El Paseo

History & early vision

• Desert pioneer Cliff Henderson bought 1 700 acres of raw land in the 1940s. He imagined an opulent shopping district and, in 1946, built a grand palm‑lined thoroughfare he named El Paseo long before any shops existed. The boulevard became the heart of Palm Desert, known then as Palm Village; Henderson also built the Shadow Mountain Club, which boosted the town’s profile. Henderson died in 1984 but saw his vision take shape: the once‑vacant street evolved into a thriving shopping and dining district.

Notable buildings & architecture

• Historic fire station – At 72861 El Paseo stands the original Palm Desert Fire Station (1951), designed by modernist architect Walter S. White. Built by Riverside County firefighters on land donated by Henderson, the building now houses the Historical Society’s free museum.

• Modernist Sandpiper Condominiums – Built between 1958 and 1965 on El Paseo, these homes by architects Palmer & Krisel feature deep overhangs, floor‑to‑ceiling glass and innovative landscaping; the complex is regarded as one of the best mid‑century multi‑family designs in the U.S.

• Sun Lodge Colony/Gardens on El Paseo – Henderson’s early Sun Lodge cottages were weekend homes set among lawns and pools; the site later became the Gardens on El Paseo shopping center. Today the Gardens is an open‑air complex with modern elegance, wide walkways, lush landscaping and art installations. Its design uses native plants, shaded trellises and water‑retaining landscapes to create a comfortable environment year‑round.

Ownership & management

• The Gardens on El Paseo and adjacent El Paseo Village are owned and managed by Davis Street Land Company, which developed the Village with architectural firm Altoon & Porter to achieve LEED certification. Taubman Centers Inc. (led by CEO Bobby Taubman) has also been involved, promoting community philanthropy.

• The city of Palm Desert oversees improvements; a recent capital‑improvement project resurfaced the roadway and added raised crosswalks with pavers to slow traffic and enhance pedestrian safety.

How residents and visitors use it

• Shopping & dining – Nicknamed the “Rodeo Drive of the Desert,” El Paseo hosts luxury boutiques, independent shops and fine dining, centred around the Gardens on El Paseo. Locals enjoy outdoor cafés and boutiques; visitors stroll the manicured street for high‑end fashion and art.

• Art & culture – With one of Southern California’s highest concentrations of galleries, El Paseo features monthly ArtWalk receptions (first Fridays) where up to 14 galleries host events and classic cars cruise the boulevard. The El Paseo Sculpture Exhibition lines the median with sculptures curated by the city’s Cultural Arts Committee; the exhibition originated from a 1992 public art event and now features 18 works from artists worldwide. The Historical Society’s museum near the boulevard offers lectures and archives.

• Community events – Residents gather for El Paseo Cruise Night (November–April) to display classic cars and enjoy a communal cruise. Fashion Week El Paseo has grown from a small local show to the West Coast’s largest consumer fashion event, drawing top designers and supporting charities. Seasonal farmers markets, restaurant weeks and charity events further activate the street.

• Everyday use – Beyond events, the boulevard provides everyday amenities: locals walk dogs, grab coffee, window‑shop, enjoy art in the median and meet friends. Raised crosswalks and shaded seating encourage strolling and make the street inviting year‑round.

Key takeaways

• El Paseo was conceived by Cliff Henderson in 1946 as a grand desert boulevard and has grown into a chic, pedestrian‑friendly shopping and cultural hub.

• Modernist landmarks (fire station, Sandpiper Condominiums) and sustainable designs (Gardens on El Paseo) highlight the boulevard’s architectural range.

• Ownership and design stewardship by Davis Street Land Company, Taubman Centers and the city ensure continued investment, while art, fashion and community events foster a vibrant public life