Formerly a citrus grove, Old Las Palmas dates back to the mid 1920’s when it was acquired and subdivided by Prescott Stevens. It was first developed by New York builder Alvah Hicks and his son Harold. The curvilinear street layout was inspired by the work of Frederick Law Olmsted.
Old Las Palmas boasts the largest number of celebrity homes in Palm Springs. Celebrities who have lived in Old Las Palmas include: Leonardo DiCaprio, Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell, Lily Tomlin, Dinah Shore, Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, Elizabeth Taylor and Mike Todd, Liberace, Red Skelton, Donna Reed, Debbie Reynolds, Mary Martin, Kirk Douglas, Ann Miller, Edgar Bergen, Rona Barrett, William Powell, Alan Ladd, Lena Horne, Jack Warner, Samuel Goldwyn, Edward G. Robinson, Clarke Gable, Gene Autry, and many others.
Old Las Palmas has always been recognized as one of the premier neighborhoods of Palm Springs. The same is true today. With many of the older estates and homes being updated and enhanced, Old Las Palmas will continue to be viewed as a desirable and prestigious neighborhood. It’s a privilege for those of us who live in this “special” place to come together in the Old Las Palmas Neighborhood Organization to protect and preserve its heritage.