HomeMy WebLinkAbout24921RESOLUTION NO. 24921
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA, DESIGNATING "THE
CROCKETT RESIDENCE" LOCATED AT 590 WEST LINDA
VISTA DRIVE, AS CLASS 1 (LANDMARK) HISTORIC
RESOURCE, SUBJECT TO CONDITIONS, HSPB #134,
(APN 513-193-014).
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS FINDS AND DETERMINES AS
FOLLOWS:
WHEREAS, Chapter 8.05 of the Palm Springs Municipal Code allows for the
designation of historic sites and districts; and
WHEREAS, Michael Horn, owner, submitted an application to the City seeking
historic site designation of the Crockett Residence located at 590 West Linda Vista Drive;
and
WHEREAS, in April 2021, members of the Historic Site Preservation Board
(HSPB) and City staff conducted site inspections of the proposed historic resource; and
WHEREAS, on May 4, 2021, a noticed public hearing of the Palm Springs Historic
Site Preservation Board to consider Case HSPB #134 was held in accordance with
applicable law; and
WHEREAS, at the said hearing, the HSPB carefully reviewed and considered all
the evidence presented in connection with the hearing on the project, including, but not
limited to, the staff report and all written and oral testimony presented and voted
unanimously to recommend Class 1 (Landmark) status to the City Council with conditions.
WHEREAS, on July 8, 2021, a noticed public hearing of the City Council to
consider Case HSPB #134 was held in accordance with applicable law; and
WHEREAS, at the said hearing, the City Council carefully reviewed and
considered all of the evidence presented in connection with the hearing on the project,
including, but not limited to, the staff report and all written and oral testimony presented.
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS RESOLVES:
SECTION 1: FINDINGS — PART "A", CRITERIA FOR HISTORIC RESOURCES.
Evaluation of the Application_ Pursuant to Municipal Code Section 8.05.070
(C,1,a), the City Council shall evaluate the application and make findings in
conformance with the following criteria:
Resolution No. 24921
Page 2
Criteria for the Designation of Class 9 Historic Resources. A site, structure, building
or object may be designated as a Class 9 historic resource, provided both of the
following findings ("a" and "b) are met:
a. The site, structure, building or object exhibits exceptional historic
significance and meets one or more of the criteria listed below.
The Crockett residence exhibits exceptional historic significance because of its
association with architectural designer Herbert Burns, is a noteworthy example of the Late
Moderne architectural style, and represents the post -World War II period in the
development of Palm Springs.
(Criterion 1) The resource is associated with events that have made a
meaningful contribution to the nation, state or community;
The report does not identify any events associated with the site; thus the site does not
qualify under Criterion 1.
(Criterion 2) The resource is associated with the lives of persons who
made a meaningful contribution to national, state or local history,
The home at 590 Linda Vista was commissioned by Merrill and Juanita Crockett. Crockett
and his family moved to Palm Springs in 1932. He worked as a registered pharmacist at
the Palm Springs Drug Store and eventually became owner of the Village Pharmacy in
downtown Palm Springs. Although Crockett was well-known in the small community, his
service to the community does not rise to a level of significance to be a qualifying factor
under Criterion 2. A list of subsequent owners is shown in Appendix 4; however, the
Council has concluded that none rise to the level of significance to be a qualifying factor
under Criterion 2.
(Criterion 3) The resource reflects or exemplifies a particular period of
national, state or local history;
On page 16, the report asserts that the Crockett residence exemplifies the Post World
War II period in the development of Palm Springs when the Modern architectural style
grew in popularity in Palm Springs. The home, built in 1951-52 possesses design
characteristics of this period such as simplified volumes with minimal decorative details
or ornament, a low flat roof with generous eaves and overhangs, large expanses of glass
on the rear elevation and large picture windows on the front and accents of Arizona
sandstone laid in long thin blocks. The City Council has determined that the home is a
noteworthy example of the post -World War 11 period in Palm Springs.
(Criterion 4) The resource embodies the distinctive characteristics of a
type, period or method of construction; 0
Resolution No. 24921
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The report asserts on page 16 and 17 that the Crockett residence embodies distinctive
characteristics of the type of construction found in examples of the late Moderne
architectural style. An addendum provided by the report author date stamped June 1, 2021,
provides information relative to characteristics of the Late Moderne architectural style.
The Citywide Historic Context Statement (2018, Historic Resources Group, page
360) describes Late Moderne architecture as "...incorporating elements of both
Streamline Moderne and International Modern style. It is characterized by an
emphasis on horizontality, flat roofs, minimal ornamentation, horizontal bands of
bezeled (banded) windows sometimes with aluminum louvers, operable steel sash
windows and projecting window frames."
