The SMOKE TREE PROJECT consists of Four Major Goals:

1.) Save, Restore and Preserve the Smoke Tree Villa Duplex. Take it back to what it was intended to be at the time it was conceived: a versatile design for a new way of building the basic box that has gone unchanged for nearly 200 years. It is something most people don’t get to see everyday - if ever. How many truly “modernist” pre-fab houses were ever built? Very few, that’s for sure. An incredibly simple concept, especially in today’s complex world.

A unique piece of California Architectural History:

2.) Make it available for Modern Enthusiasts as a cultural resource - and for practical purposes, fully restored and outfitted, it could provide world-class accommodations for desert travelers. The immediate area offers many scenic wonders including the Joshua Tree National Park - which attracts over a million visitors annually and is only 5 minutes away. The Smoke Tree Duplex would be unlike anything in the area. One unit could be completely outfitted in classic 1950’s furnishings and décor - while the other could be the best in contemporary design. With the movable interior walls the space can be expanded to accommodate special events and art exhibitions as needed

50 years ahead of its’ time in Design and Construction:

3.) Pick up where Memmler & Barienbrock left off and recreate another duplex on the other half of the double lot...utilizing the original modular design and construction principals while at the same time go “Green” and update it with newer and more ecological materials. A real showcase for the long-term potential of pre-fab construction, including renewable sources of energy (solar), low water consumption (natural landscaping), and waste management. What an exciting idea this is! The two unique structures existing side-by-side, separated by more than 50 years but still nearly identical. Timeless designs are hard to date.

Stimulate Urban Renewal:

4.) Spark a Neighborhood Revival. The Smoke Tree Villa is located in a Downtown 29 Palms Redevelopment Zone. The Duplex, restored to look even better than new, could serve as an inspiration to the neighborhood and become an asset to the town in general, while at the same time set an example for truly stylish and affordable housing alternatives. In the early the 1950’s it had a chance at the big time. Unfortunately, it didn’t happen.

Time will tell...its’ time may come again!