HomeMy WebLinkAbout25091RESOLUTION No. 25091
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA, FINDING THAT THE VILLA
ROMA GARDEN HOMES LOCATED AT 2500 SOUTH
SIERRA MADRE DRIVE, (MASTER APN #512-120-070)
QUALIFIES AS A HISTORIC DISTRICT (HSPB #140 / HD-10 )
SUBJECT TO CONDITIONS.
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS FINDS AND DETERMINES AS
FOLLOWS:
A. WHEREAS, Chapter 8.05 of the Palm Springs Municipal Code allows for the
designation of historic sites and districts; and
B. WHEREAS, the Villa Roma Garden Homes Homeowner's Association
submitted an application to the City seeking historic district designation of The
Villa Roma Garden Homes located at 2500 South Sierra Madre Drive. The
application included a historic resources report ("the report") prepared for the
applicant by the Palm Springs Preservation Foundation ("PSPF") dated August,
2021; and
' C. WHEREAS, Pursuant to Municipal Code Chapter 8.05, Article V, Section
8.05.200; "Tribal Review of Applications for Historic Designation (reservation
Fee Land)" the Villa Roma Garden Homes is located on Fee land on the Agua
Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians Reservation and on July 25, 2022, the City's
Historic Preservation Officer ("HPO") notified the Tribal Historic Preservation
Officer ("THPO") of receipt of the application.
D. WHEREAS, on October 2, 2021, December 4, 2021, and February 5, 2022
community meetings were conducted remotely via Zoom with property owners
within the proposed historic district and City Staff pursuant to PSMC 8.05.090
(6,1); and
E. WHEREAS, in May 2022, members of the Historic Site Preservation Board
(HSPB) and City staff conducted site inspections of the proposed historic
district; and
F. WHEREAS, on June 7, 2022, a noticed public hearing of the Palm Springs
Historic Site Preservation Board to consider Case HSPB #140 was held in
accordance with applicable law; and
G. WHEREAS, at said hearing, the HSPB carefully reviewed and considered all
the evidence presented in connection with the hearing on the project, including,
' but not limited to, the staff report and all written and oral testimony and voted
5-1-1 (Rose absent, Rosenow recused) to recommend historic district
Resolution No. 25091
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designation of the Villa Roma Garden Homes with conditions; and
H. WHEREAS, at the HSPB meeting of July 5, 2022, City staff returned with a ,
draft resolution reflecting the HSPB's actions. At said meeting the HSPB voted
5-1-1 (Rose absent, Rosenow recused) to reject the draft resolution and
request revised findings be prepared; and
WHEREAS, at the HSPB meeting of September 6, 2022, City staff returned
with a second draft resolution reflecting the HSPB's actions. At said meeting
the HSPB voted 4-1 (Rosenow recused) to adopt Resolution #140 to
recommend historic district designation of the Villa Roma Garden Homes with
conditions; and
J. WHEREAS, on October 17, 2022, City staff received review comments from
the Tribal Historic Preservation Officer ("THPO") concurring with staff's findings
of ineligibility.
K. WHEREAS, on February 9, 2023, a noticed public hearing of the Palm Springs
City Council to consider Case HSPB #140 was held in accordance with
applicable law; and
L. WHEREAS, at said hearing, the City Council continued the public hearing to a
date certain of February 21, 2023; and '
M. WHEREAS, on February 21, 2023 at a noticed public hearing, the City Council
carefully reviewed and considered all the evidence presented in connection
with the hearing on the project, including, but not limited to the staff report and
all written and oral testimony.
