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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2B OCR1CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT DATE: January 28, 2021 PUBLIC HEARING SUBJECT: A RECOMMENDATION BY THE HISTORIC SITE PRESERVATION BOARD FOR CLASS 2 {HISTORIC MERIT) DESIGNATION OF THE PALM SPRINGS RACQUET CLUB, A CLASS 3 HISTORIC SITE, LOCATED AT 2743 NORTH INDIAN CANYON DRIVE (APN'S 504-040-038, and 504-133-002), CASE HSPB #83. FROM: David H. Ready, City Manager BY: Development Services Department SUMMARY: This is a request for the City Council to designate the Palm Springs Racquet Club as a Class 2 (Historic Merit) historic site. At its September 2019 meeting, the HSPB requested staff to prepare a recommendation on historic designation of the Racquet Club for City Council consideration. In July 2020, the City commissioned the firm Historic Resources Group ("HAG") to conduct an update to the historic resource study of the Racquet Club to determine whether the site still qualified as a historic resource, despite its deteriorated condition. The report finds that the Racquet Club has historic significance, however it lacks historic integrity that would qualify it as a Class 1 / Landmark historic site. The HSPB concurred and has forwarded a recommendation that the City Council designate it as a Class 2 (Historic Merit) historic site. RECOMMENDATION: 1. Open the public hearing and receive public testimony. 2. Close the public hearing and adopt Resolution __ , "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA, DESIGNATING ''THE PALM SPRINGS RACQUET CLUB" LOCATED AT 2473 NORTH INDIAN CANYON DRIVE, A CLASS 2 (HISTORIC MERIT) HISTORIC SITE, (HSPB #83), APN'S 504-040-038, and 504-133-002, SUBJECT TO CONDITIONS." rra~ NO. 2-12:> 2City Council Staff Report January 28, 2021 --Page 2 of 11 Case HSPB #83 -Historic Designation of the Palm Springs Racquet Club BACKGROUND AND SETTING: A historic resources report commissioned by the City of Palm Springs and prepared by Historic Resources Group ("HAG") dated July 14, 2020 ("the report") is the basis of this staff report. • 1. C111bhou,e • 2. Main Pool 3. Fanell House •4. Te111ais Coart • S. 1969 Buildiag 06.Bungl_, 6a. GeorgeAtexonderbuaplow D 7. Schiff Houoe 0 8. U11fini1hH Condo ~1.ing • 9. Prefnbricated Bailding • location of Fire (2014) Currently the following buildings and features exist at the Racquet Club: 1. The Clubhouse (containing the Bamboo Room, the Bogert Dining Room and kitchen). 2. Swimming pool. 3. Charlie Farrell residence. 4. Tennis court. 5. 1969 apartment building. 6. Seven bungalows. 3City Council Staff Report January 28, 2021 --Page 3 of 11 Case HSPB #83 -Historic Designation of the Palm Springs Racquet Club 7. The Schiff bungalow. 8. Unfinished condominium building. 9. Modular construction office building. Ownership Status 2011 I Purchase by the current owner. Related Relevant City Actions by HSPB, Planning, Fire, Building, etc ... Oct. 4, 2004 The owner commissioned the John Ash Group ("JAG") to conduct a historic resource survey and report as part of a redevelopment proposal (Case 5.1052 PDD 313). Sept. 13, 2005 HSPB reviewed a proposed mixed-use redevelopment of the Racquet Club (Case 5.1052) and recommended approval by the Planning Commission. May, 2012 HSPB initiated study on the Racquet Club to determine historic significance of the site. Dec. 3, & Dec Staff communicated with the owner by phone and in writing of the 16,2013 Board's interest in considering the historic significance of the site. May 13, 2014 Staff provided the HSPB with correspondence from the owner dated May 5, 2014 requesting that the HSPB not pursue a recommendation for Class 1 historic site designation until their redevelopment of the site was complete and declined the request for HSPB site visits. The HSPB tabled further study. Oct. 6, 2016 HSPB included the Racquet Club in its top six work plan priorities for FY16/17. Nov.2,2016 Staff sent written correspondence to the owner of the HSPB's work plan. April 27, 2017 Staff sent written notice to the owner regarding a public hearing of the HSPB on May 9, 2017 to consider the Racquet Club. May 9, 2017 HSPB voted unanimously to recommend that the City Council designate the Racquet Club as a Class 1 historic site. June 21, 2017 The City Council directed the City Clerk to re-notice the public hearings due to noticing errors. (Subsequently, the public hearing of the City Council was not scheduled at the request of the property owner.) January 9, 2019 City Council adopted new historic preservation ordinance establishing the Class 3 list which included the Racquet Club. Sept.,2019 The HSPB again requested staff to schedule site visits and schedule a public hearing for the board to consider making a possible recommendation to City Council for historic designation. Sept. 2020 The HSPB conducted on-site visits accompanied by City staff. October 6, 2020 The HSPB voted 5-0-1 (Burkett absent) to recommend that the City Council designate the Palm Springs Racquet Club as a Class 2 historic site. 4City Council Staff Report January 28, 2021 --Page 4 of 11 Case HSPB #83 -Historic Designation of the Palm Springs Racquet Club ANALYSIS: Historic Preservation activities in Palm Springs are regulated under Municipal Code Section 8.05 ("Historic Preservation'). The purpose of the Historic Preservation Ordinance is: " ... to stabilize and improve buildings, structures or areas which are considered to be of historical, architectural, archaeological or ecological value, to foster civic beauty, to strengthen the local economy and to promote the use of historic resources for the education and welfare of the citizens." Standard Conditions that apply to Class 2 Historic Sites or Resources The following would apply to a Class 2 Historic Site or Resource: 1. It shall meet the definition of a Class 2 historic resource as outlined in Municipal Code Section 8.05.020 including the findings outlined in Section 8.05.070 (C). 2. An archival file on the property shall be maintained by the City. 3. A marker explaining the historic nature of the site may be installed at the site in a location viewable from the public way. 4. Compliance with all rules and regulations for Historic Resources and Historic Districts under Chapter 8.05 of the Municipal Code. 5. If designated, the findings in support of designation shall be stated in a resolution of the City Council that shall be recorded with the County Recorders' office within 90 days of the effective date of the Council's resolution. 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: Criteria for the Designation of Class 1 and Class 2 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 HSPB found that the Racquet Club exhibits exceptional historic significance as an early example of commercial recreational development in Palm Springs with a direct association with the tourism industry and the Hollywood social scene in the City, and for its association with actor, developer and former mayor Charlie Farrell. Beginning on page 30, the historic resource report evaluates the Racquet Club relative to the following criteria findings in the City's Municipal Code. 5City Council Staff Report January 28, 2021 --Page 5 of 11 Case HSPB #83 -Historic Designation of the Palm Springs Racquet Club (Criterion 1) The resource is associated with events that have made a meaningful contribution to the nation, state or community; The report notes that the Racquet Club was host to several tennis tournament events in the 1950's. Although previous surveys acknowledged that the tennis tournaments contributed to the allure and reputation of Palm Springs as a sophisticated glamorous destination, the HRG report notes these tournaments were consistent with other golf and tennis events occurring in Palm Springs and were not the primary reason that the Club achieved significance. Thus the HSPB did not find "events" as a qualifying criterion. (Criterion 2) The resource is associated with the lives of persons who made a meaningful contribution to national, state or local history; The report identifies Charlie Farrell (1900 -1990) as a person who made a meaningful contribution to local and national history both as owner, developer and manager of the Racquet Club, as an important person in the entertainment industry and as mayor of Palm Springs from 194 7 to 1955. The report asserts that the Racquet Club is "inextricably tied to Farrell's productive life, being both his business and his primary residence for over twenty years. It notes that Farrell continued to appear in films and on television during his ownership of the Club and the Club even served as the setting for his television show. From 1938 until 1959 the Farrell's lived in a single family residence at the Racquet Club.1 Thus the HSPB found that the Palm Springs Racquet Club qualifies as a historic resource under Criterion 2 for its association with Charlie Farrell. (Criterion 3) The resource reflects or exemplifies a particular period of national, state or local history; The report notes that the Racquet Club's significance continued through the post World War II period as services, amenities and features continued to be added to meet the increasing demand and interests of its celebrity clientele. The report defines the period of significance for the Racquet Club from 1934 to 1969. 2 The Racquet Club is historically significant because it reflects the period in which Palm Springs was a favored getaway for celebrities from the movie industry which cemented Palm Springs' reputation as a glamorous resort destination. As such the Racquet Club qualifies as a historic site under Criterion 3, exemplifying the period in history when Palm Springs' rose in prominence as a favored destination for celebrities and those 1 After Farrell sold the Racquet Club in 1959, the residence was renovated and expanded to accommodate commercial-recreational uses associated with the Club. 2 Previous studies of the Racquet Club defined period of significance through 1960, however post-war improvements including the Schiff House and construction of additional tennis courts continued through 1969. 6City Council Staff Report January 28, 2021 --Page 6 of 11 Case HSPB #83 -Historic Designation of the Palm Springs Racquet Club associated with the movie industry. (Criterion 4) The resource embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period or method of construction; Most of the early buildings at the Racquet Club were constructed in a casual ranch style architecture with board and batten siding and wood shake shingle roofs; a style that was popular in Palm Springs in the 1930's. According to earlier historic resource reports, the Frey bungalows were also originally clad in board and batten siding and wood shake roofs, however they are currently clad in stucco with cementitious shingle roofs. The extensive alterations that occurred on most of the buildings over time have significantly impaired their historic integrity and thus, the HSPB concluded that the Racquet Club does not exhibit historic significance 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; Beginning on page 33, the report discusses the association of the Racquet Club with master architect Albert Frey. Between 1945 and 1951, Frey designed fifteen (15) modest bungalows along the southern portion of the Racquet Club property. Eight of those including one referred to as ''The Schiff Residence" remain on the site and the others have been demolished. The report states that the bungalows are "simple, utilitarian buildings, and do not exemplify Frey's groundbreaking work in Desert Modernism." In 1955, one of the bungalows was purchased by the Schiff family. The Schiffs commissioned Frey in 1961 to design an addition that included a unique semi-circular glass-walled pool enclosure which featured a series of unique large round skylights in its roof. Past reports on the Racquet Club asserted that the 1961 Schiff House additions were more reflective of Frey's Modernist-inspired commissions, however the current report does not make that assertion. Although the HSPB did not find the Racquet Club's association with Albert Frey as sufficient to qualify the site as a historic resource under Criterion 5, it did recommend that the Schiff Residence and one of the bungalows closest to the Schiff Residence be included as a contributing element to the historic significance and understanding of the Racquet Club site. (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 In contrast to past reports, the current report does not assert that the Racquet qualifies 7City Council Staff Report January 28, 2021 --Page 7 of 11 Case HSPB #83 -Historic Designation of the Palm Springs Racquet Club 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. 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, materials, workmanship, location, setting, feeling, or association. The report 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 site's Integrity was evaluated using the publication "How to Apply the National Register Criteria for Evaluation", as published by the U.S. Department of the Interior ("the bulletin"). As noted in the bulletin, for a conclusion to be drawn that a building has a high degree of historic integrity, it will always possess several, and usually most, of the aspects of integrity. "Determining which of the seven aspects are most important to a particular property requires knowing why, where and when the property is significant." The report concludes that the Racquet Club lacks sufficient integrity to qualify as a Class 1 / Landmark historic site. This conclusion is further explained below. 1. Location: The remaining buildings and elements at the Racquet Club remain on their original site, thus it retains integrity of location. 2. Design: The report notes that the Racquet Club has been significantly altered since the end of its period of significance. At least fifteen (15) buildings constructed during the period of significance and nearly all the landscape and hardscape features have been demolished, including eleven of the twelve tennis courts that were the very genesis for creation of the club. Furthermore, the buildings that do remain have been substantially altered. Thus the report concludes that the Racquet Club lacks integrity of design. 3. Setting: 8City Council Staff Report January 28, 2021 --Page 8 of 11 Case HSPB #83 -Historic Designation of the Palm Springs Racquet Club Historic photographs in the report show lush landscaping with mature trees dense shrubs and wide lawns with clusters of buildings connected by curvilinear roads and walkways. Nearly all the landscape and most of the buildings have been removed. Therefore the report concludes that the site lacks integrity of Setting. 4. Materials: The report notes that due to the substantial amount of alteration and demolition at the Racquet Club, the surviving buildings lack integrity of materials. However there is a certain amount of material integrity that still exists because the exterior materials of the Farrell Residence and the restaurant / bamboo room building retain their board and batten siding and wood shake roofs. The bungalows do not retain material integrity, since the wood shake roofs have been replaced with cementitious shingles and the board and batten siding has been replaced with stucco. 5. Workmanship: The report notes that to retain integrity of workmanship, a property must retain the physical evidence of the crafts and construction techniques from its historic period. As noted above, since there is very little material integrity remaining on most of the buildings, the Racquet Club has insufficient evidence to retain integrity of workmanship. 6. Feeling: The report notes that due to the significant loss of setting, design, materials and workmanship, the demolition of numerous buildings and the destruction of the landscape, the Racquet Club has lost its integrity of feeling. 7. Association: The presence of the remnant features: the clubhouse (including the Bamboo Room), the Farrell residence, the bungalows, tennis court and the main pool, continue to convey their association with the Racquet Club and the recreational and resort development in Palm Springs from the period of the 30's through the 60's. Therefore the remnant features retain integrity of association Although the Racquet Club retains integrity of Location and Association, it lacks integrity of Setting, Design, Materials, Workmanship, and Feeling. Thus the HSPB concluded that the Racquet Club is eligible as a Class 2 I Historic Merit historic site, but lacks sufficient integrity to qualify as a Class 1 / Landmark historic site. CONTRIBUTING FEATURES AND DEFINING HISTORIC CHARACTERISTICS On page 38, the report identifies that all the surviving buildings and features from the 9City Council Staff Report January 28, 2021 --Page 9 of 11 Case HSPB #83 -Historic Designation of the Palm Springs Racquet Club period of significance collectively contribute to the Racquet Club's eligibility as a Class 2 / Historic Merit historic site. The report notes that although these surviving remnants are either badly deteriorated or have suffered substantial alterations that significantly impair their historic integrity, they collectively convey an important aspect of the City's historic development that is deserving of official recognition. In making its recommendation, the HSPB balanced the historic importance of the site with the owners' desire to sell it and open as much of the site for redevelopment as possible. The HSPB recommended that fewer buildings be listed as "contributing" compared to the historic resource report as follows: The HSPB recommends six "contributing" elements: • The Tennis Court. • The Main Pool (including 20 feet around its perimeter as pool deck) • The Farrell Residence (excluding the 1985 addition). • The Schiff Residence (including the 1961 addition). • One of the Frey-designed bungalows. • Portions of the Clubhouse that contain the Bamboo Room and Bogert Dining Room. Of the total 9.6-acre site, these buildings are concentrated in two areas that occupy collectively just under 1.5 acres; leaving most of the site open and available for redevelopment. 10City Council Staff Report January 28, 2021 --Page 10 of 11 Case HSPB #83 -Historic Designation of the Palm Springs Racquet Club HPSB recommends the following ten elements as "Non-contributing": • The 1969 Building (and the parcel on which it is located identified by APN #504-133-001 ). • Six of the remaining Frey-designed bungalows. • The 2005 condominium building. • The modular construction office building. • Portions of the clubhouse not associated with the Bamboo Lounge / Bogert dining room. Staff recommends that if the City Council concurs with the HSPB's recommendation on non-contributing elements, that these non-contributing elements should be deemed to be "blighted structures" as defined in Municipal Code Section 8.80.120 (b) and pursuant to Municipal Code Section 8.05.130 (C,4,b(ii) (Demolition or Alteration of Class 3 and Class 4 buildings) it shall be found that it is in the public interest for the City to issue demolition permits on these non-contributing elements without entitlements for a replacement building or structure. With respect to the Bamboo Room within the Clubhouse building, staff advised the HSPB that the historic preservation ordinance does not provide a means to designate or regulate interior spaces of privately-owned structures. The board acknowledged this in their recommendation, and encouraged the owner to consider restoration of the Bamboo Room either in the existing Clubhouse building or to dismantle it and re-install it in a new building as part of redevelopment of the site. 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. CONCLUSION: The Racquet Club qualifies as a Class 2 historic site under Municipal Code Section 8.05. Staff recommends approval subject to the following conditions: 1. That the non-contributing elements should be deemed "blighted structures." 2. Encourage the owner to consider restoration of the Bamboo Room either in the existing Clubhouse building or to dismantle it and re-install it in a new building as 11City Council Staff Report January 28, 2021 --Page 11 of 11 Case HSPB #83 -Historic Designation of the Palm Springs Racquet Club part of redevelopment of the site. FISCAL IMPACT: No impact. SUBMITTED BY: Development Services Director David H. Ready, Esq., Ph. City Manager Attachments: 1. Vicinity Map. 2. Draft Resolution. 3. Historic Resources Report. 4. HSPB Resolution #83 A Marcus L. Fuller, MPA, P.E., P.L.S. Assistant City Manager 5. Excerpt of HSPB meeting minutes of October 6, 2020. 6. Public Comment letters. 12ATTACHMENT 1 13Department of Planning Services Vicinity Map ! I -~, .·,\\\_ I R1A ! R1A j I RG~6 :-r T ~~.....e!!!!!!!!!!!!-l!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!PSA-N~CA~R=Lo=s=R=o======z==::~~---l ; N s 1 ' ' ' C' I I I /R1'c ' \_t-'\ ..____R_,_1_c_--lLLI~ _·-=·-1--·-R11,c---·-~ ~z I j ! J~\ .-I a: ---. -i SEPULVEDA RD -~ \ i SAN MARCOWAY ' ............. _. i, \ O \ j f ;,• R1 C ) r,! ··--------· --·--·--R1c-~i --i __ \'t,\ _____ FRANCIS_QR_..._..,.. _ _J ,l ' \DOMING~EZ RD R2 ' t r a: C z 0 >-z ) . u ~ C --~ 1----R2 -----· ·-·-· -• R2 , -~ CORTEZ RD -· . -----~---,---~-i 1 1 "j l l ; l \ I 1 'l ! fl---·= . j i \ \;, ., ·, \ \ ! -n1 '· l • i \ \ .....--·-..~ · \ Legend .:::·.::·· } ... :..~~~_::~:.\_ t=.-,... ~ 01, r1r--·~ F I'm -····•· 1 1R2 . L----~ ~Site i \__,----··--v--·· .... J C~ .. ✓-~..-----...---...... __..,r--··-•soo• Radius }·rrr·-;···.1· .. -_J rr1--:_\ ~ 11 -/ i I (; . f i, f' O l Ozoning __ 1_,_ RACQUET CLUB RD ____ ,._1 __ __, -1 -Parcels ' I F I \ IR2 I 1--··-·-··~ CITY OF PALM SPRINGS 2743 N INDIAN CANYON DRIVE I R2 I ,-J R1C-I R1C 14ATTACHMENT 2 Draft Resolution 15RESOLUTION NO. __ A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA, DESIGNATING ''THE PALM SPRINGS RACQUET CLUB" LOCATED AT 2473 NORTH INDIAN CANYON DRIVE, A CLASS 2 (HISTORIC MERIT} HISTORIC SITE, (HSPB #83), APN'S 504-040-038, and 504-133-002. THE CITY COUNCIL 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, on September 10, 2019 at a regularly scheduled and noticed public meeting, the Historic Site Preservation Board ("HSPB") requested Case HSPB #83, the Palm Springs Racquet Club, be advanced to the City Council for determination; and C. WHEREAS, in December, 2019, staff solicited proposals for an updated historic resources report and the firm Historic Resources Group ("HRG") was selected to prepare the report; and D. WHEREAS, on August, 24, 2020, a historic resources report ("the report") prepared by HRG dated July 14, 2020 was delivered to members of the HSPB; and E. WHEREAS, in September, 2020, site visits of the Racquet Club were provided to members of the HSPB, accompanied by staff, and F. WHEREAS, on October 6, 2020, a noticed public hearing of the Palm Springs Historic Site Preservation Board to consider Case HSPB #83 was held in accordance with applicable law; and G. 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 5-0-1 (Burkett absent) to recommend that the City Council designate the Palm Springs Racquet Club a Class 2 (Historic Merit) historic site; and H. WHEREAS on January 28, 2021, a noticed public hearing of the City Council to consider Case HSPB #83 was held in accordance with applicable law; and I. 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. 