By
LINDA LONGO
MAKING WAVES
RESIDENTIAL
46
P
alm Desert’s famous Wave House was designed by renowned architect and industrial designer Walter S. White in 1955 for artist Miles C. Bates, who enjoyed inviting fellow artists and celebrities over for frequent parties. Comprised of 800 square
— designing lighting
feet of space, the one-bedroom, two-bath home was used primarily for socializing instead of daily living. Over the ensuing decades, however, the building fell into disrepair and was even scheduled for demolition until a grassroots
movement under the name “Save the Wave” generated publicity for the designated Palm Desert Historic Landmark and persuaded the city to abandon its decision to tear down the structure (to build senior affordable housing) and instead sell the property via public auction in 2018.
