bathtub.
Berry Berkus, Architect
For Park Imperial North, Meiselman hired Barry Berkus, who would later go on to become one of California’s most prolific architects. Berkus had a talent for transforming everyday residential spaces into open and clear areas.
Barry Berkus designed Park Imperial North at the age of 26. He began as an apprentice to the renowned midcentury modern architect, William Cody, and was influenced by the design principles of Richard Neutra and Conrad Buff.
Even early in his career, he understood how to make small spaces feel expansive through light, layout, and simple, direct forms. You can see those ideas clearly in Park Imperial North: wide overhangs, thoughtful floor plans, and an easy flow between indoors and outdoors.
Throughout his career, Berkus received more than 300 design and planning awards, including being named the most innovative housing architect in the United States by Professional Builder. Architectural Digest also lists Berkus as one of America’s top 100 architects.
Berkus passed away in 2012 at the age of 77.