16Resolution No. ___ -Case HSPB 83 -The Palm Springs Racquet Club Page 2 of 10 January 28, 2021 THE CITY COUNICL OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS RESOLVES: SECTION 1: 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: Criteria for the Designation of Class 1 and Class 2 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'J are met: a. The site, structure, building or object exhibits exceptional historic significance and meets one or more of the criteria listed below: The City Council finds that the Racquet Club exhibits exceptional historic significance as an early example of commercial recreational development in Palm Springs with a direct association with the tourism industry and the Hollywood social scene in the City, and for its association with actor, developer and former mayor Charlie Farrell. Beginning on page 30, the report evaluates the Racquet Club relative to the following criteria findings in the City's Municipal Code. (Criterion 1) The resource is associated with events that have made a meaningful contribution to the nation, state or community; The report notes that the Racquet Club was host to several tennis tournament events in the 1950's. Although previous surveys acknowledged that the tennis tournaments contributed to the allure and reputation of Palm Springs as a sophisticated glamorous destination, the HAG report notes these tournaments were consistent with other golf and tennis events occurring in Palm Springs and were not the primary reason that the Club achieved significance. Thus the City Council does not find "events" as a qualifying criterion. (Criterion 2) The resource is associated with the lives of persons who made a meaningful contribution to national, state or local history; The report identifies Charlie Farrell (1900 -1990) as a person who made a meaningful contribution to local and national history both as owner, developer and manager of the Racquet Club, as an important person in the entertainment industry and as mayor of Palm Springs from 1947 to 1955. The report asserts that the Racquet Club is "inextricably tied to Farrell's productive life, being both his business and his primary residence for over twenty years. It notes that Farrell continued to appear in films and on television during his ownership of the Club and the Club even served as the setting for his television show. From 1938 until 1959 the Farrell's lived in a single family residence 17Resolution No. ___ -Case HSPB 83 -The Palm Springs Racquet Club Page 3 of 10 January 28, 2021 at the Racquet Club.1 Thus the City Council finds that the Palm Springs Racquet Club qualifies as a historic resource under Criterion 2 for its association with Charlie Farrell. (Criterion 3) The resource reflects or exemplifies a particular period of national, state or local history; The report describes the Racquet Club as a unique example of recreational development in Palm Springs between the two World Wars. It was developed by celebrities to cater to a celebrity clientele and exemplifies Palm Springs' history as a getaway for the Hollywood elite from the 1930's through the 1960's. The report defines the period of significance for the Racquet Club from 1934 to 1969.2 The Racquet Club is historically significant because it reflects the period in which Palm Springs was a favored getaway for celebrities from the movie industry which cemented Palm Springs' reputation as a glamorous resort destination. As such the City Council asserts that the Racquet Club qualifies as a historic site under Criterion 3, exemplifying the period in history when Palm Springs' rose in prominence as a favored destination for celebrities and those associated with the movie industry. (Criterion 4) The resource embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period or method of construction; Most of the early buildings at the Racquet Club were constructed in a casual ranch style architecture with board and batten siding and wood shake shingle roofs; a style that was popular in Palm Springs in the 1930's. According to earlier historic resource reports, the Frey bungalows were also originally clad in board and batten siding and wood shake roofs, however they are currently clad in stucco with cementitious shingle roofs. The extensive alterations that occurred on most of the buildings over time have significantly impaired their historic integrity and thus, the City Council concludes that the Racquet Club does not exhibit historic significance under Criterion 4 as exemplifying a unique type, period or method of construction. (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; Beginning on page 33, the report discusses the association of the Racquet Club with master architect Albert Frey. Between 1945 and 1951, Frey designed fifteen (15) modest bungalows along the southern portion of the Racquet Club property. Eight of 1 After Farrell sold the Racquet Club in 1959, the residence was renovated and expanded to accommodate commercial-recreational uses associated with the Club. 2 Previous studies of the Racquet Club defined period of significance through 1960, however post-war improvements including the Schiff House and construction of additional tennis courts continued through 1969. 18Resolution No. ___ -Case HSPB 83 -The Palm Springs Racquet Club Page 4 of 10 January 28, 2021 those including one referred to as ''The Schiff Residence" remain on the site and the others have been demolished. The report states that the bungalows are "simple, utilitarian buildings, and do not exemplify Frey's groundbreaking work in Desert Modernism." In 1955, one of the bungalows was purchased by the Schiff family. The Schiffs commissioned Frey in 1961 to design an addition that included a unique semi-circular glass-walled pool enclosure which featured a series of unique large round skylights in its roof. Past reports on the Racquet Club asserted that the 1961 Schiff House additions were more reflective of Frey's Modernist-inspired commissions, however the current report does not make that assertion. Although the HSPB did not find the Racquet Club's association with Albert Frey as sufficient to qualify the site as a historic resource under Criterion 5, it did recommend that the Schiff Residence and one of the bungalows closest to the Schiff Residence be included as a contributing element to the historic significance and understanding of the Racquet Club site. (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 In contrast to past reports, the current report does not assert that the Racquet Club 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. Conclusion: The Council finds the Racquet Club qualifies as a historic site on the basis of Criteria 2 (association with persons of significance) and 3 (representing an important period in local history). SECTION 2: ANALYSIS OF INTEGRITY. (PSMC 8.05.070 (C, 1,b). The City Council shall make findings that 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 report 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 site's Integrity was evaluated using the publication "How to Apply the National Register Criteria for Evaluation", as published by the U.S. Department of the 19Resolution No. ___ -Case HSPB 83 -The Palm Springs Racquet Club Page 5 of 10 January 28, 2021 Interior ("the bulletin"). As noted in the bulletin, for a conclusion to be drawn that a building has a high degree of historic integrity, it will always possess several, and usually most, of the aspects of integrity. "Determining which of the seven aspects are most important to a particular property requires knowing why, where and when the property is significant." The report concludes that the Racquet Club lacks sufficient integrity to qualify as a Class 1 / Landmark historic site. This conclusion is further explained below. 1. Location: The remaining buildings and elements at the Racquet Club remain on their original site, thus it retains integrity of location. 2. Design: The report notes that the Racquet Club has been significantly altered since the end of its period of significance. At least fifteen (15) buildings constructed during the period of significance and nearly all the landscape and hardscape features have been demolished, including eleven of the twelve tennis courts that were the very genesis for creation of the club. Furthermore, the buildings that do remain have been substantially altered. Thus the report concludes that the Racquet Club lacks integrity of design. 3. Setting: Historic photographs in the report show lush landscaping with mature trees dense shrubs and wide lawns with clusters of buildings connected by curvilinear roads and walkways. Nearly all the landscape and most of the buildings have been removed. Therefore the report concludes that the site lacks integrity of Setting. 4. Materials: The report notes that due to the substantial amount of alteration and demolition at the Racquet Club, the surviving buildings lack integrity of materials. However there is a certain amount of material integrity that still exists because the exterior materials of the Farrell Residence and the restaurant I bamboo room building retain their board and batten siding and wood shake roofs. The bungalows do not retain material integrity, since the wood shake roofs have been replaced with cementitious shingles and the board and batten siding has been replaced with stucco. 5. Workmanship: The report notes that to retain integrity of workmanship, a property must retain the physical evidence of the crafts and construction techniques from its historic period. As noted above, since there is very little material integrity remaining on most of the buildings, the Racquet Club has insufficient evidence to retain integrity of workmanship. 20Resolution No. ___ -Case HSPB 83 -The Palm Springs Racquet Club Page 6 of 10 January 28, 2021 6. Feeling: The report notes that due to the significant loss of setting, design, materials and workmanship, the demolition of numerous buildings and the destruction of the landscape, the Racquet Club has lost its integrity of feeling. 7. Association: The presence of the remnant features: the clubhouse (including the Bamboo Room), the Farrell residence, the bungalows, tennis court and the main pool, continue to convey their association with the Racquet Club and the recreational and resort development in Palm Springs from the period of the 30's through the 60's. Therefore the remnant features retain integrity of association Conclusion: Although the Racquet Club retains integrity of Location and Association, it lacks integrity of Setting, Design, Materials, Workmanship, and Feeling. Thus the City Council concludes that the Racquet Club is eligible as a Class 2 / Historic Merit historic site, but lacks sufficient integrity to qualify as a Class 1 / Landmark historic site. SECTION 3: CONTRIBUTING FEATURES AND DEFINING HISTORIC CHARACTERISTICS On page 38, the report identifies that all the surviving buildings and features from the period of significance collectively contribute to the Racquet Club's eligibility as a Class 2 / Historic Merit historic site. The report notes that although these surviving remnants are either badly deteriorated or have suffered substantial alterations that significantly impair their historic integrity, they collectively convey an important aspect of the City's historic development that is deserving of official recognition. In making its determination, the City Council balanced the historic importance of the site with the owners' desire to sell it and open as much of the site for redevelopment as possible. The City Council has determined that fewer buildings shall be listed as "contributing" compared to the historic resource report as follows: The City Council has determined the following six elements to be "contributing" to the historic significance of the Racquet Club: • The Tennis Court. • The Main Pool (including 20 feet around its perimeter as pool deck) • The Farrell Residence (excluding the 1985 addition). • The Schiff Residence (including the 1961 addition). • One of the Frey-designed bungalows. 21Resolution No. ___ -Case HSPB 83 -The Palm Springs Racquet Club Page 7 of 10 January 28, 2021 • Portions of the Clubhouse that contain the Bamboo Room and Bogert Dining Room3• Of the total 9.6-acre site, these buildings occupy collectively roughly 1.5 acres. The City Council further determines that the following ten elements are "Non-contributing" and constitute blight, and may be demolished without entitlements for new structures upon issuance of a demolition permit. • The 1969 Building (and the parcel on which it is located identified by APN #504-133-001 ). • Six of the remaining Frey-designed bungalows. • The 2005 condominium building. • The modular construction office building. • Portions of the clubhouse not associated with the Bamboo Lounge / Bogert dining room. 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 2 HISTORIC SITES. According to Section 8.05 of the Municipal Code, the following shall apply to a Class 2 Historic Resource: 1. It shall meet the definition of a Class 2 historic resource 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. 3 Interiors of privately owned sites are exempt from HSPB review and designation. The City Council acknowledged this in its determination, encouraging the owner to consider restoration of the Bamboo Lounge and the Bogert Dining room, either in their present location, or reconstructed in a new structure. 22Resolution No. ___ -Case HSPB 83 -The Palm Springs Racquet Club Page 8 of 10 January 28, 2021 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 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. SECTION 6: SPECIFIC CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL. 1. The structures determined by the City Council to be "non-contributing" shall be deemed "blighted structures". The owner is hereby required to obtain a demolition permit and demolish them without requiring a replacement entitlement in place within 90 days of this action. 2. The owner is encouraged to preserve the Bamboo Room and Bogert dining room either in its current location or to dismantle them and re-install them in a new building as part of redevelopment of the site. Based upon the foregoing, the City Council designates "The Palm Springs Racquet Club located at 2743 North Indian Canyon Drive (APN's 504-040-038, and 504-133-002), a Class 2 (Historic Merit) site (Case HSPB #83) subject to conditions. ADOPTED THIS TWENTY-EIGHTH DAY OF JANUARY, 2021. ATTEST: Anthony J. Mejia, MMC City Clerk David H. Ready, City Manager 23Resolution No. ___ -Case HSPB 83 -The Palm Springs Racquet Club Page 9 of 10 January 28, 2021 24Resolution No. ___ -Case HSPB 83 -The Palm Springs Racquet Club Page 10 of 10 January 28, 2021 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. __ 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 January 28, 2021, by the following vote: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: ABSTAIN: IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the official seal of the City of Palm Springs, California, this twenty-eighth day of January, 2021. Anthony J. Mejia, MMC City Clerk 25ATTACHMENT 3 Historic Resources Report 26HISTORIC RESOURCES ASSESSMENT REPORT Palm Springs Racquet Club July 14, 2020 HISTORIC RESOURCES GROUP 12 S. Fair Oaks Avenue, Suite 200, Pasadena, CA 91105-3816 Telephone 626 793 2400, Facsimile 626 793 2401 www.historicresourcesgroup.com 27PREPARED FOR City of Palm Springs 3200 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way Palm Springs, CA 92262 HISTORIC RESOURCES ASSESSMENT REPORT Palm Springs Racquet Club HISTORIC RESOURCES GROUP 28TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. Introduction 4 2. Property Location 4 3. Assessment Methodology 6 4. Regulatory Framework 7 5. Previous Evaluations & Designations 10 6. Property Description 13 7. Site History 17 8. Historic Context 23 9. Evaluation of Eligibility 30 10. Conclusion 38 11. Bibliography 39 Appendix A: Recent Site Photographs Appendix B: Historic Photographs Appendix C: Historic Aerial Photographs Appendix D: Building Permit Chronology HISTORIC RESOURCES ASSESSMENT REPORT Palm Springs Racquet Club HISTORIC RESOURCES GROUP 294 1. INTRODUCTION At the request of the City of Palm Springs Planning Department, Historic Resources Group (HRG) has completed a historic resources assessment report for the Palm Springs Racquet Club, located at 2743 N. Indian Canyon Road in the City of Palm Springs, California (the "Property"). The Property was originally developed in 1933 as the Palm Springs Racquet Club; it operated in that capacity until it closed in 2002. It currently consists of three parcels, improved with thirteen one-and two-story commercial structures, constructed between 1934 and c. 2005. The Palm Springs Racquet Club has been assigned HSPB No. 83. This report evaluates the remaining features of the Palm Springs Racquet Club for potential eligibility for local designation as a Class 1 or Class 2 City of Palm Springs Historic Resource per the Palm Springs Municipal Code, Chapter 8.05. This evaluation is based upon a review of previous evaluations; primary and secondary source research related to the development of the Property; review of relevant historic contexts and themes; and an analysis under the integrity thresholds for local designation. 1 2. PROPERTY LOCATION The Palm Springs Racquet Club is located at 2743 N. Indian Canyon Road (APNs 504-040-038; 504-133-001; 504-133-002) in the City of Palm Springs, California. It is situated on the west side of the street, between Racquet Club Road to the south and San Rafael Drive to the north. The site is composed of three irregular parcels measuring approximately 10 acres. The site occupies generally flat terrain. It is surrounded primarily by one-and two-story residential properties. A location map is included in Figure 1, below. 1 The property is surrounded by a construction fence and many buildings are boarded up. It is not visible from the public right-of-way, and access to the site was not granted as part of this project. Observation from the public right-of-way was conducted on April 2, 2020, and aerial photographs and other documentation were used in the analysis. HISTORIC RESOURCES ASSESSMENT REPORT Palm Springs Racquet Club HISTORIC RESOURCES GROUP 305 Figure 1: Location Map HISTORIC RESOURCES ASSESSMENT REPORT Palm Springs Racquet Club HISTORIC RESOURCES GROUP 316 3. ASSESSMENT METHODOLGY The Palm Springs Racquet Club is evaluated in this report for potential eligibility for local designation. Given previous studies and documentation of the significance of the Property, this report focuses on whether the remnant buildings and site features retain sufficient historic integrity to convey their historic significance, using the integrity thresholds outlined in Chapter 8.05 "Historic Preservation" of the Palm Springs Municipal Code. This analysis is based on guidance from the National Park Service and the California Office of Historic Preservation for evaluating potential historic resources and identifying those aspects of integrity that are required for a property to convey its significance. Tasks performed in the preparation of this report include: • Review of previous evaluations of the Palm Springs Racquet Club • Research on the Property's development history, including building permits, historic photographs, aerial images, newspaper articles, and other published sources in order to determine changes to the site over time • Review of relevant historic contexts and themes as outlined in the City of Palm Springs Citywide Historic Context Statement (December 2018) • Review of technical guidance relating to the evaluation of historic resources at the federal, state, and local level, including the City of Palm Springs' Historic Preservation Ordinance (PSMC Chapter 8.05) • Review of technical guidance provided by the National Park Service for evaluating historic integrity Research and analysis were performed by Christine Lazzaretto, Managing Principal; John Locascio, AIA, Principal; Molly Iker-Johnson, Associate Architectural Historian; and Robby Aranguren, Planning Associate. All staff who contributed to this project are qualified professionals who meet or exceed the Secretary of the Interior's Professional Qualification Standards in their respective fields. HISTORIC RESOURCES ASSESSMENT REPORT Palm Springs Racquet Club HISTORIC RESOURCES GROUP 327 4. REGULATORY FRAMEWORK Palm Springs Historic Preservation Ordinance The City of Palm Springs has adopted a Historic Preservation Ordinance which establishes regulations and procedures for identifying, evaluating, designating, and preserving historic properties within city limits, as outlined in Chapter 8.05 "Historic Preservation" of the Palm Springs Municipal Code. The stated purpose of this chapter is to "[preserve] areas and specific buildings of the city which reflect elements of its cultural, social, economic, political, architectural and archaeological history. 2 The City's historic preservation ordinance defines a historic resource as "any site, structure, building or object not located on Tribal Trust or Allotted Trust Land which has been designated Class 1 or Class 2 status, or any identified contributing resource within a designated historic district. "3 The ordinance defines a Class 1 and Class 2 historic resources as follows: "Class 1 historic resource" means any site, structure, building or object not located on Tribal Trust or Allotted Trust Land designated by resolution of the City Council as having historic, architectural, archaeological, cultural or aesthetic significance that contributes to an understanding and awareness of the community's history. A Class 1 historic resource may include a structure, building or object on the site, or may include all or a portion of the site itself. "Class 2 historic resource" means a site, structure, building or object not located on Tribal Trust or Allotted Trust Land that does not qualify for Class 1 historic resource designation under this chapter, but is otherwise deserving of official recognition as having historic, architectural, archaeological, cultural or aesthetic significance and is designated as a Class 2 historic resource by resolution of the City Council. A Class 2 historic resource may lack some aspects of historic integrity, or may include a site where the structure, building or object of historic significance has been lost, damaged or removed. The Historic Preservation Ordinance defines the following criteria historic designation: 1. 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 the following findings are met: a. The site, structure, building or object exhibits exceptional historic significance and meets one or more of the criteria listed below: (i) The resource is associated with events that have made a meaningful contribution to the nation, state or community; or 2 PSMC Section 8.05.010. 3 PSMC Section 8.05.020. HISTORIC RESOURCES ASSESSMENT REPORT Palm Springs Racquet Club HISTORIC RESOURCES GROUP 338 (ii) The resource is associated with the lives of persons who made a meaningful contribution to national, state, or local history; or (iii) The resource reflects or exemplifies a particular period of national, state or local history; or (iv) The resource embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period or method of construction; or (v) 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; or ( vi) 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 (vii) The resource has yielded or may be likely to yield information important to national, state or local history or prehistory. b. The site, structure, building or object retains one or more of the following aspects of integrity as established by the Secretary of Interior's Standards: integrity of design, materials, workmanship, location, setting, feeling, or association. 