These houses, collectively known as "Alexanders," have come to be appreciated for their rational designs, modernist style, and innovative construction and are now highly sought after, selling for a premium over their more conventional contemporaries.

The company was founded by George Alexander and his son Robert, building starter houses of 1,200 square feet (110 m2) priced moderately at $19,500 in south Palm Springs, a location at that time not considered fashionable.

Alexander, his son, daughter in law and wife perished in a plane crash leaving Palm Springs for Los Angeles.

Dinah Shore, Darren McGavin, Dean Martin, Joan Collins, Marilyn Monroe, and Harold Robbins each owned an "Alexander."

[2] Exceptions include those with an A-frame facade, known as "Swiss Misses",[3] and homes in the Green Fairway Estates[4] tract in south Palm Springs.