Whipping up interest in the desert

Gerald Casale of Devo fame has listed his home in Palm Desert for sale at $1.495 million.

Set on about half an acre of grounds, the well-preserved midcentury home was designed and built in 1963 by architectural firm Patten and Wild.

Fronted by desert landscaping and a wall of textile blocks, the broad single-story house features slate and cork floors, high ceilings and a centerpiece, split-rock fireplace in the living room. Floor-toceiling windows take in views of Mt. Eisenhower.

Chef ’s and prep kitchens, a dining room, an office, four bedrooms and four bathrooms lie within more than 3,200 square feet of living space.

In one of the bathrooms, a period glass-block wall serves as the backdrop for a Japanese-style soaking tub. Patios, succulent gardens, a fire pit and a swimming pool make up the backyard.

Casale has a history when it comes to midcentury homes. Two years ago, the Devo founding member sold the Richard Neutradesigned Kuns Residence in Hollywood Hills West, which he spent seven years restoring.

The 69-year-old singer and bass guitarist co-wrote much of the new wave band’s material, including the hit song “Whip It.” He turned his own design talents to helping create the band’s energy dome hats and radiation suits. He has scores of television and film soundtrack credits.

Casale bought the Palm Desert residence in 2005 for $1.2 million, public records show.

Rick Grahn of Deasy/Penner & Partners and Gregg Fletcher and

Richard Bartholomew of the Agency are the co-listing agents.