2. Criteria for the Designation of Class 2 Historic Resources. A site, structure, building or object may be designated as a Class 2 historic resource, provided the site, structure, building or object exhibits significance and meets one or more of the criteria listed in subsection (C)(l)(a) above. A Class 2 historic resource shall not be required to meet the findings for integrity as described in subsection ( C)( 1 )(b) above. 4 Integrity In order to be eligible for local designation as a City of Palm Springs Historic Resource, the City's local ordinance requires an analysis of a property's historic integrity. Historic integrity is the ability of a property to convey its significance. It is defined by the National Park Service as "the authenticity of a property's historic identity, evidenced by the survival of physical characteristics that existed during the property's historic period."5 4 PSMC Section 8.05.070. 5 U.S. Department of the Interior, National Register Bulletin 16A: How to Complete the National Registration Form (Washington, D.C.: National Park Service, 1997). HISTORIC RESOURCES ASSESSMENT REPORT Palm Springs Racquet Club IDSTORIC RESOURCES GROUP 349 The National Park Service recognizes seven aspects or qualities that comprise integrity: Location, Setting, Design, Materials, Workmanship, Feeling, and Association. These aspects of integrity are defined as follows: • Location is the place where the historic property was constructed or the place where the historic event took place. • Setting is the physical environment of a historic property. • Design is the combination of elements that create the form, plan, space, structure, and style of a property. • Materials are the physical elements that were combined or deposited during a particular period of time and in a particular pattern or configuration to form a historic property. • Workmanship is the physical evidence of the crafts of a particular culture or people during any given period in history or prehistory. • Feeling is a property's expression of the aesthetic or historic sense of a particular period of time. • Association is the direct link between an important historic event or person and a historic property. 6 According to guidance from the National Park Service, a property that is eligible for designation will typically retain a majority of the identified character-defining features and will retain sufficient integrity to convey its significance. The required aspects of integrity are dependent on the reason for a property's significance. Increased age and rarity of the property type are also considerations when assessing integrity thresholds. For properties that are significant for their architectural merit, a higher priority is placed on integrity of design, materials, and workmanship. For properties that are significant for their association with important events or people, integrity of feeling and/or association may be more important. 7 6 U.S. Department of the Interior, National Register Bulletin 15: How to Apply the National Register Criteria/or Evaluation (Washington, D.C.: National Park Service, revised 2002). 7 National Register Bulletin I 5. HISTORIC RESOURCES ASSESSMENT REPORT Palm Springs Racquet Club HISTORIC RESOURCES GROUP 355. PREVIOUS EVALUATIONS & DESIGNATIONS Current Historic Status 10 The Palm Springs Racquet Club is included in the City of Palm Springs List of Class 1 and 2 Historic Sites, Historic Districts, and National Register-listed Properties as HSPB No. 83; its class is pending as of April 2, 2018.8 It is listed in Palm Springs' Citywide Historic Resource Inventory of eligible properties. 9 Historic Resources Surveys The City of Palm Springs initiated its first comprehensive historic resources survey in 1976 as a result of the community's desire to identify and document its rich architectural heritage. During that effort, primarily Native American sites were identified. Citywide surveys undertaken in 1983 and 1987 resulted in the creation of a base list of potential architectural and historical resources throughout the city. These surveys were updated in 2001 and 2004. As a result of these previous surveys and a variety of other efforts, the City had compiled a list of more than 700 properties. In 2014, the City of Palms Springs commissioned a citywide historic context statement and historic resources survey update of buildings constructed through 1969. The Palm Springs Racquet Club was identified in the 2004 survey and assigned a California Historical Resources Status Code of 5S3 ("Appears to be individually eligible for local listing or designation through survey evaluation"). Per the significance statement, the Racquet Club is significant as "an interesting example of a recreational building type and compound [representing] the overall development of Palm Springs, from rural desert village to urban town."10 This evaluation is noted in the California Office of Historic Preservation's Built Environment Resource Directory ("BERD") for Riverside County.11 The Property was reviewed as part of the 2014 survey update; however, it was not fully evaluated at that time because the property was not fully visible from the public right-of-way.12 The survey was conducted after the fire on July 23, 2014 that destroyed the two-story guest building ( 1969) at the northwest comer of the property. The property has been fenced off and boarded up since that time. The Palm Springs Racquet Club was therefore assigned a California 8 "Class 1 and Class 2 Historic Sites, Historic Districts, and Properties Listed on the National Register of Historic Place," City of Palm Springs, revised February 3, 2020. 9 "Citywide Historic Resource Inventory -Eligible," City of Palm Springs, revised January 2019. 10 Architectural Resources Group, "The Racquet Club," Department of Parks and Recreation Form 523, August 2003. 11 California Office of Historic Preservation, "Built Environment Resource Directory," 2020, https://ohp.parks.ca.gov/pages/1068/files/Riverside.csv (accessed May 2020). 12 "Citywide Historic Resource Inventory -Eligible," City of Palm Springs, revised January 2019. HISTORIC RESOURCES ASSESSMENT REPORT Palm Springs Racquet Club HISTORIC RESOURCES GROUP 3611 Historical Resources Status Code of 7R ("Identified in Reconnaissance Level Survey or in an Area of Potential Effect (APE): Not evaluated."). Previous Evaluations In 2004, John Ash Group Architects completed a historical resources assessment report for the Palm Springs Racquet Club property.13 The report concluded that the Racquet Club was eligible for local listing, and was "significant for its role as a haven for movie stars, promoting the development of Palm Springs," and as "an example of hotel architecture during the early and mid-twentieth century" containing examples of architect Albert Frey's work.14 The period of significance was defined as 1934, when the club officially opened for business, until 1960, during which time Albert Frey "made significant contributions to the site."15 The 2004 evaluation included a treatment program, noting which features should be restored, rehabilitated, or re-evaluated, and identifying which features could be altered or demolished. The plan suggested that the Schiff House and the Main Pool be restored; and that the lobby building, the Clubhouse, the Farrell House, Tennis Courts 1 and 2, and the covered footbridge be rehabilitated. The Bungalows, the buildings constructed in 1969 at the northwest corner of the property, and the early cottage building were to be evaluated further or rehabilitated; and the shed/storage building, maintenance buildings, and the connection between the housekeeping building and the early cottage building were to be demolished. Finally, the plan identified the housekeeping building; the maintenance building; the spa; the security shack; the gazebo; all but two tennis courts; the pool at the Bungalows; both two-story buildings at the northwest corner of the property; and later additions to the lobby, the Clubhouse, and the Farrell House as not significant. The plan noted that these features could be demolished or altered. 16 In 2006, the Palm Springs City Council adopted a Mitigated Negative Declaration ("MND") under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and approved Case 5.1052 PDD-313 and Tentative Tract Map 33334 for a mixed-use development of71 dwelling units, spa & gym, convenience store and restaurant/cocktail lounge. The final development plan was approved by the Planning Commission in 2007 .17 However, that plan was not completed. In 2007, Dick Gee, AIA, of JAG Architects prepared a State of California Department of Parks and Recreation Form 523 ("DPR Form") for the Palm Springs Racquet Club. The Property was 13 City of Palm Springs Planning Department, "Palm Springs Racquet Club: Historic Report," prepared by John Ash Group Architects under direction of Palm Springs Property, LLC, October 2004. 14 City of Palm Springs Planning Department, "Palm Springs Racquet Club: Historic Report," prepared by John Ash Group Architects under direction of Palm Springs Property, LLC, October 2004, p. 9-1. 15 City of Palm Springs Planning Department, "Palm Springs Racquet Club: Historic Report," prepared by John Ash Group Architects under direction of Palm Springs Property, LLC, October 2004, p. 3-5. 16 City of Palm Springs Planning Department, "Palm Springs Racquet Club: Historic Report," prepared by John Ash Group Architects under direction of Palm Springs Property, LLC, October 2004, p. 5-32. Since the 2004 report was completed, a number of buildings and site features were demolished. 17 City of Palm Springs, "Historic Site Preservation Board Staff Memorandum: Case HSPB #83 -The Palm Springs Racquet Club-2743 North Indian Canyon Drive," April 11, 2017. HISTORIC RESOURCES ASSESSMENT REPORT Palm Springs Racquet Club HISTORIC RESOURCES GROUP 3712 assigned a California Historical Resources Status Code of 3S ("Appears eligible for listing in the National Register as an individual property through survey evaluation"). Historically significant buildings on the property were identified, including the lobby and office building, the Clubhouse, the Farrell House, the cottage building, the Bungalows, and the Schiff House. The period of significance was identified as 1934 to 1960. HISTORIC RESOURCES ASSESSMENT REPORT Palm Springs Racquet Club IDSTORIC RESOURCES GROUP 3813 6. PROPERTY DESCRIPTION The Palm Springs Racquet Club property is not currently accessible. The description of existing conditions on the property is based on aerial photographs, observation of those buildings that are visible from the street, and available recent photographs. Site Description The Palm Springs Racquet Club property is located at 2743 N. Indian Canyon Drive in northern Palm Springs. It is situated on the west side of the street, between Racquet Club Road to the south and San Rafael Drive to the north. The site is currently composed of three irregular parcels totaling approximately 10 acres in area. The site is surrounded primarily by one-and two-story residential properties. The Property occupies generally flat terrain. There is a surface parking lot paved in asphaltic concrete at the southeast comer of the site; curvilinear roads paved in asphaltic concrete provide access from the southeast comer to the remainder of the site. There is an octagonal concrete pad at the east property line, and a number of mature trees and shrubs on the site. Architectural Description The Palm Springs Racquet Club property currently comprises 13 buildings, 1 tennis court, and 3 pools. The buildings are deeply set back from N. Indian Canyon Drive and are primarily oriented at a 45-degree angle to the road. A site map is included in Figure 2, below. Available recent photographs of the Property are in Appendix A. Clubhouse (Map #1) The Clubhouse is located in the northeast portion of the site. It is one story in height, with complex massing, asymmetrical composition, and an irregular, sprawling plan, with rectangular wings and volumes clustered around a raised, interior octagonal volume. The roof is a combination of gable, hip, bow, shed, and flat roofs with wide eaves and exposed rafter tails. Flat roofs are clad in built-up roofing; other roofs are clad in wood shakes. The octagonal volume has a pyramidal roof with a vented cupola and metal spire. Exterior walls are finished in a combination of vertical tongue-and-groove wood siding, grooved plywood paneling, expressed masonry, and cement plaster. Most windows and doors are boarded over and are not visible; the few visible windows are aluminum-framed fixed units. The Main Pool (Map #2) and remaining Tennis Court (Map #4) are located immediately southwest of the Clubhouse. Farrell House (Map #3) The Farrell House is located southwest of the Main Pool and Clubhouse, and southeast of the remaining Tennis Court. The house has a roughly square plan with a small projection at the HISTORIC RESOURCES ASSESSMENT REPORT Palm Springs Racquet Club HISTORIC RESOURCES GROUP 3914 northwest comer. The building is one story in height, with simple massing and asymmetrical composition. It has a hipped roof with open eaves, exposed rafter tails, and wood shake roofing. There is a flat built-up roof at the center of the building. Exterior walls are clad in wood board-and-batten siding and cement plaster. Windows and doors are boarded over and are not visible. 1969 Building 18 {Map #5) The 1969 Building is located in the northwest portion of the property. It has a roughly rectangular plan, complex massing and asymmetrical composition. It is one story in height with a taller central volume. It has a flat roof with wide soffits and built-up roofing; the taller central volume has a hipped roof with composition shingle roofing and a wide, flat soffit below the eaves. A flat-roofed canopy projecting from the west and south facades is supported by metal pipe columns. Exterior walls are finished in cement plaster. There are perforated concrete block screen walls at the southwest comer of the building and in the central portion of the east fac;ade. Windows and doors are boarded over and are not visible; some have projecting plaster surrounds. Bungalows {Map #6) The seven extant bungalows are clustered in the southwest portion of the property. Each bungalow is one story in height, with a roughly rectangular plan, simple massing, and asymmetrical composition. Each has a side-gable roof with open eaves, cementitious flat tile roofing, and an interior chimney. Exterior walls are finished in cement plaster. There is a recessed, partial-width porch with wood posts on the primary fac;ade of each bungalow. Windows and doors are boarded over and are not visible. Six of the bungalows have walled yards with pools; the seventh has a small, walled patio on the primary fac;ade. Schiff House {Map #7) The Schiff House is located at the southwest comer of the Property, immediately south of the bungalows. It is one story in height with an L-shape plan composed of one rectangular and one semicircular wing, simple massing, and asymmetrical composition. The front (east) portion of the house has a flat built-up roof with boxed eaves and circular skylights; the rear (west) portion has a side gable roof with composition shingle roofing. An indoor pool is located in the semi-circular projection at the southeast comer. Exterior walls are finished in cement plaster. The primary entrance is deeply recessed on the east fac;ade. Windows and doors are boarded over and are not visible. 18 This building is identified in the 2004 report as "Contemporary 2 Story Building." However, it appears that this is actually a one-story building with a taller central volume, and not a two-story building. HISTORIC RESOURCES ASSESSMENT REPORT Palm Springs Racquet Club HISTORIC RESOURCES GROUP 4015 Condominium Building {Map #8} The Condominium Building is located near the south edge of the Property, south of the Farrell House and east of the bungalows. Construction has not been completed on this building. It is a two-story building with a rectangular plan, simple massing, and asymmetrical composition. There is a flat roof with soffit, parapet, and built-up roofing. Exterior walls are plywood, and exterior openings are boarded up. Prefabricated Building (Map #9} The Prefabricated Building is located in the southeast portion of the Property, east of the Condominium Building. It is a one-story building sitting on jacks instead of a permanent foundation, with a rectangular plan, simple massing, and asymmetrical composition. It has a gable roof with boxed eaves, two wall dormers on the east fa~ade, and composition roofing. A partial-width recessed porch is located at the northeast corner. Exterior walls are clad in grooved panel siding. Windows and doors are boarded over and are not visible. HISTORIC RESOURCES ASSESSMENT REPORT Palm Springs Racquet Club HISTORIC RESOURCES GROUP 41Figure 2. Site Map 1'11.ttel 9aundari.e11 D 1. Clubhouse • 0 2. Mafn Pool • 3• Farrell HOWie • 4• Tenn& Court • 5. 1969 9uilding 0 6. eunstow11 6a. George A leumderbunp.law 0 7 • Schiff Hause • S. Unfini11hecl Conda 'Building D g. Prefabricated Building • location ofFfre (2014) HISTORIC RESOURCES ASSESSMENT REPORT Palm Springs Racquet Club HISTORIC RESOURCES GROUP 16 427. SITE HISTORY Current Setting 17 The Palm Springs Racquet Club property is currently occupied by 13 buildings, 1 tennis court, and several pools.19 The buildings are as follows: the Clubhouse (1934; Map #1), the Charles Farrell House (c. 1938; Map #3), a guest room building (1969; Map #4), 7 bungalows (1945-1956; Map #6), the Schiff House ( c. 1945; addition, 1961; Map #7), an unfinished condominium building (c. 2005; Map #8), and a prefabricated building (c. 2005; Map #9). The Main Pool (Map #2) was constructed in 1934. The remaining Tennis Court (Map #4) dates to 1969. A site map is included in Figure 2. Development History The following development history of the Palm Springs Racquet Club was largely adapted from City of Palm Springs Planning Department, "Palm Springs Racquet Club: Historic Report," prepared by John Ash Group Architects under direction of Palm Springs Property, LLC, October 2004. Table 1 includes a summary of the extant buildings and features; Table 2 identifies those buildings and site features that have been demolished. The Palm Springs Racquet Club originally comprised 53 acres. It was first developed in 1933 with two tennis courts and a three-sided shelter, which served as a visitor's gallery. The tennis courts were oriented at a 45-degree angle to the adjacent road. In 1934, two additional tennis courts, restrooms, dressing rooms, the Main Pool, and the Clubhouse (with kitchen, dining room, and the Bamboo Bar) were added to the Property. In 193 7, the dining room was enlarged. 1939 aerial photograph. Source: UCSB Aerial Photography Collection. By c. 1938, the Farrell House had been constructed at the south end of the Main Pool. The dressing room buildings had been replaced with a larger rectangular building similar in scale and design to the Clubhouse. An octagonal dining room, L-shaped kitchen addition, and glass garden room were also added to the site. The remainder of the site was largely undeveloped, with the exception of areas cleared for parking. In approximately 1940, architect Cy Doan was hired to construct a building comprising twelve guest rooms. 19 In addition to the Main Pool, there is a pool at the Schiff House and five pools associated with the bungalows. HISTORIC RESOURCES ASSESSMENT REPORT Palm Springs Racquet Club HISTORIC RESOURCES GROUP 4318 In 1945, architect Albert Frey was commissioned to design six bungalows at the rear of the property. The same year, an addition was made to the Clubhouse kitchen. In 194 7, a three-unit bungalow was constructed, and a covered bridge was added to the site. In 1949, another three-unit bungalow was added to the site, and an addition was made to the Farrell House. In 1950, a kitchen and bath were added to an unspecified building on the Property, and an office/shop addition was made to another unspecified building. The dining room was extended, and the openings were altered. In 1950-1951, architects Clark & Frey designed two bungalows to be constructed at the rear of the property. In 1955, Sydney and Evelyn Schiff, frequent winter visitors to the Racquet Club, purchased the southwestern bungalow ( constructed c. 1945) to serve as their vacation home. In 1956, three additional bungalows were constructed. In the late 1950s, sixty-two additional guest units, two tennis courts, and a second swimming pool were added, for a total of 120 guest units, six tennis courts, and two pools. A masonry maintenance building, women's powder room, and men's toilet room were added to the site in 1959, and the Clubhouse kitchen was remodeled. By 1960, a pool was added to the Schiff House. In 1961, Albert Frey was hired to design an addition to the Schiff House. The addition included a porch overhang, an extension of the front bedroom with rounded exterior walls, additional rooms at the south fa<;ade, and a semi-circular glass pool enclosure; the roof of the addition was punctuated with circular skylights. In the mid-1960s, the Farrell House was opened for guest use. An entrance canopy was added over the entry walk, and a sun deck/luncheon area, designed by John Morris and Gar Moore, was added (demolished). Between 1953 and 1967, Netcher's Creek, a shallow ditch that historically bisected the Racquet Club property, was covered with asphaltic concrete. 20 Between 1955 and 1967, two more bungalows were added to the property.21 In 1965, a new entrance canopy, tennis court, lighting, and landscaping were added to the property. One of the bungalows was modified into a single-family dwelling, and a pool and enclosed patio were added. In 1968, the dining room was remodeled, the kitchen was expanded, and a locker room addition was made to the Farrell House. In 1969, two guest buildings were constructed at the northwest corner of the property, a refrigeration room was added to the kitchen, and two tennis courts were constructed to the north of the Main Pool. The building formerly on the tennis court site was demolished. In 1971, an addition was made to the pro shop building. The following year, an addition was made to the office building at the front of the Property. Between 1972 and 1977, two bungalows were demolished and replaced with three tennis courts. 22 By 1977, the Club comprised 22 acres, 20 No building pennit was found for this alteration; approximate dates based on historic aerial photographs. 21 No building pennit was found for this alteration; approximate dates based on historic aerial photographs. 22 No building pennits were found for these alterations; approximate dates based on historic aerial photographs and historic descriptions of the Racquet Club property. HISTORIC RESOURCES ASSESSMENT REPORT Palm Springs Racquet Club HISTORIC RESOURCES GROUP 4419 120 rooms and suites, 12 tennis courts, 4 pools, and other club facilities. In 1983, a new parking kiosk was added to the property. Two years later, a conference room and a storage room were added to the Farrell House. 