HomeMy WebLinkAbout2A OCRCITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
DATE: FEBRUARY 25, 2021 PUBLIC HEARING
SUBJECT: AN APPLICATION BY STEPHEN ROSE, OWNER, FOR HISTORIC
DESIGNATION OF ''THE SUTTER RESIDENCE" LOCATED AT 1207
CALLE DE MARIA, (APN #508 -403-002), CASE HSPB #133.
FROM: David H. Ready, City Manager
BY: Development Services Department
SUMMARY:
The property owner is requesting historic designation of a single family residence that
was designed in 1959 by renowned architect E. Stewart Williams for Theodore Sutter, a
prominent member of the California petroleum industry. The home's original inward-
oriented design embraces aspects of the Brutalism style of architecture while also
incorporating noteworthy details from the mid-century Modern period.
The HSPB evaluated the application at their December 1, 2020 meeting and voted to
recommend that the City Council grant Class 2 designation to the property.
If designated as a Class 2 Historic Merit site, the property would be subject to the
regulations of Municipal Code Section 8.05 ("Historic Preservation") and would be
eligible for the application of a Mills Act historic property preservation agreement ("a
Mills Act Contract").
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 SUTTER RESIDENCE" LOCATED AT 1207 CALLE DE
MARIA AS CLASS 2 (HISTORIC MERIT) HISTORIC RESOURCE HSPB #133,
SUBJECT TO CONDITIONS (APN 508-403-002)."
BUSINESS PRINCIPAL DISCLOSURE:
The property owner is an individual, not an LLC or corporation.
ll'EMNO. ~
City Council Staff Report
February 25, 2021--Page 2 of 13
Case HSPB #133 -1207 Calle de Maria -The Sutter Residence
BACKGROUND:
A historic resources report prepared by Steve Vaught for the Palm Springs Preservation
Foundation dated November, 2020 ("the report") is the basis of this staff report.
Related Relevant City Actions by HSPB, Planning, Fire, Building, etc ... -
November 2020 Site inspection by members of the HSPB and City Staff.
December 1 , 2020 HSPB voted unanimously to recommend Class 2 designation with
conditions.
Ownership Status
May 25, 2020 I Purchase by the current owner.
--
BELOW AN AERIAL VIEW OF THE RESIDENCE.
ii
2
City Council Staff Report
February 25, 2021--Page 3 of 13
Case HSPB #133 -1207 Calle de Maria -The Sutter Residence
BELOW PHOTO OF THE SUTTER RESIDENCE AS COMPLETED IN 1961.
BELOW PHOTO OF THE CURRENT APPEARANCE OF THE SUTTER RESIDENCE.
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
3
City Council Staff Report
February 25, 2021--Page 4 of 13
Case HSPB #133 -1207 Calle de Maria -The Sutter Residence
promote the use of historic resources for the education and welfare of the
citizens."
Standard Conditions that apply to Historic Sites or Resources
The following shall apply to a Class 1 or 2 Historic Site or Resource:
1. It shall meet the definition of a Class 1 or 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 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. A marker explaining the historic nature of the site may be installed at the site in a
location viewable from the public way.
5. Compliance with all rules and regulations for Historic Resources and Historic
Districts under Chapter 8.05 of the Municipal Code.
6. 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 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 Sutter residence exhibits exceptional historic significance because of its association
with master architect E. Stewart Williams and because of its unique original inward-
focused architectural design.
(Criterion 1) The resource is associated with events that have made a
meaningful contribution to the nation, state or community;
The report does not identify any events associated with the site, thus the site does not
qualify under Criterion 1 .
(Criterion 2) The resource is associated with the lives of persons who
made a meaningful contribution to national, state or local history;
The report does not identify any significant persons associated with the Sutter
4
City Council Staff Report
February 25, 2021--Page 5 of 13
Case HSPB #133 -1207 Calle de Maria -The Sutter Residence
residence, thus the site does not qualify under Criterion 2.
(Criterion 3) The resource reflects or exemplifies a particular period of
national, state or local history;
On page 40, the report asserts that the Sutter residence exemplifies the Post World War
II period in the development of Palm Springs when the Modern architectural style grew
in popularity in Palm Springs. The report notes the Brutalist style of the home --
exhibited in the solid-looking concrete block volume of the living room -was an
architectural style that emerged in the 60's and 70's, thus reflecting the mid-century
period. Although the unfinished raw character of the concrete block living room volume
does exhibit Brutalist characteristics, the delicate-looking screenblock wall that was on
the east fac;ade (now removed) and the thin plane of milky-white glass screen wall on
the north fac;ade (now clear glass) were perhaps common in mid-century design, but are
not Brutalist in their character. As such the Sutter residence has characteristics of mid-
century design and Brutalist elements, but contrary to the report, the home as modified
does not stand as an outstanding example of the style or the period.
(Criterion 4) The resource embodies the distinctive characteristics of a
type, period or method of construction;
The Sutter residence employs concrete, glass and steel in a restrained, modern
composition. The original screenblock wall on the eastern fac;ade provided a lace-like
screen which offered a sense of privacy, yet permeability in contrast to the solid
Brutalist quality of the concrete block volume of the living room. Screenblock was
frequently used in the construction of homes from the mid-century period. On the north
elevation, the translucent glass screen wall (now replaced with tinted clear glass)
provided a sense of light, enclosure and privacy and blurred the lines between inside
and outside - a characteristic also commonly found in homes from the mid-century
period. This delicate contrast of solid and void, of strength and lightness were
character-defining features of the home which have been diminished due to the removal
of the screenblock wall and the milky-white translucent glass. Thus, although the report
asserts that the Sutter Residence qualifies under Criterion 4 as embodying unique and
innovative construction methods, the removal of critically important original construction
components and materials disqualify it from meeting this criterion.
(Criterion 5) The resource presents the work of a master builder,
designer, artist, or architect whose individual genius influenced his age, or
that possesses high artistic value;
The Sutter Residence was designed by E. Stewart Williams and constructed by Arthur
J. Coffey. Beginning on page 14, the report details the interesting design characteristics
of the Sutter residence. The design of the home was a masterful combination of
materials that provided rich texture, shadows and light. Despite the open nature of the
corner lot on which it is located, the design achieved privacy by the translucent glass
5
City Council Staff Report
February 25, 2021--Page 6 of 13
Case HSPB #133 -1207 Calle de Maria -The Sutter Residence
that was on the north fagade and the screenblock on the east.
The report notes Williams's preference for using concrete in his designs. In the Sutter
residence, he employed two types of concrete block to produce both a light, lace-like
quality through the concrete screenblock wall on the east fagade and to achieve the
solid, heavy impenetrable quality of the concrete "cube" that comprised the corner living
room. The report also documents the career of E. Stewart Williams in appendix VI,
beginning on page 54. Although the subtle use of materials has been lost due to recent
renovations, the home retains its association with architect E. Stewart Williams and
hence justifies its qualification as a historic site 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
The report does not assert that the Sutter residence qualifies under Criterion 6.
(Criterion 7) The resource has yielded or may be likely to yield
information important to national, state or local history or prehistory.
No information has been provided in the historic resources report on any pre-historic
significance of the site.
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 application includes an evaluation of the site relative to the seven aspects or
qualities of integrity, as recognized by the National Register of Historic Places. The
seven aspects or qualities include location, design, setting, materials, workmanship,
feeling, and association. The application concludes that the site retains a high degree
of integrity. Below is the HSPB's evaluation of the site's integrity which differs from the
opinion expressed in the report.
1. Location:
The Sutter residence remains in the same location that it was constructed, thus it
retains integrity of location.
2. Design:
There have been a number of recent modifications to the home that have substantially
6
City Council Staff Report
February 25, 2021--Page 7 of 13
Case HSPB #133 -1207 Calle de Maria-The Sutter Residence
altered the design. First, the milky-white translucent glass wall along the north elevation
of the home has been changed to clear, tinted glass. This material change eliminated
the feeling of enclosure of the courtyard and eliminated the sense of privacy from within
the home as seen in the photographs below from 1961 (left) and the present (right).
The exterior aesthetic of the home was also altered with this change in glass as can be
seen in the photographs below.
Second, removal of the screenblock wall along the east wall of the swimming pool
destroyed the sense of the swimming pool being an integral "room" of the home. The
screenblock wall visually created a sense of enclosure to the pool area while still
maintaining visual connection to the front yard beyond.
7
City Council Staff Report
February 25, 2021--Page 8 of 13
Case HSPB #133 -1207 Calle de Maria -The Sutter Residence
From the outside, removal of the screenblock wall resulted in the steel columns and
open-web joist roof plane feeling barren. The interplay of shadow and scale created by
the joists and beams overhanging the screenblock wall has also been lost (see photo
below).
From the street, although the vertical corrugated steel panel material on the new privacy
wall along the east elevation is similar to metal panels found on the back and sides of
the home, Williams' masterful use of concrete to express both a light, lace-like quality
through the use of concrete screenblock and the impenetrable feeling of the solid
concrete walls of the living room has been compromised.
8
City Council Staff Report
February 25, 2021--Page 9 of 13
Case HSPB #133 -1207 Calle de Maria -The Sutter Residence
The removal of the screenblock wall on the east fac;ade and replacement with the solid
galvanized corrugated steel wall seen in the photos above is damaging to the home's
historic integrity and renders the home almost unrecognizable from its original
appearance.
On page 15, the report explains that Williams designed the home in the form of a
square, incorporating the swimming pool within that square form. With the addition of
the breakfast nook on the north elevation, removal of the screenblock wall and pushing
the new metal privacy wall further to the east, the purity of form and square proportions
that Williams conceived for the home was weakened and it has taken on a bunker-like
appearance. For these reasons, the HSPB asserts that the home's design integrity has
been significantly compromised.
3. Setting:
The report explains on page 15 that because the setting of the Sutter residence is a
corner lot and that extra care was taken to ensure a harmonious interrelation between
the eastern and northern (street-facing) facades . From the 1961 photos, this can be
seen in the rhythm and modulation created by the black columns between which the
lighter-colored concrete screenblock was placed on the eastern fac;ade and the black
mullions between which was placed the milky-white frosted-glass screen wall on the
north. Williams created a sense of privacy through light and airy screens without walling
off the home from its setting.
The clear tinted glass on the north fac;ade caused a loss of privacy and the heavy
corrugated steel wall extending out into the street-fronting yard creates a hard barrier
that separates the house from its setting. The alterations on both street-fronting sides
diminish the home's relationship to its setting and the rhythm or "cadence" that was
created by the original high-contrast black columns and mullions. Thus, contrary to the
assertion in the report, the home's relationship to its setting no longer reflects the
architect's original design intent.
4. Materials:
The materials on the primary facades of the Sutter residence, most notably the concrete
screenblock on the east facade have been demolished and replaced with corrugated
steel panels and the milky frosted glass on the north fac;ade has been replaced with
clear tinted glass. These material changes have substantially altered the appearance of
the home. Although the report asserts that the corrugated metal reflects original
materials found elsewhere on the home, what has been lost is the contrast between the
use of concrete block as a light and airy screen and concrete block as the solid corner
volume. Also the square grid module scored into the concrete volume on the corner of
the house which related to the square module of the screenblock wall and the square of
the floor plan, no longer exists.
9
City Council Staff Report
February 25, 2021--Page 10 of 13
Case HSPB #133 -1207 Calle de Maria -The Sutter Residence
On the north street-facing fagade, Williams' use of a thin plane of frosted glass to create
visual privacy has also been lost. The expression of materials on the primary facades
no longer reflect the choices made by Williams in his design intent for the home. Thus
contrary to the assertion in the report, the home has lost material integrity on the
primary elevations.
5. Workmanship:
The workmanship in the Sutter residence reflects high quality craftsmanship typical of a
custom designed and built residence from the mid-century period. Thus the home
retains integrity of workmanship.