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS RESOLVES:
SECTION 1: FINDINGS — PART C1, CRITERIA FOR DESIGNATION OF HISTORIC
DISTRICTS:
Evaluation of the Application. Pursuant to Municipal Code Section 8.05.090 (C), the
City Council shall evaluate the application and make findings in conformance with the
following criteria:
PSMC 8.05.090 (C,1); Criteria for the Designation of Historic Districts. An area of the
City may be designated as a Historic District, provided one or more of the following
findings are met:
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1. The proposed district and the contributing resources located therein
exhibits exceptional historic significance and meets one or more of the
criteria listed below:
The Council did not evaluate the individual resources, buildings or elements within the
proposed historic district to determine if individually they exhibit exceptional historic
significance nor whether they individually meet the criteria listed below. Instead the City
Council found that the Villa Roma Garden Homes Historic District, as a whole, exhibits
exceptional historic significance because it is reflective of the post -World War II shift in
residential development patterns from single family houses to include multi -family housing
and to embrace new and innovative form of multi -family property types. The City Council
also found that the historic district exemplifies the postwar garden apartment community
type that today contributes to Palm Springs' Mid-century Modern residential landscape.
These findings are further discussed under the criteria below.
(Criterion "a')The resource is associated with events that have made a
meaningful contribution to the nation, state or community;
The proposed area does not qualify as a historic district under Criterion "a".
(Criterion "b')The resource is associated with the lives of persons who
made a meaningful contribution to national, state or local history;
The proposed area does not qualify as a historic district under Criterion "b".
(Criterion "c') The resource reflects or exemplifies a particular period of
national, state or local history;
The City Council finds that Villa Roma Garden Homes qualifies as a historic district based
on Criterion "c". In making its finding, the City Council determined that the historic district
is significant within the theme, "Post -World War II Multi -Family Residential Development"
in Palm Springs, as discussed in the citywide historic context statement. Villa Roma
Garden Homes exemplifies new trends and patterns of multi -family development from the
postwar period when prosperity brought a new group of upper middle and middle-class
tourists, residents, and second -home owners to the city. This gradual democratization of
Palm Springs would irrevocably change the city during the 1950's and 60's through the
use of innovative and creative forms of multi -family residential development and
ownership options.
The City Council further found that Villa Roma Garden Homes exemplifies the multi -family
garden apartment community property type of the 1960s, and now regarded as ubiquitous
to Palm Springs' residential landscape. The type employed a Modern design aesthetic
and sometimes incorporated historic architectural styles such as the Roman elements
applied to Villa Roma Garden Homes. The garden apartment type of the 1960s features
low -slung buildings and a site plan that incorporates separation of pedestrian and
vehicular traffic, no or few through streets, landscaped areas, and amenities such as
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pools, clubhouses, and gathering spaces deliberately designed to foster a unique sense
of community and social interaction. I
(Criterion "d')The resource embodies the distinctive characteristics of a
type, period or method of construction;
The proposed area does not qualify as a historic district under Criterion "d".
(Criterion "e') 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 proposed area does not qualify as a historic district under Criterion "e".
(Criterion Y) 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 City Council finds that Villa Roma Garden Homes also qualifies as a historic district
based on Criterion 'T'. In making this finding, the City Council notes that the historic district
derives significance from being a unified entity comprised of a variety of contributing
features and because it characterizes Midcentury Modern garden apartment communities
of the post -War era in Palm Springs. The significance of the district results from the
interrelationship of its contributing features that convey a visual sense of the overall
historic environment and period of development although the components lack individual
distinction.
(Criterion "g') The resource has yielded or may be likely to yield information
important to national, state or local history or prehistory.
The proposed area does not qualify as a historic district under Criterion "g".
Conclusion: The City Council finds that the Villa Roma Garden Homes exhibits
exceptional historic significance and qualifies as a historic district based on Criteria "c"
and Y'.
SECTION 2: PART C.2 AND C 3 ANALYSIS OF HISTORIC INTEGRITY AND
DETERMINATION OF CONTRIBUTING AND NON-CONTRIBUTING RESOURCES
AND ELEMENTS.
Analysis of Integrity. (PSMC 8.05.090 (C, 2). The contributing resources
within the proposed historic district shall be evaluated for integrity of ,
location, design, setting, materials, workmanship, feeling and association
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according to the United States Department of the Interior, National Park
Service's National Register Bulletin titled: "How to apply the National
Register Criteria for Evaluation" as revised from time to time.