1953 aerial photograph. Source: UCSB Aerial Photography Collection. 1980 aerial photograph. Source: UCSB Aerial Photography Collection. In 1999, all the buildings on the Property, with the exception of the bungalows, were re-roofed with wood shakes. The Bamboo Bar was remodeled, a bathroom was added at the south side of the Schiff House, a new dance floor was installed at the Bogart Room, and all but two tennis courts were resurfaced. In 2002, the laundry room was rebuilt after a fire. By 2004, the club property occupied approximately 10 acres of the original 53-acre site. It was developed with 23 buildings, 12 tennis courts, 2 pools, a spa, a security shack, a covered footbridge, and a gazebo. In approximately 2005, a multi-story condominium building was added to the southeast comer of the property; this building remains unfinished. 23 Two bungalows were repurposed into meeting rooms at an unknown date; they were demolished between 2004 and 2007. 24 A prefabricated "sales office" building was added to the site in the southeast comer. 25 Between 2005 and 2009, the lobby/office building, guest room building, housekeeping building, shed/storage building, and maintenance buildings were demolished, along with a spa, 23 No building pennit was found for this alteration; approximate date derived from historic aerial photographs. 24 No building pennits were found for these alterations; approximate date derived from the 2004 report and Google Street View photography of the site. The prefabricated building does not appear to currently be on a foundation. 25 No building pennit was found for this alteration; approximate date derived from the 2004 report and Google Street View photography of the site. HISTORIC RESOURCES ASSESSMENT REPORT Palm Springs Racquet Club HISTORIC RESOURCES GROUP 4520 a covered footbridge, a gazebo, a security shack, and two bungalows. Eleven tennis courts were eliminated, and the landscaping and hardscaping were largely removed. 26 In July 2014, there was a fire, which destroyed the two-story building at the northwest corner of the Subject Property (1969).27 This building was subsequently demolished. The Clubhouse building has been widened, with the original framing remaining as interior columns to support the roof. The Bamboo Bar is centered between the historic framing, and includes a half-round layout at the west end of the bar, and the raised bamboo ceiling at the end of the bar. A rectangular, bamboo framed opening leads to the connection with the Bogart Room ( original dining room). The glass-walled garden room was covered with board-and-batten wood siding and roofed with wood shingles. Two bungalows were demolished at an unknown date; all extant bungalows have been reroofed with flat cementitious tiles. 28 2019 aerial photograph. Source: Google. 26 No building permits were found for these alterations; approximate dates derived from historic aerial photographs. 27 City of Palm Springs, "Historic Site Preservation Board Staff Memorandum: Case HSPB #83 -The Palm Springs Racquet Club-2743 North Indian Canyon Drive," April 11, 2017. 28 No building permit was found for this alteration, which was noted based on visual observation of existing conditions. HISTORIC RESOURCES ASSESSMENT REPORT Palm Springs Racquet Club HISTORIC RESOURCES GROUP 4621 Table 1. Extant Buildings and Features on the Property M.lt#'# a .. -.. 1'°' ~p:. .. ::r10N8:i, ;> NA• ! ,.½.'~. l Clubhouse 1934 Dining room enlarged, 1937; octagonal dining room, kitchen addition, and glass garden room added, c. 1938; kitchen addition, 1945; dining room extended, 1950; kitchen remodeled, 1959; garden room covered with board-and-batten wood siding and roofed with wood shingles before 1965; dining room remodeled, 1968; refrigeration room added, 1969; addition to pro shop, 1971; widened, date unknown; 2 Main Pool 1934 No known alterations 3 Farrell House C. 1938 Addition, 1949; entrance canopy and sun deck/luncheon area added, 1964 ( demolished); locker room addition, 1968; conference room and storage room addition, 1985 4 Tennis Court 1969 Originally l of 12 courts; resurfaced, 1999 5 1969 Building 1969 Originally l of 2 buildings constructed that year 6 Bungalows (Albert Frey) 1945 (6), 1947 (1 ), 7 of 15 bungalows remain extant. George 1949 (1 ); 1950-Alexander addition of enclosed patio and 1951 (2); 1956 (3); pool to one bungalow, 1965; reroofed, 1955-1967 (2) date unknown 7 Schiff House (Albert Frey) C. 1945; 1961 Originally one of the bungalows; Albert Frey addition, 1961; bathroom added, 1999 8 Condominium Building c.2005 Unfinished 9 Prefabricated Building c.2005 HISTORIC RESOURCES ASSESSMENT REPORT Palm Springs Racquet Club HISTORIC RESOURCES GROUP 4722 Table 2. Demolished Buildings/Features on the Property u11a _,,... --Arnn NAM« CONS'RWCTl0Nl Nff MOLRIBN.l>ATll Netcher's Creek 1953-1967 Tennis Courts (11) 1933 (2), 1934 (2), C. 1958 2005-2009 (11 of 12) (2), 1965 (1), 1969 (2), 1972-1977 (3) Dressing rooms 1934 C. 1937 Dressing rooms/restrooms C. 1937 1969 Original guest room building 1940 2005-2009 Bungalows (Albert Frey) 1945 (6), 1947 (1), 1949 2 replaced with 3 tennis courts (1); 1950-1951 (2); 1956 ( 1972-1977); 2 demolished (2005-(3); 1955-1967 (2) 2009); 2 meeting room buildings demolished (former bungalows; 2005-2007) Covered bridge 1947 2005-2009 Guest units ( 62) Late 1950s 2005-2009 Swimming pool Late 1950s Unknown Maintenance building/bathrooms 1959 2005-2009 Entrance canopy 1965 2005-2009 2-story guest room building 1969 2014 Parking Kiosk (may be "Security 1983 2005-2009 Shack" referred to in 2004 report) Lobby/Office building Unknown 2005-2009 Housekeeping building Unknown 2005-2009 Shed/storage building Unknown 2005-2009 Maintenance buildings Unknown 2005-2009 Spa Unknown 2005-2009 HISTORIC RESOURCES ASSESSMENT REPORT Palm Springs Racquet Club HISTORIC RESOURCES GROUP 4823 8. HISTORIC CONTEXT The Palm Springs Racquet Club was established by actors Charles Farrell and Ralph Bellamy in 1933 as a private tennis club and grew into an exclusive hotel and recreational facility that served as a haven for movie stars as well as business, society, and political leaders. The Club was owned and operated by Charles Farrell from its establishment until he sold the club in 1959. Hotel and Resort Development, 1919-194129 Palm Springs was home to a vibrant hotel and resort community beginning in 1918, when Nellie Coffman and her sons expanded and reconstructed the Desert Inn, a former health retreat, into a first-class resort hotel. The Desert Inn quickly became one of the most famous hotels in the country, transforming the "hot little hamlet from obscurity to world fame" and earning Nellie Coffman the title "Mother of Palm Springs." As she upgraded, Coffman relocated the Desert Inn's original bungalows to a large parcel immediately south of the Oasis Hotel. There she operated the Village Inn, a more economical alternative to the posh Desert Inn, until the mid-1940s when the site was sold and cleared for construction of Bullock's department store. The success of the Desert Inn inspired the development of two equally remarkable hotels in the 1920s and cemented the town's growing reputation as one of the country's premier luxury winter resorts. The first of these was the Oasis Hotel (121 S. Palm Canyon Drive, HSPB-10), opened in 1925. The city's third major resort of the 1920s, the grand Hotel El Mirador, was built in sumptuous Spanish Colonial Revival style by local developer Prescott Thresher Stevens, who spent the then-astronomical amount of $1 million on the resort. Designed by the Los Angeles firm of Walker & Eisen, who also designed the Beverly Wilshire Hotel, the pink-walled El Mirador was set in lush gardens a mile north of the center of town on Indian Canyon Drive (then Indian Avenue) at Tachevah Drive. It featured an eye-catching bell tower (reconstructed; 1150 N. Indian Canyon Drive; HSPB-1) topped with Moorish tiles, two hundred luxurious guest rooms filled with hand-carved furniture, an Olympic-sized swimming pool, a tennis court, stables, and private golf course. The Influence of the Entertainment Industry The movie industry brought additional attention to Palm Springs in 1922, when Valentino honeymooned at the Palm Springs Hotel with his second wife, Natacha Rambova, only to be arrested for bigamy because his divorce from his first wife was not yet final. Syndicated gossip columnist Louella Parsons dispatched a number of columns from the Desert Inn during a 1926 visit, drawing wider attention to Palm Springs. By the end of the decade the isolated desert village had become a favored winter weekend retreat for the burgeoning film industry, offering privacy and relaxation, warm winter sunshine and stunning natural beauty, just a few hours' drive from Los Angeles. This allowed actors to get away while complying with the studios' 29 History of hotel/resort development between World Wars I and II adapted from "City of Palm Springs Citywide Historic Context Statement," prepared by Historic Resources Group, December 2018, 112-116, 150-154. HISTORIC RESOURCES ASSESSMENT REPORT Palm Springs Racquet Club HISTORIC RESOURCES GROUP 4924 famous "two-hour rule," the contractual obligation to be available on short notice for filming or publicity purposes. In the 1920s the film stars and studio moguls stayed primarily at the Desert Inn or the Oasis; beginning in 1928 they flocked to the extravagant Hotel El Mirador as well. As Palm Springs grew in popularity with members of the entertainment industry, hotels, sports facilities, restaurants, nightclubs and retail establishments were developed to accommodate the demand for recreation and diversion. Some of these establishments were owned by celebrities. Palm Springs Racquet Club30 The Palm Springs Racquet Club was established in 1933 as a private tennis club. That year, actors and avid tennis players Charlie Farrell and Ralph Bellamy hired the Davis Company to build two tennis courts and a visitor's gallery on 53 acres at the north end of town, which they had purchased from Alvah Hicks the year prior. The courts proved so popular with their Hollywood friends that the following year Farrell and Bellamy offered memberships in the new Palm Springs Racquet Club, and built additional courts, a swimming pool, a clubhouse with kitchen and dining room, and guest bungalows. The Club's octagonal Bamboo Bar, designed by film director Mitch Leisen, became the social center of Palm Springs. Soon after the Racquet Club's grand opening in December 1934, Farrell accepted some movie roles and left for England for two years, leaving Bellamy in charge of day-to-day operations. In the late 1930s, wanting to focus more on acting than running the club, Bellamy sold his share of the Racquet Club to Farrell. Thereafter, Farrell and his wife, Virginia, ran the Club. Under Virginia's direction, the Club was re-landscaped with flowers and creeping-bent grass. In approximately 1938, the Farrells built their home on the club property, south of the pool. The Racquet Club quickly became a popular vacation spot for movie stars, including Judy Garland, Bing Crosby, Charlie Butterworth, Frank Morgan, and Alice Faye. However, initially, the club did not have guest rooms on site, so members would stay at nearby hotels. In fact, the first guest rooms were constructed as a stipulation of a bank loan to build additional tennis courts on site. Consequently, twelve rental units designed by architect Cy Doan were added to the north end of the property in 1940. By that time, the Racquet Club was internationally known, and the newly-incorporated City of Palm Springs was growing into a resort destination. The Racquet Club's membership evolved from exclusively movie stars to add business, society, and political leaders to its numbers. After the end of World War II, the Club expanded rapidly. In 1945, Farrell hired Albert Frey to construct six bungalows at the rear of the Property.31 In 1950, Farrell hired Frey (as Clark & 30 History of the Palm Springs Racquet Club was largely excerpted and adapted from City of Palm Springs Planning Department, "Palm Springs Racquet Club: Historic Report," prepared by John Ash Group Architects under direction of Palm Springs Property, LLC, October 2004. That history, in turn, was largely adapted from Sally Presley Rippingale, "The History of the Racquet Club of Palm Springs," (Yucaipa, CA: Business Specialties, 1985). 31 City of Palm Springs building permit 1868, October 9, 1945. HISTORIC RESOURCES ASSESSMENT REPORT Palm Springs Racquet Club HISTORIC RESOURCES GROUP 5025 Frey) to add more bungalows to the property. The same year, the dining room was extended, and an office was added to the Property. In the 1950s, a number of golf courses and country clubs were constructed throughout Palm Springs. The Racquet Club began to hold annual tennis tournaments, including the Racquet Club Invitational, the Racquet Club Veterans Tennis Tournament, the Charles Farrell Racquet Club Senior Invitational, and the Blue Ribbon Invitational. The Racquet Club continued to gain popularity, due in large part to its constant coverage in gossip columns and magazines. In 1959, Charlie and Virginia Farrell sold the Racquet Club to an investment group. The new owners expanded the club, increasing the number of guest units from 58 to 120, and adding a new swimming pool and two new tennis courts to the property. After the Farrells moved out of their home in the early 1960s, it was opened for guest use, hosting private dinner parties, luncheons, cocktail parties, and conferences. In 1965, local developers George and Bob Alexander, along with Sam Firks, purchased a majority stake in the Racquet Club. They quickly added a new entrance canopy, tennis court, lighting and landscaping; George Alexander also remodeled a bungalow for personal use, adding a pool and an enclosed patio. However, both George and Bob Alexander were killed in a plane crash in November 1965. Shortly thereafter, a group of Racquet Club members, led by Charles Wohlstetter and Donald Stralem, purchased the club from the sole heir, Bob Alexander's daughter. By the end of the 1960s, the Club's new owners had undertaken numerous alterations, including the construction of two two-story guest buildings at the rear of the property. Construction continued into the 1970s, when alterations were made to the front lobby and office buildings, and an addition was made to the pro shop and office. In the 1970s, the Racquet Club's movie star clientele was largely replaced by prominent east coast socialites. As a result, the club transformed from an informal retreat to a formal full-service hotel. In 1977, the Hotel del Coronado Corporation purchased the Racquet Club, which at that time comprised 22 acres, 120 rooms and suites, 12 tennis courts, 4 pools, and other club facilities. In 1997, Jack DiMaggio purchased the club, but sold it to Palm Springs Property, LLC (Bernard Rosenson) two years later. After failing to turn a profit, Rosenson closed the Racquet Club in 2002. Ralph Bellamy Ralph Rexford Bellamy (1904-1991) was born in Chicago, the eldest of three children. 32 As a child, he worked a number of jobs, including newspaper and grocery delivery, soda jerk, and 32 Bellamy biography adapted from Peter B. Flint, "Ralph Bellamy, the Actor, Is Dead at 87," New York Times, November 30, 1991. HISTORIC RESOURCES ASSESSMENT REPORT Palm Springs Racquet Club HISTORIC RESOURCES GROUP 5126 movie theater usher. After graduating from New Trier High School in Winnetka, Illinois, Bellamy began an intensive theater apprenticeship. During nine years in repertory and touring companies, he played over 400 roles, often two or three in the same play. From 1926 to 1930, Bellamy was the head of his own troupe, the Ralph Bellamy Players, in Des Moines, Iowa; Nashville, Tennessee; and Evanston, Illinois. After appearing in two Broadway plays with limited runs, Bellamy received contract offers from four Hollywood studios. Over the next twelve years, the veteran character actor made 83 movies, including "Spitfire" (1934) and "The Wolf Man" (1941). A turning point in his career came in 1942, when he spotted a script on a producer's desk with a note reading, "Wealthy oilman from Southwest -able, but simple and nai"ve. Typical Ralph Bellamy part. "33 Realizing that Hollywood had become "just a living, and acting just a chore," Bellamy left Hollywood for Broadway, and achieved success on stage and on television.34 In 1987, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences presented him with an honorary Academy A ward for his body of work. Over the course of his career, Bellamy appeared in over 100 movies, including "His Girl Friday," ( 1941) and "Pretty Woman" ( 1990), but achieved his greatest recognition on Broadway as the stricken Franklin D. Roosevelt struggling to walk in "Sunrise at Campobello" ( 1958). In addition to his prolific acting career, Bellamy was a champion for his profession. He was a founder and board member of the Screen Actors' Guild and president of Actors' Equity for 12 years. He guided Equity through the political blacklisting of the McCarthy era in the early 1950s, and presided over the merger of Actors' Equity and Chorus Equity. After declining an unprecedented fifth term as president of Equity, he was awarded the lifetime title of President Emeritus. Ralph Bellamy died in 1991 at the age of 87. Charles Farrell Charles David Farrell (1900-1990) was an actor, developer, and politician. 35 He was born in Onset Bay, Massachusetts, and graduated from Boston University with a degree in psychology. After a post-graduation trip to California, Farrell's "classic features and athletic build" landed him acting roles in the budding motion picture industry.36 His big break came in 1927 with the 33 Flint, "Ralph Bellamy, the Actor." 34 Flint, "Ralph Bellamy, the Actor." 35 Farrell biography adapted from Burg A. Folkart, "Charles Farrell, 89; Film and TV Actor, Developer, Former Palm Springs Mayor," Los Angeles Times, May 11, 1990. 36 Folkart, "Charles Farrell, 89." HISTORIC RESOURCES ASSESSMENT REPORT Palm Springs Racquet Club IDSTORIC RESOURCES GROUP 5227 movie "Seventh" Heaven, one of the last major silent picture productions. Together with his costar in that film, Janet Gaynor, Farrell went on to make eleven other films, including "Lucky Star" and "Change of Heart." Farrell and Gaynor were "the first of Hollywood's Golden Couples," but Gaynor outshone Farrell, whose Boston Brahmin accent fell out of favor with audiences in the mid-1930s. 37 During his rise to fame, Farrell had discovered Palm Springs. Together with actor Ralph Bellamy, Farrell founded the Palm Springs Racquet Club in 1933. The venture was so successful that Farrell and Bellamy were credited by neighbors as helping to "create the glamorous place that Palm Springs is today."38 Bellamy left the venture after less than six years, but Farrell continued to own and operate the Racquet Club for over twenty years. In fact, Farrell was such an integral part of Palm Springs that from 194 7 to 19 5 5, he served as mayor. From 1956 to 1960, the Racquet Club was the setting for "The Charlie Farrell Show," which starred Farrell as the Club's owner, with plotlines often based on things that had happened at the Racquet Club. Farrell sold the Club in 1959 for a reported profit of $1.2 million. But his association with the Racquet Club would not end there. "The extent of Farrell's desert popularity was such that when his racquet club was sold again, in 1965, part of the deal was that Farrell return as club operator."39 Charles Farrell died in 1990 at the age of 89. Albert Frey, F AIA 40 Albert Frey was born on October 18, 1903 in Zurich, Switzerland. Frey earned his architectural diploma at the Institute of Technology in Switzerland in 1924. After learning about the burgeoning modem movement in Brussels and the Bauhaus, Frey moved to Belgium and was hired by an architectural firm prominent in modernism, Eggericx and Verwilghen. There he worked on several large housing complexes designed in the modem idiom. Frey was strongly influenced by Le Corbusier's book Towards a New Architecture and became determined to work at the master's atelier in France. In late 1928, Frey relocated to Paris, presented his portfolio, and was hired as an architect in Le Corbusier's office. During the ten months of Frey's association with Le Corbusier he worked on some of the master's most influential commissions including Villa Savoye in Poissy, France and the Centrosoyus Administration Building in Moscow. However, Frey believed the most innovative modem architecture was being built in America. After he received word of its approval in the 37 Folkart, "Charles Farrell, 89." 38 Folkart, "Charles Farrell, 89." 39 Folkart, "Charles Farrell, 89." 4° Frey biography adapted from Peter Moruzzi, "The Architecture of Albert Frey," National Register of Historic Places Multiple Property Documentation Form, March 26, 2015. HISTORIC RESOURCES ASSESSMENT REPORT Palm Springs Racquet Club HISTORIC RESOURCES GROUP 5328 winter of 1929, he returned to the firm ofEggericx and Verwilghen for ten months as their chief designer, earning suff1cient funds to establish himself in America. Soon after arriving in New York City in September 1930, Albert Frey began working with the modernist architect A. Lawrence Kocher in a partnership that lasted until March 1935, and again in 1938. Kocher was also the managing editor of Architectural Record, a publication that he had turned into a forum for modern design. Together, the Kocher-Frey partnership produced only four buildings. However, the numerous articles they co-authored on urban planning, modernism, and technology for Architectural Record were also published internationally "establish[ ed] theirs as one of the most innovative and influential partnerships in America during the early 1930s." In 1934, Albert Frey departed for Palm Springs. Kocher & Frey had obtained a commission from Kocher's brother, Dr. J.J. Kocher, to design a mixed-use real estate/insurance office with a second story apartment on Palm Springs' main thoroughfare. It would be called the Kocher-Samson Building. Upon completing the Kocher-Samson Building, Frey decided to remain in Palm Springs instead of returning to New York. In addition to Frey's fondness for Palm Springs' mountain setting that reminded him of his native Switzerland, there was no work for Frey back east. Following an amicable break-up of the Kocher-Frey partnership, Frey began what would be a long association with John Porter Clark, one of the first architects to live and practice in Palm Springs. At that time neither Clark nor Frey were licensed to practice architecture in California, so for several years they worked under the auspices of the Pasadena-based architectural firm of Van Pelt & Lind where Clark had previously been employed. Clark and Frey initially worked together from 1935 to 1937. Generally, when the client was open to modern design, Frey would take the project; when traditional buildings were desired, Clark took the lead. Each assisted the other with plans and detailing when necessary. After a brief two-year stint in New York, Frey returned to Palm Springs and resumed his professional partnership with John Porter Clark in 1939. The partnership lasted almost twenty years. Together, Clark and Frey are known as two of the founders of the "Desert Modem" style of architecture. 