6. Feeling:
Williams' original design for the Sutter residence achieved a sense of visual privacy
from both street-fronts without creating a bunker-like quality. The concrete screenblock
offered both privacy and a sense of permeability. The alignment of the screenblock wall
with the living room wall also created a feeling that the swimming pool was very much
an integral part of the home -an extension of the interior. Removal of this screenblock
wall and expanding the pool enclosure beyond the square of the house by locating the
corrugated steel wall well into the front yard diminished the integrated feeling. The
original feeling that the home related to the adjacent streets with a sense of permeability
while still affording privacy has been lost. The steel wall feels like a hardened barrier,
as though the house is turning its back to the street. Thus, again, contrary to the report,
the home no longer has the same feeling on its primary elevations as seen in the
vintage photos.
7. Association:
Concrete screenblock is commonly associated with the mid-century modern period.
That association has been severed by the removal of the screenblock from the Sutter
residence. Similarly exposing a buildings' structural system to establish pattern,
modularity and scale was also a tenet of the Modern movement in architecture. With the
placement of the corrugated steel wall in the front yard, the structural columns on the
east fagade have been obscured and the structural module is no longer evident from the
street. For these reasons, the association or relationship of the Sutter residence with
the mid-century Modern period has been diminished.
In summary, contrary to the assertions in the report, there has been a considerable loss
of integrity of design, setting, materials, feeling and association. As viewed from the
public streets, the home no longer reflects the design as envisioned by E. Stewart
Williams with the contrast between screenblock and solid concrete block and the light
feel of the milky-white glass panels.
10
City Council Staff Report
February 25, 2021--Page 11 of 13
Case HSPB #133-1207 Calle de Maria-The Sutter Residence
DEFINING HISTORIC CHARACTERISTICS
In considering a recommendation for historic resource designation it is important to
distinguish those physical elements that are original or from the period of significance
that contribute to the resource's historic significance from alterations, additions or
features that were added at a later time that may be sympathetic to the original
character, but which may create a false sense of historicity. Distinguishing original
character-defining features from non-original elements aids the HSPB when it is tasked
with evaluating future alterations to the historic resource.
The physical character-defining historic features of this site include the following:
1. The post and beam structural system.
2. Expansive walls of floor to ceiling glass blurring the line between indoor and
outdoor.
3. The structural open-web joists spanning over the swimming pool.
4. The solid concrete block volume of the living room expressing a Brutalist
architectural style.
5. The grid-like score lines in the corner concrete block walls of the living room with
emphasis on the vertical lines.
6. The wide roof covering on the west and south sides of the pool terrace.
7. The black steel frame of the glass garden wall on the north fagade.
a. The ornamental metal gate into the north side courtyard.
9. The palm trees at the corner of the site.
The non-contributing features include the following:
1. The corrugated steel garden wall on the east side of the home.
2. The clear tinted glass in the screen wall on the north side of the home.
3. The breakfast nook addition.
4. The saucer-shaped firepit.
5. The rooftop metal screenwalls concealing the solar panels.
6. The landscape except the palm trees at the corner of the site.
HSPB Action:
The HSPB recognized the loss of integrity caused by recent alterations of the home,
notably the change of the milky white glass in the screen wall along the north fagade.
Restoration of the milky-white glass alone however, would not be sufficient to qualify the
home as a Class 1 historic site.
In making their recommendation to the City Council, the HSPB conditioned the
recommendation that if the property owner restores the milky white glass in the screen
wall on the north side of the house the site would automatically be elevated to Class 1
(Landmark) status. The City Attorney invalidated this condition noting that the historic
11
City Council Staff Report
February 25, 2021--Page 12 of 13
Case HSPB #133 -1207 Calle de Maria -The Sutter Residence
preservation ordinance does not provide for this sort of automatic elevation in historic
status. The City Attorney noted that a property owner choosing to restore character-
defining features in accordance with the Secretary of the Interior Standards, could
reapply for consideration of Class 1 designation in the future.
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.
NOTIFICATION
Pursuant to section 8.05.140 of the Municipal Code of Palm Springs, all residents within
five hundred (500) feet of the subject property have been notified and notice was
published in a newspaper of general circulation.
CONCLUSION:
The Sutter residence meets the definition of a historic resource based on Criteria 5
however lacks sufficient historic integrity to qualify as a Class 1 (Landmark) site. The
HSPB has recommended that the City Council consider Class 2 (Historic Merit) status
for the Sutter Residence.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None.
SUBMITTED BY:
Development Services Director
Marcus L. Fuller, MPA, P.E., P.L.S.
Assistant City Manager
12
City Council Staff Report
February 25, 2021--Page 13 of 13
Case HSPB #133 -1207 Calle de Maria -The Sutter Residence
David H. Ready, Esq., Ph
City Manager
Attachments:
1. Vicinity Map.
2. Draft Resolution.
3. Application / historic resource report, owner consent letter.
4. Excerpt of HSPB meeting minutes, December 1, 2020.
13
Department of Planning Services
Vicinity Map
CITY OF PALM SPRINGS
HSPB #133
The Sutter Residence
W·• N '· E
:'\,;~ ,. .
s
14
ATTACHMENT 2
Draft Resolution
15
RESOLUTION NO. __
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA, DESIGNATING "THE
SUTTER RESIDENCE" LOCATED AT 1207 SOUTH CALLE
DE MARIA, A CLASS 2 HISTORIC SITE, (HSPB #133),
APN# 508-403-002.
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, Stephen Rose, owner, submitted an application to the City seeking
historic site designation of the Sutter Residence located at 1207 South Calle de Maria;
and
C. WHEREAS, in November, 2020, members of the Historic Site Preservation
Board (HSPB) and City staff conducted site inspections of the proposed historic
resource; and
D. WHEREAS, on December 1, 2020, a noticed public hearing of the Palm Springs
Historic Site Preservation Board to consider Case HSPB #133 was held in accordance
with applicable law; and
E. WHEREAS, at the said hearing, the HSPB carefully reviewed and considered all
of the evidence presented in connection with the hearing on the project, including, but
not limited to, the staff report and all written and oral testimony presented and voted
unanimously to recommend Class 2 (Historic Merit) status to the City Council with
conditions; and
F. WHEREAS, on February 25, 2021, a noticed public hearing of the Palm Springs
City Council to consider Case HSPB #133 was held in accordance with applicable law;
and
G. WHEREAS, at the said hearing, the City Council carefully reviewed and
considered all of the evidence presented in connection with the hearing on the project,
including, but not limited to, the staff report, and all written and oral testimony
presented.
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS RESOLVES:
SECTION 1: FINDINGS -PART "A", CRITERIA FOR HISTORIC RESOURCES.
Evaluation of the Application. Pursuant to Municipal Code Section 8.05.070
(C, 1,a), the City Council shall evaluate the application and make findings in
16
Resolution No. HSPB 131 -The Henry Pearson Residence -573 N. Cahuilla Road
Page 2 of 8
February 25, 2021
conformance with the following criteria:
Criteria for the Designation of Class 1 Historic Resources. A site, structure,
building or object may be designated as a Class 1 historic resource, provided
both of the following findings ("a" and ''b'? are met:
a. The site, structure, building or object exhibits exceptional historic
significance and meets one or more of the criteria listed below:
The Sutter residence exhibits exceptional historic significance because of its association
with master architect E. Stewart Williams and because of its unique original inward-
focused architectural design.
(Criterion 1) The resource is associated with events that have made a
meaningful contribution to the nation, state or community;
The report does not identify any events associated with the site, thus the site does not
qualify under Criterion 1.
(Criterion 2) The resource is associated with the lives of persons who
made a meaningful contribution to national, state or local history;
The report does not identify any significant persons associated with the Sutter
residence, thus the site does not qualify under Criterion 2.
(Criterion 3) The resource reflects or exemplifies a particular period of
national, state or local history;
On page 40, the report asserts that the Sutter residence exemplifies the Post World War
II period in the development of Palm Springs when the Modern architectural style grew
in popularity in Palm Springs. The report notes the Brutalist style of the home --
exhibited in the solid-looking concrete block volume of the living room -was an
architectural style that emerged in the 60's and ?O's, thus reflecting the mid-century
period. Although the unfinished raw character of the concrete block living room volume
does exhibit Brutalist characteristics, the delicate-looking screenblock wall that was on
the east fagade (now removed) and the thin plane of milky-white glass screen wall on
the north fagade (now clear glass) were perhaps common in mid-century design, but are
not Brutalist in their character. As such the Sutter residence has characteristics of mid-
century design and Brutalist elements, but contrary to the report, the home as modified
does not stand as an outstanding example of the style or the period.
(Criterion 4) The resource embodies the distinctive characteristics of a
type, period or method of construction;
The Sutter residence employs concrete, glass and steel in a restrained, modern
composition. The original screenblock wall on the eastern fagade provided a lace-like
screen which offered a sense of privacy, yet permeability in contrast to the solid
17
Resolution No. HSPB 131 -The Henry Pearson Residence -573 N. Cahuilla Road
Page 3 of 8
February 25, 2021
Brutalist quality of the concrete block volume of the living room. Screenblock was
frequently used in the construction of homes from the mid-century period. On the north
elevation, the translucent glass screen wall (now replaced with tinted clear glass)
provided a sense of light, enclosure and privacy and blurred the lines between inside
and outside - a characteristic also commonly found in homes from the mid-century
period. This delicate contrast of solid and void, of strength and lightness were
character-defining features of the home which have been diminished due to the removal
of the screenblock wall and the milky-white translucent glass. Thus, although the report
asserts that the Sutter Residence qualifies under Criterion 4 as embodying unique and
innovative construction methods, the removal of critically important original construction
components and materials disqualify it from meeting this criterion.
(Criterion 5) The resource presents the work of a master builder,
designer, artist, or architect whose individual genius influenced his age, or
that possesses high artistic value;
The Sutter Residence was designed by E. Stewart Williams and constructed by Arthur
J. Coffey. Beginning on page 14, the report details the interesting design characteristics
of the Sutter residence. The design of the home was a masterful combination of
materials that provided rich texture, shadows and light. Despite the open nature of the
corner lot on which it is located, the design achieved privacy by the translucent glass
that was on the north fac;ade and the screenblock on the east.
The report notes Williams's preference for using concrete in his designs. In the Sutter
residence, he employed two types of concrete block to produce both a light, lace-like
quality through the concrete screenblock wall on the east fac;ade and to achieve the
solid, heavy impenetrable quality of the concrete "cube" that comprised the corner living
room. The report also documents the career of E. Stewart Williams in appendix VI,
beginning on page 54. Although the subtle use of materials has been lost due to recent
renovations, the home retains its association with architect E. Stewart Williams and
hence justifies its qualification as a historic site 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
The report does not assert that the Sutter residence qualifies under Criterion 6.
(Criterion 7) The resource has yielded or may be likely to yield
information important to national, state or local history or prehistory.
No information has been provided in the historic resources report on any pre-historic
significance of the site.
18
Resolution No. HSPB 131 -The Henry Pearson Residence -573 N. Cahuilla Road
Page 4 of 8
February 25, 2021
SECTION 2 -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, workmanship, location, setting, feeling, or association.
The application includes an evaluation of the site relative to the seven aspects or
qualities of integrity, as recognized by the National Register of Historic Places. The
seven aspects or qualities include location, design, setting, materials, workmanship,
feeling, and association. The application concludes that the site retains a high degree
of integrity. Below is the HSPB's evaluation of the site's integrity which differs from the
opinion expressed in the report.
1. Location:
The Sutter residence remains in the same location that it was constructed, thus it
retains integrity of location.
