Aluminaire House rescued and relocated to Palm Springs
- Aluminaire House was once considered the most hated structure in New York City, resulting in its relocation.
- Vandalism and community opposition hindered its preservation in New York, leading to disassembly and storage.
- The successful journey of the house to Palm Springs symbolizes a significant victory for architectural preservationists.
In the United States, the Aluminaire House, a distinctive all-metal structure, was initially celebrated but later became one of the most disliked houses in New York City. After its 1931 exhibit and subsequent display at the Museum of Modern Art in 1932, the house fell into private hands and was moved multiple times across Long Island. By 2012, it faced severe vandalism, leading to its disassembly and storage. Architects Frances Campani and Adam Schwarting were determined to find a better fate for the house. After local opposition prevented its placement in Sunnyside Gardens, the house found a new home in Palm Springs, California, after Campani and Schwarting spoke at Palm Springs' Modernism Week. With assistance from local advocates, the house was transported in early 2017 over a distance of 2,800 miles to the Palm Springs Art Museum, culminating a long and arduous journey and breathing new life into this historic structure. Its relocation signifies a successful preservation effort amidst its tumultuous past and ongoing discussions about architectural significance and heritage in urban development.