41 In the late 1950s, Frey and Clark dissolved their partnership. Frey continued to focus on small, residential commissions, including the Schiff House addition at the Racquet Club (1961).42 41 "Albert Frey," PS Modcom, https://psmodcom.org/albert-frey/ (accessed May 2020). 42 City of Palm Springs Planning Department, "Palm Springs Racquet Club: Historic Report," prepared by John Ash Group Architects under direction of Palm Springs Property, LLC, October 2004. HISTORIC RESOURCES ASSESSMENT REPORT Palm Springs Racquet Club HISTORIC RESOURCES GROUP 5429 Albert Frey's distinct and immediately recognizable architectural style was based on a keen understanding of the desert's challenges and a deep love of its natural beauty. His architectural philosophy was to make the most with less, where truly less is more. He believed that architecture should be constructed of simple, inexpensive materials to meet the needs of ordinary people. When designing a building, Frey first took the building's setting and function into account, and "put it all together and [made] architecture out of it. "43 His designs respected nature while taking advantage of modem techniques and materials. Architect and historian Alan Hess noted that Frey's architecture was "an unusual blend of the visionary and the everyday. He created the thin steel and glass tents that were a statement of Modem theory and Modem living. "44 Nicolai Ouroussoff, architecture critic for the Los Angeles Times, noted that during the 1940s through the 1970s, Frey "designed a series of Modernist landmarks that eventually came to define Palm Springs as a hotbed of architectural experimentation ... meld[ing] the Modernist obsession with the machine and mass production techniques with a deep sensitivity to natural surroundings. "45 Albert Frey died in 1998 at his mountainside home in Palm Springs. He was 95. 43 Jennifer Golub, Frey I+ 2 (New York: Princeton Architectural Press, 1998). 44 Michael Stern and Alan Hess, Julius Shulman: Palm Springs, (New York: Rizzoli International Publications, Inc., 2008), 53. 45 Nicolai Ouroussoff, "Albert Frey," obituary, Los Angeles Times, November 17, 1998. HISTORIC RESOURCES ASSESSMENT REPORT Palm Springs Racquet Club HISTORIC RESOURCES GROUP 5530 9. EVALUATION OF ELIGIBILITY This report evaluates the Palm Springs Racquet Club for potential designation as a Class 1 or Class 2 City of Palm Springs Historic Resource. This evaluation is based on an examination of existing conditions; a review of previous evaluations; primary and secondary source research related to the development history of the site; review of relevant historic contexts and themes as identified in the City of Palm Springs Citywide Historic Context Statement (December 2018); and an analysis under the eligibility criteria and integrity thresholds for local designation as outlined in Chapter 8.05 "Historic Preservation" of the Palm Springs Municipal Code. As noted above, this study focused on the evaluation of integrity, in order to determine whether the remnant site features and buildings continue to convey the property's significance as the Palm Springs Racquet Club. The history and significance of the Racquet Club have been well-documented and analyzed in previous studies. A summary of the Racquet Club's significance under each of the local criteria is included here, followed by an evaluation of the Property's integrity based on its current condition and according to technical guidance from the National Park Service. Evaluation of Significance As outlined above, the City of Palm Springs has adopted a Historic Preservation Ordinance which establishes regulations and procedures for identifying, evaluating, designating, and preserving historic properties within city limits (PSMC Chapter 8.05). The Historic Preservation Ordinance defines eligibility criteria for local designation. The significance of the Palm Springs Racquet Club is summarized below under these criteria. Local Criterion i (Association with events) A property may be eligible for designation as a City of Palm Springs Historic Resource if it exhibits exceptional historic significance, and it is associated with events that have made a meaningful contribution to the nation, state or community (Criterion i). This criterion aligns with National Register Criterion A, as defined by the National Park Service. According to guidance from the National Park Service, in order to be considered eligible for designation under this criterion: ... A property must be associated with one or more events important in the defined historic context ... The event or trends, however, must clearly be important within the associated context: settlement, in the case of the town, or development of a maritime economy, in the case of the port city. Moreover, the property must have an important association with the event or historic trends, and it must retain historic integrity ... Mere association with historic events or trends is not enough, in and of itself, to qualify under HISTORIC RESOURCES ASSESSMENT REPORT Palm Springs Racquet Club HISTORIC RESOURCES GROUP 56[this criterion]; the property's specific association must be considered important as well. 46 31 What would become the Palm Springs Racquet Club was established in 1933 with two tennis courts and a visitors' gallery by actors Charles Farrell and Ralph Bellamy. It grew from a small, private tennis club into an exclusive hotel and recreational facility. There is no evidence that the Property is associated with a significant event or events. The Racquet Club was host to several tennis tournaments in the 1950s, including the Racquet Club Invitational, the Racquet Club Veterans Tennis Tournament, the Charles Farrell Racquet Club Senior Invitational, and the Blue Ribbon Invitational; however, these tournaments do not rise to the level of events that have made a meaningful contribution to the nation, state or community. The tournaments held at the Racquet Club were consistent with other golf and tennis events established in Palm Springs and are not the primary reason that the Club achieved significance. There are more prominent tennis events in the area that continue to the present day. The Racquet Club's significance is tied to its association with early recreational development in Palm Springs that catered to a celebrity clientele. Its continuous popularity was due in large part to discussions of its famous guests in gossip columns and magazines, and not the tennis tournaments held there. Therefore, the Palm Springs Racquet Club does not exhibit exceptional historic significance under local Criterion i. Local Criterion ii {Association with persons) A property may be eligible for designation as a City of Palm Springs Historic Resource if it exhibits exceptional historic significance, and it is associated with the lives of persons who made a meaningful contribution to national, state, or local history (Criterion ii). This criterion aligns with National Register Criterion B, as defined by the National Park Service. According to guidance from the National Park Service, properties may be eligible for an association with the lives of persons significant in our past. Persons "significant in our past" refers to individuals whose activities are demonstrably important within a national, state or local historic context. A property is not eligible if its only justification for significance is that it was owned or used by a person who is a member of an identifiable profession, class, or social or ethnic group. In addition, the property must be associated with a person's productive life, reflecting the time period when he or she achieved significance. 47 The Palm Springs Racquet Club was originally established in 1933 by actors and avid tennis players Charlie Farrell and Ralph Bellamy. The courts proved so popular with their Hollywood friends that the following year Farrell and Bellamy offered memberships in the new Palm Springs Racquet Club that would become the center of the social scene in Palm Springs. Both Farrell and Bellamy had prolific acting careers. Farrell also served as mayor of Palm Springs from 1947 to 1955; Bellamy was an advocate for actors' rights throughout his career. 46 National Register Bulletin I 5, 12. 47 National Register Bulletin 15, 15. HISTORIC RESOURCES ASSESSMENT REPORT Palm Springs Racquet Club HISTORIC RESOURCES GROUP 5732 Ralph Bellamy owned and operated the Racquet Club alongside Charles Farrell from its inception in 1934 until tp.e late 1930s. At that time, Bellamy sold his stake in the Club to Farr~ll in order to better focus on his acting career. Bellamy's acting career began in the 1920s, when he toured the country as part of several repertory and touring theatre companies. He made the shift to Hollywood in the 1930s, and appeared in over one hundred movies in his career, eighty-three of which were made in the 1930s and 1940s. Bellamy's crowning achievement came in 1958, when he played Franklin D. Roosevelt in the Broadway play "Sunrise at Campobello." Bellamy's association with the Racquet Club lasted less than six years. Despite the high volume of films he appeared in during the 1930s, Bellamy's rise to significance in the acting profession largely took place in the 1950s, after he sold his interest in the Club. Charles Farrell owned and operated the Racquet Club from its inception until 1959, when he sold the club. He constructed his primary residence on the Club property (the Farrell House) in approximately 1938, when he purchased Bellamy's stake in the club. Throughout his ownership of the Racquet Club, Farrell remained active in Hollywood. In fact, Farrell brought his acting career directly to the Racquet Club -the Club served as the site for "The Charlie Farrell Show," a television show starring Farrell that ran from 1956 to 1960. In addition to his prolific acting career, Farrell served as the mayor of the City of Palm Springs from 1947 to 1955, while he owned and operated the Racquet Club. The Palm Springs Racquet Club is eligible for its association with original owner Charles Farrell, an important person in the entertainment industry and in the history of the City of Palm Springs. The Palm Springs Racquet Club is inextricably tied to Farrell's productive life, being both his business and his primary residence for over twenty years. Farrell continued to appear in films and on television during his ownership of the Club, and the Club even served as the setting for his eponymous television show. The Palm Springs Racquet Club exhibits exceptional historic significance under local Criteria ii. Local Criterion iii {Association with a period of history) A property may be eligible for designation as a City of Palm Springs Historic Resource if it exhibits exceptional historic significance, and it reflects or exemplifies a particular period of national, state or local history (Criterion iii). What would become the Palm Springs Racquet Club was established in 1933 with two tennis courts and a visitors' gallery by actors Charles Farrell and Ralph Bellamy. It grew from a small, private tennis club into an exclusive hotel and recreational facility. The Racquet Club is a significant example of recreational development in Palm Springs between the two World Wars. It was developed by celebrities to cater to a celebrity clientele and exemplifies Palm Springs' history as a getaway for the Hollywood elite in the 1920s and 1930s. The two original tennis courts proved so popular with Farrell's and Bellamy's Hollywood friends that by 1934 they offered memberships to the Club, and built additional courts, a swimming pool, a clubhouse with kitchen and dining room, and guest bungalows. The Club became a haven for movie stars, and its Bamboo Bar was the social center of Palm Springs. HISTORIC RESOURCES ASSESSMENT REPORT Palm Springs Racquet Club HISTORIC RESOURCES GROUP 5833 Over the next several decades, the Club continued to add tennis courts and guest accommodations to cater to increased demand. Despite a shift in clientele over time from movie stars to business, political, and social leaders, the Racquet Club remained a popular and exclusive destination for visitors to Palm Springs. Its significance continued through the post-World War II period, when the Club continued to expand services on the site to accommodate the rapidly increasing demand. It represents an early example of commercial recreational development in Palm Springs with a direct association with the tourism industry and the Hollywood social scene in the city. The Club's period of significance dates from 1934, when the Palm Springs Racquet Club was officially established, to 1969, reflecting the end of the postwar-era improvements on the site. This period encompasses Farrell's tenure as owner and resident of the Club, which concluded in 1959; the Frey addition to the Schiff House; and the construction of additional tennis courts to meet the increased demand after the war. The Palm Springs Racquet Club exhibits exceptional historic significance under local Criteria iii. Local Criterion iv and v {Architecture or work of a master) A property may be eligible for designation as a City of Palm Springs Historic Resource if it exhibits exceptional historic significance, and it embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period or method of construction (Criterion iv); or it presents the work of a master builder, designer, artist, or architect whose individual genius influenced his age, or that possesses high artistic value (Criterion v). These criteria align with National Register Criterion C, as defined by the National Park Service. According to guidance from the National Park Service, to be eligible under this criterion, a building must clearly contain enough of the "distinctive characteristics" to be considered a true representative of a particular type, period, or method of construction. Distinctive characteristics are those physical features or traits that commonly recur in individual examples of the type, period, or method of construction. 48 The National Park Service defines a master architect as "a figure of generally recognized greatness in a field, a known craftsman of consummate skill, or an anonymous craftsman whose work is distinguishable from others by its characteristic style and quality." A property is not eligible as the work of a master only because it was designed by a prominent architect. "The property must express a particular phase in the development of the master's career, an aspect of his or her work, or a particular idea or theme in his or her craft. "49 Albert Frey designed the bungalows on the property between 1945 and 1951. Frey is considered a master architect; along with John Porter Clark, his business partner for nearly 20 years, Frey is credited with founding the "Desert Modem" style of architecture. Frey designed fifteen bungalows at the Racquet Club; seven of them have been demolished. The remaining bungalows are simple, utilitarian buildings, and do not exemplify Frey's groundbreaking work 48 National Register Bulletin 15, 18. 49 National Register Bulletin 15, 20. HISTORIC RESOURCES ASSESSMENT REPORT Palm Springs Racquet Club HISTORIC RESOURCES GROUP 5934 in Desert Modernism. Numerous buildings in Palm Springs better represent Frey's consummate skill and characteristic style, among them City Hall, the Aerial Tramway Valley Station, Frey House II, and the iconic Tramway Gas Station. The Schiff House was initially designed by Albert Frey as one of the fifteen bungalows on the property; it was purchased by the Schiffs as a vacation home in 1955. In 1961, the Schiffs commissioned Frey to design a large addition to the residence which included a porch overhang, an extension of the front bedroom with rounded exterior walls, additional rooms at the south fa9ade, and a semi-circular glass pool enclosure. Though the addition exemplifies certain tenets of Frey's Desert Modernism, the building does not appear to be an outstanding example of Frey's work. Apart from the Frey-designed buildings, the extant buildings on the Property have undergone extensive alterations such that they no longer resemble an architectural style or exemplify a specific property type. Additionally, no information was found to indicate that any of these buildings were designed by a master architect or builder. Therefore, despite the provenance of some of the buildings on the Property, and taking into consideration both original design features and current integrity and condition, the Palm Springs Racquet Club does not exhibit exceptional historic significance under local Criterion iv or v. The Racquet Club is most appropriately identified as potentially eligible for its significance within the contexts of recreation and tourism in Palm Springs, and for its historic association with Charles Farrell, as discussed under Criteria ii-iii above. Local Criterion vi {Historic districts) The Palm Springs Racquet Club is not part of an identified or designated historic district. No historic district was identified as part of this assessment. Therefore, the Palm Springs Racquet Club does not exhibit significance under local Criterion vi. Local Criterion vii {Likelihood to yield information) This criterion typically applies to potential archaeological resources. An archaeological evaluation of the Palm Springs Racquet Club property is outside the scope of this assessment report. HISTORIC RESOURCES ASSESSMENT REPORT Palm Springs Racquet Club HISTORIC RESOURCES GROUP 6035 Evaluation of Integrity ~;:_---~ -~-~ . -. -&..&t.._ --~~-';11. L: 1955 oblique aerial photograph, view facing northwest. Source: Los Angeles Public Library. R: 2019 oblique aerial photograph, view facing northwest. Source: Google. As noted above, in order to be eligible for local designation as a City of Palm Springs Historic Resource, a property must be exceptionally significant and possess integrity to convey its historic significance. The analysis uses the seven aspects of integrity as defined by the National Park Service and referenced in the City of Palm Springs Historic Preservation Ordinance. The Palm Springs Racquet Club exhibits significance under local Criterion ii for its association with original owner Charles Farrell, an important person in the entertainment industry and in the history of the City of Palm Springs. It exhibits significance under local Criterion iii as an early example of commercial recreational development in Palm Springs with a direct association with the tourism industry and the Hollywood social scene in Palm Springs. The Club's period of significance dates from 1934, when the Palm Springs Racquet Club was officially established, to 1969. According to guidance from the National Park Service, a property that has sufficient integrity for designation will typically retain a majority of the identified character-defining features in order to convey its significance. The required aspects of integrity are dependent on the reason for a property's significance. 50 • Location -The surviving buildings and features from the Racquet Club's period of significance remain on their original site. Therefore, the property retains integrity of location. • Design -The Racquet Club has been substantially altered since the end of its period of significance. At least fifteen buildings constructed during the period of significance, and nearly all the property's landscape and hardscape features have been demolished, including eleven of the twelve tennis courts that were the very purpose of the Club. Of the few remaining buildings, the two most important -the Clubhouse and the Farrell 50 National Register Bulletin 15. HISTORIC RESOURCES ASSESSMENT REPORT Palm Springs Racquet Club HISTORIC RESOURCES GROUP 6136 House -have been substantially altered with additions, window and door removals and replacements, and replacement of exterior wall cladding; these buildings no longer retain their appearance from the period of significance. Additional buildings were constructed after the period of significance, many of which have since been demolished. Although the seven surviving Frey bungalows and the Schiff House appear to remain largely intact, they represent only a fraction of the site's overall historic composition and, by themselves, do not convey the historic character of the Racquet Club. In addition, all the surviving buildings are deteriorated after approximately eighteen years of vacancy. The site overall no longer retains the historic appearance, composition, and spatial relationships that characterized it as a tennis club, hotel, and recreational facility from the 1930s through the 1960s. Therefore, the Property does not retain integrity of design. • Setting -Historic photographs of the Racquet Club show that the buildings, pool, and tennis courts were set within a lush landscape of mature trees, dense shrubs, and wide lawns, with clusters of buildings connected by curvilinear roads and walks. Nearly all of the landscape and hardscape features, and most of the buildings, have been demolished, and most of the site's spatial relationships destroyed. Therefore, the Property does not retain integrity of setting. • Materials -As discussed above in the evaluation of integrity of design, the Racquet Club has been substantially altered over time. Most of the physical elements that comprised the Property during its period of significance have been removed, including most of the buildings, eleven of the twelve tennis courts, and nearly all of the landscape and hardscape features. In addition, the most important of the few remaining buildings, the Clubhouse and Farrell House, have been substantially altered with replacement features and finishes. Therefore, the property does not retain integrity of materials. • Workmanship-In order to retain integrity of workmanship, a property must retain the physical evidence of the crafts and construction techniques from its historic period. As discussed above in the analyses of integrity of design and materials, the Racquet Club no longer retains most of the essential physical features and materials that defined its character in the 1930s through the 1960s. The alteration and deterioration of features represents a substantial loss in the evidence of methods of construction and workmanship that originally characterized the Racquet Club. Therefore, the Property does not retain integrity of workmanship. • Feeling-According to National Park Service guidance, integrity of feeling results from the presence of physical features that, taken together, convey a property's historic character and express the aesthetic or historic sense of particular period of time.51 As demonstrated in the analyses above, the Racquet Club does not retain integrity of 51 National Register Bulletin 15, 45. HISTORIC RESOURCES ASSESSMENT REPORT Palm Springs Racquet Club HISTORIC RESOURCES GROUP 6237 setting, design, materials, or workmanship, due primarily to the demolition of historic buildings and tennis courts, the removal of the original landscape and hardscape, and the alteration and deterioration of the remaining buildings on the property. The loss of these features prevents the property from conveying the aesthetic and historic sense of a tennis club, hotel, and recreational facility from the 1930s through the I 960s. Therefore, the Property does not retain integrity of feeling. • Association -Integrity of association requires the presence of physical features that convey a property's historic character, and thus its direct link to an important historic event or person. 