2. Design:
There have been a number of recent modifications to the home that have substantially
altered the design. First, the milky-white translucent glass wall along the north elevation
of the home has been changed to clear, tinted glass. This material change eliminated
the feeling of enclosure of the courtyard and eliminated the sense of privacy from within
the home.
Second, removal of the screenblock wall along the east wall of the swimming pool
destroyed the sense of the swimming pool being an integral "room" of the home. The
screenblock wall visually created a sense of enclosure to the pool area while still
maintaining visual connection to the front yard beyond. From the outside, removal of
the screenblock wall resulted in the steel columns and open-web joist roof plane feeling
barren. The interplay of shadow and scale created by the joists and beams
overhanging the screenblock wall has also been lost.
From the street, although the vertical corrugated steel panel material on the new privacy
wall along the east elevation is similar to metal panels found on the back and sides of
the home, Williams masterful use of concrete to express both a light, lace-like quality
through the use of concrete screenblock and the impenetrable feeling of the solid
concrete walls of the living room has been compromised.
On page 15, the report explains that Williams designed the home in the form of a
square, incorporating the swimming pool within that square form. With the addition of
the breakfast nook on the north elevation, removal of the screenblock wall and pushing
the new metal privacy wall further to the east, the purity of form and square proportions
that Williams conceived for the home was weakened and it has taken on a bunker-like
appearance. For these reasons, the City Council asserts that the home's design
19
Resolution No. HSPB 131 -The Henry Pearson Residence -573 N. Cahuilla Road
Page 5 of 8
February 25, 2021
integrity has been significantly compromised.
3. Setting:
The report explains on page 15 that because the setting of the Sutter residence is a
corner lot and that extra care was taken to ensure a harmonious interrelation between
the eastern and northern (street-facing) facades. From the 1961 photos, this can be
seen in the rhythm and modulation created by the black columns between which the
lighter-colored concrete screenblock was placed on the eastern fagade and the black
mullions between which was placed the milky-white frosted-glass screen wall on the
north. Williams created a sense of privacy through light and airy screens without walling
off the home from its setting.
The clear tinted glass on the north fagade caused a loss of privacy and the heavy
corrugated steel wall extending out into the street-fronting yard creates a hard barrier
that separates the house from its setting. The alterations on both street-fronting sides
diminish the home's relationship to its setting and the rhythm or "cadence" that was
created by the original high-contrast black columns and mullions. Thus, contrary to the
assertion in the report, the home's relationship to its setting no longer reflects the
architect's original design intent.
4. Materials:
The materials on the primary facades of the Sutter residence, most notably the concrete
screenblock on the east facade have been demolished and replaced with corrugated
steel panels and the milky frosted glass on the north fagade has been replaced with
clear tinted glass. These material changes have substantially altered the appearance of
the home. Although the report asserts that the corrugated metal reflects original
materials found elsewhere on the home, what has been lost is the contrast between the
use of concrete block as a light and airy screen and concrete block as the solid corner
volume. Also the square grid module scored into the concrete volume on the corner of
the house which related to the square module of the screenblock wall and the square of
the floor plan, no longer exists.
On the north street-facing fagade, Williams' use of a thin plane of frosted glass to create
visual privacy has also been lost. The expression of materials on the primary facades
no longer reflect the choices made by Williams in his design intent for the home. Thus
contrary to the assertion in the report, the home has lost material integrity on the
primary elevations.
5. Workmanship:
The workmanship in the Sutter residence reflects high quality craftsmanship typical of a
custom designed and built residence from the mid-century period. Thus the home
retains integrity of workmanship.
20
Resolution No. HSPB 131 -The Henry Pearson Residence -573 N. Cahuilla Road
Page 6 of 8
February 25, 2021
6. Feeling:
Williams' original desigri for the Sutter residence achieved a sense of visual privacy
from both street-fronts without creating a bunker-like quality. The concrete screenblock
offered both privacy and a sense of permeability. The alignment of the screenblock wall
with the living room wall also created a feeling that the swimming pool was very much
an integral part of the home -an extension of the interior. Removal of this screenblock
wall and expanding the pool enclosure beyond the square of the house by locating the
corrugated steel wall well into the front yard diminished the integrated feeling. The
original feeling that the home related to the adjacent streets with a sense of permeability
while still affording privacy has been lost. The steel wall feels like a hardened barrier,
as though the house is turning its back to the street. Thus, again, contrary to the report,
the home no longer has the same feeling on its primary elevations as seen in the
vintage photos.
7. Association:
Concrete screenblock is commonly associated with the mid-century modern period.
That association has been severed by the removal of the screenblock from the Sutter
residence. Similarly exposing a buildings' structural system to establish pattern,
modularity and scale was also a tenet of the Modern movement in architecture. With the
placement of the corrugated steel wall in the front yard, the structural columns on the
east fagade have been obscured and the structural module is no longer evident from the
street. For these reasons, the association or relationship of the Sutter residence with
the mid-century Modern period has been diminished.
In summary, contrary to the assertions in the report, there has been a considerable loss
of integrity of design, setting, materials, feeling and association. As viewed from the
public streets, the home no longer reflects the design as envisioned by E. Stewart
Williams with the contrast between screenblock and solid concrete block and the light
feel of the milky-white glass panels.
SECTION 3: DEFINING HISTORIC CHARACTERISTICS
In considering a recommendation for historic resource designation it is important to
distinguish those physical elements that are original or from the period of significance
that contribute to the resource's historic significance from alterations, additions or
features that were added at a later time that may be sympathetic to the original
character, but which may create a false sense of historicity. Distinguishing original
character-defining features from non-original elements aids the HSPB when it is tasked
with evaluating future alterations to the historic resource.
The physical character-defining historic features of this site include the following:
1. The post and beam structural system.
2. Expansive walls of floor to ceiling glass blurring the line between indoor and
outdoor.
21
Resolution No. HSPB 131 -The Henry Pearson Residence -573 N. Cahuilla Road
Page 7 of 8
February 25, 2021
3. The structural open-web joists spanning over the swimming pool.
4. The solid concrete block volume of the living room expressing a Brutalist
architectural style.
5. The grid-like score lines in the corner concrete block walls of the living room with
emphasis on the vertical lines.
6. The wide roof covering on the west and south sides of the pool terrace.
7. The black steel frame of the glass garden wall on the north fa9ade.
8. The ornamental metal gate into the north side courtyard.
The non-contributing features include the following:
1. The corrugated steel garden wall on the east side of the home.
2. The clear tinted glass in the screen wall on the north side of the home.
3. The breakfast nook addition.
4. The saucer-shaped firepit.
5. The rooftop metal screenwalls concealing the solar panels.
6. The landscape.
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 on the property shall be maintained by the City.
3. It may be qualified as 'historic' at the federal, state, and/or county level.
4. The structure/site may not be modified nor objects removed without following the
procedures outlined in Municipal Code Section 8.05.110 "Demolition or Alteration
of Class 1 and Class 2 Historic Resources -Certificate of Appropriateness".
5. A marker explaining the historic nature of the site may be installed at the site in a
location viewable from the public way.
6. Compliance with all rules and regulations for Historic Sites and Historic Districts
under Chapter 8.05 of the Municipal Code shall be required.
7. The site shall not be further subdivided.
8. The City Clerk shall submit the Council Resolution to the County recorder for
recordation within 90 days of the effective date of the Council's resolution.
22
Resolution No. HSPB 131 -The Henry Pearson Residence -573 N. Cahuilla Road
Page 8 of 8
February 25, 2021
Based upon the foregoing, the City Council hereby designates "The Sutter residence"
located at 1207 South Calle de Maria, a Class 2 Historic Resource (Case HSPB #133).
ADOPTED THIS TWENTY-FIFTH DAY OF FEBRUARY, 2021.
ATTEST:
Anthony J. Mejia, MMC
City Clerk
David H. Ready, City Manager
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 February 25, 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-fifth day of February, 2021.
Anthony J. Mejia, MMC
City Clerk
23
ATTACHMENT 3
Historic Resources Report
24
~ 2o z Soutli Ca I le cle ~a r.ia
P.alm Sg r.ings,. C~ 92261--
Nomination Application
for City of Palm Springs
Class 1 Historic Resource
25
Acknowledgements
The author gratefully wishes to thank
the following individuals/organizations for
their professional expertise and/or editing assistance:
Barbara and Ron Marshall; Stephen Rose; Gary Johns; Tracy Conrad; Sidney Williams; Steven
Keylon; Steven Price; Getty Research Institute; Nancy Hadley, American Institute of
Architects; Orange Coast Title Company of Southern California; Jackie Linares, Palm Springs
Department of Building & Safety; Adele Cygelman; Peter Moruzzi; Ron Duby; and Renee
Brown, Palm Springs Historical Society
And a very special thank you to Frank Lopez of the Palm Springs Art Museum for his "above
and beyond" assistance on this nomination.
Front cover: Theodore & Marguerite Sutter Residence, photographed by Julius Shulman in
1961.
(J. Paul Getty Trust. Getty Research Institute, Los Angeles (2004 R.10))
Above: A Julius Shulman view of the Sutter Residence's entrance showing screened doorway
and grill of anodized aluminum.
(J. Paul Getty Trust. Getty Research Institute, Los Angeles (2004 R.10))
2
26
THE
THEODORE & MARGUERITE
SUTTER
RESIDENCE
Class 1 Historic Resource Nomination
Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION: PAGE 4
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: PAGE 5
CLASS 1 HISTORIC RESOURCE DESIGNATION APPLICATION FORM: PAGE 8
STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: PAGE 11
BACKGROUND/HISTORIC CONTEXT: PAGE 40
EVALUATION FOR CLASS 1 RESOURCE DESIGNATION: PAGE 40
INTEGRITY ANALYSIS: PAGE 42
APPENDICES
I Owner's Notarized Letter of Support
II Assessor's Parcel Map
III Site Plan
IV Google Earth Image
V Theodore Sutter Biography
VI E. Stewart Williams Biography
3
27
Introduction
The Palm Springs Preservation Foundation (PSPF) is a non-profit organization whose
mission is "to educate and promote public awareness of the importance of preserving
the historical resources and architecture of the city of Palm Springs and the Coachella
Valley area."
In June 2020, the PSPF board of directors assigned the task of writing the Theodore
and Marguerite Sutter Residence's Class 1 Historic Resource nomination to Steve
Vaught.
The Owner's Letter of Support is at Appendix I.
Sutter Residence.
(Author photo. June 2020)
Prepared by Steve Vaught on behalf of:
Palm Springs Preservation Foundation
1775 East Palm Canyon Drive, Suite 110-195
Palm Springs, CA 92264
760-837-7117
info@pspreservationfoundation.org
4
28
Executive Summary
SIGNIFICANCE:
The Theodore and Marguerite Sutter Residence (hereinafter referred to as the "Sutter
Residence") is located at 1207 South Calle de Maria in the Deep Well Ranch Estates
tract of Palm Springs. Completed in 1960, the home was designed as a desert retreat
for oil equipment executive Theodore Sutter and his wife Marguerite Estella Sutter. The
home's distinctive modernistic design was the work of noted Palm Springs architect E.
Stewart Williams of Williams & Williams with original interior design by Arthur Elrod.
The Sutter Residence is an important example of a custom modernist home that
touches on Brutalist architecture, which was reaching a peak of its popularity,
particularly in Europe, at the time of the home's construction. Overall, it exhibits
numerous stylistic features that place it within the historic context of the period "Post
World War II Palm Springs (1945-1969)" as defined in the Citywide Historic Context
Statement & Survey Findings created by Historic Resources Group. This is a period that
has come to be known as the heyday of "Palm Springs Modernism," when a group of
talented architects and designers, of whom Williams was in the forefront, created "what
many consider the largest and finest concentration of mid-20th century Modern
architecture in the United States."
DESIGNATION CRITERIA:
The Sutter Residence is listed as being individually eligible for Class 1 Historic Resource
designation by the Citywide Historic Resource Inventory.
