Monkey Tree

A long exposure photograph of the exterior of a building. The building has a very angular mid-century architecture style. The roof extends beyond the walls containing the building at an angle. It is then bisected by a support structure that creates a slightly obtuse angle. Under the roof the gate of an exterior wall mimics the same angled shape. A large glass window of the building can be seen with the interior illuminated by an atomic-age chandelier. A desk can be seen along with framed art on the walls. A lighted sidewalk path can be seen in the foreground leading to the gate. In the background faint outlines of palm trees can be seen.

Location:

Year:

2016

About:

The Monkey Tree hotel was built in the 1960s Palm Springs heyday. Designed by Albert Frey, an architect known for modern architecture in the desert.

After its glory days, the Monkey Tree was a nudists resort until 2016 when it got restored to its 1960s state by Kathy and Gary Friedle. They ditched their lives in NYC to try something new running the Monkey Tree.

They invited my wife to come stay and photograph the property and I tagged along. I took this photograph one night after drinks and pool time. I'm lucky it came out.

The Friedle's no longer own the Monkey Tree, but they do have this print hanging in their home.

Feel free to drop me an email if you want to know anything else.