Hugh M. Kaptur - Architect
Detroit born Hugh Michael Kaptur studied architectural engineering at the Lawrence Institute of Technology. During his service with the Marines in Southern California at Camp Pendleton, he met his first wife and designed a real estate office for their family, his first built project. After the service, in 1954, Kaptur returned with his family to Detroit, working in GM’s styling division.
During a trip to Palm Springs in 1956, Kaptur elected to stay and has remained ever since. In his early years in Palm Springs, he apprenticed in the firm of Wexler & Harrison for six months, a time that influenced him. Kaptur’s first own Palm Springs project was the Impala Lodge, now the Triangle Inn, in 1957-58. Other projects followed soon including the William Burgess Residence, the Pete Seva Residence and the Robert Leaver Residence (now demolished) all perched above Palisades Road on a rocky ledge with sweeping panoramic views of the valley floor.
Partnering briefly with architect Robert Ricciardi in 1961, the firm completed Palm Springs Fire Station #3 and the Palm Springs Golf Course Clubhouse. In 1961 he designed three different plans and elevations for the Ranch Construction Company and 25 homes were built just south of Racquet Club Road. While some of the houses were "remuddled", and architectural details were lost, many of them remain in their original condition and Nici's Pool House is one of the best of the preserved homes.
From 1965-1975 in partnership with Lawrence Lapham, Kaptur & Lapham designed lavish residences in the exclusive Thunderbird and Eldorado Country Clubs; other projects included the Tahquitz Plaza /Anderson Travel buildings (scheduled for demolition), and Palm Springs Fire Station #4. Also during this period, Kaptur remodeled the Casa Blanca Hotel into its current iteration as the Musicland Hotel (He privately admitted that it isn't one of his favorites.). He is probably best known for two Southridge homes, one for actor Steve McQueen (1968), the other for William Holden (1977).
From 1982-1992, in partnership with James Cioffi, the firm completed several residential and commercial projects in Palm Springs including the Villa Caballeros Condominiums and the Caballeros Plaza / Unified School District offices on Tahquitz Canyon Way.
During a trip to Palm Springs in 1956, Kaptur elected to stay and has remained ever since. In his early years in Palm Springs, he apprenticed in the firm of Wexler & Harrison for six months, a time that influenced him. Kaptur’s first own Palm Springs project was the Impala Lodge, now the Triangle Inn, in 1957-58. Other projects followed soon including the William Burgess Residence, the Pete Seva Residence and the Robert Leaver Residence (now demolished) all perched above Palisades Road on a rocky ledge with sweeping panoramic views of the valley floor.
Partnering briefly with architect Robert Ricciardi in 1961, the firm completed Palm Springs Fire Station #3 and the Palm Springs Golf Course Clubhouse. In 1961 he designed three different plans and elevations for the Ranch Construction Company and 25 homes were built just south of Racquet Club Road. While some of the houses were "remuddled", and architectural details were lost, many of them remain in their original condition and Nici's Pool House is one of the best of the preserved homes.
From 1965-1975 in partnership with Lawrence Lapham, Kaptur & Lapham designed lavish residences in the exclusive Thunderbird and Eldorado Country Clubs; other projects included the Tahquitz Plaza /Anderson Travel buildings (scheduled for demolition), and Palm Springs Fire Station #4. Also during this period, Kaptur remodeled the Casa Blanca Hotel into its current iteration as the Musicland Hotel (He privately admitted that it isn't one of his favorites.). He is probably best known for two Southridge homes, one for actor Steve McQueen (1968), the other for William Holden (1977).
From 1982-1992, in partnership with James Cioffi, the firm completed several residential and commercial projects in Palm Springs including the Villa Caballeros Condominiums and the Caballeros Plaza / Unified School District offices on Tahquitz Canyon Way.
Today
Bert Simonis and Hugh M. Kaptur reviewing a potential design change to Nici's Pool House.
Hugh is semi-retired, but his home office has a drafting table that sees regular use as Kaptur continues to work on various projects. Many of the preservationists in Palm Springs are starting to recognize Kaptur's contribution to mid-century architecture and he will soon be featured in a documentary being shot by a team of independent film makers.
In total, Hugh Kaptur's prolific portfolio includes more than 200 residences and 40-plus commercial and government projects in the Palm Springs area.
(Thank you to PSModCom.org for this bio.)
In total, Hugh Kaptur's prolific portfolio includes more than 200 residences and 40-plus commercial and government projects in the Palm Springs area.
(Thank you to PSModCom.org for this bio.)
Nici's Pool House is available for rent year around. Please check our calendar for current availability.
Please see the VRBO.com listing to make a reservation.
Please see the VRBO.com listing to make a reservation.