Analysis of Contributing Resources and Non-contributing Buildings &
Parcels. (PSMC 8.05.090 (C, 3): The proposed district:
a.) Contains contributing resources on a majority of the sites within the
proposed district which individually meet the criteria in paragraphs (1) and
(2) of this section, as well as 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;
b.) Includes non-contributing properties or vacant parcels only to the extent
necessary to establish appropriate, logical or convenient boundaries
Although the Historic Site Preservation Board and the City Council did not evaluate
individual buildings or elements of the proposed historic district, they evaluated the
proposed district as a whole, and the City Council finds that nearly all the buildings and
elements within the proposed district are of exceptional historic significance and thus
identifies the "Contributing" resources to be as follows:
The contributing features of the Villa Roma Garden Homes Historic District are:
• Its site plan.
• Nineteen (19) residential building composed of 2, 3, and 4 dwelling units per
building.
• Midcentury modern design emphasizing horizontal massing, flat rooflines,
overhanging eaves, minimal exterior detailing, and construction materials including
concrete block (split face, slumpstone, and screen block), aluminum, and glass
• Original Roman -themes architectural elements, most notably a "Temple of Venus,"
ringed by ionic columns and surmounted by a circular roof pierced by a large
oculus and fronted by a semi -circular reflecting pool with foundation (excluding the
2013 replacement of the Venus statue.)
• Temple "ruins" with ionic columns located at the northeast and southwest portion
of the Temple of Venus lawn area.
• Carports.
• Swimming pool and spa.
• Clubhouse including the colonnade and the folded -plate portico on the west side
facing the swimming pool.
• Original statuary, benches, and planters
• Original monument sign (not including the plastic signage).
• Original exterior sconce light fixtures at the front doors.
As listed, contributing resources exist on the majority of sites within the proposed district
and thus it conforms to PSMC 8.05.110 (C,3,a).
The non-contributing features of the Villa Roma Garden Homes Historic District are:
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• Additions to back patios on residential units.
• Solar panels and related concealment screens. ,
• Glass bock windows.
• Steel security doors.
• Non -original entry light fixtures.
• Ground mounted pool equipment and equipment enclosure.
• Pool fencing.
• Desert landscaping.
As listed, non-contributing properties or features are included only to the extent necessary
to establish appropriate, logical or convenient boundaries and thus the proposed Villa
Roma Garden Homes Historic District conforms to PSMC 8.05.110 (C,3,b)
SECTION 3: CHARACTER -DEFINING FEATURES.
In considering a recommendation for historic district designation it is important to
distinguish those physical elements that are original or from the period of significance that
contribute to the district's historic significance from alterations, additions or features that
were added or altered 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 buildings within the historic district.
The City Council determines that the character -defining feature of the Villa Roma Historic
District are the combination of the following:
• Low -slung single -story buildings.
• Repetitive building design.
• Various "roman -inspired" precast objects (statues, benches, planters) that create
a whimsical thematic quality to the district.
• Primary dwelling entrances facing small common -use courtyards rather than the
street.
• Carports and parking areas accessed from the perimeter public streets, placed
between clusters of units, and separate from pedestrian courtyards and outdoor
passageways.
• Limited private outdoor space for each dwelling, mostly in the form of small patios.
• Large open common use spaces — (1) a corner open lawn area and (2) a
centralized common -use swimming pool, terrace, and community building.
SECTION 4: PROPOSED DISTRICT BOUNDARIES, HISTORIC CONTEXT AND
PERIOD OF SIGNIFICANCE.
The boundaries for the proposed historic district would be the 3.92 acres bounded by
Avenida Granada on the north, Sierra Madre Drive on the west, and property lines along
the east and south that comprise the limits of the original development.
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The historic context is "Post World War II (1945 — 1969)" as identified in the Citywide
Historic Context Statement report dated December 2018.
