Rancho Mirage has a rich history and has been a canvas where modernist architecture and natural beauty blend seamlessly. Its low-slung, glass-walled homes are not simply dwellings—they are living time capsules, reflecting an era that prized simplicity, elegance, and harmony with the environment. Yet, as the decades passed, the preservation of these midcentury marvels faces growing challenges.
Enter Preservation Mirage, a nonprofit dedicated to ensuring that the stories embedded within these homes endure for generations to come.
Founded in 2017, Preservation Mirage began as an informal gathering of midcentury homeowners, exchanging insights on maintaining their unique properties. What started as a conversation quickly strengthened into a movement. Today, the organization stands at the forefront of architectural preservation in Rancho Mirage, advocating for awareness, protection, and historic designation of iconic homes.
But their mission extends beyond brick and mortar. At its core, Preservation Mirage is about people—the architects, the residents, and the community—who share a deep appreciation for these homes as cultural artifacts of a bygone era.
The Maslon House: A Cautionary Tale
Few stories illustrate the urgency of preservation like that of Richard Neutra’s Maslon House. Built in 1962 for renowned art collectors Luella and Sam Maslon, the home was a modernist masterpiece designed to showcase their prized works by Andy Warhol, Frank Stella, and Alberto Giacometti. With its floor-to-ceiling glass, minimalist rooflines, and seamless indoor-outdoor flow, the Maslon House was the epitome of midcentury elegance.
Then, in 2002, it was gone. Demolished overnight.
“For years, the Maslon House was a hidden gem,” recalls Preservation Mirage Vice-President Scott Goldstein. “Then, just like that, it was lost. And with it, an irreplaceable piece of Rancho Mirage’s history.”
The destruction of the Maslon House served as a wake- up call, galvanizing the local and international architecture community. In response, Preservation Mirage has produced a short film, Preservation Mirage Presents Richard Neutra’s Maslon House, which brings the story back to life through archival footage, interviews, and home movies. More than just a tribute, the film underscores how this loss sparked a movement—one that continues to shape the city’s preservation efforts today.
A Living Museum of Homes
Rancho Mirage’s midcentury homes are more than just relics of the past; they are living works of art that continue to inspire and evolve.
“We’re living in a museum of homes,” Scott explains. “These houses aren’t just architectural statements—they’re deeply connected to the people who built, designed, and lived in them.”
To keep this history alive, Preservation Mirage hosts educational events, architecture tours, and public discussions, ensuring that both longtime residents and newcomers can engage with the stories that make Rancho Mirage unique and their work isn’t limited to homes from the midcentury era. “The houses from the 1970s and ‘80s will soon be considered historic,” Scott adds. “They deserve appreciation, too.”
Preservation Mirage has also extended its efforts beyond residential architecture, championing the restoration of beloved landmarks like the Rancho Super Car Wash elephant sign—a quirky yet beloved symbol of midcentury Americana.
Investing in the Future: Scholarships for Aspiring Architects
Preservation Mirage doesn’t just look to the past—it actively invests in the future. Through its annual scholarship program, the organization supports students at College of the Desert who have a passion for historic architecture and preservation.
How You Can Get Involved
The work of Preservation Mirage thrives on community support. Whether it’s attending an event, joining a tour, or simply learning more about local history, there are many ways to engage. Memberships offer deeper involvement, and the organization provides free resources to make preservation accessible to all.
For Rancho Mirage residents, this isn’t just about saving homes—it’s about preserving a shared cultural identity. As Scott emphasizes, “These homes represent a time when design prioritized connection—connection to nature, to art, and to each other. That’s something worth fighting for.”
A Legacy Worth Protecting
Through its filmmaking, advocacy, and educational initiatives, Preservation Mirage is ensuring that Rancho Mirage’s architectural treasures are not only remembered but actively celebrated. By honoring the past, they are shaping the future—one home, one landmark, and one conversation at a time.
Preservation Mirage Presents Richard Neutra’s Maslon House premiered during Modernism Week at the Annenberg Theatre in the Palm Springs Art Museum on February 19, 2025. Due to overwhelming demand, a second screening has been added on Wednesday, March 12th, from 5:00 to 6:00 PM at Cinemark Theater at The River in Rancho Mirage, followed by a Q&A session with filmmakers from Streeterville Productions and interviewees from the film.
Tickets are complimentary for ADVOCATE, INDIVIDUAL, HOUSEHOLD, and PRESERVATIONIST members, and available to the public for a $5 donation on a first-come, first- served basis at preservationmirage.org/upcoming-events.