52 As demonstrated in the analyses above, the Racquet Club does not retain integrity of setting, design, materials, workmanship, or feeling, and the property overall has lost significant physical features from the period of significance. However, the presence of the remnant features, including the Clubhouse ( and interior Bamboo Bar), Farrell Residence, bungalows, tennis court, 1969 building, and main pool continue to convey their association with the Racquet Club and the recreational and resort development in Palm Springs from the I 930s through the I 960s. Therefore, these remnant features retain integrity of association. The preceding analysis demonstrates that the Palm Springs Racquet Club retains integrity of location, but due to substantial alterations no longer retains integrity of design, setting, materials, workmanship, or feeling. Although the Property has lost significant physical features from the period of significance, the remnant features on the site continue to convey their association with the Palm Springs Racquet Club. 52 National Register Bulletin 15, 45. HISTORIC RESOURCES ASSESSMENT REPORT Palm Springs Racquet Club HISTORIC RESOURCES GROUP 6338 10. CONCLUSION The conclusions in this report are based on a review of existing conditions of the Palm Springs Racquet Club, examination of extant features from the period of significance, primary and secondary source research related to its development, a review of the relevant historic contexts, and an evaluation of eligibility and historic integrity for Class 1 or Class 2 designation under City of Palm Springs Municipal Code, Chapter 8.05. As demonstrated in the above analysis, the Palm Springs Racquet Club exhibits exceptional historic significance under local eligibility Criteria a(ii) (Personages) and a(iii) (Period of History). However, due to extensive alterations over time, including the demolition of numerous buildings, Club amenities, and landscape and hardscape features, the Property overall does not retain integrity of design, setting, materials, workmanship, or feeling. Therefore, the Racquet Club does not retain sufficient historic integrity as specified in Criterion b as required for Class 1 designation. However, despite the Racquet Club's compromised integrity, due to its exceptional significance as an early example of commercial recreational development in Palm Springs with a direct association with the tourism industry and the Hollywood social scene in the city, and for its association with actor, developer, and former Palm Springs mayor Charles Farrell, the remnant features collectively convey an important aspect of the city's historic development that is deserving of official recognition. Therefore, the extant features dating from the period of significance of the Palm Springs Racquet Club of 1934-1969 appear eligible for designation as a City of Palm Springs Class 2 Historic Resource, as defined in Chapter 8.05 "Historic Preservation" of the Palm Springs Municipal Code. The eligible buildings and features include: • Clubhouse, including interior Bamboo Bar ( excluding addition from 1971) • Farrell House ( excluding addition from 1985) • 7 Bungalows • Schiff House (including 1961 addition) • 1969 Building • Main Pool • Tennis Court HISTORIC RESOURCES ASSESSMENT REPORT Palm Springs Racquet Club HISTORIC RESOURCES GROUP 6411. BIBLIOGRAPHY "Albert Frey." PS Modcom. https://psmodcom.org/albert-frey/. Accessed May 2020. Architectural Resources Group. "The Racquet Club." Department of Parks and Recreation Form 523. August 2003. California Office of Historic Preservation. "Built Environment Resource Directory." 2020. https://ohp.parks.ca.gov/pages/1068/files/Riverside.csv. Accessed May 2020. City of Palm Springs. https://www.palmspringsca.gov/. Accessed March-April 2020. 39 "City of Palm Springs Citywide Historic Context Statement & Survey Findings." Prepared by Historic Resources Group, December 2018. City of Palm Springs. Department of Building and Safety. Building records. City of Palm Springs. "Historic Site Preservation Board Staff Memorandum: Case HSPB #83 -The Palm Springs Racquet Club -2743 North Indian Canyon Drive." April 11, 2017. "City of Palm Springs Citywide Historic Context Statement." Prepared by Historic Resources Group. December 2018. City of Palm Springs Planning Department. "Palm Springs Racquet Club: Historic Report." Prepared by John Ash Group Architects under direction of Palm Springs Property, LLC. October 2004. "Citywide Historic Resources Database." City of Palm Springs, 2014. "Class 1 and Class 2 Historic Sites, Historic Districts, and Properties Listed on the National Register of Historic Place." City of Palm Springs, revised February 3, 2020. Flint, Peter B. "Ralph Bellamy, the Actor, Is Dead at 87." New York Times. November 30, 1991. Folkart, Burg A. "Charles Farrell, 89; Film and TV Actor, Developer, Former Palm Springs Mayor." Los Angeles Times. May 11, 1990. Golub, Jennifer. Frey I + 2. New York: Princeton Architectural Press, 1998. Historic aerial photographs. NETROnline. https://www.historicaerials.com/viewer. Accessed May 2020. Moruzzi, Peter. "The Architecture of Albert Frey." National Register of Historic Places Multiple Property Documentation Form. March 26, 2015. Ouroussoff, Nicolai. "Albert Frey." Obituary, Los Angeles Times. November 17, 1998. Palm Springs Historical Society. https://pshistoricalsociety.org/. Accessed May 2020. HISTORIC RESOURCES ASSESSMENT REPORT Palm Springs Racquet Club HISTORIC RESOURCES GROUP 65Palm Springs Municipal Code, Title 8, Chapter 8.05 (Ord. 1970 Section 2, 2019). http://www.qcode.us/codes/palmsprings/. Accessed March-April 2020. 40 Rippingale, Sally Presley. "The History of the Racquet Club of Palm Springs." Yucaipa, CA: Business Specialties, 1985. Rosa, Joseph. Albert Frey, Architect. New York: Rizzoli International Publications, Inc., 1990. Stem, Michael and Alan Hess. Julius Shulman: Palm Springs. New York: Rizzoli International Publications, Inc., 2008. University of California, Santa Barbara. UCSB Library. Special Research Collections. Aerial Photography Collections. U.S. Department of the Interior. National Register Bulletin 15: How to Apply the National Register Criteria for Evaluation. Washington, D.C.: National Park Service, revised 2002. U.S. Department of the Interior. National Register Bulletin 16A: How to Complete the National Registration Form. Washington, D.C.: National Park Service, 1997. HISTORIC RESOURCES ASSESSMENT REPORT Palm Springs Racquet Club HISTORIC RESOURCES GROUP 66APPENDIX A. Recent Site Photographs Overview of site, view facing northwest. Clubhouse is at right; Farrell House is at left; 1969 building in background at center. Source: Lindsay Blake, iamnotastalker.com, 2008. Clubhouse building, view facing northwest. Source: Lindsay Blake, iamnotastalker.com, 2008. HISTORIC RESOURCES ASSESSMENT REPORT Palm Springs Racquet Club HISTORIC RESOURCES GROUP 67Clubhouse building, view facing northwest. Source: Lindsay Blake, iamnotastalker.com, 2008. ----iiiiiiiiiiliiiiiiiii9iiiii IAMIWTASTALK ER.COM Clubhouse, view facing north. Source: Lindsay Blake, iamnotastalker.com, 2008. HISTORIC RESOURCES ASSESSMENT REPORT Palm Springs Racquet Club HISTORIC RESOURCES GROUP 68Clubhouse building, view facing northwest. 1969 building in background at right. Source: Lindsay Blake, iamnotastalker.com, 2008. Clubhouse building, view facing southwest. Source: Lindsay Blake, iamnotastalker.com, 2008. HISTORIC RESOURCES ASSESSMENT REPORT Palm Springs Racquet Club HISTORIC RESOURCES GROUP 69Clubhouse building, view facing southwest. Source: Lindsay Blake, iamnotastalker.com, 2008. Condominium building, view facing northeast. Source: Lindsay Blake, iamnotastalker.com, 2008. HISTORIC RESOURCES ASSESSMENT REPORT Palm Springs Racquet Club HISTORIC RESOURCES GROUP 70Schiff House (L) and bungalows, view facing southwest. Condominium Building in foreground at right. Source: Lindsay Blake, iamnotastalker.com, 2008. HISTORIC RESOURCES ASSESSMENT REPORT Palm Springs Racquet Club HISTORIC RESOURCES GROUP 71APPENDIX B. Historic Photographs Racquet Club Tennis Court #3, view facing southwest, c. 1935. Source: Palm Springs Historical Society. Racquet Club Tennis Courts, view facing southwest, c. 1939. Source: Palm Springs Historical Society. HISTORIC RESOURCES ASSESSMENT REPORT Palm Springs Racquet Club HISTORIC RESOURCES GROUP 72Main Pool and Clubhouse, view facing northeast, c. 1939. Source: Palm Springs Historical Society. Main Pool and Clubhouse with tent behind, view facing northeast, date unknown. Source: Palm Springs Historical Society. HISTORIC RESOURCES ASSESSMENT REPORT Palm Springs Racquet Club HISTORIC RESOURCES GROUP 73Main Pool and dressing room building (demolished), view facing southwest, c. 1939. Source: Palm Springs Historical Society. Racquet Club Main Pool, Farrell House, and dressing room building ( demolished), view facing southwest, c. 1940. Source: Palm Springs Historical Society. HISTORIC RESOURCES ASSESSMENT REPORT Palm Springs Racquet Club HISTORIC RESOURCES GROUP 74Racquet Club Main Pool and Farrell House, view facing southwest, c. 1950. Source: Palm Springs Historical Society. Racquet Club entrance, date unknown. Source: Palm Springs Historical Society. HISTORIC RESOURCES ASSESSMENT REPORT Palm Springs Racquet Club HISTORIC RESOURCES GROUP 75Racquet Club front entrance and entry canopy, c. 1965. Source: Palm Springs Historical Society. Evelyn Schiff by the pool at the Schiff House, view facing northeast, c. 1960. Source: Palm Springs Historical Society. HISTORIC RESOURCES ASSESSMENT REPORT Palm Springs Racquet Club HISTORIC RESOURCES GROUP 76Bartender at Bamboo Lounge, c. 1938. Source: Palm Springs Historical Society. Bamboo Lounge, 2004. Source: John Ash Group Architects. HISTORIC RESOURCES ASSESSMENT REPORT Palm Springs Racquet Club HISTORIC RESOURCES GROUP 77Schiff House, view facing southwest, c. 2010. Source: US Modernist. HISTORIC RESOURCES ASSESSMENT REPORT Palm Springs Racquet Club HISTORIC RESOURCES GROUP 78APPENDIX C. Historic Aerial Photographs c. 1934 aerial photograph, view facing southwest. Source: City of Palm Springs, "Historic Site Preservation Board Staff Memorandum: Case HSPB #83 -The Palm Springs Racquet Club -2743 North Indian Canyon Drive," April 11, 2017. HISTORIC RESOURCES ASSESSMENT REPORT Palm Springs Racquet Club HISTORIC RESOURCES GROUP 79c. 1935 oblique aerial photograph, view facing northeast. Source: Palm Springs Historical Society. HISTORIC RESOURCES ASSESSMENT REPORT Palm Springs Racquet Club HISTORIC RESOURCES GROUP 80_:·_·•-~·~-• : > : ;. • ~. .,-., ~-,-,.,. ., \.' ... ' ) .'/.·: ~ I ·-,=..,._· -.:{ '. 1939 aerial photograph. Subject Property outlined in red. Source: Fairchild Aerial Surveys California Office, Frame 95, 1: 18,000, C-6060. University of California Santa Barbara Aerial Photography Collection. HISTORIC RESOURCES ASSESSMENT REPORT Palm Springs Racquet Club HISTORIC RESOURCES GROUP 81c. 1939 oblique aerial photograph, view facing north. Source: Palm Springs Historical Society. HISTORIC RESOURCES ASSESSMENT REPORT Palm Springs Racquet Club HISTORIC RESOURCES GROUP 82c. 1939 oblique aerial photograph, view facing northeast. Source: Palm Springs Historical Society. HISTORIC RESOURCES ASSESSMENT REPORT Palm Springs Racquet Club HISTORIC RESOURCES GROUP 83c. 1940 oblique aerial photograph, view facing northeast. Source: City of Palm Springs, "Historic Site Preservation Board Staff Memorandum: Case HSPB #83 -The Palm Springs Racquet Club-2743 North Indian Canyon Drive," April 11, 2017. HISTORIC RESOURCES ASSESSMENT REPORT Palm Springs Racquet Club HISTORIC RESOURCES GROUP 841946 aerial photograph, view facing southwest. Source: Charles Farrell, "Gosh How We Grew!" The Racquet Club VII no. 1, November 1967. HISTORIC RESOURCES ASSESSMENT REPORT Palm Springs Racquet Club HISTORIC RESOURCES GROUP 851953 aerial photograph. Subject Property outlined in red. Source: USDA Production and Marketing Administration, flown by Western Aerial Photography Lab ASCS, Frame IOK-14, 1:20,000, AXM-19538. University of California Santa Barbara Aerial Photography Collection. HISTORIC RESOURCES ASSESSMENT REPORT Palm Springs Racquet Club HISTORIC RESOURCES GROUP 86C. 1955 oblique aerial photograph, view facing north. Source: Los Angeles Public Library. HISTORIC RESOURCES ASSESSMENT REPORT Palm Springs Racquet Club HISTORIC RESOURCES GROUP 871955 oblique aerial photograph, view facing northwest. Source: Los Angeles Public Library. HISTORIC RESOURCES ASSESSMENT REPORT Palm Springs Racquet Club HISTORIC RESOURCES GROUP 881967 aerial photograph. Subject Property outlined in red. Source: Aerial Map Industries, Frame 149, 1 :30,000, AMI-RIV-67. University of California Santa Barbara Aerial Photography Collection. HISTORIC RESOURCES ASSESSMENT REPORT Palm Springs Racquet Club HISTORIC RESOURCES GROUP 891980 aerial photograph. Subject Property outlined in red. Source: Aerial Map Industries, Frame I 0762, I :36,000, AMI-RIV-80A. University of California Santa Barbara Aerial Photography Collection. HISTORIC RESOURCES ASSESSMENT REPORT Palm Springs Racquet Club HISTORIC RESOURCES GROUP 90· 1 ' .-. .,..,._. -, ·.· -. • ~ • ' -'-'" ,I -;.I , I I •~\ • • I .' I i • I ~ 2003 aerial photograph. Subject Property outlined in red. Source: Aerial Map Industries, Frame I 0762, I :36,000, AMI-RIV-80A. University of California Santa Barbara Aerial Photography Collection. HISTORIC RESOURCES ASSESSMENT REPORT Palm Springs Racquet Club IDSTORIC RESOURCES GROUP 91APPENDIX C. Permit History53 DATE PERMIT DESCRIPTION OF WORK OWNER ARCHITECT/ NO. BUILDER ., 10/9/1945 1868 6 [illegible] bungalows with Albert Frey special [illegible] of [illegible] 8/27/1946 2524 Addition to kitchen as per plan The Racquet Club H. Foster 6/10/1947 2872 3 rental units [illegible] as per Charles Farrell H. Foster plan 6/29/1949 3153 Frame and stucco addition to Chas. Farrell -H.H. Foster+ single-family bldg. compo roof residence Assoc. 8/24/1950 4452 Dining room ext. -club. Frame & Racquet Club. Foster & Asso. stucco cone floor compo roof 6/24/1968 B-11216 Const new locker room bldg in The Racquet Club Ladd conjunction with Farrell House. Frame & stucco and compo roof 3/29/1972 B-4221 At south apt. unit of an existing 2-Racquet Club W. Golglazie unit bldg., conv. Storage rm to laun. (bldg. 3) 7/28/1972 B-4887 Construct 2 unit condominium Racquet Club Ladd Dev. Corp. type apartment building. Frame and stucco const. Compo. roof. 7/28/1972 B-4889 Add to off. bldg. + cone. wall Racquet Club Ladd Dev. Corp. 9/19/1972 B-5127 Const. 12' x 27' gunite cone. Robert Tulcin Roams Const. Swimming pool for cond. 306-308 in Racquet Club. 10/17/1972 B-5175 Const. 24 sq. ft. gunite cone. Racquet Club of Roams Const. Co. therapy pool on common grds of P.S. condominium dev. 53 This permit chronology has been compiled using available building records as provided by the City of Palm Springs and those included in City of Palm Springs Planning Department, "Palm Springs Racquet Club: Historic Report," prepared by John Ash Group Architects under direction of Palm Springs Property, LLC, October 2004. HISTORIC RESOURCES ASSESSMENT REPORT Palm Springs Racquet Club HISTORIC RESOURCES GROUP 92-DATE PERMIT DESCRIPTION OF WORK OWNER ARCHITECT/ NO. BUILDER 7/2/1973 B-6431 Construct 2 unit, 1 story, Racquet Club Ladd Dev. Corp. apartment building for condominium purposes. Frame and stucco const. Compo roof (401-402) 7/2/1973 B-6432 Construct 2 unit, 1 story, Racquet Club Ladd Dev. Corp. apartment building for condominium purposes. Frame and stucco const. Comp roof. (405-406) 7/2/1973 B-6433 Construct 2 unit, 1 story, Racquet Club Ladd Dev. Corp. apartment building for condominium purposes. Frame and stucco const. Comp roof. (407-408) 7/2/1973 B-6434 Construct 2 unit, 1 story, Racquet Club Ladd Dev. Corp. apartment building for condominium purposes. Frame and stucco const. Comp roof. (411-412) 7/2/1973 B-6435 Construct 2 unit, 1 story, Racquet Club Ladd Dev. Corp. apartment building for condominium purposes. Frame and stucco const. Comp roof. (413-414) 7/2/1973 B-6436 Construct 2 unit, 1 story, Racquet Club Ladd Dev. Corp. apartment building for condominium purposes. Frame and stucco const. Comp roof. (419-420) 7/2/1973 B-6437 Construct 2 unit, 1 story, Racquet Club Ladd Dev. Corp. apartment building for condominium purposes. Frame and stucco const. Comp roof. (421-422) HISTORIC RESOURCES ASSESSMENT REPORT Palm Springs Racquet Club HISTORIC RESOURCES GROUP 93-DATE PERMIT DESCRIPTION OF WORK OWNER ARCIDTECT/ NO. BUILDER 7/2/1973 B-6438 Construct 2 unit, 1 story, Racquet Club Ladd Dev. Corp. apartment building for condominium purposes. Frame and stucco const. Comp roof. (425-426) 7/2/1973 B-6439 Construct 2 unit, 1 story, Racquet Club Ladd Dev. Corp. apartment building for condominium purposes. Frame and stucco const. Compo roof. (425-426) 7/2/1973 B-6440 Construct 4 unit, 1 story Racquet Club Ladd Dev. Corp. apartment building for condominium purposes. Frame and stucco const. Compo roof. (415-418) 8/21/1973 B-6625 Const. 362 lineal ft. of 6' high Racquet Club Quality Mason cone. block wall on east property line & 687 lineal ft. of 4'6" high cone. block wall on south & west property lines. 4/30/1974 B-7468 Const. frm & stucco add (253 sq I. Felt (bldg. 421) Ladd Dev. Co. ft) for new den & bath, include wet bar, compo. roof. Architecture to match exist. 5/17/1974 B-7554 Const a 20' x 15' cone gunite Sigmund Edelstone Palm Pools swim pool to include a 10' x 10' hot pool in rear yard 6/18/1974 B-7653 Const 24' x 11' w/atchd 5x5' Mr. Barns Swim Pools therapy pool cone gunite swimming pool in rear yard 6/18/1674 B-7654 Const 13 x 20' cone gunite Mr. I. Felt Swim Pools swimming pool in rear yard 6/18/1974 B-7655 Const 15' x 24' cone gunite Mr. Hammel Swim Pools swimming pool in rear yard HISTORIC RESOURCES ASSESSMENT REPORT Palm Springs Racquet Club HISTORIC RESOURCES GROUP 94DATE PERMIT DESCRIPTION OF WORK OWNER ARCHITECT/ NO. BUILDER 6/18/1974 B-7656 Const 15' x20' cone gunite swim Mr. Weisel Swim Pools pool in rear yard 6/18/1974 B-7657 Const 15' x 23' cone gunite Mr. Strauss Swim Pools swimming pool in rear yard 6/18/1974 B-7659 Const 12x26' w/atchd 5x5' Mr. Wehlstetter Swim Pools therapy cone gunite swimming pool in rear yard 7/10/1974 B-7713 Const frm & stucco add to house Racquet Club Ladd Const. new telephone switchboard facilities (match exist design) 11/19/1974 B-7943 Enclose existing porch with one The Racquet Club Owner wall, out [illegible] rear unit in existing room. 1 hr. const. on both side walls. 8/18/1978 B-3605 Install fiberglass therapy pool per Attwood Leisure Spa World homeowners association approval, in patio area. HISTORIC RESOURCES ASSESSMENT REPORT Palm Springs Racquet Club HISTORIC RESOURCES GROUP 95ATTACHMENT 4 HSPB Resolution 96RESOLUTION NO. HSPB 83-2020 A RESOLUTION OF THE HISTORIC SITE PRESERVATION BOARD OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA, RECOMMENDING THAT THE CITY COUNCIL DESIGNATE "THE RACQUET CLUB" LOCATED AT 2743 NORTH INDIAN CANYON DRIVE, A CLASS 2 (HISTORIC MERIT) HISTORIC RESOURCE, (HSPB #83), (APN'S 504-040-038, and 504-133-002). THE HISTORIC SITE PRESERVATION BOARD ("HSPB") 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, at its September, 2019 meeting, the City's Historic Site Preservation Board ("HSPB") requested staff to prepare the Racquet Club case for consideration by the City Council as a historic resource; and C. WHEREAS, at the request of the City, a historic resources report was prepared by the firm Historic Resources Group ("HRG") dated July 14, 2020, analyzing the Racquet Club's eligibility as a historic resource pursuant to the City's Historic Preservation Ordinance (PSMC 8.05); and D. WHEREAS, on October 1, 2020, members of the HSPB conducted site inspections of the proposed historic resource, accompanied by City staff; and E. WHEREAS, On October 6, 2020, a noticed public hearing of the HSPB to consider Case HSPB #83 was held in accordance with applicable law; and F. WHEREAS, 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. THE HISTORIC SITE PRESERVATION BOARD 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 HSPB shall evaluate the application and make findings in conformance with the following criteria: Criteria for the Designation of Class 1 and Class 2 Historic Resources. A site, structure, building or object may be designated as a Class 1 historic resource, provided both of the 97Resolution No. HSPB 83-2020 The Racquet Club Page 2 of 8 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 report states that the Racquet Club exhibits exceptional historic significance as an early example of commercial recreational development in Palm Springs with a direct association with the tourism industry and the Hollywood social scene in the City, and for its association with actor, developer and former mayor Charlie Farrell. Beginning on page 30, the report evaluates the Racquet Club relative to the criteria findings in the City's Municipal Code. (Criterion 1) The resource is associated with events that have made a meaningful contribution to the nation, state or community; The report notes that the Racquet Club was host to several tennis tournaments in the 1950's. Although previous surveys acknowledged that the tennis tournaments contributed to the allure and reputation of Palm Springs as a sophisticated glamorous destination, the HRG report notes these tournaments were consistent with other golf and tennis events occurring in Palm Springs and were not the primary reason that the Club achieved significance. Thus the HSPB finds that the Racquet Club does not qualify as a historic resource relative to the criterion of "events". (Criterion 2) The resource is associated with the lives of persons who made a meaningful contribution to national, state or local history; The report identifies Charlie Farrell (1900 -1990) as a person who made a meaningful contribution to local and national history both as owner, developer and manager of the Racquet Club, as an important person in the entertainment industry and as mayor of Palm Springs from 1947 to 1955. The report asserts that the Racquet Club is "inextricably tied to Farrell's productive life, being both his business and his primary residence for over twenty years. It notes that Farrell continued to appear in films and on television during his ownership of the Club and the Club even served as the setting for his television show. From 1938 until 1959 the Farrell's lived in a single family residence at the Racquet Club.1 Thus the HSPB finds that the Palm Springs Racquet Club qualifies as a historic resource under Criterion 2 for its association with Charlie Farrell. (Criterion 3) The resource reflects or exemplifies a particular period of national, state or local history; The report describes the Racquet Club as a unique example of recreational development in Palm Springs between the two World Wars. It was developed by celebrities to cater to a celebrity clientele and exemplifies Palm Springs' history as a getaway for the Hollywood elite from the 1930's through the 1960's. 1 After Farrell sold the Racquet Club in 1959, the residence was renovated and expanded to accommodate commercial-recreational uses associated with the Club. 98Resolution No. HSPB 83-2020 The Racquet Club Page 3 of 8 The Racquet Club began as a small tennis club with a simple viewing gallery which drew its membership from celebrity friends and colleagues of original owners Charlie Farrell and Ralph Bellamy. In the 1940's the Club added its first overnight guest accommodations. Fifteen simple bungalows designed by master architect Albert Frey were constructed on the south side of a small, mostly dry water feature called "Netcher's Creek". These bungalows and many more that followed in the ensuing decades created quiet, secluded and private accommodations that were in contrast with the social hub of the Club which focused around the courts, a swimming pool, restaurant and the famous "Bamboo Room" cocktail lounge. Although the historic integrity of the bungalows has been compromised, collectively along with the commercial buildings on site, they contribute to an understanding of the Racquet Club's period of significance, as it evolved from a simple tennis club to an exclusive multi-faceted resort with a variety of guest accommodations and social and recreational amenities. The report notes that the Racquet Club's significance continued through the post World War II period as services, amenities and features continued to be added to meet the increasing demand and interests of its celebrity clientele. The report defines the period of significance for the Racquet Club from 1934 to 1969.2 The Racquet Club is historically significant because it reflects the period in which Palm Springs was a favored getaway for celebrities from the movie industry which cemented Palm Springs' reputation as a glamorous resort destination. As such the HSPB asserts that the Racquet Club qualifies as a historic site under Criterion 3, exemplifying the period in history when Palm Springs' rose in prominence as a favored destination for celebrities and those associated with the movie industry. (Criterion 4) The resource embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period or method of construction; Most of the early buildings at the Racquet Club were constructed in a casual ranch style architecture with board and batten siding and wood shake shingle roofs that were popular in Palm Springs in the 1930's. This is best characterized in the Farrell residence. The buildings are modest in scale with simple detailing. According to earlier historic resource reports, the bungalows were also originally clad in board and batten siding and wood shake roofs, however they are currently clad in stucco with cementitious shingle roofs. The extensive alterations that occurred on most of the buildings over time have significantly impaired their historic integrity and thus, the HSPB concluded that the Racquet Club does not exhibit historic significance 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; Beginning on page 33, the report discusses the association of the Racquet Club with master architect Albert Frey. Between 1945 and 1951, Frey designed fifteen (15) modest bungalows along the southern portion of the Racquet Club property. Eight of those including one referred 2 Previous studies of the Racquet Club defined period of significance through 1960, however post-war improvements including the Schiff House and construction of additional tennis courts continued through 1969. 