Preservation Mirage unveils first film: Richard Neutra's Maslon House - Desert Sun

Suzanne Fromkin | Special to The Desert Sun

An enthusiastic sold-out crowd greeted Preservation Mirage's first foray into filmmaking Feb. 19 at the Palm Springs Art Museum's Annenberg Theater. The documentary short "Preservation Mirage Presents Richard Neutra's Maslon House" chronicles the life of Neutra's residential masterpiece built in Ranch Mirage in 1962. One of only three Neutra-designed homes built in the Coachella Valley, the Maslon House was razed in 2002, sparking international outrage and creating a culture of architectural preservation in its wake.

Through archival footage, new footage and firsthand accounts, directors Scott Goldstein and Dave Yakir explore how Luella and Sam Maslon hired Richard Neutra to build them a home on a spectacular site on the Tamarisk Country Club golf course. With its flat roof, long overhangs, floor-to-ceiling windows and long gallery walls, the Maslon House showcased their stellar modern art collection.

Hilary Maslon, who provided vintage footage of the home, is interviewed in the documentary about her recollections of her grandparents' home. Preservation Mirage founder and author Melissa Riche explained how in the early 1950s, a new trend appeared of homes built around golf courses. Riche explained how "learning about our social history is important — home owners made their houses happen."

Palm Springs Modern Committee founder Peter Moruzzi recalled being concerned to hear of the Maslon House sale. Photographer David Glomb remembered his concern when he heard permits had been taken out — and the house was demolished the following day.

Designer and curator Brad Dunning told of touring the Maslon House and being impressed — he then wrote a piece for The New York Times, which struck a chord nationally.

Author Adele Cygelman said that Neutra's "symphony in steel and glass" was only 40 years old at the time and was in good condition.

Rancho Mirage Historic Preservation Commissioner and Preservation Mirage board member Craig Traupane reminded us that the Maslon House had no architectural protections when it was demolished. Rancho Mirage City Councilmember Lynn Mallotto stressed the importance of treasuring our community gifts and updating the historic surveys.

Moruzzi said that buildings are still threatened and that it is crucial that cities do historic surveys and pass preservation ordinances.

After the screening, the audience enjoyed a panel discussion moderated by former Desert Sun Executive Editor Julie Makinen, the newest member of Preservation Mirage's board. Goldstein thanked Preservation Mirage film patrons who provided funding for the documentary: Jeff Kohl, Laura (Siri) Hutcheson and Camille Cook, The Scot and Lance Karp Family Foundation, Steven Strickland and Leo Parrella, the Palm Springs Modern Committee and the City of Rancho Mirage.

Goldstein also announced that the film hopes to spread the word about preservation at future festivals.

For more information about Preservation Mirage or to join — or to purchase Maslon House merchandise, visit preservationmirage.org.

Retired from the fashion industry, Suzanne Fromkin serves on the Tools for Tomorrow board and is an avid art and theater lover.

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