Although the Crockett residence possesses horizontality and a flat roof, it has no ribbon
or louvered windows. However, as noted in the addendum to the report dated June 1,
2021, other recognized characteristics of Late Moderne include the integration of natural
materials such as natural rustic -cut stone and wood, groupings of thin, round steel pipe
columns supporting broad overhangs and cantilevered eaves, as well as ceiling coves
and indirect lighting. These elements are present in the design of the Crockett residence.
Thus, the Council has concluded that the Crockett residence embodies the distinctive
characteristics of the Late Moderne period in architectural design.
(Criterion 5) The resource presents the work of a master builder, designer,
artist, or architect whose individual genius influenced his age, or that
possesses high artistic value;
The design of the Crockett Residence is credited to architectural designer Herbert Burns
(1897 — 1988). Burns moved to the Palm Springs area in the late 1940's and had many
notable commissions including the Town & Desert Apartments, the 400 Building, the
Village Manor, Desert Hills Apartments and Holiday House Hotel. Although not a licensed
architect, Burns' architectural commissions possess a unique and consistent modern
style and aesthetic characterized by a horizontal emphasis strengthened visually by the
integration of a "double fascia" on the front facades, frequent use of horizontal blocks of
Arizona sandstone, set in tall piers that counter balance the horizontal rooflines, thin
vertical round pipe columns, generous eaves and flat unadorned stucco wall surfaces.
Burns' designs embraced the "indoor 1 outdoor" lifestyle of Palm Springs with expansive
sliding glass doors that open onto terraces and swimming pools. Often the strong vertical
and horizontal elements of Burns' designs would be balanced with the introduction of a
grid or series of large squares.
Burns' stylish yet casual architectural designs help define the "Desert Modern" style for
which Palm Springs has become internationally known. His architectural commissions
consistently exhibit refined and balanced proportions, attention to detail, careful blending
of materials and texture and possess high artistic value. For these reasons, the Council
has concluded that the Crockett Residence qualifies under Criterion 5.
Resolution No. 24921
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(Criferion 6) The resource represents a significant and distinguishable
entity whose components may lack individual distinction, as used in
evaluating applications for designation of historic districts, for parcels on
which more than one entity exists, or
The report does not assert that the Crocker residence qualifies under Criterion 6.
(Criterion 7) The resource has yielded or maybe likely to yield information
important to national, state or local history or prehistory.
No information has been provided in the historic resources report on any pre -historic
significance of the site.
SECTION 2: ANALYSIS OF INTEGRITY.
Analysis of Integrity. (PSMC 8.05.070 (C, 9,b). The site, structure, building or
object retains one or more of the following aspects of integrity, as established in
the Secretary of the Interior's Standards: integrity of design, materials,
workmanship, location, setting, feeling, or association.
The application includes an evaluation of the site relative to the seven aspects or qualities
of integrity, as recognized by the National Register of Historic Places. The seven aspects
or qualities include location, design, setting, materials, workmanship, feeling, and
association. The application concludes that the site retains a high degree of integrity.
Below is staffs evaluation of the site's integrity.
9. Location:
The Crockett residence remains in the same location that it was constructed, thus it
retains integrity of location.
2. Design:
There have been very few design modifications made to the Crockett Residence. Recent
renovation efforts restored the open carport (previously enclosed as a garage),
strengthened its design integrity. Alterations to the rear of the home to open the kitchen
area to the back yard have impacted the design integrity however the primary facade and
design characteristics remain mostly intact. The steel sash windows have been replaced
with dual -pane energy -efficient windows in vinyl frames, however the mullion pattern
reflects that of the original windows. A planter, composed of horizontal "ship -lap" wood
that originally existed to the right of the front door, has been removed at some time in the
past. The HSPB encouraged the property owner to consider replacing this element, which
would further strengthen the design integrity of the dwelling.
0
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3. Setting:
The report analyzes the quality of setting on page 19. It is noted that Burns took into
account the eclectic character of the Tennis Club neighborhood which had several
buildings designed in an "old West" aesthetic — with board and batten siding and wood
shake roofs. He integrated a small amount of board and batten material near the front
door of the Crockett Residence. With respect to the lot itself, the original setting was of
an expansive front yard of green grass. The setting has been altered. The grassy lawn
has been replaced with desert landscaping. Despite this change, the general setting —
that of a contemporary structure with strong horizontality in contrast with the rugged
topography of the nearby mountains remains.