99Resolution No. HSPB 83-2020 The Racquet Club Page 4 of 8 to as "The Schiff Residence" remain on the site and the others have been demolished. The report states that the bungalows are "simple, utilitarian buildings, and do not exemplify Frey's groundbreaking work in Desert Modernism." In 1955, one of the bungalows was purchased by the Schiff family. The Schiffs commissioned Frey in 1961 to design an addition, which included a unique semi-circular glass-walled pool enclosure which featured a series of large round skylights in its roof. Although past reports on the Racquet Club asserted that the 1961 Schiff House additions were more reflective of Frey's Modernist-inspired commissions, the current report does not make that assertion. It states that the extant bungalows at the Racquet Club do not represent an outstanding example of Frey's work. As such, the HSPB determined that the Racquet Club's association with Albert Frey is insufficient to qualify the site as a historic resource under Criterion 5. (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 In contrast to past reports, the current report does not assert that the Racquet qualifies under Criterion 6. In the analysis done in 2017 on the Racquet Club, it was noted that the individual buildings, (the clubhouse containing the Bamboo Lounge, the Farrell residence, the "Bogert Room", the swimming pool, and remaining tennis court) are rather conventional and unremarkable in their architecture, aesthetic effect and method of construction, however collectively they are the remains of the "social hub" area of the Racquet Club. It noted that the Frey-designed cottages, which are also conventional and unremarkable in their architecture and method of construction, were sited away from the social hub. Collectively they are the remains of the "secluded and private guest accommodation" element of the Club, and stand in notable contrast to the social hub. Thus although the 2017 report asserted that the historic significance of the Racquet Club is best understood as a "distinguishable entity" of which many of the individual components lack individual distinction, the HSPB did not substantiate this finding. (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 2: 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, materials, 100Resolution No. HSPB 83-2020 The Racquet Club Page 5 of 8 workmanship, location, setting, feeling, or association. The report 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 site's Integrity was evaluated using the publication "How to Apply the National Register Criteria for Evaluation", as published by the U.S. Department of the Interior ("the bulletin"). As noted in the bulletin, for a conclusion to be drawn that a building has a high degree of historic integrity, it will always possess several, and usually most, of the aspects of integrity. "Determining which of the seven aspects are most important to a particular property requires knowing why, where and when the property is significant." The report concludes that the Racquet Club lacks sufficient integrity to qualify as a Class 1 / Landmark historic site. This conclusion is further explained below. 1. Location: The remaining buildings and elements at the Racquet Club remain on their original site, thus the HSPB concluded that the Racquet Club retains integrity of location. 2. Design: The report notes that the Racquet Club has been significantly altered since the end of its period of significance. At least fifteen (15) buildings constructed during the period of significance and nearly all the landscape and hardscape features have been demolished, including eleven of the twelve tennis courts that were the very genesis for creation of the club. Furthermore, the buildings that do remain have been substantially altered. Thus the HSPB concludes that the Racquet Club lacks integrity of design. 3. Setting: Historic photographs in the report show lush landscaping with mature trees dense shrubs and wide lawns with clusters of buildings connected by curvilinear roads and walkways. Nearly all the landscape and most of the buildings have been demolished. Therefore the HSPB concludes that the site lacks integrity of Setting. 4. Materials: The report notes that due to the substantial amount of alteration and demolition at the Racquet Club, the surviving buildings lack integrity of materials. However there is a certain amount of material integrity that still exists because the exterior materials of the Farrell Residence and the restaurant / bamboo room building retain their board and batten siding and wood shake roofs. The bungalows do not retain material integrity, since the wood shake roofs have been replaced with cementitious shingles and the board and batten siding has been replaced with stucco. Thus the HSPB determined that the Racquet Club lacks integrity of materials. 101Resolution No. HSPB 83-2020 The Racquet Club Page 6 of 8 5. Workmanship: The report notes that to retain integrity of workmanship, a property must retain the physical evidence of the crafts and construction techniques from its historic period. As noted above, since there is very little material integrity remaining on most of the buildings, the HSPB concluded that the Racquet Club has insufficient evidence to retain integrity of workmanship. 6. Feeling: The report notes that due to the significant loss of setting, design, materials and workmanship, the demolition of numerous buildings and the destruction of the landscape, the Racquet Club has lost its integrity of feeling. The HSPB concurs with this determination. 7. Association: The presence of the remnant features: the clubhouse (including the Bamboo Room), the Farrell residence, the bungalows, tennis court and the main pool, continue to convey their association with the Racquet Club and the recreational and resort development in Palm Springs from the period of the 30's through the 60's. Therefore the HSPB concluded that the remnant features retain integrity of association Although the Racquet Club retains integrity of Location and Association, it lacks integrity of Setting, Design, Materials, Workmanship, and Feeling. Thus the HSPB concludes that the Racquet Club is eligible as a Class 2 I Historic Merit historic site, but lacks sufficient integrity to qualify as a Class 1 / Landmark historic site. SECTION 3: DEFINING HISTORIC CHARACTERISTICS AND NON-CONTRIBUTING FEATURES. 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, 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. On page 38, the report identifies that all the surviving buildings and features from the period of significance collectively contribute to the Racquet Club's eligibility as a Class 2 I Historic Merit historic site. The report notes that although these surviving remnants are either badly deteriorated or have suffered substantial alterations that significantly impair their historic integrity, they collectively convey an important aspect of the City's historic development that is deserving of official recognition. The HSPB generally concurs with this recommendation with the exception of the 1969 Building 102Resolution No. HSPB 83-2020 The Racquet Club Page 7 of 8 which it believes is not relevant to the historic significance of the Racquet Club. Thus the eligible buildings and features include: • The Tennis Court. • The Main Pool including twenty feet of deck/ open space around it. • The Farrell Residence (excluding the 1985 addition). • The Schiff Residence (including the 1961 addition). • One of the Frey bungalows closest to the Schiff House. • Portions of the Clubhouse that contain the Bamboo Room and the octagonal volume of the Bogert dining room, both of which are contained under the cedar shake roofline and had board and batten siding along the south and east elevations, but not including the kitchen or later additions added after the period of significance (after 1969). Non-contributing features are • The 1969 Building (and the parcel on which it is located identified by APN #504-133-001 ). • The 2005 Condominium Building. • The modular construction office building. • Portions of the Clubhouse not associated with the Bamboo Room. 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 2 HISTORIC SITES. According to Section 8.05 of the Municipal Code, the following shall apply to a Class 2 Historic Resource: 1. It shall meet the definition of a Class 2 historic site as outlined in Municipal Code Section 8.05.020. 2. An archival file shall be maintained on the property 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". 103Resolution No. HSPB 83-2020 The Racquet Club Page 8 of 8 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. Upon final action by the City Council on the HSPB's recommendation, 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 Historic Site Preservation Board recommends that the City Council designate "The Racquet Club" located at 27 43 North Indian Canyon Drive, a Class 2 (Historic Merit) Historic Resource (Case HSPB #83). ADOPTED THIS SIXTH DAY OF OCTOBER, 2020. AYES: Hough, Dixon, Nelson, Kiser, Rosenow NOES: ABSENT: Burkett ABSTAIN: ATTEST: Flinn Fagg, AICP Director of Development Services CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA 104Attachment 5 HSPB Minute Excerpt 105EXCERPTS OF MINUTES At the Historic Site Preservation Board meeting of the City of Palm Springs, held October 6, 2020, the Historic Site Preservation Board took the following action: 2.8. THE HISTORIC SITE PRESERVATION BOARD TO CONSIDER POSSIBLE CLASS 2 / HISTORIC MERIT HISTORIC SITE DESIGNATION OF THE PALM SPRINGS RACQUET CLUB, A CLASS 3 HISTORIC SITE, LOCATED AT 2743 NORTH INDIAN CANYON DRIVE (APN'S 504-040-038, 504-133-001, AND 504-133-002) CASE HSPB #83. (KL). Staff member Lyon summarized the staff report and noted written public comment had been received and forwarded to the board prior to the meeting. It included comments from the property owner including a request that the hearing be postponed. Member Rosenow asked for clarification on staff's recommendation on character-defining elements of the Clubhouse building. Member Dixon asked for clarification on staff's recommended exclusion of the parcel on which the 1969 building is located. (Lyon explained staff did not recommend the 1969 building as character-defining, and if the Board concurs there would be no historic resource on that third parcel.) Member Nelson asked for clarification on the change in status of the Schiff residence from the earlier reports to the current one. (Lyon referenced the discussion on the Schiff residence on page 34 of the historic resources report.) Member Nelson opined that the Schiff residence still exhibits a high level of integrity. Seeing no further questions of staff the Vice-Chair opened the· public hearing. The board considered a request from the property owner to postpone the hearing. Motion by member Nelson, seconded by Member Dixon to reject the request for postponement. Member Dixon asked the reason for the postponement. JUDY DLUGACS, owner explained two of her team members were not available. AYES: NAYS: ABSENT: Nelson, Dixon, Kiser, Rosenow, Hough. None. Burkett. 106MS. DLUGACS read her written comment and summarized the difficulties and efforts to secure the property and find a viable buyer. She stated that if the City wishes to place historic designation on the property that there could be a stipulation to pay homage to the history through a plaque or photo of the history on a prominent area of the site without encumbering the next developer on the project. BRIAN HEADMAN, a neighbor, opined that an appropriate historic designation would assist in attracting a buyer with possible tax benefits and find a use for the property that doesn't require demolishing the entire clubhouse. PETER MORUZZI, representing the Palm Springs Modern Committee stated PSMC strongly supports the Class 2 designation of the property and that the Schiff House is a significant example representing the latter part of Albert Frey's career. KEN HALL, a neighbor reiterated the comments of Mr. Headman, urged the board to make a decision that provides flexibility and viability for a future developer, and opined that the clubhouse and bamboo room were the most important pieces. MS. DLUGACS stated it is not an owner objection to having a historic designation and that she agrees with everyone about the historic value of the Racquet Club. The question is how would designation impact the ability to find someone to develop the property. She noted there needs to be an understanding of what has to remain so a developer can properly develop the property. Seeing no other speakers, the Vice-Chair closed the public hearing. Member Kiser asked staff about creating a list of what the Board considers important enough to retain including the interior elements such as the Bamboo Room and then allow them to be relocated anywhere on the site to give a developer leeway to redevelop. (Lyon explained the list of contributing or character-defining features would be that kind of list. With respect to the interior areas that the Board might identify as important, the Board could encourage their adaptive reuse but the Board does not have authority over interiors of privately owned sites.) Member Dixon asked if the three parcels that comprise the Racquet Club could be sold separately (Lyon replied yes with possible access agreements if the parcels are landlocked.) Member Nelson opined about the elements of the site he felt were character-defining included the Clubhouse, the pool, the tennis court, the Farrell residence, and the Schiff house. 107Member Rosenow concurred with Member Nelson. Member Kiser opined that it was not necessary to keep the entire Clubhouse building. He agreed about the importance of the Schiff house, the tennis court and the pool. Vice-Chair Hough opined the Schiff house and Bamboo Room were most important elements in conjunction with the pool. After several amendments, Member Nelson made the following motion seconded by Member Dixon: That the HSPB recommend that the City Council designate the Racquet Club as a Class 2 historic site· based on the findings in the staff report. The contributing character-defining features would be: • The portion of the Clubhouse containing the bamboo lounge and the octagonal volume of the Bogert dining room both of which are contained under the cedar shake roofline and had board and batten siding along the south and east elevations, but not including the kitchen or later additions added after the period of significance (after 1969). • The Swimming pool and roughly twenty feet of deck / open space around it. • The Tennis court. • The original part of the Charlie Farrell residence ( excluding the 1980's addition). · • The Schiff house, including the 1961 addition. • One of the Frey bungalows located closest to the Schiff house. AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Nelson, Dixon, Hough, Kiser, Rosenow. None. Burkett. Joanne Bruggemans, Administrative Secretary 108Attachment 6 Public Comment 109Ken Lyon From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Attachments: From: Judy Dlugacz ( •:;:;;;;;, 1q O.::?udyd@olivia.com > Tuesday, October 06, 2020 3:15 PM Ken Lyon Claire Lucas; Trujillo, Ciara; Tom Tang Letter ;and copy of the original site plan by most recent developer 18016-RACQ-A 1-1-Site Plan-Proposed-32nd-04-20-19Jpg Sent: Tuesday, October 6, 2020 10:07 AM Good Evening, I am Judy Dlugacz the owner of Olivia Communities LLC and the Racquest Club property. We bought the property close to 10 years ago with the expectation of building a condo development for the LGBTQ + community and friends. We spent many years reaching out to developers and going down the due diligence path but it always ended without a deal, due to the requirements and concerns of doing a project built around structures that no longer held any historic integrity. We inherited the property virtually as it is today. We have maintained it and followed the requirements of the city to do so. About 3 years ago the property was in contract with a great developer that planned to spend close to $50 million to design and create an incredible hotel project paying homage to the Racquet Club. It seemed all was going well and then they informed me that due to the requirements of the historic board, they could not continue with the project and this past January ended their agreement to buy. It is absolutely essential to the future development of the property that the developer's efforts be supported by all and not be burdened by unrealistic requirements. Please, the-neighborhood and the entire community deserve the opportunity to see something great built. We truly thought this last project would be an incredible opportunity to fulfill that desire. We ask that if you wish to place an historic designation, a stipulation would be appropraite to pay homage to what once was and enable a project to be developed without encumbrances and requirements based upon the past and not the realities of what is. The project we lost would have added so much to the neighborhood and would have paid homage to this piece of land and what it has meant to the history of Palm Springs. It is in the best interest of a developer to do that! 1 110And we at Olivia Communities would feel that all the time, money and effort to get a project done would not have been in vein. We ask that should a designation class 2 or 3 be recommended that it be for the purpose of respectful homage by the developer without additional, unrealistic requirements .. A plaque and photos of the history in a prominent place on the site would be an important commemorative for this site. What else a developer would like to do should be up to them so we can finally find someone to build and enable the area to prosper. I have included a copy of the site plan proposal that the last developer had created so you see the efforts that were made and then abandoned. Respectfully, Judy Dlugacz JUDY DLUGACZ President and Founder OLIVIA 434 Brannan Street San Francisco, CA 94107 T (415)235-7463 Pp © judyd@olivia.com I olivia.com 2 111Ken Lyon From: Anthony Mejia Sent: To: Monday, October 05, 2020 11 :31 AM Edward Witek Cc: Flinn Fagg; Ken Lyon Subject: RE: The Palm Springs Racquet Club Your email has been received and will be provided to the HSPB and included in the official record. Thank you. Anthony J. Mejia, MMC City Clerk 3200 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way Palm Springs, CA 92262 T: 760.323.8206 palrnspringsca.gov From: Edward Witek <zoomzoomboy4ever@yahoo.com> Sent: Monday, October 5, 2020 11:31 AM To: CityClerk <CityClerk@palmspringsca.gov> Subject: The Palm Springs Racquet Club To the members of the Historic Site Preservation Board The Racquet Club property is currently for sale. So what is the point of this designation at this time? You should be doing everything in your power to help the Olivia Group sell their parcels of land and to help the new buyers on the best way to proceed. I find this Board to be an embarrassment to the citizens of Palm Springs. I don't know your charter but it seems to me you would rather KILL any development rather than promote it. How long has the Orchard Tree Inn debacle been going on. I live next door to the Racquet Club property. I have looked at this BLIGHT for the last ten years. What happened that the company who wanted to buy the property decided to move on? They had site plans and appeared ready to move forward. Mayor Moon in his last State of the City address said the Racquet Club was being reimagined for a new generation. Was this Board responsible for their exit? The Starwood Group agreed to keep the Clubhouse, the swimming pool and and the bungalow with the pool Everything else could be torn down. Now that new buyers have to be found does this still hold or do you start over from scratch? 