PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (May 3, 2006) -- A swizzle stick support beam directs the eye toward well-manicured fairways dotted by Mexican fan palms. Expansive windows and low sleek rooflines frame views of rugged mountain peaks. Sharp angles are juxtaposed with curves and champagne bubble cut-outs that denote a classic point in time – all with an edgy contemporary twist!

Welcome to the mid-century modern–styled clubhouse now under construction at the Escena Golf Club, destined to become the new “hot spot” in Palm Springs.

“The clubhouse has been uniquely styled to serve as both the architectural and social centerpiece of Escena Palm Springs, the first gated, golf-oriented residential retreat to be built in Palm Springs in 20 years,” said Holly McKie, vice president of marketing for Lennar. “The superb styling and modernistic detailing of the clubhouse will set the stage for what’s to come within the residential enclaves at Escena Palm Springs. And, very quickly, people will be stopping by the clubhouse to make lunch dates, attend charity functions, conduct a little business or just visit the 19th hole for rest and relaxation.”

Designed by Douglas Fredrikson Architects of Phoenix, AZ, the clubhouse at Escena Golf Club will include a large restaurant offering day-long dining and an expansive terrace lounge that extends outward for year-round al fresco dining. Back inside, the clubhouse will include a fully stocked golf shop featuring golf and casual attire from top designers. The clubhouse is expected to be completed and opened in early 2007.

“The distinctive clubhouse at Escena Palm Springs will complement the outstanding championship-style course by Nicklaus Design,” said McKie. “The par-72, 18-hole course was an immediate hit from the day it opened last November. Many golfers already are calling the course their new favorite in the Coachella Valley. And now, all of Palm Springs is excitedly awaiting the grand opening of the clubhouse.”

McKie noted that the classic design of the course and the spectacular backdrop of the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto mountains and desert vistas make it apparent that the Escena course is destined to become a landmark in Palm Springs.

“Players just keep coming back, and that’s a sure sign that you’ve got a hit on your hands,” said McKie. “In fact, the 48 local pro golfers who were recently invited out to play Escena gave the course high praise.”

The course, managed by Troon Golf, features towering palms, pepper trees and smaller native trees framing the fairways. Artistry on the links also includes multiple lakes and streams on nine of the 18 holes. The course is excellent for golfers of all skill levels, with experienced players teeing up for all 7,173 yards and the less experienced using forward tees set at just over 6,000 yards.

“The popularity of the course and the anticipation for the clubhouse have created a real buzz about Escena Palm Springs,” said McKie. “In fact, the clubhouse serves as an inspiration for the two spirited architectural styles that will be on display in the residential enclaves premiering later this year. Escena Palm Springs – its course, clubhouse and soon its residences --- will pay tribute to the celebrated character of the Palm Springs --- yet with its own sense of style. Its uniqueness will invite people to leave ‘the burbs’ behind in favor of a more urban – and urbane lifestyle --- that’s all within easy reach of the haute cuisine, outdoor cafes, chic clubs, art galleries, and trendy shops that now define Palm Springs. We are striving for an environment that’s clearly cosmopolitan without being stuffy, private but definitely not out of touch, and eclectic in a way that only comes from imagination.”

Rooted in the architecture of Palm Springs circa the early and mid-1900s, the residential enclaves of Escena Palm Springs have been designed to capture the vitality and high-tech hipness of today through two primary design palettes that include classic Spanish and mid-century modern architecture. The Spanish Series reflects the Spanish Revival Movement that brought Palm Springs into architectural prominence in the 1920s and 1930s. Homes in this series showcase Spanish Colonial, Spanish Monterey and Spanish Hacienda architecture. The Modern Series was inspired by Palm Springs residences built between the 1940s and 1960s, depicting Mid-Century Contemporary, Modernistic and International styling. Homes are anticipated to range in size from approximately 1,900 to 3,800 square feet.

“The escape of a desert home, the lure of the landscape, the ability to live in a place where being cool is part of the lifestyle is what will define Escena Palm Springs,” said McKie.

Escena Palm Springs is a joint venture of Lennar Communities and Empire Companies. Individual residential enclaves will be constructed by guest builders who abide by architectural design guidelines.

To get more information about the residences planned for Escena Palm Springs, go to www.EscenaPalmSprings.com and register on the interest list. For information about the Escena Palm Springs Golf Club, visit the same website and click on “golf” or call 760-778-2737 to schedule your tee times.