Criteria for the Designation of a Class 1 Historic Resource: Pursuant to the Palm Springs
Municipal Code (PSMC) Section 8.05.070(C, 1 ): A site, structure, building, or object may
be designated as a Class 1 historic resource or a Contributing Resource in a proposed
historic district by the Palm Springs City Council, provided both of the following findings
are met. Refer to the US Department of the Interior National Register Bulletin "How to
Apply the National Register Criteria for Evaluation" of potentially historic resources for
further information.
FINDING 1: The site, structure, building or object exhibits exceptional historic
significance and meets one or more of the criteria listed below:
8.05.070 C.1.a (paragraph ii) -Persons: This criterion recognizes properties
associated with the lives of persons who made meaningful contributions to
national, state or local history. While certainly prominent and successful individuals,
Theodore and Marguerite Sutter arguably do not rise to the level of significance required
to qualify under this finding. Therefore, the Sutter Residence does not qualify for
listing as a Class 1 Historic Resource under Criterion 2.
8.05.070 C.1.a (paragraph iii) -Exemplification of Period: This criterion recognizes
resources that reflect or exemplify a particular period of national, state or local history.
The Sutter Residence qualifies under this criterion as a noteworthy example of the type
5
29
of structure, both in spirit and in style, created during the period after World War II when
Palm Springs became renowned for the quality and variety of its modern architecture.
The Sutter Residence possesses numerous distinctive characteristics that make up the
Modern style. Therefore, the Sutter Residence qualifies as a Class 1 Historic Resource
under Criterion 3.
8.05.070 C.1.a (paragraph iv} -Construction: This criterion recognizes resources
which embody the distinctive characteristics of a type, period or method of construction.
The Sutter Residence is eligible under this criterion for the unique and innovative
construction methods employed by Williams, particularly in the use of concrete, steel
and various privacy screens made up of materials ranging from anodized aluminum to
smoked glass and concrete block. Therefore. for its distinctive characteristics and
method of construction. the Sutter Residence qualifies as a Class 1 Historic Resource
under Criterion 4.
8.05.070 C.1.a (paragraph v} -Design: This criterion recognizes resources that are the
work of a master builder, designer, artist or architect whose individual genius influenced
his age, or possessed high artistic value. The Sutter Residence exhibits distinctive
features associated with Modern architecture in both the materials used and its design,
which is dominated by its bold concrete cube, which defines the home's living room. He
also made extensive use of screen walls in various materials to further define spaces
and provide privacy while allowing in light. As a custom residence skillfully designed by
E. Stewart Williams, it rises to the level of work by master architects with high artistic
values. Therefore. for its distinctive characteristics, as the work of Master architects,
and for its high artistic values, the Sutter Residence qualifies as a Class 1 Historic
Resource under Criterion 5.
SUMMARY:
This evaluation finds the Sutter Residence eligible for listing as a Palm Springs Historic
Resource under 8.05.070 C.1.a paragraphs iii, iv and v of the local ordinance's seven
criteria. Additionally, the Sutter Residence retains a "high degree" of integrity (see
Section 7, "Integrity Analysis").
6
30
E. Stewart Williams, F.A.I.A. (1909-2005)
(Courtesy Architecture and Design Collection, Palm Springs Art Museum)
7
31
-~•·lAt~ CITY OF PALM SPRINGS m I{ ~t Department of Planning Services
~ ... ,,,o•~
3200 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262
Tel 760-323-8245 -FAX 760-322-8360 -
For Staff Use Only
Case Number:
In-Take Planner:
Date:
HISTORIC RESOURCE DESIGNATION
PLANNING/ ZONING GENERAL INFORMATION FORM
TO THE APPLICANT: Complete all parts of this application. Denote "NA· for lines that are not applicable.
PCPiect lot0 auati 0 o;
Applicant's Name: Palm S~rings Preservation Foundation
Applicant's Address: 1775 East Palm Can:{on Drive, Suite 110-195, Palm Sorin~. CA 92264
Site Address: 1207 South Calle de Maria, Palm S~rings, CA 92264 APN: 508-403-002
Phone#: 760-837-7117 Email: info@el!ereservationfoundation.org
Zone: GP: Section/Township/Range: N ½ of SE¼ of Sec. 23 /4S /~
Description of Project:
The Sutter Residence is an important example of a custom-designed modernistic residence created by one of Palm
Springs' best regarded Mid-century architects, E. stewart Williams of Williams & Williams. The fa~de is dominated by a
bold channeled concrete cubic volume along with a series of screens both to define spaces as well as provide privacy.
The home's original interior design was done by Arthur Elrod.
Note: For Historic District applications: on a separate page provide a list of all sites/parcels within the proposed historic
district boundaries with the same information listed above.
Is the project located on the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians Reservation?Yes/No: No
(Refer to the Land Status Map under Tribal Resources on the Planning Department home page)
Construction Date: 1960 D Estimated • Actual (denote source, i.e. building permits)
Architect: Williams & Williams {E. Stewart Williams}
Original Owner. Theodore and Marguerite Sutter
Common/Historic Name of Property: Theodore Sutter Residence
Other historic associations:
Attach to this application any information, photos, drawings, newspaper articles, reports, studies, or other materials to fully
describe the characteristics or conditions that support this application for historic designation.
Architectural Style: Mid-centu!)l Modem, Brutalist elements
Refer to the Architectural Styles chapter of Citywide Historic Context statement, under Historic Resources on the
Planning Department Home Page: www.palmspringsca.gov.
32
HISTORIC RESOURCE DESIGNATION APPLICATION (CONT.)
Criteria for the Designation of a Class 1 Historic Resource:
Pursuant to the Palm Springs Municipal Code (PSMC) Section 8.05.070(C, 1): A site, structure, build ing, or object may be
designated as a Class 1 historic resource or a Contributing Resource in a proposed historic district by the Palm Springs
City Council, provided both of the following findings are met. Refer to the US Department of the Interior National Register
Bulletin "How to Apply the National Register Criteria for Evaluation• of potentially historic resources for further information.
Provide a written description of how the site qualifies as a historic resource per the following Findings. Please
provide answers on a separate sheet or report.
FINDING 1: The site, structure, building or object exhibits exceptional historic significance and meets one or more of
the criteria listed below:
a. The resource is associated with events that have made a meaningful contribution to the nation, state, or
community. 1
b. The resource is associated with the lives of persons who made a meaningful contribution to national, state or local
history.
c. The resource reflects or exemplifies a particular period of national, state or local history.
d. The resource embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, or method of construction.
e. The resource presents the work of a master builder, designer, artist, or architect whose individual genius
influenced his age , or that possess high artistic value .
f. 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.
FINDING 2: 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. Provide a written description for each element as
listed: Design; Materials; Workmanship; Location; Setting; Feeling; and Association. 2
Criteria for the Designation of a Class 2 Historic Resource:
Pursuant to the Palm Springs Municipal Code (PSMC) Section 8.05.070(C, 1): A site, structure, building, or object may be
designated as a Class 2 historic resource of a Contributing Resource in a proposed historic district by the Palm Springs
City Council, provided the site, structure , building, or object exhibits significance and meets one or more of the criteria
listed in Finding 1 above. A Class 2 historic resource is not required to meet the findings for integrity as described in
Finding 2.
Criteria and Findings for Designation of Historic Districts:
In addition to the criteria listed in Finding 1, to be considered for designation as a Historic District, a defined area must:
a. Contain contributing resources on a majority of the sites within the proposed district which individually meet the
criteria in Finding 1. The defined area may include other structures, buildings, or archaeological sites which
contribute generally to the overall distinctive character of the area and are related historically or visually by plan or
physical development. Provide a separate list by address and Assessor Parcel Number (APN) for each
site/parcel that meets the criteria outlined in Finding 1.
b. Identify non-contributing properties or vacant parcels to the extent necessary to establish appropriate, logical or
convenient boundaries. Provide a separate list by address and APN number for each site/parcel within the
proposed historic district that is considered non-contributing to the overall historic significance of the historic
district.
1 NOTE: Unlike the National Trust criteria, the City's criterion does not consider •patterns of events·. For consideration of "patterns of evem·. use
Criterion ·c•, reflecting a particular period .
2 NOTE: Refer to the U.S. Department of the Interior Bulletin for "How to Evaluate the Integrity of a Property".
33
CITY OF PALM SPRINGS
PLANNING DEPARTMENT APPLICATION
HISTORIC RESOURCE DESIGNATION
CLASS 1 AND CLASS 2
APPLICANT'S REQUIRED MATERIAL CHECKLI ST
The following items must be submitted before a Historic Resource Designation application will be accepted. Please
check off each item to assure completeness. Provide twelve ( 12) hard copies and one ( 1) PDF copy of the following
materials unless otherwise noted:
Application Information:
• General Information form (1 copy)
• Notarized letter from property owner consenting to Historic Designation { 1 copy)
• Ownership and Address History {"Chain of Title") (1 copy)
Historic Resource Report:
The following items shall be included in a historic resources report describing
the site, structure, buildings, or objects eligible and appropriate for designation per
PSMC 8.05.070.
• Photographs of the exterior of the proposed site, structure, buildings or objects .
• Aerial photo of the site/resource {from Google Maps or equal).
• Information on the architect, designer, and/or developer.
• Date and method of construction. Provide copies of building permits.
• A detailed assessment of the character defining features describing materials,
architectural details/style, landscape elements, or other relevant descriptors.
• Evaluation of the site relative to the Criteria and Findings for Designation of
Class 1 and Class 2 Historic Resources.
Additional lnfonnation:
• Site Plan: 8-12" x 11" or 11· x 1r
• Public Hearing labels per PSZC Section 94.09.00.
• Any other documentation or research as may be necessary todetermine
the qualifications of the site, structure, building, or objects.
Applicant
Onll£ • • •
• • • •
• •
• • •
City Use
On!:l
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
•
•
Applicants are encouraged to review the bulletin from the U.S. Department of the Interior tilled "How to Apply the National Register
Criteria for Evaluation". (National Register Bulletin 15 (http://www.ns.gov/hlstory/nr/publications/bulletins/nrb15/)).
Revised 6/5/19 GM
34
Statement of Significance
Summary
Completed in 1960, the Sutter Residence is located at 1207 South Calle de Maria in the
Deep Well Ranch Estates No. 10 tract of Palm Springs. It should be noted that the date
of the home's completion has varied in different sources ranging from 1958-1960. The
1960 date comes from a document prepared by Williams himself who listed the date of
completion as "December 1960."
The legal description per the Riverside County Assessor is LOT 12 MB 028/069 DEEP
WELL RANCH ESTATES UNIT 10.
ll
,1
]1 , I
,1
i . ... ' .. l t--~"lt--~-f
DEEP WELL RANCH ESTATES NOIO
. ::• .1:P£:.··
Map of the Deep Well Ranch Estates No. 10 as shown in the
City of Palm Springs Citywide Historic Context and Survey Findings.
Lot 12, location of the Sutter Residence, is shown in blue.
11
35
Deep Well Ranch Estates Tract
The Palm Springs Citywide Historic Context and Survey Findings has determined that
the Sutter Residence would be a contributing structure in a potential Deepwell Ranch
Estates historic district. The Sutters purchased Lot 12 in Deepwell Ranch Estates No.
10 in June 1957. It also appears they purchased the adjoining Lot 1 as well, which they
turned into an orchard/garden space. This lot was sold off by a subsequent owner and
a house, located at 1200 Driftwood Avenue, now occupies the space.
Deep Well Ranch Estates (also known as Deep Well Estates, Deep Well Colony
Estates, or Deepwell Ranch Estates) had its origins in the Deep Well Ranch and guest
ranch. Henry Pearson (a scientist and authority on rubber) purchased the property in
1926. He drilled a well and found water close to the surface. After drilling further, he
found water again at 630 feet and the property became known as the Deep Well Ranch.
