The Development of Canyon Estates
Canyon Estates is a classic mid-century modern community of elegant homes in a great location for a wonderful lifestyle. Canyon Estates was developed using the design of architect Charles E. Du Bois, AIA by Palm Springs developer Roy Fey in conjunction with Great-West Life Assurance Company of Canada. Great-West obtained the lease on Agua Caliente Indian land when the original lessee and developer of the land went out of business. Great West provided financing with the lease as collateral to the loan. Construction began by Fey Construction Company in the late 1960's on raw desert. Fifty-eight subcontractors completed the project under Mr. Fey's guidance and Canyon Estates models were open for viewing on Sunday, April 5, 1970.
Canyon Estates was marketed as Condominium Homes and Country Club providing "The home-owners with the most magnificent and luxurious club house in the area..... Including an exclusive 9 hole golf course and two championship tennis courts.....Offering the ultimate in living indoors and out of doors....Giving Palm Springs the most elegant and completely new way of living geared to the Desert Area.." (quotes from full page advertisement in the Desert Sun, April 3 1979).
It was marketed heavily to mid-west and east coast buyers looking to get out of the long and cold winters.