HomeMy WebLinkAbout24943RESOLUTION NO. 24943
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA, DESIGNATING "THE
GOLDBERG RESIDENCE" LOCATED AT 2340
SOUTHRIDGE DRIVE AS CLASS 1 (LANDMARK)
HISTORIC RESOURCE HSPB #135, SUBJECT TO
CONDITIONS (APN# 510-250-006).
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS FINDS AND
DETERMINES AS FOLLOWS:
A. WHEREAS, Chapter 8.05 of the Palm Springs Municipal Code allows for the
designation of historic sites and districts; and
B. WHEREAS, David Zippel and Michael Johnston, owners submitted an application
for historic resource designation of the Goldberg Residence pursuant to Municipal Code
Section 8.05, and
C. WHEREAS, in June, 2021, members of the Historic Site Preservation Board
(HSPB) and City staff conducted site inspections of the proposed historic resource; and
D. WHEREAS, on July 6, 2021, a noticed public hearing of the Palm Springs Historic
Site Preservation Board to consider Case HSPB #135 was held in accordance with
applicable law; and
E. WHEREAS, at the said hearing, the HSPB 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 and voted
unanimously to recommend Class 1 (Landmark) status to the City Council with conditions;
and
F. WHEREAS, on September 30, 2021, a noticed public hearing of the City Council
to consider Case HSPB #134 was held in accordance with applicable law; and
G. 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, CALIFORNIA DOES HEREBY
RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. That the foregoing recitals are true and correct and are incorporated herein
by this reference.
Resolution No. 24943
Page 2
SECTION 2. FINDINGS — PART "A", CRITERIA FOR HISTORIC RESOURCES.
Evaluation of the Application. Pursuant to Municipal Code Section 8.05.070 (C,1,a), the
HSPB shall evaluate the application and make findings in conformance with the following
criteria:
Criteria for the Designation of Class 1 Historic Resources. A site, structure, building or
object may be designated as a Class 1 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 Goldberg residence exhibits exceptional historic significance because of its
association with master architect Bill Cody and is an outstanding example of Modern
architecture from the mid -twentieth century.
(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 report notes that Stanley Goldberg was a successful businessman from Chicago
whose company is credited for the invention of a valve for aerosol dispensers. A chain
of title is provided in Appendix IV of the report however there are no persons associated
with the Goldberg residence who made a meaningful contribution to local, state or
national history. The site does not qualify under Criterion 2.
(Criterion 3) The resource reflects or exemplifies a particular period of
national, state or local history,
On page 13, the report asserts that the Goldberg residence exemplifies the mid -twentieth
century / post -World War II period in the development of Palm Springs when the Modern
architectural style grew in popularity and the City was becoming a favored leisure
destination for wealthy industrialists and celebrities from the movie industry. As such, the
site qualifies as a historic resource under Criterion 3.
(Criterion 4) The resource embodies the distinctive characteristics of a
type, period or method of construction. -
The ultra -thin roof edge profile of Cody's Goldberg residence would not be possible
without his adept use of steel as its primary construction material. Cody's early work in
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the desert, reflected in commissions such as the Del Marcos Hotel had a rather chunky
"Taliesin-like" organic quality with the use of rustic stone and dry -packed concrete mortar.
At Goldberg he employed steel to create thin columns and long expanses of very thin roof
fascias reducing the structural thickness of the roof to mere inches. The method of
construction created a distinctive "less is more" aesthetic of the Goldberg residence. As
such, the home qualifies as a historic site under criterion 4.
(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 Goldberg Residence is credited to master architect William F. ("Bill")
Cody (1916 — 1978). Beginning on page 7 the report documents Cody's architectural
career. Early in his career, Cody worked for the influential building and designer, Cliff
May. Cody's first independent work in Palm Springs was the Del Marcos Hotel (1947, a
Class 1 historic site). Other noteworthy commissions include the L'Horizon Hotel (1952),
The Springs Restaurant (1957, demolished), The El Dorado Country Club (1957),
Racquet Club Cottages West, (1960, a designated historic district)), The Abernathy
Residence (1962, Class 1 historic site), The Tramway Shell Gas Station (1964, a Class
1 historic site), "The Glass House" (Camino Norte), 1967, St Theresa's Catholic Church,
(1968), and the Palm Springs Library Center (1973).
