A Legacy in Entertainment and Palm Springs Architecture

A private tour of the entertainment legend Dinah Shore's estate

Last year, during a trip to Palm Springs, I had the chance to visit the Dinah Shore Estate, a jewel of mid-century modern design designed by architect Donald Wexler. Walking through the house was like stepping into a time capsule, yet it felt entirely livable and fresh. The light streaming through the floor-to-ceiling windows, the seamless indoor-outdoor transitions, and the thoughtful use of materials all made the space feel special.

The “spider leg” steel beams framing the entrance, a signature of Donald Wexler’s style, were particularly striking in person. Every corner of the house honoured its mid-century roots, deepening my appreciation for mid-century architecture.

Before diving into the story of Dinah Shore and her Palm Springs home, I’d like to ask for two minutes of your time to fill out our first Substack survey. Your feedback will help us immensely in creating stories that match your interests. Thank you in advance for your contribution, and enjoy the story!

(Marco Guagliardo - Mid-Century Home’s Editor in Chief)

Dinah Shore, a legend in American entertainment, left her mark in more ways than one. Rising to fame as one of the top-charting vocalists of the 1940s, she became a household name during the Big Band era with hits that resonated across generations. Shore’s talents extended to television, where she hosted wildly popular variety shows and talk shows for decades, cementing her status as a pioneer for women in the entertainment industry. Her charisma, talent, and ability to connect with audiences made her one of the most beloved figures of her time.

But Shore’s influence wasn’t confined to music and television. Her passion for modern living led her to commission a mid-century modern home in Palm Springs in 1964.

Designed by renowned architect Donald Wexler, the house embodied the sleek, functional style that defined the period. With its striking roof, expansive floor-to-ceiling windows, and seamless indoor-outdoor transitions, the home embodies the innovation and timeless design of mid-century architecture.

Donald Wexler, one of mid-century’ most celebrated architects, was known for his minimalist, functional designs: Wexler’s work emphasised harmony with the surroundings. His innovative use of materials, particularly steel, helped define the mid-century modern aesthetic also in Palm Springs.

In Palm Springs, Wexler also designed the Palm Springs International Airport and a series of iconic steel homes in the Coachella Valley.