Bullocks, Palm Springs. Walter Wurdeman and Welton Becket, A.I.A., Architects

THIS drive-in department store, located in a winter resort, is another - and very different example of the trend toward large-scale decentralized shopping units. Although the principal entrance for the automobile trade is on a rear parking court, design interest has been centered, perhaps by force of habit, on the sidewalk approach. Spaciousness, sunlight and hospitality are more important here than the token displays of seasonal merchandise.

The store's bold planes and masses, bathed in sunlight, stand out against a rugged setting of mountains and palm trees. Symmetrically placed wings enclose an attractive entrance patio. The vertical louvers of the second floor are designed for sun protection to lessen the air conditioning load. Materials and colors, outdoors and in, are in harmony with the store's shopping environment.

The heating and air conditioning system is of the 'reverse cycle" type having three freon compressors equipped with water-cooled condensers; three vertical shell and tube water chillers; circulating pumps, deep well pump, etc. Ten air conditioning units are placed above the suspended ceilings of the store and are used for both cooling and heating.

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source: Design for Modern Merchandising | An Architectural Record Book | 1954