4. Materials:
The materials that comprise the Crockett residence — stucco, Arizona sandstone, wood
and glass — remain intact. These reflect the typical building materials in use at the time
the Crockett residence was constructed.
5. Workmanship:
The workmanship in the Crockett residence is typical of a custom -designed and built
residence from the mid-century period. Thus, the home retains integrity of workmanship.
6. Feeling:
The design of the Crockett residence provided a stylish but informal atmosphere for its
owners and their guests. The feeling of casual contemporary living is still evident at the
Crockett residence.
7. Association:
The architectural details of the Crockett residence: the secondary fascia, the piers of thin
horizontally cut Arizona sandstone, and groupings of thin round steel pipe columns
combine to create a building that is easily recognizable as a Burns design. The home's
association with its designer is still conveyed in its materials and design.
In conclusion, the Crockett residence retains a high degree of historic integrity.
SECTION 3: DEFINING HISTORIC CHARACTERISTICS
In considering a recommendation for historic resource designation it is important to distinguish
those physical elements that are original or from the period of significance that contribute to
the resource's historic significance from alterations, additions or features that were added at a
later time that may be sympathetic to the original character, butwhich may create a false sense
of historicity. Distinguishing original character -defining features from non -original elements aids
the HSPB when it is tasked with evaluating future alterations to the historic resource.
Resolution No. 24921
Page 6
The physical character -defining historic features of this site include the following:
1. The flat roof with thin horizontal fascia.
2. Asymmetrical design in plan and elevation.
3. The secondary fascia across the front fagade.
4. The unpainted sandstone piers and fireplace.
5. The solid flat slab front door with center doorknob and decorative escutcheon.
6. The panel of vertical board and batten siding.
7. The grouping of thin round vertical steel pipe columns.
8. The panel of glass block beside the front entry.
9. The open carport.
10. The deep sheltering eaves and overhangs.
11. The expansive walls of glass on the rear (north) fagade and the angular alignment
of these doors and windows.
The non-contributing features include the following:
1. The aluminum replacement windows and sliding glass doors.
2. The desert landscaping in the front yard.
SECTION 4: ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
The proposed historic resource designation is not subject to the California Environmental
Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Sections 15060(c)(2) (the activity will not result in a direct
or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment) and 15060(c)(3)
(the activity is not a project as defined in Section 15378) of the CEQA Guidelines,
California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Chapter 3, because it has no potential for
resulting in physical changes to the environment, directly or indirectly.
SECTION 5: CONDITIONS THAT APPLY TO CLASS 1 HISTORIC SITES
According to Section 8.05 of the Municipal Code, the following shall apply to a Class 1
Historic Resource:
1. It shall meet the definition of a Class 1 historic site as outlined in Municipal Code
Section 8.05.020.
2. An archival file on the property shall be maintained by the City.
3. It may be qualified as 'historic' at the federal, state, and/or county level.
4. The structure/site may not be modified nor objects removed without following the
procedures outlined in Municipal Code Section 8.05.110 "Demolition or Alteration
of Class 1 and Class 2 Historic Resources — Certificate of Appropriateness".
5. A marker explaining the historic nature of the site may be installed at the site in a
location viewable from the public way.
6. Compliance with all rules and regulations for Historic Sites and Historic Districts
under Chapter 8.05 of the Municipal Code shall be required.
Resolution No. 24921
Page 7
7. The City Clerk shall submit the Council Resolution to the County recorder for
recordation within 90 days of the effective date of the Council's resolution.
Based upon the foregoing, the City Council hereby designates "The Crockett residence"
located at 590 West Linda Vista Road, a Class 1 (Landmark) Historic Resource (Case
HSPB #134).
ADOPTED THIS 8tn DAY OF JULY, 2021.
JUSTIN Ct FTON, CITY�ANAGER
ATTEST:
CERTIFICATION
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE ) ss.
CITY OF PALM SPRINGS)
I, ANTHONY J. MEJIA, City Clerk of the City of Palm Springs, hereby certify that
Resolution No. 24921 is a full, true, and correct copy, and was duly adopted at a regular
meeting of the City Council of the City of Palm Springs on July 8, 2021, by the following
vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Garner, Kors, Woods, Mayor Pro Tern Middleton, and
Mayor Holstege
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the official seal of the
City of Palm Springs, California, this _ day of c `
pony J. M jia, ity Clerk
City of PalmSprings', California