Borrego Modern

The mid-century modern architecture of San Diego's desert oasis of Borrego Springs is now gaining global attention through a newly launched website BorregoModern.com.

The site, dedicated to the "appreciation, education and preservation of Borrego's Mid-Century Modern architecture" is a collaborative effort sponsored by Bill Lawrence, former Chair of SOHO's Modernism Committee and the site's primary researcher, writer and publisher. BorregoModern.com features some of the most extensive research to date on the architects, designers, builders and backers who created this community and expands upon two mid-century modern tours sponsored by SOHO and the Borrego Springs Chamber of Commerce. (A third tour, planned for April 2009 is now in the planning stages.) The site also features editorial contributions from Todd Pitman, the architectural photography of Sandé Lollis and Mike D'Ambrosia, and is designed and programmed for the web by Kyna Nguyen.

Since its launch September 30th, the site has been featured in an article on Borrego's mid-century architecture in Los Angeles based Angelino Magazine and Riviera Interiors in San Diego, and has drawn visitors from around the country and even as far away as the Netherlands.

Bill and Suzanne Lawrence, purchased a 1959 "Fairway Cottage" designed by Richard Zerbe, AIA eight years ago. At the time little was known about who the architect was for their weekend getaway home. Researching who was involved in the design, and ultimately the Borrego community's historic roots, was the genesis for the exploration of Borrego's mid-century modern architecture. Bill describes the journey to the World Wide Web as one of tremendous work and satisfaction; one he hopes will help the community embrace and preserve its mid-century roots.