1 112You can recommend or demand or suggest all kinds of things to do to the property. But you don't own the land and you're not shelling out any money to do improvements. Having power doesn't make you right. The Racquet Club opened in 1934. It's important to the history of the city. Stop standing on principle and work to get the Racquet Club up and running! You can fight with everyone who may disagree with you but remember: it only takes a match to burn those buildings down. Then what do you have? I will be writing my councilman Dennis Woods to ask him what is going on with is property thirty days from today. Edward Witek 130 West Racquet Club Road Villa 511 Palm Springs Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone 2 113Ken Lyon From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: @ Dear HSPB members, LetsAll@GoBananas.net Monday, October 05, 2020 8:54 AM CityClerk; Ken Lyon ABig@KidAtHeart.com RE: HSPB 83 -The Palm Springs Racquet Club -Upper West Side NOrg comments Upper West Side NOrg strongly supports Historic Designation to the Historic Palm Springs Racquet Club property. The historic significance is of strong interest with our NOrg members. Side note, we are also desperate to see the seriously blighted property cleaned up and made presentable too. Here is a sample of one of our Upper West Side NOrg neighborhood members feelings about the property. ''! live right across the street from The Racquet Club, when I bought the condo I currently live in,, in 2005, one of the selling points for me was that they were redoing The Racquet Club including the Bamboo room & diner. I thought how cool to be able to walk across the street and have lunch where·Marilyn Marrow, James Dean,, Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra just to mention a few use to hang out at. & the other selling point is that they were building store front and condo's on the land that is still empty on Indian Canyon and East Racquet Club, which still sits empty as does The Racquet Club. Those were key issues for me buying my first property in 2005 in Palm Springs. 15 years and the issue is still being talked about on what they're going to do! How long does it take and how many more decades will it take?" -8.R. Please proceed with the designation. Then please find a way to get the owners to make the seriously blighted property presentable soon. Thank you, Bob Heinbaugh and Paul Hinrichsen -Upper West Side NOrg leadership. 1 114Ken Lyon From: Sent: To: Ken Lyon Monday, October 05, 2020 7:16 AM Ken Lyon Subject: FW: Case HSPB #83 From: Paul Rosen <pjrosen@aol.com> Date: October 2, 2020 at 10:54:39 AM PDT To: cityclerk@palmspringsca.gov Cc: Paul Rosen <pjrosen@aol.com> Subject: Case HSPB #83 Re: Case HSPB #83 Designation of Palm Springs Racquet Club as historic resource To whom it may concern, I am writing in support of designating the Palm Springs Racquet Club at 2743 North Indian Canyon Drive as a historic resource. I can vividly remember driving into the Racquet Club, passing the tile roofed buildings, sports facilities and dinning at the legendary Bamboo Room. Surely there are few buildings and interiors in Palm Springs that have the dazzling architectural character and social significance of the Bamboo Room. I support declaring the Palm Springs Racquet Club a historical resource. I would like to see the architecture, low rise character and restoration of important elements of this property preserved for future generations as part qf the heritage of our city. Very truly yours, Paul Rosen 360 Cabrillo Road Palm Springs, CA 92262 pjrosen@aol.com 1 115Dell Verlon Morgan 200 East Racquet Club Road, #61, Palm Springs, California 92262 (760) 898-7307 dellverlonmorgan@gmail.com Anthony J. Mejia, City Clerk 3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way Palm Springs, CA 92262 RE: Case HSPB #83 The Palm Springs Racquet Club Dear Mr. Mejia: I am speaking in favor of the Historic Preservation proposal for the Palm Springs Racquet Club. Back in the 90's when I first visited Palm Springs I only knew to take 111 off of the 10, turn left on Racquet Club Road, left again on Indian Canyon and then left into the Racquet Club on Francis Drive. While staying with my friend there I met Gloria Greer of exercise fame and heard about how the Racquet Club was founded By Charlie Farrell and his Hollywood star companions. It was a good place to "name drop": worthy of keeping known to future generations. In an earlier time, back in the 70's and 80's I was a sales broker of real estate in Indianapolis, Indiana. I specialized in Historic sections of town. I know well from personal experience how Historic Preservation can revitalize an area and help the economy of an entire city. Please share my observations as a public comment in the hearing at 5:30 pm on Saturday, October 6. Sincerely yours, Dell Morgan (I am a Docent at the Palm Springs Air Museum and a widow of a WWII Naval aviator.) 116Ken Lyon From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: To whom it may concern, David Dean <dave.dean.mail@gmail.com> Saturday, October 03, 2020 6:31 AM CityClerk Ken Lyon Case HSPB #83 Palm Springs Racquet Club As a resident and property owner at the Racquet Club Cottages West, a property adjacent to the original Palm Springs Racquet Club, I am writing in support of designating the Palm Springs Racquet Club at 2743 North Indian Canyon Drive as an historic resource. This property is an important part of the history of Palm Springs and California. The historic significance of the legendary Bamboo Room is unquestionable and the architectural character of the original buildings serves as a foundation for the legacy of Palm Springs. I support declaring the Palm Springs Racquet Club an historic resource. The architectural features, low rise buildings and historically important elements of this property should be preserved for future generations to appreciate. Sincerely, David Dean Racquet Club Cottages West 360 Cabrillo Road #217 Palm Springs, CA 92262 dave.dean.mail@gmail.com 1 117Ken Lyon From: Ken Lyon Sent: To: Monday, September 28, 2020 1 :43 PM Ken Lyon Subject: Case HSPB #83 public comment letter. HPSB members, Public Comment letter on HSPB 83 (Racquet Club), Item 28 on your October 6 agenda. Ken Lyon, RA Associate City Planner Historic Preservation Officer Department of Planning Services City of Palm Springs, California 3200 Tahquitz Canyon Way Palm Springs, California 92263 T 760 322 8364 x 8786 or 760 323 8245 F 760 322 8360 Coronavirus (COVID-19): For the latest updates from the City of Palm Springs: www.palmspringsca.gov/covid Experiencing flu-like symptoms? Coachella Valley residents should contact the Eisenhower Hospital Coronavirus hotline, before reporting to o hospital or doctor: (7 60) 837-8988. "Make no little plans, They have no magic to stir men's blood And probably won't be realized. Make big plans Aim high in work and in hope, Let your watchword be order, And your beacon beauty" Daniel Burnham, Architect and Planner From: Anthony Mejia Sent: Monday, September 28, 2020 1:20 PM To: Ken Lyon; Flinn Fagg Subject: FW: Case HSPB #83 For distribution to the HSPB. Anthony J. Mejia, MMC City Clerk From: science000@roadrunner.com <science000@roadrunner.com> Sent: Monday, September 28, 2020 1:14 PM To: CityClerk <CityClerk@palmspringsca.gov> Subject: Case HSPB #83 Greetings. I received this notice of public hearing for Case HSPB #83. If I read it correctly it is asking for input from those surrounding individuals regarding its potential status to be considered for historic site designation. Unless the current owners are the individuals considering the designation as advantageous because historical designation garners them access to funds that will assist them in renovation without all the red tape that goes along with this type of status, I wholeheartedly reject any designation that will give the city and its entities any type of hold, 1 118control or requirements on the property that, 1. Does not belong to the city 2. Had never bothered with the property sitting vacant and nothing being done to the previous owners or the decay of the structures, land, or historical pieces during the previous many years that it sat unoccupied, untended and unmaintained, including with the present owners as far as the overgrowth, homeless and vagrant access and coyote clan that has hunkered down on the property on several occasions. 3. Has not had prior interest in its designation until there was some potential for profit rather than investment. I had an 1865 victorian that I was trying to bring back to life and the city of Pontiac, Ml and the historical society were salivating for control and micromanagement of a home that set vacant and ready to collapse until I showed interest and they seemed to see some bottomless pockets that they could tap into. Unless you can retroactively go back to each residence in the city that has some historical connection to Hollywood, the Ratpack or all the other potential designees then it seems pointless to go after this property that virtually has nothing historical remaining other than old bits of wood, tile, etc. that could more easily, cheaply, and efficiently be remembered by photographs, plaques and displays that they owners could choose to erect during their own property development. It is unfortunate that hoop jumping is a prerequisite to creating a property, business or estate rather than simply following the preset protocol for any property in the city. Would that there were the same energy, focus and requirements for all of the development projects that have been sitting stagnant now for years in the city I would be less reluctant to have the city project its talons into yet another project that could actually benefit the city, neighborhood and individuals who actually own the property. I sincerely hope that this comment is received and used to make an informed decision regarding this status designation and no repercussions follow me as a result of sending this comment in. 2 119Ken Lyon From: Sent: To: Subject: Please distribute to the HSPB. Anthony J. Mejia, MMC City Clerk From: M E <arkvans@gmail.com> Anthony Mejia Tuesday, September 29, 2020 10:45 AM Ken Lyon; Flinn Fagg FW: Public Comment Case HSPB #83 The Palm Springs Racquet Club Sent: Tuesday, September 29, 2020 10:03 AM To: CityClerk <CityClerk@palmspringsca.gov>; Ken Lyon <Ken.Lyon@palmspringsca.gov> Subject: Public Comment Case HSPB #83 The Palm Springs Racquet Club @ I am very much in favor of the historic designation of The Palm Springs Racquet Club. As a homeowner adjacent to the property, my only concern is that the designation not discourage the property from future development. As it stands now, the property has at times been a nuisance, with squatters and litter around the property, and lots of dry brush and old buildings posing a fire hazard. I hope the property can someday become a destination for the residents of Palm Springs, as it once was. Thank you, Mark Evans 130 W Racquet Club Rd #315 Palm Springs, CA 92262 1 120Ken Lyon From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: You are welcome! Thank you. AT&T CUSTOMER SERVICE HELP <wmairs@pacbell.net> Monday, October OS, 2020 2:32 PM Anthony Mejia Ken Lyon; Flinn Fagg Re: City of Palm Springs: Historic Site Preservation Board Meeting On Monday, October 5, 2020, 02:30:09 PM PDT, Anthony Mejia <anthony.mejia@palmspringsca.gov> wrote: Your email has been received and will be provided to the HSPB and included in the official record. Thank you. Anthony J. Mejia, MMC City Clerk 3200 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way Palm Springs. CA 92262 T: 760.323.8206 palmspringsca.gov From: AT&T CUSTOMER SERVICE HELP <wmairs@pacbell.net> Sent: Monday, October 5, 2020 2:26 PM To: City of Palm Springs <webmaster@palmsprings-ca.gov>; CityClerk <CityClerk@palmspringsca.gov>; Ken Lyon <Ken.Lyon@palmspringsca.gov> Cc: Jim Neilson <jmack.neilson@gmail.com>; pmkplanner <pmkplanner@mchsi.com>; Meranda Valencia <mvalencia@drminternet.com> . Subject: Re: City of Palm Springs: Historic Site Preservation Board Meeting @ To: The Historic Site Preservation Board 1 121Once again we, the Racquet Club Colony HOA, are writing in support of the Historic Site Designation of The Palm Springs Racquet Club as a Class 3 Historic Site. My wife and I have owned property at the adjacent Colo'ny for 17 years, and I am currently Board President. Please reference the following statement and the copy of the email we wrote August 28th to the Board, as well as the attached copy of Olivia (current owner) pitch in 2012, stating plans to develop this property. We are additionally supporting responsible stewardship and preservation of the property currently.The property, and many of the historical features have been left to deteriorate as a result the weather, and the lack of protection from intruders. We are requesting that the Board and/or the City legally require the current owners to repair and maintain, particularly the historic features, to the integrity and condition to that what existed at the time of purchase until such time as they sell the property. We believe this to be essential to maintain the historical status and condition of the iconic Racquet Club, and the eventual sale and renovation of the property. As well, this will support property values and public safety in the surrounding community. Again, Respectfully submitted, William and Lorraine Mairs Racquet Club Colony, Unit 605 HOA President ( email copy sent August 28, 2020) 'To: Historical Site Preservation Board 2 122We are writing in support of the above referenced designation of the Racquet Club property. We have owned property at the adjacent Colony HOA since 2003, and I am currently Board President. Previously we have written in support of this designation, but also to address the deteriorating condition, and neglect of the property by subsequent owners. We feel that the current owners bear responsibility for the deteriorated state, any diminished historical condition, and the failure to sell, independent of economic and political conditions despite earlier historical designation. We would like to know, what is the sale status of the property that continues to be advertised as "in escrow". Also, the current owners should be held responsible, and required to adequately restore and protect (not just a periodic security visit) the property. They should be held liable and responsible for restoring and securely maintaining the condition to the state at the time of their purchase, or to the existing conditions at the time of the prior study. They should be encouraged to actively pursue sale instead of the off and on current status. As owners at the adjacent property, and the many other owners in the other related HOA's, and the community, we have been dealt a gross disservice, and false promises (e.g. Meeting 2/3/2012 with HOA's to announce plan to develop and rebuild the Racquet Club), resulting in deterioration of property, our property values and overall conditions of the neighborhood. Respectfully submitted, William and Lorraine Mairs, RC Colony, Unit 605 Board President" On Thursday, October 1, 2020, 09:31 :16 PM PDT, City of Palm Springs <webmaster@palmsprings-ca.gov> wrote: r----------3 123Ken Lyon From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: October 9, 2017 Robert Imber <mrimber@aol.com> Monday, October 09, 2017 5:40 PM wrlavoie@mac.com; dankiser51@gmail.com; dickburkett@gmail.com; garyjohnsps@gmail.com; Ken Lyon; walker260@me.com; todd91104@yahoo.com; vincent.marsh@gmail.com Catherine Meyler; Robert Imber OCTOBER 10 PUBLIC HEARING TO: Palm Springs Historic Site Board (HSPB) FR: Robert Imber . RE: 10/10/17 2017 PUBLIC HEARING: PALM SPRINGS RACQUET CLUB Greetings; Regrets that another commitment precludes my attendance to provide Public Comment on this important matter, so I'm writing in fervid support of your unanimous prior decision to recommend the PS Racquet Club as a Class One Historic Site. Under any circumstances it seems a "slam-dunk" .. .ifthis isn't historic, we may as well throw the baby out with the bathwater. This case may be perceived by some as one of" condition vs opportunity", with the expanse of buildings and physical status aspects possibly creating a further confusing impression to some. However, the property absolutely fulfills criterion specified in the PS Ordinance, and surely must meet if not exceed National Standards of the Secretary oflnterior .. .it is likely an ideal template for renewal and opportunity under the national Standards for Rehabilitation, as well. That said, things change. With respect due any property owner's perception or circumstances, such changes over time absolutely neither diminish nor reduce the Historic Values or Defining Features of an eligible site .. .in this case one of immense proportion. You will receive considerable Public Comment, even contrary opinion so I reiterate my ardent support your action. Designation is essential to ensure and position The Palm Springs Racquet Club as properly protected going forward. For the current or any future owner's advantage. We all know, once something is gone .. .it's gone forever. I am mindful of the egregious loss of the Dr. Scholl Hacienda. I'd encourage any property owner of any such widely recognized site to be encouraged by the successful revitalization of sites in far more diminished condition. We all remember when the nearby Alexander Steel Development Houses had yards full of birdbaths, enclosed garages and second story roof decks. One remains encouraged by the Palm Springs Community Church, completely gutted and fire-damaged, now intended as a hotel/restaurant Adaptive Re-Use ... to ignore international Historic Cultural Tourism possibilities at the Racquet Club, and in this city is inexplicable, if not misguided. Likewise nearby, the once forgotten Tram Way Gas Station and it's now iconic, international recognition notes related attention. I leave you with pictures generously provided by the owner of The almost adjacent Grace Miller House ... barely a stones throw from the Racquet Club and brought back from absolute desperation to an internationally published Historic Site known throughout the world. It surely speaks to to the "opportunity" aspect of"condition vs opportunity". As ever, Thank you for your diligence and service to Palm Springs, Respectfully submitted, Robert Imber 770-808-3713 1 124Ken Lyon From: Sent: To: Subject: Rick Vila < rickvila@gmail.com > Monday, October 09, 2017 4:55 PM Ken Lyon from Rick Vila, resident of Racquet Club Estates To Whom it May Concern, I'm writing in support of the Class 1 Historic designation of the Racquet Club. I'm a long-term resident of Racquet Club Estates, and the former president of our neighborhood organization, and feel strongly that the Racquet Club meets the criteria for historic designation. The Racquet Club is intrinsically linked to our City's history and development, and to it's original fame as a playground for the Hollywood movie star elite. Designating this property historic advances our agenda a~ both a progressive City and a City that values it's past. Thank you. Rick Vila 2610 N Avenida Caballeros Palm Springs, CA 92262 1 125Ken Lyon From: Sent: To: Subject: -----Original Message-----Terri Milton Monday, October 09, 2017 3:55 PM Ken Lyon; Flinn Fagg; Terri Hintz FW: HSPB CASE 83 -THE PALM SPRINGS RACQUET CLUB From: nspeer@dc.rr.com [mailto:nspeer@dc.rr.com] Sent: Monday, October 09, 2017 3:23 PM To: CityClerk Cc: BRIAN WOODHOUSE; CAROL DAVIS; MARK SMITH; jmjonesmgnt@gmail.com Subject: HSPB CASE 83 -THE PALM SPRINGS RACQUET CLUB Dear Ken Lyon, SP~ In response to the notice of public hearing regarding the above case (a do-over from this last summer. .. yet another delay), I would like to submit this email in lieu of speaking in person as I did a few months ago. I am the manager of Camino Del Sol Homeowners Association (and property owner there too) located across the street from The Palm Springs Racquet Club. On behalf of the Association, I can tell you that we are anxious to have that property up and running as soon as possible. Its current state is a blight to our neighborhood, a fire hazard to our condos, a hide-out for homeless and overall eyesore. When I first bought at Camino in 1991, The Racquet Club was charming, had residents and an open restaurant. remember it as a kid coming to Palm Springs and learning to swim in the pool. What a shame it has gone downhill 'to this extent. Given its history of putting Palm Springs on the map, so to speak ... actors had to be able to get back to the sets in Hollywood within a 2 hour time frame. So the place to hang out became our beautiful desert oasis, most notably ... The Racquet Club and its Bamboo Room, tennis courts, bungalows and swimming pool. It deserves the historical designation, probably more than any other building today, that has yet to be blessed. I realize that much of the property has changed since its hey-day, but there are ·significant parts that remain ... that can coexist with new parts, to turn it into a popular place to hang out again. We just need the right developer who sees that vision, understands what this designation means and what the tax incentives can provide. I believe that developer is out there, but probably not the one who owns_ it now. That being said, I'm aware that City staff has tried to educate the present owner on the benefits of such a designation, but to no avail. Someone said they started out wanting to preserve the history of that site, so what happened? It seems they ran into financing troubles and have since turned their attention elsewhere. Ok then, move on and let the property go to someone who really wants to make a difference in our community and make it famous again. The new developers will reap the benefits ... especially with the popularity of modernism in Palm Springs! I believe its a matter of the right timing. Well, now's the time .... no more delays. Our patience is wearing thin ... l give it 5 years to be a fully functioning destination location! Thank you for your consideration. 1 126Sincerely, Nancy Speer Camino Del Sol Homeowners Association 760-413-5408 My Condo Address: 200 E. Racquet Club Rd #38 My Office Address: Speer Business Services 73610 Buckboard Trail Palm Desert CA 92260 2 127Palm Springs Racquet Club May 6, 2017 Curt and Atsuko Cline 114 San Marco Way Palm Springs Ca Dear Preservation Board of Palm Springs We are writing in support of having the Palm Springs Racquet Club classified as a class 1 historic site. My wife and I are currently residing in San Francisco, and started visiting Palm Springs 15 years ago. As with many visitors and transplants what drew us to Palm Springs was the weather (of course) but also the modernist architecture and its rich Hollywood history. After many years of spending time renting wonderful modernist homes to vacation in, we were fortunate enough to find a property that fit our budget to build the house that we always wanted in Palm Springs. Our property is directly across the street from the Palm Springs Racquet Club. After we purchased, I did some research on the Racquet Club only to find out that it was the epicenter of mid century Hollywood all rolled up in classic Palm Springs architecture, part of which designed by Albert Frey. The Racquet Club embodied what Palm Springs is all about and what continues to draw people from ci'II over. There is no other city like Palm Springs in the world, we must protect the places that made it that way. Sincerely yours, Curt and Atsuko Cline