Architect Albert Frey (1903-1998) designed many notable local landmarks such as Palm Springs City Hall and the Aerial Tramway Valley Station with John Porter Clark. His longtime personal residence in Palm Springs, Frey House ll, is perched on the hillside at the west end of Tahquitz Canyon Way. At the time it was completed in 1964, the home was at the highest elevation of any residence in the city. Frey took five years to select the site and a year to measure the movement of the sun using a 10-foot pole. After reviewing his plans, Palm Springs City Hall called the design "crazy" but finally gave its approval. One of the most famous elements of the property is the incorporation of a large boulder into the design. It protrudes into the house and acts as a divider between the bedroom and living room. By incorporating the boulder into the design, Frey acknowledged our role with nature.