Paradise Palms / DOCO MOMO Tour Day 2015

Paradise Palms partnered with DOCO MOMO for the third year in a row on it's national day out, celebrated the second weekend of October every year. Volunteers from the community and 55 guests climbed aboard a double decker open-air bus for an afternoon of cocktails, midcentury architecture and lots of sunshine. We toured three very special homes, learned about the history of portions of the community and got a glimpse of the celebrity past of the community. We want to thank all of our guests, volunteers, and homeowners who graciously opened up their doors; you all made our 2015 Tour Day a huge success. THANK YOU.

Tropical Estates in Paradise Palms - The Americana

The fourth and final featured Tropical Estates home is the Americana. The name of this model is slightly ironic, since one of the other major home builders in Paradise Palms at the time was a company named Americana Homes. The Americana was a very popular model for Tropical Estates, with "sweeping exterior lines that create an impressive impression." Some of the defining features of this model include indoor planters adjacent to the fireplace and master bathroom, a skylight in the master bathroom and an enclosed front patio. 

Paradise Palms October Social Club

Tropical Estates in Paradise Palms - The Geneva

The Geneva is the third of four featured Tropical Estates Models in Paradise Palms. Noted as "a true example of the architect's loving care in molding the exterior detail to fit the mood of Tropical Estate Homes," the "beauty of the interior plan is so simple and functional that if fits the comfort and convenience of the most exacting family." Two defining features of this model were the separate dressing area with sink in the master bedroom and uniquely midcentury square bath tub in the master bathroom. Also interesting to note is that the floor plan depicts a single-entry front door, while the elevation drawing depicts a double door. The built versions that we've seen have a single-entry door. 

Tropical Estates in Paradise Palms - The Islander

The Islander is the second of four featured Tropical Estates models in Paradise Palms. With "sleek low lines", the Islander "leaves little to be desired in impressive, functional housing." The Islander also features one of Tropical Estates' other architectural hallmarks - indoor planters in the bathrooms. Note the angled foyer/kitchen which gives unique identity to these homes, along with the private front patio.

Tropical Estates in Paradise Palms - The Tropicana

First up for the four pictured Tropical Estates models is the Tropicana, designed as "the ultimate in picturesque architecture." With a split plan and decorative shadow block wall, this home offers "an unequaled planned interior". The screen detailing and wagon in the carport are pretty fantastic too. 

Tropical Estates in Paradise Palms

Thanks to UNLV Special Collections the Tropical Estates sales brochure has now been found. Tropical Estates is located roughly between Algonquin Drive, Ottawa Drive, Spencer Street and Pawnee Drive, and was built by Val and Lee Valentine, builders of the The Casino House.

Tropical Estates Location Map

There are approximately 101 Tropical Estates Homes in Paradise Palms which incorporate some of the most unique decorative concrete screen block found in the neighborhood. Other defining features of Tropical Estates include screened front patios/courtyards, sprawling ranch-style architecture, large sunken roman tubs in the master baths and double-door entries to the master bedroom. There were four initial semi-custom models available in Tropical Estates, which will be shared in separate upcoming posts. Here's a look at the original brochure, feature list, vignettes and location map.