Palm Springs in Riverside County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
The Desert Inn
Established December 1909
The Desert Inn grew in popularity and size, adding simple cabins and rusting tents. its focus gradually shifted from treating the sick to catering to the famous and affluent. By 1919 Nellie began building her vision of a world-class resort.
In 1924, with a loan from oil tycoon Thomas O'Donnell, Nellie selected William Charles Tanner to design a Spanish Mediterranean Revival style hotel with over 110 rooms that set a new standard for luxury and comfort. Guests arrived from around the world: presidents, senators, governors, and royalty, artists, composers, and the creme de la creme of Hollywood - establishing an international reputation for Palm Springs. The inn offered find dining, fashionable retail shops, and sports activities including tennis, golf swimming all amidst 35 acres of carefully manicured lawns and gardens.
Nellie Coffman was a tireless supporter of Palm Springs. Her innumerable charitable works earned here the affectionate title of "Mother Coffman."
On June 10, 1950 Nellie died at the age of 82. Her sons continued to operate the famous inn, but in 1955 it was sold to former actress Marion Davies who, in 1960, sold the Desert Inn to Samuel Firks and noted Palm Springs builder George Alexander, whose vision was to replaced the inn with an eight story hotel and convention hall. By September 1967 the entire Desert Inn was demolished, replaced by an indoor shopping mall that was in turn demolished in 2009.
Although Nellie Coffman and the fabled Desert Inn have been gone for many years, her vision and love for Palm Springs can still be felt today.
Designated Class 2 Historic Site #17
September 4, 1985
Erected 1995. (Marker Number 17.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Entertainment • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical date for this entry is June 10, 1950.
Location. 33° 49.459′ N, 116° 32.894′ W. Marker is in Palm Springs, California, in Riverside County. Marker is on Belardo Road, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Palm Springs CA 92262, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Palm Springs Desert Museum (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Lykken’s Department Store (about 500 feet away); Site of First Community Church (about 500 feet away); a different marker also named Palm Springs Desert Museum (about 500 feet away); Welwood Murray Memorial Library (about 700 feet away); Oasis Hotel (about 700 feet away); The Willows (about 700 feet away); Plaza Theatre (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Palm Springs.
Credits. This page was last revised on October 5, 2022. It was originally submitted on September 15, 2022, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. This page has been viewed 693 times since then and 206 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 15, 2022, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. 3. submitted on October 5, 2022. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
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