The period of significance is 1964-65, marking the completion of construction of the Villa
Roma Garden Homes.
SECTION 5: HISTORIC DISTRICT DESIGN GUIDELINES.
A document titled "Villa Roma Owners Association Architectural Guidelines (Rules &
Regulations)", dated October 2022 shall comprise the design guidelines for the Villa
Roma Historic District. Notwithstanding the above, any demolition or alteration of a
building, structure or object within the Historic District shall be subject to Chapter 8.05 of
the Palm Springs Municipal Code and, as provided in said Chapter, may require a
Certificate of Appropriateness from the City prior to demolition or alteration.
SECTION 6: PROPERTY OWNER SUPPORT
The historic district application included letters of support from 56 of the 69 property
owners which meets the Historic Preservation Ordinance requirement that no less than
51 % of property owners support the proposed district designation.
SECTION 7: ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
The proposed historic district 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 8: CONDITIONS THAT APPLY TO HISTORIC DISTRICTS:
According to Section 8.05 of the Municipal Code, the following shall apply to historic
districts:
1. It shall meet the definition of a historic district as outlined in Municipal Code
Section 8.05.020.
2. An archival file on the properties in the district shall be maintained by the City.
3. It may be qualified as 'historic' at the federal, state, and/or county level.
4. The structure or resources in the district may not be modified nor objects removed
without following the procedures outlined in Municipal Code Section 8.05.120
"Demolition or Alteration or New Construction within a Historic District — Certificate
of Appropriateness", including conformance with the District's approved Design
Guidelines.
5. A marker explaining the historic nature of the site may be installed at the site in a
location viewable from the public way.
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6. Compliance with all rules and regulations for Historic Sites and Historic Districts
under Chapter 8.05 of the Municipal Code shall be required. '
7. The site shall not be further subdivided.
8. The City Clerk shall submit the Council Resolution to the County recorder for
recordation within 90 days of the effective date of the Council's resolution.
Based upon the foregoing, the City Council hereby designates "The Villa Roma Garden
Homes" located at 2500 South Sierra Madre Drive, as a Historic District (HSPB #140 !
HD-9).
Indemnification. The applicant shall defend, indemnify, and hold harmless the City of
Palm Springs, its agents, officers, and employees from any claim, action, or proceeding
against the City of Palm Springs or its agents, officers or employees to attach, set aside,
void or annul, an approval of the City of Palm Springs, its legislative body, advisory
agencies, or administrative officers concerning Case HSPB #140 / HD-10. The City of
Palm Springs will promptly notify the applicant of any such claim, action, or proceeding
against the City of Palm Springs and the applicant will either undertake defense of the
matter and pay the City's associated legal costs or will advance funds to pay for defense
of the matter by the City Attorney. If the City of Palm Springs fails to promptly notify the
applicant of any such claim, action or proceeding or fails to cooperate fully in the defense,
the applicant shall not, thereafter, be responsible to defend, indemnify, or hold harmless
the City of Palm Springs. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the City retains the right to settle
or abandon the matter without the applicant's consent but should it do so, the City shall
waive the indemnification herein, except, the City's decision to settle or abandon a matter
following an adverse judgment or failure to appeal, shall not cause a waiver of the
indemnification rights herein.
ADOPTED THIS 21ST DAY OF FEBRUARY, 2023.
4&�
Teresa Gallavan
Interim City Manager
ATTEST:
Br da Pree
City Clerk
�I
Resolution No. 25091
Page 9
CERTIFICATION
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE ) ss.
CITY OF PALM SPRINGS)
I, BRENDA PREE, City Clerk of the City of Palm Springs, hereby certify that
Resolution No. 25091 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 21, 2023, by the
following vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Holstege, Middleton, Mayor Pro Tem Bernstein
NOES: Councilmember deHarte and Mayor Garner
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the official seal of the
City of Palm Springs, California, this )5+- day of Marati 2O2-2,
rends Poe,MMC, CERA, City Clerk
City of Pam Springs, California