In 1928, Pearson sold the Ranch to Charles Doyle who converted an old apricot shed
and ranch house into guest accommodations and called it Deep Well Guest Ranch. In
1929, Doyle sold the property to Major and Mrs. Everett, and Everett's brother-in-law,
Carol Smith. They significantly improved the property when, in 1930, they engaged
architect Paul Revere Williams (1894-1980) to design hacienda-type buildings around
patios.
In the Fall of 1931, Frank and Melba Bennett of Beverly Hills bought the property along
with Phil Boyd (local banker and first mayor of Palm Springs) and operated the guest
ranch for sixteen years.
By 1951, residential subdivisions were beginning to encroach on the land around the
Deep Well Guest Ranch and it became clear that there was money to be made in real
estate. William Grant, a local builder for the Rancho Royale, Sun View Estates
(immediately adjacent to Deep Well Ranch Estates just east of Sagebrush Road), and
Thunderbird Ranch and Country Club developments, purchased a significant portion of
Deep Well Ranch and subdivided it for custom-home development that became Deep
Well Ranch Estates.
The 231-parcel development was subdivided in ten units between 1951 and 1955. The
earliest unit was developed by Grant; however, the subsequent units were developed
in conjunction with Harry A. Dart and his wife Gladys M. Dart of Dart Properties. Lots
south of Mesquite Avenue were subdivided in 1952, and the majority of the area was
subdivided by 1953. In June of 1963, the remaining 22-acre Deep Well Guest Ranch
was sold to a Los Angeles syndicate with the intent to make it "an exclusive sportsman's
club." In 1969, the former guest ranch property was transformed into condominiums
by another developer.
Grant formed an architectural review committee for Deep Well Ranch Estates that
included Phil Boyd and architect Cliff May. The ensuing long, low, one-story houses
were a mixture of Spanish Colonial Revival, Ranch, and Mid-century Modern styles.
12
36
Deep Well Ranch Estates attracted its share of prominent residents in a variety of
professions including business and the entertainment industry. Among the most well-
known in the latter category included William Holden, Loretta Young, Eva Gabor, Jerry
Lewis, and Liberace, among others.
E. Stewart Williams was one of a number of notable architects and designers of the
period whose work may be found in Deepwell, a list that includes Wexler & Harrison,
Stan Sackley, and Hugh M. Kaptur, among others.
First Owners -Theodore and Marguerite E. Sutter
Theodore Sutter (1894-1982) was a prominent member of the California petroleum
industry. For nearly a half century he was associated with Baker Oil Tools, Inc., a
pioneering drilling equipment company, which continues today (2020) as Baker Hughes.
Sutter started as a bookkeeper with the company and by the time he built his Palm
Springs retreat he had risen to president.
Although the head of an important firm, Sutter and his wife Marguerite (1898-1995),
maintained a quiet lifestyle, residing first in Huntington Park before moving to a
comfortable but unprepossessing home on South Larchmont Boulevard in Los Angeles.
Together, they had a daughter, Mary Louise who, along with her husband and three
children, would become regular visitors to the Sutter's Palm Springs residence (see full
Theodore Sutter biography in Appendix V).
The Architect -Williams & Williams
E. Stewart Williams, F.A.I.A., Architect; Roger Williams, Engineer
It is not presently known how the Sutters came to choose E. Stewart Williams, F .A. I.A.
(1909-2005), as their architect, but by the time they made the decision to build, Williams
had a well-established reputation as one of Palm Springs' foremost architectural
practitioners.
The son of a successful architect in his native Dayton, Ohio, Williams was to begin his
architectural practice in Palm Springs in 1946 after his father Harry had relocated to the
desert. Also joining the firm was his younger brother Roger (1912-1990) creating the
firm of Williams, Williams & Williams, or as it was waggishly known -Williams Cubed.
Williams got off to an impressive start with his design of the "Twin Palms" residence for
Mr. & Mrs. Frank Sinatra (1947). The home's clean-lined modernism, featuring natural
materials such as stone and wood and a skillful blending of indoor/outdoor spaces set
the tone for the bulk of Williams' later designs in a career that was to last nearly five
decades.
By his own assessment, Williams was not known as a residential architect yet his works
in that vein included some of the valley's best-known homes including the Sinatra, Edris
and Koerner residences. Yet the ultimate design of the Sutter Residence appeared to
bear more of a stylistic kinship with some of Williams' commercial and institutional
13
37
projects particularly in his use of concrete. As an industrialist, Theodore Sutter may
have been seeking a design that reflected the spirit of his profession as well as serving
as a counterbalance to the couple's traditional Spanish Colonial home in Los Angeles'
Larchmont Village.
Williams appears to have been more than up to the challenge of creating such an
unusual home, which he produced, along with his partner and brother Roger serving as
structural engineer (see full E. Stewart Williams biography in Appendix VI).
The Contractor -Arthur J. Coffey
One of Palm Springs' premiere contractor/builders, Arthur J. Coffey (1918-1965), was
responsible for a number of homes and commercial structures throughout his long time
in the desert. The Kentucky-born Coffey had fallen in love with Palm Springs during his
time recuperating at Tomey General Hospital after an injury during World War II.
Mustered out of the Army Air Corps in 1946, Coffey stayed in the village and became
part of the vanguard of builders launching the post-war building boom. Coffey often built
homes of his own design but also worked as a contractor for local architects as well. A
few of the projects he was associated with include the Lyons Residence (Clark &
Frey, 1948), Lily Pons house (Poper & Lockett, 1955), parish hall for St. Paul's in the
Desert (Clark & Frey, 1950), and the Ernest Alschuler home (Lapham & Iwata, 1960).
Coffey collaborated with Williams on a number of occasions and was not just a
professional colleague but also a family friend. One his biggest Williams-related projects
was building the Coachella Valley Savings and Loan (1961 ).
Both Coffey and his wife Joan were popular in the desert community as civic and social
leaders. Additionally, Coffey served for a time as a city building inspector as well as
being a member of the Parks and Recreation Commission. The couple had two
daughters, Nancy Ann and Shelby. Coffey died at age 47 on Christmas Day 1965 of a
self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Sutter Residence Design & Construction
The Sutter Residence began as Commission 606 on the drawing boards of Williams &
Williams sometime during the first half of 1959. As always, the architect began by
considering the needs and desires of his clients before ever putting pencil to paper. In
the case of the Sutters, the couple wanted a modest almost starkly simple retreat that
could be managed with no live-in staff. While it was initially intended as a weekend
getaway the plan was for it to ultimately become their permanent retirement home after
Theodore completed his time as president of Baker Oil Tools. Large-scale entertaining
was not anticipated, but accommodation was to be made for the Sutters' daughter and
family who were expected to be frequent visitors.
Another serious consideration was the lot itself, which was situated on a prominent
corner in the Deepwell Ranch Estates enclave at South Calle de Maria and East Ocotillo
Avenue. Tract covenants required a 25' setback on the street sides and 1 O' setbacks
14
38
on the interior sides, which in effect absorbed 58% of the total area. With only 42% left
to work with, Williams decided the most efficient use of space was to design the house
in the form of a square. Included into the square was the large swimming pool, which
Williams intended to make not only the focal point of the design but a part of the house
itself.
A further consideration was how the house would relate to its surroundings. Being on a
corner meant that more of the design would be visible to passersby than one built on an
interior lot. As such, extra care would have to be taken in ensuring a harmonious
interrelation between the eastern and northern facades. Conversely, having a house
so prominently visual meant an added challenge of ensuring the privacy of its occupants
without turning the fa9ade into a bunker.
Finally, in approaching his design for the Sutters, Williams needed to create a home
that complimented but did not copy the look of the house next door (the Leon & Thea
Koerner Residence, 1955), which he himself had designed a few years previous. The
much-admired Koerner Residence is today considered a quintessential example of
classic Desert Modernism and a virtual textbook of the elements that make the style so
enduringly popular. For the Sutters, Williams decided to go with a very different type of
modern and in doing so created one of the most unique midcentury houses in Palm
Springs.
Although Williams has been justifiably hailed for his skillful use of natural materials and
his ability at harmonizing his structures with their desert environment, he was never
afraid to venture into machine-age industrialism if he thought it appropriate. Williams
was one of the few regional architects not only to embrace Brutalism but to successfully
adapt it to the Southern California desert. Although Brutalist designs make up only a
fraction of his overall output, they do include some notable works such as the Palm
Springs Desert Museum and the Crafton Hills College campus in Yucaipa.
Williams may have been drawn to experimenting with Brutalism because the way the
style celebrates the bare rawness of its construction materials over artificial adornment.
Wood, steel, brick and glass are among the materials making up Brutalist designs,
however, no material has been more frequently employed than concrete. Williams loved
concrete, not just for its structural capabilities, but also for its raw beauty, saying "you
can shape it any way you want." The architect used concrete to great effect in a number
of his designs from at least as far back as Temple Isaiah in 1951 and continuing
throughout the remainder of his long career.
When it came to the Sutter design Williams chose to counterbalance the adjacent
Koerner Residence with its stylistic alter ego. Two houses, built on adjacent lots with
essentially the same views, particularly from their western and eastern exposures, yet
with entirely different "personalities." Both homes were of post and beam construction,
but from there the similarities largely end. The Koerner Residence was designed to take
in the views to the west and its surrounding gardens while the Sutter Residence turned
inwards on itself with the rooms oriented towards the enclosed swimming pool. While
the Koerner Residence emphasized natural materials such as stone and wood, the
15
39
Sutter design was unabashedly industrial, made of steel, glass, aluminum and, of
course, concrete. Yet, in spite of the vast differences in their stylistic makeup, both
homes share a warm, open, livable feeling that is a credit to the skill of their mutual
designer.
Exterior -East Elevation
A 1961 Julius Shulman view of the Sutter Residence east elevation showing the variety of
exterior materials used -concrete, steel, glass and aluminum.
(J. Paul Getty Trust. Getty Research Institute, Los Angeles (2004 R.10))
In his design for the Sutter Residence, Williams achieved the impressive balancing act
of providing his clients with the maximum amount of privacy while at the same time
creating a fa9ade that is visually arresting, at times even bold. Nowhere is this more
evident than in the home's east elevation, which is anchored by a striking concrete
"cube" composed of 12" x 12" vertically recessed blocks. This block wall wraps around
the northeastern corner of the structure and turns inwards into the house to define a
portion of the living room. Prior to completion, the blocks were given a chemical washing
to "roughen up" their texture before a final coat of waterproofing was applied.
16
40
Williams ensured the cube would not appear too monolithic by incising it with a long
narrow window, approximately 8' by 3', which brings light into the living room. Originally,
this window was made of obscure glass, but this was changed out for clear glass during
a major 1991-1992 remodel.
On the southern side of the cube, Williams again used concrete blocks, this time to form
a wall enclosing the street side of the swimming pool. Here he chose a very different
style, selecting concrete screen blocks in a Maltese cross pattern. The concrete screen
blocks allowed light and air to flow, while still providing privacy from the street. Williams
furthered the visual interest by extending the steel beams of the pool trellis out over the
concrete screen block wall.
This 1961 Shulman view looking north shows the original Maltese block wall used to enclose the
eastern side of the pool. Note the steel girder trellis above. This wall was removed when the
pool terrace was expanded outward in 1991-1992.
(J. Paul Getty Trust. Getty Research Institute, Los Angeles (2004 R.10))
Lastly, Williams oriented access to the home's entrance on the east elevation. A wide
concrete entrance walk led to a set of three steps up to an anodized aluminum gate of
Williams' own design which opened up into an enclosed patio.
17
41
The various textures and shapes Williams employed resulted in an ever-changing
shadow effect across the fagade, which added to the unusual beauty of the overall
design.
