The Desert Magazine Building
(74-221-74-225 Hwy 111) The first commercial structure completed on the south side of Hwy 111 in Palm Desert. At its official opening in October 1948, it housed the printing and publishing offices of “Desert Magazine” as well as Desert Printers. A gem shop and a bookstore were located inside near the entrance. Occupying 17,000 square feet, the imposing structure served not only as headquarters of the prestigious “Desert Magazine” but for other national publications and the first local newspaper. Because of heavy delivery to and from “Desert Magazine”, the federal government authorized a post office for Palm Desert.

The Southwest Art Gallery
Also located in the Desert Magazine Building. It was a place for local artists to display their works. Art shows were regularly held, making it a center for social gatherings by the early residents.

Shadow Mountain Pool and Club
Cliff Henderson’s first development was “Shadow Mountain Club” shown, to the right, under construction in 1947. Shadow Mountain boasted a 3 million gallon figure 8 swimming pool, polo fields, a clubhouse, and private lake. It was designed to be a “destination” for those seeking a reprieve from their regular life and its grand opening was December 10, 1948. The rich and famous, as well as the ordinary citizen flocked to Shadow Mountain Resort and launched the growth of Palm Desert as a city.

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