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THE ARCHITECT - WILLIAM F. CODY
Born in Dayton, Ohio, William F. Cody moved to Los Angeles in the 1920's and graduated from USC in 1942. He moved to Palm Springs in 1945, his first job was renovating the cottages at the Desert Inn.
His love of the desert led Cody to explore in his buildings various combinations of flat roofs, adobe walls, tile floors, and teak, all designed to combat the desert heat.
Cody's most famous projects were country clubs, designing or renovating the Thunderbird, Tamarisk, and Eldorado, three of the oldest and most exclusive clubs in the desert. He also created the Palm Springs Spa (now the Spa Casino), the Palm Springs Library, and St. Theresa's Church. Also, he received awards from the American Institute of Architects for two private homes, the Robert Cannon House and the J.B. Shamel House.
Cody first met famed designer Arthur Elrod in the late 50's - they would collaborate on a number of desert projects over the next 15 years. Cody died in 1988, leaving behind a legacy of Mid-Century Modern structures in Palm Springs that are as admired today as when they were built 50 years ago. |