In the 1991-1992 remodel, the concrete screen block wall was removed in order to
expand the pool patio area to the east. It was not recreated in the new design. However,
it was replaced with a wall of corrugated aluminum designed to replicate the siding
Williams had used on portions of the north, south and west elevations.
Exterior -North Elevation
A 1961 view looking west towards the northern facade. Williams created the glassed-in entrance
patio to provide privacy without blocking light. The obscure Velvex panels have been replaced
by different glass.
(J. Paul Getty Trust. Getty Research Institute, Los Angeles (2004 R.10))
On the side of the house facing Ocotillo Avenue, Williams again utilized a variety of
materials to create visual interest including concrete block, extensive glazing and
aluminum siding. It was here that Williams placed the home's entrance, which was
defined by a simple solid door faced with wood veneer. Williams positioned the door in
between floor-to-ceiling panels of glass framed in black steel. Above this, the architect
extended the home's flat roof, creating a wide eave in order to protect the interior from
overexposure to the sun.
Williams enclosed this portion of the fagade with a wall of steel-framed glass panels in
obscure "Velvex" glass to create a private entrance patio. The patio floor was the same
simple polished concrete used in the entry walk. Williams softened the space by adding
18
42
planting boxes including a large square space in front of the kitchen window. It was this
space that was filled in during the 1991-1992 remodel to create a breakfast area for the
home.
A view of a portion of the north elevation as seen from the home's interior in 1961. Concrete
block living room wall with shelves attached may be seen at right.
(J. Paul Getty Trust. Getty Research Institute, Los Angeles (2004 R.10))
On the western end of the patio, Williams created an opening to allow access to and
from the carport. The carport, which featured the same flat roof trimmed with metal
fascia as the main house, was built to accommodate two cars. It also had access to
adjoining utility spaces and service yard. This carport was later converted into a fully
enclosed garage. Although no permit was available for review, it is likely this work was
done as part of the 1991-1992 remodel. Williams' treatment of the service yard is a
testament to the architect's skill and attention to detail. The yard is enclosed by the
same concrete blocks used to define the front of the home in combination with vertically
corrugated aluminum siding to create an interesting juxtaposition of materials and
surfaces. Williams capped the yard's design with an architectural anodized aluminum
gate, which was complimentary to, but unique from the home's entry gate.
The home's northern fagade remains as originally designed with the exception of the
enclosed carport, the switching of the original obscure glass with tempered glass, and
the breakfast room extension.
19
43
Exterior -Poolside elevations on the South and East
Swimming pool and surrounding terrace as seen from the living room, 1961. Note the Maltese
block wall on the left and the wide overhanging roof on the right.
(J. Paul Getty Trust. Getty Research Institute, Los Angeles (2004 R.10))
In planning the Sutter Residence, Williams decided to build his design around a large
swimming pool, which he made, through use of different enclosures, a part of the home.
The 24' x 28' gunite-lined pool, which cost $4,000 to construct in 1959, was built by
Paddock Pools of California, the leading pool manufacturer of the day. Williams
surrounded the pool with the same style of plain concrete slab used elsewhere around
the house and grounds. This appears, based on a 1975 real estate advertisement, to
have been replaced by terrazzo. It was later refaced with flagstone during the 1991-
1992 remodel.
Williams designed the house so that it wrapped around the pool on its western and
northern sides. While the architect strove to hide the house on its street-facing fa9ades,
Williams opened the pool-facing elevations completely in a combination of floor-to-
ceiling fixed glass and sliding glass panels, framed in black steel. As a result, almost
every main room of the home other than the guest room had a full view of the pool and
its surrounding terrace as well as direct access through adjoining doors.
As he had elsewhere, Williams extended the roof outwards through wide overhanging
eaves to provide shelter from the harsh desert sun. Williams enclosed the remaining
sides of the pool area with Maltese concrete screen block on the Calle de Maria side.
20
44
For the southern side, Williams used a fence made of the same anodized aluminum and
geometric design as that employed for the home's entry gate.
To spiritually "roof' the pool, Williams used a set of 6 steel v-joint girders supported by
steel framing, which were placed over the pool and extended past the Maltese concrete
screen block wall. Using steel girders as a trellis, Williams left no doubt that he wanted
the Sutter Residence to be a celebration of the beauty that can be found in even the
most utilitarian machine age industrial elements such as steel, concrete and aluminum.
The pool and pool terrace were redone in the 1991-1992 remodel with the terrace
expanded outwards to the east, resulting in the loss of the concrete screen block wall.
However, the steel-girder trellis remains. The terrace is now surrounded on the Calle de
Maria side with the same type of corrugated aluminum siding found on other elevations
of the house.
Exterior -Rear South Elevation
This elevation, which makes up the southern wall of the home's study (today's master
bedroom) was sheathed entirely in vertically-corrugated aluminum siding. It remains
essentially the same today.
Exterior -West Elevation
The home's west elevation, which is invisible from the street was nonetheless designed
with the same care and attention to detail that Williams exhibited in the more visible
parts of the fa9ade. This elevation runs along the bedroom wing of the house. Originally,
this wing was composed of a study, master bedroom, and guest room all with en suite
baths. Williams gave this elevation nearly the full range of sheathing choices used
elsewhere with concrete blocks, vertical corrugated aluminum and floor-to-ceiling
glazing. Here, the windows and doors were all made of obscure glass with some panels
done in Jalousie form. The windows and doors on this elevation were changed during
the 1991-1992 remodel and are now made up of clear tempered glass framed in black
steel intended to be compatible with the original 1960 steel framing. As elsewhere,
Williams extended the roofline to provide a cover from direct sunlight.
Interior
The same feeling of clean-lined modernism that characterized the exterior was carried
over into the interior as well, literally in the case of the concrete cube walls. Williams
kept the concrete exposed on the living room's northern wall above the low, horizontal
fireplace. He also used the same concrete block to create a short wall at the northwest
corner, not only to draw continuity between outdoors and the interior, but also to help
define the otherwise open plan of the living room. Williams designed the public areas
as one large open space with the kitchen separated only by a freestanding screen and
cabinets. Williams claimed he did this so Mrs. Sutter "could prepare food without feeling
'shut off from her guests or her family."
21
45
A Shulman view of the living room from 1961 showing the original decorating
by Arthur Elrod. Built-in bench was by Williams.
(J. Paul Getty Trust. Getty Research Institute, Los Angeles (2004 R.10))
Williams took a greater interest in interior furnishings than some of his contemporaries
and he regularly included built-in pieces as part of his overall design. The Sutter
Residence was no exception, with built-in teak seating in the living room, a trio of
foldaway beds in the study to accommodate three young grandsons, cabinets and
shelving . At the same time, Williams worked closely with noted interior designer Arthur
Elrod who was not only a respected professional colleague but also a close friend.
Williams and Elrod had collaborated on the adjacent Koerner Residence and it seemed
natural for them to work together again on the Sutter commission . As Adele Cygelman
noted in her book (Arthur Elrod: Desert Modern Design, Gibbs Smith. 2019), Williams'
extensive built-ins "meant that Elrod only had to provide the basics ." The noted interior
designer selected pieces from T.H . Robsjohn-Gibbings' Widdicomb line. In keeping with
the overall aesthetic, Elrod kept everything simple, creating an almost completely off-
white interior with accents of lemon and burnt orange.
The Sutter interior originally consisted of the open-plan public spaces, a separate utility
area which included a laundry and storage, as well as a guest bedroom and master
suite featuring a separate study. The bedrooms and study each featured their own
ceramic tile baths . Over the decades, particularly in the 1991-1992 remodel, the interior
was reconfigured in certain ways with both Elrod's and Williams' interior pieces no
longer present. However, a similar set of cabinets and divider separating the kitchen
22
46
from the dining room are in place today. Further, although certain rooms have been
altered, particularly the bedroom area, the configurations retain the open plan feeling
originally envisioned by Williams.
Landscaping and Grounds
It is unknown if Williams engaged a professional landscape designer for the Sutter
Residence as he had for the adjacent Koerner Residence. For that commission,
landscaping was provided by the noted firm of Eckbo, Royston and Williams. Situated
on four lots, the Koerner Residence required extensive landscaping. The Sutter
Residence, however, was on a much smaller plot of land and its landscaping was kept
to the same kind of pared-down simplicity as the architecture. A grass lawn made up
and continues to cover the street frontages at Ocotillo and Calle de Maria. Planting beds
lined the home's edges along all four elevations, a plan which has been retained to this
day. The most notable landscape features were the series of palm trees planted at
strategic points along the north and eastern exposures. These trees have remained as
planted although they have grown considerably higher since 1960.
It should also be noted that the Sutters purchased the adjoining lot, Lot 1. When this
purchase was made is not known, but the couple converted the parcel into an orchard
and garden. In a 1975 advertisement, the grounds of the residence were stated as
including "43 citrus trees, fig & apricot. Award-winning roses, camelias and many other
flowering plants." This lot was ultimately sold separately and a house was built over the
land in 1985 with the address of 1200 South Driftwood Drive.
Sutter Residence, 1961 showing the original landscaping.
(J. Paul Getty Trust. Getty Research Institute, Los Angeles (2004 R.10))
23
47
Chain of Ownership
October 11, 1955
Deepwell Colony Estates, Inc. to William H. Wright & Wiltrud Greta Wright
(Grant is for Lot 12 and Lot 1)
Wright (1902-1980) was a writer and producer, best known for The Adventures of Jim
Bowie (1956-1958) and The Barbara Stanwyck Show (1960-1961). He also produced
the Bette Davis thriller Dead Ringer (1964) among numerous other films. His writing
credits included co-authoring the screenplay for Norma Shearer's last film Her
Cardboard Lover (1942) and John Wayne's The Sons of Katie Elder (1965). Television
credits included episodes of Mannix, Bonanza, Family Affair, and others.
June 24, 1957
William H. Wright & Wiltrud Greta Wright to Theodore and Marguerite E. Sutter
May 26, 1977
Theodore and Marguerite E. Sutter to Dorlis Sutton Blackman
May 26, 1977
Myron Blackman to Dorlis Sutton Blackman
(Grantor and Grantee were husband and wife. Grant Deed attested that ownership
vested solely in Dorlis Sutton Blackman.)
January 4, 1978
Dorlis Sutton Blackman to Myron Blackman
September 1, 1978
Myron Blackman to Myron Blackman and Mary C. Blackman
March 4, 1981
Mary Blackman aka Mary C. Brooks to Myron Blackman (Grant Deed to reflect actual
title of property. No actual transfer being made.)
June 3, 1981
Products/Techniques, Inc. (Myron Blackman) to Herbert J. Lane and Gerald W.
Wantland
April 16, 1990
Herbert J. Lane and Gerald W. Wantland to Dan W. Hangsleben
May 3, 1990
Dan W. Hangsleben to Del Mar Properties, Inc. (Grant Deed affirming change of name
and that grantor and grantee are the same party.)
24
48
August 12, 1991
Del Mar Properties, Inc. (Robert E. Morgenstern, president) to George A.V. Dunning
and Robert M. Marino as trustees of the Dunning/Marino Investment Trust of 1990
August 26, 1994
George A.V. Dunning and Robert M . Marino as trustees of the Dunning/Marino
Investment Trust of 1990 to Elizabeth Hilton
March 17, 1998
Elizabeth Hilton to Ernest F. Everett
February 8, 2010
Ernest F. Everett to Brian Joel Schipper
March 12, 2010
Richard David Lord (as spouse of grantee, Ernest F . Everett) to Brian Joel Schipper
April 30, 2020
Brian Joel Schipper to Stephen L. Rose, as trustee, Stephen L. Rose Living Trust
(Current owner)
Changes and Additions to the Sutter Residence
Based on the home's permit history it appears that no notable changes were made to
the house during the first quarter century of its existence. The most significant addition
was a 7' x 12' hydrotherapy pool, which was added to the property at the end of 1963.