As the report notes on page 11, Cody is considered among the most important twentieth
century architects in Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley. His work has helped define
what has become known as "Desert Modern architecture" and he continues to be
recognized for his architectural talent and versatility. As such the Goldberg residence
qualifies as a historic site because of its association with architect William Cody.
(Criterion 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 Goldberg residence qualifies under Criterion 6.
(Criterion 7) The resource has yielded or may be 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 3. FINDINGS: PART "B" ANALYSIS OF INTEGRITY.
Analysis of Integrity. (PSMC 8.05.070 (C,1,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,
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materials, workmanship, location, setting, feeling, or association.
Beginning on page 15 of the report is 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 and is further analyzed below:
1. Location:
The Goldberg 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 Goldberg Residence. Those
changes that have been made are described in the report beginning on page 3. Recent
renovation efforts restored the atrium courtyard, introduction of a frosted glass privacy
gate at the carport, restoration of the tall slab entry doors, removal of the original pool and
replacement with a new pool in the same location, but oriented perpendicular to the front
fagade of the home, new dual glazed sliding glass doors and windows, and a portion of
the thin planter near the main entry was converted to a water feature. Mosaic the originally
in the stair landings has been replaced with terrazzo. Retractable sunshades and misters
were recently added to the loggia canopy.
On the back sides of the home, some modification including an addition at the master
bathroom were made, which are finished in the same stucco finish matching that of the
original exterior wall surfaces. As noted on page 7, new windows were added in the rear
fagade in 2020 including a unique glazed corner window reflecting Cody's construction
drawings. An addition made at the southwest part of the house expanded one of the
bedrooms. Most of the alterations noted are minimal in their impact on the design, and
thus integrity of design remains strong.
3. Setting. -
The report analyzes the quality of Setting on page 17. It is noted that the setting — that of
a custom -designed home with sweeping views of the valley remain.
4. Materials:
The materials that comprise the Goldberg residence — stucco, steel, glass and concrete
remain intact and the home possess good material integrity.
5. Workmanship:
The workmanship in the Goldberg residence is typical of a custom -designed and built
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residence from the mid-century period. Thus, the home retains integrity of workmanship.
6. Feeling:
The design of the Goldberg residence provided a stylish, sophisticated atmosphere for its
owners and their guests. The feeling of casual contemporary living is still evident at the
Goldberg residence.
7. Association:
The architectural details of the Goldberg residence: the thin roofline, expansive use of
glass and steel, wide roof overhangs that shield the walls of glass, the simple unadorned
wall surfaces and pure geometric forms are notable elements often found in Cody's
residential design commissions from the 50's and 60's. The home's association with its
designer is still conveyed in its materials and design.
In conclusion, the Goldberg residence retains a high degree of historic integrity.
SECTION 4. DEFINING HISTORIC CHARACTERISTICS
In considering an application 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, but which 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.
The physical character -defining historic features of this site include the following:
1. The simple cubic forms
2. Smooth exterior surfaces of steel and stucco.
3. Expansive full height glazing.
4. Full -height slab -like entry doors.
5. An orthogonal grid steel structural system.
6. Broad covered patios with thin planer roofs and slender steel columns.
7. The flat roof with thin horizontal fascia.
8. The open carport.
9. The deep sheltering eaves and overhangs.
10. Terrazzo floors (interior and exterior).
The non-contributing features include the following:
1. The various additions to the home.
2. The landscaping.
3. The fountain at the entry adjacent to the carport.
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4. The swimming pool.
SECTION 5. 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 6. 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.
7. The site shall not be further subdivided.
8. 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 on the foregoing, the City Council hereby designates "The Goldberg Residence"
located at 2340 Southridge Drive, a Class 1 historic resource (Case HSPB #135).
ADOPTED THIS 30TH DAY OF SEPTEMBER, 2021.
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JUSTI FTON, MANAGER
ATTFST-
Resolution No. 24943
Page 7
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. 24943 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 September 30, 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 cJILe ✓
Anthony J�Mej�a; Aj�AA�; City Clerk
City of Pa Spri s, California
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