Driven by community,
culture & history.
Enter the PortfolioThe Philosophy
Merging vision
with pragmatics.
Life & Times is a creative design and development company based in Pioneertown, California.
We are passionate about detail rich, thoughtful, contextually responsive, culturally driven and responsible placemaking. We don't believe design is the only thing that matters, but it sets the stage for all of our productions.
Deeply driven by community, culture and history, we steward historic properties and cultural spaces across the High Desert and beyond. We own the land beneath our projects because we believe real estate is the best way to protect what matters and build meaningful relationships with the communities we serve.
We are family owned and rooted in the California desert for the long term.
Established Properties
The Portfolio
Pioneertown, CA
Pioneertown Motel
Built in 1946 as a headquarters for Gene Autry and Roy Rogers as they filmed hundreds of Westerns, this historic desert lodge was Life & Times first foray into hospitality.
Pioneertown, CA
Red Dog Saloon
In partnership with Last Word Hospitality and Eric Alperin Enterprise, Life & Times restored this iconic western saloon in the heart of Pioneertown, California.
Whidbey Island, WA
Captain Whidbey
Life & Times acquired, restored and reimagined this historic 1907-built resort on Whidbey Island's Penn Cove.
Yucca Valley, CA
The Copper Room
Life & Times acquired and led the restoration of this historic restaurant on the Yucca Valley Airport alongside partners Last Word Hospitality and Eric Alperin Enterprises.
Pioneertown, CA
Pioneertown Gazette
Life & Times revived the original Pioneertown newspaper brand with special edition prints, high desert resources website and local newsletters.
The Pipeline
Upcoming Developments
Lord Fletcher Inn
Since 1966, Lord Fletcher Inn has been amongst the most iconic dining halls in Rancho Mirage. Frank Sinatra visited a lot of places, but those who knew him best will tell you that Lord Fletcher's was his favorite.
Expected 2026 — Rancho Mirage
Miracle Hill
Miracle Hill Hot Springs & Leisure Club is Life & Times first ground up development and first chapter in the wellness hospitality space.
Expected 2027 — Desert Hot Springs
The Partners
Who We Are
Founder
Mike French
Vision, brand, and the long game.
Founder
Matt French
Design, deals and development.
Design Partner
Eric Cheong
Design and creative direction.
Partner
Last Word Hospitality
Food & beverage operations.
Partner
Alperin Enterprises
Beverage programming.
Operator
Columbia Hospitality
Hotel management and operations.