The exact location of this pool remains unclear and it was removed at a later date post-
1975.
In 1991-1992, a major remodeling/restoration took place during the ownership of
George Dunning and Robert Marino that involved both the home's interior and exterior.
The owners referenced the original 1959 plans by E. Stewart Williams in the planning
of the work. Work included:
Northern fa9ade -A 120 square-foot extension to create a dining space off the kitchen.
This extension was built over what had been a planting bed in the interior entrance
courtyard. The addition, which had been designed by Neil Mitchell Cowan, had been
created to match the original appearance of the house with compatible black steel-
framing for the floor-to-ceiling windows and the metal facia of the overhanging roof.
Roof -Complete reroofing. Solar panels were also added at this time, which are
obscured from view through the use of a low-profile louvered screen running along a
portion of the roofs northern side .
Interior -New kitchen, electrical upgrades, new HVAC, new drywall and insulation .
Interior remodeling included the rearrangement of the bedroom wing and bathrooms.
The fireplace area was also restored to a closer approximation of the original look.
25
49
Glass walls/doors -The available permits do not specifically call for the replacement of
the home's floor-to-ceiling windows/sliding doors. However, it appears this was part of
the work done. A note on the plans indicates that "all glass is dual-paned tempered
glass and is 94" high." The black steel framing used in the windows and doors was of
matching size and appearance of the original 1960 window/door framing. It would be
likely that this is when the original obscure glass panels of the interior entrance court
and the living room window on the eastern fac;ade were replaced as well.
Western fac;ade -Also, missing from the available permits is the work done to the pool,
patio and the wall enclosing it on the east side, which was done in the same style of
vertically-corrugated aluminum as used elsewhere on the fac;ade. A barbeque grill, sink
and cabinets were added as well as a free-standing firepit and the pool equipment was
relocated.
In 2010-2011, owners Richard "Rick" Lord and Brian Joel "Skip" Schipper did
remodeling work on the Sutter Residence. However, the extent of the work is not known
as no permits regarding this work were located by the City Building and Safety
Department during a search for Sutter House permits. However, it is known that the
owners reached out to Sidney Williams, curator of Architecture and Design for the Palm
Springs Art Museum, who provided them with the original Williams plans and helped
guide their work. Williams states that she believes the result was "sensitive to the
original fabric" of the home as designed by her father-in-law.
Permit History
The following is a digest of permits provided by the Palm Springs Department of Building
& Safety related to 1207 South Calle de Maria. It does not appear to be complete but
represents all available permits located at the time of this nomination:
July 14, 1959-Permit No. B-713 (House, Carport & Pool Shelter)-2,560 square-foot
house, 450 square-foot carport, 900 square-foot pool shelter. Tract: Deepwell Colony
Estates #10, Lot 12 -Owner: M/M Theodore Sutter. Architect: (Not listed on permit):
Williams & Williams. Contractor: Art J. Coffey. Cost: $77,000.
July 14, 1959 -Permit No. A-1762 (Temporary Electrical) -Owner: Theodore Sutter.
Contractor: Alan L. Cooper.
July 21, 1959 -Permit No. B-789 (Swimming Pool, 24'x 28' gunite pool) -Owner:
Theodore Sutter. Contractor: Paddock Pools of California. Cost: $4,000.
July 28, 1959 -Permit No. B-401 (Plumbing) -Owner: Theodore Sutter. Contractor:
Otto Grelson.
August 25, 1959-Permit No. A-1851 (Electrical)-Owner: Theodore Sutter. Contractor:
Alan L. Cooper.
26
50
October 16, 1959 -Permit No. B-609 (Cesspool) -Owner: M/M Theodore Sutter.
Contractor: Hicks & Allred.
August 27, 1963 -Permit No. B5979 -(7' x 12' gunite hydrotherapy pool) -Owner:
Theodore Sutter. Contractor: Hoams Construction Co., Inc. Cost: $3,000.
November 23, 1982 -Permit No. B-0675 (Re-roofing) -Owner: Gerald K. Wantland.
Contractor: Contractor: S & K Equipment/K & H Roofing. Cost: $4,300.00.
November 15, 1991 -Permit No. B-21946 (120 square-foot kitchen addition for dining
area) -Owner: George Dunning. Contractor: Highland Construction Company. Cost:
$6,180.00.
December 4, 1991 -Permit No. B-22058 (Major remodeling with new interior drywall
and insulation, new kitchen, new bathroom fixture and appliances, new HVAC.) Owner:
George Dunning. Highland Construction Company. Cost: $100,000.00.
January 8, 1992 -Permit No. 22264 (Re-Roofing) -Owner: Bob Hall (presumably as
representative for owners Dunning/Marino). Contractor: S & K Equipment/K & H
Roofing.
Character Defining Features of the Sutter Residence
The Sutter Residence is an exceptional example of a custom-designed Mid-century
Modern house and a very rare example of Brutalist residential architecture. It exhibits
numerous character-defining features including:
• Extensive use of industrial, machine age materials such as concrete, steel, glass
and aluminum.
• Distinctive concrete block "cube" used to anchor the fa<;ade and define the north
and eastern sides of the living room.
• Blending of indoor and outdoor spaces through extensive floor-to-ceiling glass,
both in fixed forms and as sliding doors.
• Informal open-plan layout
• Extensive use of glass
• Overhanging eaves
• Unusual steel girder trellis used to "roof' the swimming pool.
Contributing Elements
• Main residence
• Aluminum gates on Calle de Maria (1) to entry, and (2) to pool area, and on
Ocotillo Avenue (3) to service yard.
• Steel-encased glass screens, which create entry patio at east and north facades.
• Swimming pool
27
51
Non-Contributing Elements
• Pool terrace extension fronting the property's eastern side built during 1991-1992
renovation/remodel.
Local Architectural Context
The Sutter Residence should be viewed within the context of the period Post World War
II (1945-1969), a boom period that left Palm Springs with what many consider the largest
and finest concentration of mid-20th century Modern architecture in the United States.
As noted in the Historic Resource Group's [Palm Springs] Citywide Historic Context
Statement & Survey Findings, "by 1951 the city's winter population swelled to almost
30,000 from a permanent population of 7,660, which coincided with the peak of
Modernism's popularity. The population growth accelerated in the 1950s, bringing a
demand for civic necessities such as schools, libraries, museums, a city hall and police
headquarters, as well as offices, stores, and housing. Though Palm Springs was a
smaller municipality, this economic climate provided many opportunities for locally-
based architects, as well as several Los Angeles architects, to explore and develop a
wide range of architectural types and ideas, sometimes influenced by sophisticated
global design trends. These conditions and the architects' talents lead to the
development of an exceptional group of Modern buildings which later came to be
identified as 'Palm Springs Modernism' or 'The Palm Springs School.' The desert
climate and casual lifestyle all but demanded unconventional design, and clients were
more accepting of, even sought out, a more adventurous style in the resort atmosphere
of Palm Springs than they would have in their primary residences." Theodore and
Marguerite Sutter were such clients and their engagement of E. Stewart Williams of
Williams & Williams to design a unique desert retreat for themselves resulted in an
exceptional addition to the city's unparalleled aggregation of Desert Modernism.
Site Description
Location. The Sutter Residence is located on a prominent corner in the Deep Well
Ranch Estates tract of Palm Springs, an area renowned for its collection of Mid-Century
Modern designs. Because of the home's positioning, the eastern and northern
elevations are visibly accessible, which allows viewers to be able to appreciate many
aspects of the home's exceptional design. The Sutter Residence is in an area rich in
fine architecture that includes one of E. Stewart Williams' most celebrated residential
designs, the Leon & Thea Koerner Residence (1955), which is located directly adjacent
to the Sutter Residence. The topography of the square-shaped lot is entirely flat.
Landscaping was originally and remains simple with a grass lawn on the eastern and
northern parts of the lot. Planting beds are arranged around the fac;:ade in the same or
similar manner of the original 1960 plantings. The most distinct landscape features are
the stately palm trees that were planted at points around the eastern and northern
sections of the lot. Although the trees have grown considerably since 1960, the overall
layout of the landscape remains close to the original plan.
28
52
12
4
14
~=====ia13JL__-11,_/--,._____--IL /
10
20-
3 2
29
15
1
-$-N ·
Photo Key
Sutter Residence
53
Photo 1: East elevation.
(Author Photo. June 2020)
Photo 2: Original E. Stewart Williams-designed mailbox with 1992 terrace wall in backgound.
(Author Photo. June 2020)
30
54
Photo 3: East elevation showing 1992 pool terrace wall replicating original
aluminum siding seen elsewhere on the facade.
(Author Photo. June 2020)
Photo 4: East elevation. Showing aluminum wall and gate to pool.
(Author Photo. June 2020)
31
55
Photo 5: View to west across pool terrace showing original girder trellis.
(Author Photo. June 2020)
Photo 6: Looking across pool to the north.
(Author Photo. June 2020)
32
56
Photo 7: Looking east across pool.
(Author Photo. June 2020)
Photo 8: Looking south from inside residence over pool. Note aluminum grated fence.
(Author Photo. June 2020)
33
57
Photo 9: Looking south. Pool terrace extension with firepit on left.
(Author Photo. June 2020)
Photo 10: View from master bedroom looking east across pool.
(Author Photo. June 2020)
34
58
Photo 11: View looking west showing terrace in front of master bedroom.
(Author Photo. June 2020)
Photo 12: Looking east with south elevation on left. Note original aluminum siding wall.
(Author Photo. June 2020)
35
59
Photo 13: Looking south with the home's west elevation on the left.
Windows are shaded by sun screens.
(Author Photo. June 2020)
Photo 14: Juncture of west and north elevations showing service yard. Note aluminum siding
and concrete block walls.
(Author Photo. June 2020)
36
60
Photo 15: North elevation showing garage and glassed-in entrance patio.
(Author Photo. June 2020)
Photo 16: East elevation showing entrance gate into patio.
(Author Photo. June 2020)
37
61
?
I I
lili!II!! '; ;!1Uiw••i!
,•t ·•• 1r
.t;, ...
1!1!1!11111'
" .. "!-,, .. , l11111111111111
)
Photo 17: Reverse view showing gate from inside patio.
(Author Photo. June 2020)
Photo 18: North elevation detail of front door.
(Author Photo. June 2020)
38
62
Photo 19: Reverse view from inside residence towards breakfast room addition.
(Author Photo. June 2020)
Photo 20: Breakfast room addition was created by extending the house out over a former
planting bed. Steel framed windows match original.
(Author Photo. June 2020)
39
63
BACKGROUND/ HISTORIC CONTEXT
The relatively short history of Palm Springs can be organized into several distinct
periods, as defined by the Historic Resources Group's Citywide Historic Context
Statement & Survey Findings. These include the following:
• Native American Settlement to 1969
• Early Development (1884-1918)
• Palm Springs between the Wars (1919-1941)
• Palm Springs during World War II (1939-1945)
• Post-World War II Palm Springs (1945-1969)
It is within the context of the period "Post-World War II Palm Springs" that the Sutter
Residence will be evaluated.
EVALUATION:
Criterion 2: Significant Persons. Criterion 2 recognizes properties associated with the
lives of persons who made meaningful contributions to the national, state or local
history. While certainly prominent and successful individuals, Theodore and Marguerite
Sutter arguably do not rise to the level of significance required to qualify under this
finding. Therefore, the Sutter Residence does not qualify for listing as a Class 1
Historic Resource under Criterion 2.
