Stay at the Frey Fri, June 15, 2018 Art & Architecture Add to trip Remove from trip Share: Kocher-Samson Building In photographs, he appeared stoic. Influenced by the De Stijl architectural style with a focus on function, color and distinct lines, Swiss architect Albert Frey profoundly influenced post-WWII Palm Springs; Hollywood elite and vacationers alike. His roughly two-hundred regional architectural designs exemplify a harmonious balance between material and nature. Frey’s’ discipline as a virtuoso of architecture stemmed from his training under the esteemed Le Corbusier, (Swiss-French architect with a post-World War I focus on industry and progress). His avant-garde perspective divorced from Conservative dogma defined Frey as the modernist pioneer of Palm Springs. Frey Settles in Palm Springs Frey chose to settle in sunny Palm Springs in 1939 due to his working relationship with A. Lawrence Kocher. His heart beat in tune with the majestic San Jacinto Mountains and mellifluous sounds of nature, a stark change from the urban blare of New York. He was honorably directed to oversee the building process of the Kocher-Samson Building, a dual office-apartment space, (Kocher represents A. Lawrence Kocher’s brother, Dr. J.J. Kocher). Stay at the Historic Kocher-Samson Building The now Kocher-Samson building is a historic vacation Rental that defines desert modernism. Its rich symbolism is attributed to the international design style, an inherent connection to Frey’s European roots. Beaming with asymmetrical detail, a rooftop deck and a corrugated roof, it’s the epitome of form meets function. Centrally located uptown in the heart of Palm Springs, it has been renovated to let others stay at the Frey. Understanding its history is paramount to engaging with the space. As a most prestigious Class 1 historic building, it combines the aforementioned moxie of Frey with the amenities of a modern hotel including a patio dinette set and lounge chairs, kitchen, laundry, pool and parking areas. The Building Remains Original Located at 766 North Palm Canyon Drive, above Bon Vivant Palm Springs vintage store, the renovated Kocher-Samson building and vacation rental retains its original floorplan, elevated by a TV plus an orderly arrangement of books and board games for your pleasure. Burnt orange angular canopies make the veranda come alive. Its sleekness is complemented by the eventful main street area, footsteps away. The original 1930s design of the building stood alone surrounded by mountain views and a square planter box. Its white rectangular exterior of endless windows, bordered in hunter green, captivated the eye in grandeur of warm natural light. Impeccable cubed wood detail and concrete floors unified the nest. An open setting of exposed shelves, leather sitting chair, humble dining area and two twin-sized beds symmetrically spaced in the bedroom achieved a new vision for the home. The Lasting Impressions The lasting impression of his commercial and private projects is a testament to Frey’s gift of progress to Palm Springs throughout the 1950s to 1970s, in particular. A few of his other most notable works include the Palm Springs City Hall (1952), North Shore Yacht Club Salton Sea (1958) and the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway Valley Station (1963, now the visitor’s center). Frey saw rocks as a tool rather than a roadblock. His meticulous study and earth tone compositions illuminated the raw desert terrain. His profound wisdom is further evident by his use of weather-appropriate materials for an arid climate such as metal, glass, cement and steel. In the absence of a licensed architect and Frey’s manifestation of desert modernism, Palm Springs may have been left unpolished and unexplored. Enjoy fresh air at the Kocher-Samson building and vacation rental and become inspired as Frey once did. His enduring influence continues to shine as we experience an influx of visitors from across the globe, many of whom travel from afar to experience the masterpiece of modernism. Shall you be next to stay at the Frey? POPULAR Mid-Century Architecture Self-Guided Tour Palm Springs Hiking Guide Palm Springs COVID-19 Guidance More From Art & Architecture View All Posts Artist Gerald Clarke Teaching us about the Cahuilla Indians Gerald Clarke is an artist, university professor, cowboy and… Read More Take a Tour with Modern Tours Palm Springs Sponsored The Modern Tour Palm Springs is a self-driving tour that takes you through the… Read More Desert X 2023 Guide Come See Art Across the Desert Landscape, March 4 – May 7 Eleven artists from… Read More
Kocher-Samson Building In photographs, he appeared stoic. Influenced by the De Stijl architectural style with a focus on function, color and distinct lines, Swiss architect Albert Frey profoundly influenced post-WWII Palm Springs; Hollywood elite and vacationers alike. His roughly two-hundred regional architectural designs exemplify a harmonious balance between material and nature. Frey’s’ discipline as a virtuoso of architecture stemmed from his training under the esteemed Le Corbusier, (Swiss-French architect with a post-World War I focus on industry and progress). His avant-garde perspective divorced from Conservative dogma defined Frey as the modernist pioneer of Palm Springs. Frey Settles in Palm Springs Frey chose to settle in sunny Palm Springs in 1939 due to his working relationship with A. Lawrence Kocher. His heart beat in tune with the majestic San Jacinto Mountains and mellifluous sounds of nature, a stark change from the urban blare of New York. He was honorably directed to oversee the building process of the Kocher-Samson Building, a dual office-apartment space, (Kocher represents A. Lawrence Kocher’s brother, Dr. J.J. Kocher). Stay at the Historic Kocher-Samson Building The now Kocher-Samson building is a historic vacation Rental that defines desert modernism. Its rich symbolism is attributed to the international design style, an inherent connection to Frey’s European roots. Beaming with asymmetrical detail, a rooftop deck and a corrugated roof, it’s the epitome of form meets function. Centrally located uptown in the heart of Palm Springs, it has been renovated to let others stay at the Frey. Understanding its history is paramount to engaging with the space. As a most prestigious Class 1 historic building, it combines the aforementioned moxie of Frey with the amenities of a modern hotel including a patio dinette set and lounge chairs, kitchen, laundry, pool and parking areas. The Building Remains Original Located at 766 North Palm Canyon Drive, above Bon Vivant Palm Springs vintage store, the renovated Kocher-Samson building and vacation rental retains its original floorplan, elevated by a TV plus an orderly arrangement of books and board games for your pleasure. Burnt orange angular canopies make the veranda come alive. Its sleekness is complemented by the eventful main street area, footsteps away. The original 1930s design of the building stood alone surrounded by mountain views and a square planter box. Its white rectangular exterior of endless windows, bordered in hunter green, captivated the eye in grandeur of warm natural light. Impeccable cubed wood detail and concrete floors unified the nest. An open setting of exposed shelves, leather sitting chair, humble dining area and two twin-sized beds symmetrically spaced in the bedroom achieved a new vision for the home. The Lasting Impressions The lasting impression of his commercial and private projects is a testament to Frey’s gift of progress to Palm Springs throughout the 1950s to 1970s, in particular. A few of his other most notable works include the Palm Springs City Hall (1952), North Shore Yacht Club Salton Sea (1958) and the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway Valley Station (1963, now the visitor’s center). Frey saw rocks as a tool rather than a roadblock. His meticulous study and earth tone compositions illuminated the raw desert terrain. His profound wisdom is further evident by his use of weather-appropriate materials for an arid climate such as metal, glass, cement and steel. In the absence of a licensed architect and Frey’s manifestation of desert modernism, Palm Springs may have been left unpolished and unexplored. Enjoy fresh air at the Kocher-Samson building and vacation rental and become inspired as Frey once did. His enduring influence continues to shine as we experience an influx of visitors from across the globe, many of whom travel from afar to experience the masterpiece of modernism. Shall you be next to stay at the Frey?
