Monarch Apartment Homes: Affordable Housing in Palm Springs

True to the Mid Century Modern design that pervades the Coachella Valley, Monarch Apartment Homes is so-named for its roofline that mimics the monarch butterfly. The 60-unit affordable housing project broke ground on October 28, 2021 and is expected to be completed in 2023. The project is headed by the Community Housing Opportunities Corporation (CHOC).

The Need for Affordable Housing

According to a press release, in partnership with the city under a Disposition Development Agreement (DDA), CHOC will develop the land with rental apartments consisting of one-, two- and three-bedroom units. The project is financed by California Municipal Finance Authority (CMFA), the City of Palm Springs, the County of Riverside, Flagstar Bank, the California Community Reinvestment Corporation (CCRC), California Tax Credit Allocation Committee (CTAC), and California Debt Limit Allocation Committee (CDLAC).

Monarch Apartment Homes groundbreaking ceremony — The groundbreaking ceremony in Palm Springs included Dignitaries present at the groundbreaking included California State Treasurer Fiona Ma, Palm Springs Mayor Christy Holstege, City Councilmembers Lisa Middleton and Dennis L. Woods, Lift to Rise CEO Heather Vaikona, 4th District Riverside County Supervisor V. Manuel Perez and CHOC CEO Manuela Silva. Heather Vaikona was the event’s master of ceremonies. Photo by Noé Montes.

Palm Springs is known for its desert sunshine and Mid Century Modern architecture, as a getaway for sun-seekers. CHOC CEO Manuela Silva explains the need for affordable housing in Palm Springs: “Like many of our cities, the area is heavily reliant on hardworking, low-income workers that are the backbone of many industries here, yet they often have to choose between paying for housing versus other necessities such as childcare, food, and healthcare.”

Monarch Apartment Homes is a step towards addressing this need in the area. “This is the first new affordable housing property in 12 years and there is more to come. I am proud of Riverside County, the City of Palm Springs, the mayor and our council members,” said Supervisor V. Manuel Perez.

A rendering of Monarch Apartment Homes, which is in continuity with the area’s Mid Century Modern architecture. Image by Interactive Design Corporation.

Monarch Apartment Homes’ Design

Maria Song, AIA, LEED & AP, principal with the Palm Springs-based architectural firm Interactive Design Corporation, (IDC) and HKIT Architects, leads the complex’s design. The design aims to blend in with the Mid Century Modern neighborhood, as you can see from the renderings. Monarch Apartment Homes will be constructed by davisREED Construction, Inc., whose portfolio includes five-star resorts to public works and other hotels including the Kimpton Rowan in Palm Springs, which was named among the Condé Nast Best New Hotels List.

For more on Mid Century Modern design in Palm Springs, read about Albert Frey: The Visionary Palm Springs Architect, Palm Springs Roundup. For more on affordable housing conversant with MCM style, see Inspiring Affordable Housing From Across The Country. And of course, don’t forget to follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest for more Mid Century Modern inspiration!