ARCHITECTURE (Criteria 3 -6)
Criterion 3: (That reflects or exemplifies a particular period of the national, state or local
history). The Sutter Residence, completed in 1960, exhibits many stylistic markers
which place it directly in the historic context of Post-World War II Palm Springs. The
private residence represents a prime and largely intact example of the Mid-century
Modern style, for which Palm Springs has gained a worldwide reputation. Further, the
style employed is Brutalist, which is extremely rare in Palm Springs and uncommon in
residential architecture in general. As such, the Sutter Residence may be viewed as an
important component of the historic trends that have come to define Palm Springs'
image as a center of important Modern architecture, i.e., an historic trend that
exemplifies a particular period of the national, state or local history. The residence
qualifies for listing as a Class 1 Historic Resource on the local registry under Criterion
3.
Criterion 4: (That embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period or method
of construction; or) Type, Period, and Method of Construction: "Type, period, or method
of construction" refers to the way certain properties are related to one another by cultural
tradition or function, by dates of construction or style, or by choice or availability of
materials and technology. To be eligible under this Criterion, a property must clearly
illustrate, through "distinctive characteristics" a pattern of features common to a
particular class of resources. "Distinctive characteristics" are the physical features or
traits that commonly recur in individual types, periods, or methods of construction. To
40
64
be eligible, a property must clearly contain enough of those characteristics to be
considered a true representative of a particular type, period, or method of construction.
Characteristics can be expressed in terms such as form, proportion, structure, plan,
style, or materials.
The Sutter Residence is eligible under the theme of Modern architecture because it
possesses distinctive characteristics that embody the Mid-Century Modern Style such
as overall horizontality, expression of structure, expansive amounts of glass, etc.
Further, its unusual composition of machine age industrial forms and materials make it
particularly important for both the skill in which they were employed and the rarity of the
style. As such, the residence is eligible under this criterion because it represents an
important example of building practices in Palm Springs during the post-World War II
period. The residence qualifies for listing as a Class 1 Historic Resource on the local
registry under Criterion 4 .
Criterion 5: (That (a): represents the work of a master builder, designer, artist, or
architect whose individual genius influenced his age; or (b): that possesses high artistic
value).
5a: Work of a Master: In the case of the Sutter Residence, the work of E. Stewart
Williams, can certainly be described as the "work of a master" in view of his reputation
as one of the most important and influential figures in Palm Springs architecture from
the 1940s-1990 (see appendix VI).
5b: Properties possessing high artistic values: High artistic values may be
expressed in many ways, including areas as diverse as community design or planning,
engineering, and sculpture. As an exceptional example of Mid-century Modern
architecture, the Sutter Residence certainly articulates the best of what has made
Modern architecture so popular throughout the Coachella Valley to a level of excellence
and confidence that, in total, could easily be considered an aesthetic ideal. For its high
artistic values. the residence qualifies for listing as a Class 1 Historic Resource on the
local registry under Criterion 5.
Criterion 6: (That represents a significant and distinguishable entity whose components
may lack individual distinction). This Criterion was created to address the resources
contained within a potential historic district and as such it does not apply to this
nomination. Hence, the residence does not qualify under Criterion 6.
ARCHEOLOGY
Criterion 7: (That has yielded or may be likely to yield information important to the
national, state or local history or prehistory). The Sutter Residence is not likely to yield
information important to the national, state or local history or prehistory. Hence, the
residence does not qualify under Criterion 7.
FINDING 2: 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
41
65
Standards. Provide a written description for each element as listed: Design;
Materials; Workmanship; Location; Setting; Feeling; and Association.
INTEGRITY
Integrity is the ability of a property to convey its significance. To be listed in the local
registry, a property must not only be shown to be significant under the criteria, but it also
must have integrity. The evaluation of integrity is sometimes a subjective judgment, but
it must always be grounded in an understanding of a property's physical features and
how they relate to its significance. Historic properties either retain integrity (that is,
convey their significance) or they do not. The definition of integrity includes seven
aspects or qualities. To retain historic integrity a property will always possess several,
and usually most, of the aspects. The retention of specific aspects of integrity is
paramount for a property to convey its significance. Determining which of these aspects
are most important to a particular property requires knowing why, where, and when the
property is significant. The following sections define the seven aspects and explain how
they combine to produce integrity .
LOCATION
Location is the place where an historic property was constructed or the place where an
historic event occurred. The relationship between the property and its location is often
important to understanding why the property was created or why something happened.
The actual location of a historic property, complemented by its setting, is particularly
important in recapturing the sense of historic events and persons. Except in rare cases,
the relationship between a property and its historic associations is destroyed if the
property is moved. The Sutter Residence remains in its original location and
therefore qualifies under this aspect.
DESIGN
Design is the combination of elements that create the form, plan, space, structure, and
style of a property. It results from conscious decisions made during the original
conception and planning of a property and applies to activities as diverse as community
planning, engineering, architecture, and landscape architecture. Design includes such
elements as organization of space, proportion, scale, technology, ornamentation, and
materials. A property's design reflects historic functions and technologies as well as
aesthetics. It includes such considerations as the structural system; massing;
arrangement of spaces; pattern of fenestration; textures and colors of surface materials;
type, amount, and style of ornamental detailing. The Sutter Residence's essential
characteristics of form, plan, space, structure, and style have survived largely
intact. Similarly, the structural system; massing; arrangement of spaces; pattern
of fenestration; and the type, amount, and style of detailing have survived largely
intact. Although a remodel in 1991-1992 changed certain portions of the original
fa~ade, the work was done with sensitivity towards matching the architect's
original vision.
42
66
SETTING
Setting is the physical environment of a historic property. Whereas location refers to the
specific place where a property was built or an event occurred, setting refers to the
character of the place in which the property played its historical role. It involves how,
not just where, the property is situated and its relationship to surrounding features and
open space. Setting often reflects the basic physical conditions under which a property
was built and the functions it was intended to serve. In addition, the way in which a
property is positioned in its environment can reflect the designer's concept of nature
and aesthetic preferences. The setting of the Sutter Residence continues to reflect
the architect's original design relationship of site and structure.
MATERIALS
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. The
choice and combination of materials reveals the preferences of those who created the
property and indicate the availability of particular types of materials and technologies.
The Sutter Residence's exterior surface materials, which consist primarily of
concrete block, steel, glass and aluminum have remained essentially intact. New
work on the exterior, most notably on the eastern wall of the pool terrace, utilizes
recreated vertically-corrugated aluminum siding identical to that used elsewhere
on the fa~ade. Therefore, the materials continue to express the physical elements
as designed during the building's period of significance; the pattern and
configuration that today forms the residence and contributing structures
survives intact.
WORKMANSHIP
Workmanship is the physical evidence of the crafts of a particular culture or people
during any given period in history or prehistory. It is the evidence of artisans ' labor and
skill in constructing or altering a building, structure, object, or site . Workmanship can
apply to the property as a whole or to its individual components. It can be expressed in
vernacular methods of construction and plain finishes or in highly sophisticated
configurations and ornamental detailing . It can be based on common traditions or
innovative period techniques. Workmanship is important because it can furnish
evidence of the technology of a craft, illustrate the aesthetic principles of a historic or
prehistoric period, and reveal individual, local, regional, or national applications of both
technological practices and aesthetic principles . Examples of workmanship in historic
buildings include tooling, carving, painting, graining, turning, and joinery. The
workmanship of the Sutter Residence is evidenced by extensive use of machine
made, industrial inspired materials in both the exterior and interior. Steel framed
floor-to-ceiling windows and doors, vertically-incised concrete blocks, anodized
aluminum gates and fencing, vertically-corrugated aluminum siding, and mature
landscape features, all of which were part of the original design/construction
remain. The residence continues to express a high degree of contemporary
period workmanship.
43
67
FEELING
Feeling is a property's expression of the aesthetic or historic sense of a particular period
of time. It results from the presence of physical features that, taken together, convey
the property's historic character. For example, a rural historic district retaining original
design, materials, workmanship, and setting will relate the feeling of agricultural life in
the 19th century. The Sutter Residence is sited on a prominent corner lot in the
Deep Well Estates tract just as it was when completed in 1960. Accordingly, the
residence retains its original integrity of feeling.
ASSOCIATION
Association is the direct link between an important historic event or person and a historic
property. A property retains association if it is the place where the event or activity
occurred and is sufficiently intact to convey that relationship to an observer. Like feeling,
association requires the presence of physical features that convey a property's historic
character. For example, a Revolutionary War battlefield whose natural and man-made
elements have remained intact since the 18th century will retain its quality of association
with the battle. Because feeling and association depend on individual perceptions, their
retention alone is never sufficient to support eligibility of a property for the National
Register. The Sutter Residence is an important example of a custom-designed
Mid-century Modern private residence in Palm Springs. Accordingly, it continues
its association with a pattern of events that have made a meaningful contribution
to the community.
INTEGRITY SUMMARY: The Sutter Residence appears to be in excellent condition
partially due to the use of construction materials suitable for the harsh desert
environment. This integrity analysis confirms that the building and site of the Sutter
Residence still possesses all seven aspects of integrity. As noted, the Sutter
Residence retains a remarkable amount of original details and that which were
added later were done to replicate the originals. In summary, the Sutter Residence
possesses a high degree of integrity sufficient to qualify for designation as a
Class 1 Historic Resource.
44
68
Bibliography
Attached is a list of books, articles, and other sources cited or used in preparing
this application and other documentation that may be relevant.
Books
Cygelman, Adele. Palm Springs Modern: Houses in the California Desert.
New York, NY; Rizzoli International Publications, Inc., 1999.
Ibid. Arthur Elrod: Desert Modern Design.
Layton, UT; Gibbs Smith, 2019.
Hess, Alan and Andrew Danish: Palm Springs Weekend: The Architecture and Design
of a Midcentury Oasis. San Francisco, CA; Chronicle Books, 2001.
McAlester, Virginia & Lee. A Field Guide to American Houses. New York, NY; Alfred
A. Knopf. 1998.
Palm Springs City Directory. Long Beach, CA; Western Directory Co., Various dates.
Sotta, Andy, Tony Merchell and Jade Nelson. E. Stewart Williams: A Tribute to
His Work and Life. Palm Springs, CA; Palm Springs Preservation Foundation,
2005.
Stern, Michael and Alan Hess. Julius Shulman: Palm Springs.
New York, NY; Rizzoli International Publications, Inc., 2008.
Williams, Sidney, ed. An Eloquent Modernist: E. Stewart Williams, Architect.
Palm Springs, CA; Palm Springs Art Museum, 2014.
Collections
E. Stewart Williams Papers, Architecture and Design Collection, Palm Springs Art
Museum
Julius Shulman Collection, Getty Research Institute, Los Angeles
Magazines and Significant Newspaper Articles
"Barriers Against the Wind and Sun." Los Angeles Times, September 8, 1963
45
69
Newspapers
Various issues of:
Desert Sun
Los Angeles Herald-Examiner
Los Angeles Times
Internet Resources
Accessingthepast. org
Ancestry.com
Findagrave .com
lmdb.com (Internet Movie Database)
Pspreservationfoundation. org
Realtor.com
Usmodernist.org
Ourdeepwell.com
Moderndesign.org
Interviews
Stephen Rose (6/22/2020)
Sidney Williams (via e-mail 6/22/2020)
Videos
The Nature of Modernism: E. Stewart Williams, Architect. Directed by Jake Garst.
Design Onscreen, 2014.
Other Sources Consulted
Palm Springs Historical Society
City of Palm Springs (Planning and Building Departments)
Historic Resources Group. City of Palm Springs Citywide Historic Context Statement;
Survey Findings. Pasadena, 2015 (Final Draft, December 2018).
Moruzzi, Peter/Architectural Historian. "National Register of Historic Places
Registration Form, Koerner Residence." December 27, 2016
Ibid. "National Register of Historic Places Registration Form, The Architecture of E.
Stewart Williams." December 27, 2016
Riverside County Assessor's Office
46
70