Desert Shadows Considering Significant Changes

Nudist-hotel plan gets a look from Palm Springs architectural advisers

The Desert Sun
October 23, 2006

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The Palm Springs Architectural Advisory Committee Plans reviewed plans for a new nudist hotel and condo complex today.

The hotel, at 1533 Chaparral Road near Indian Canyon Drive, would replace the Desert Shadows Inn Resort, which is part of the naturist community Desert Shadows. The old hotel has buildings dating to the 1940s, with other buildings added in the 1960s, 1990s and 2000s.

Plans include 38 hotel/condos rooms, a new cafe and higher walls to provide privacy.

Committee member Lance O'Donnell said the proposed architecture was "old and tired" and had a 1987 look. Another member, Chris Sahlin, agreed and said that look doesn't work today.

Member Michael King said the project seemed too commercial, like a Motel 6.

The developer, LINSU Corp., will continue to work on the plans and resubmit a more formal application at a later date.