HomeMy WebLinkAboutITEM #4A - 385 E Racquet Club_HDEMO 2024-0007_DEMO
HISTORIC SITE PRESERVATION BOARD
STAFF REPORT
DATE: June 4, 2024 NEW BUSINESS
SUBJECT: A REQUEST BY DENISE TORRES LIVING TRUST AND MELINDA
WILSON LIVING TRUST FOR APPROVAL TO DEMOLISH THE HOME
ON THE CLASS 4 SITE LOCATED AT 385 EAST RACQUET CLUB ROAD,
AND ASSOCIATED REVIEW FOR POTENTIAL RE-DESIGNATION OF A
CLASS 4 SITE TO A CLASS 1 OR 2 HISTORIC RESOURCE (APN 501-
101-003) (SY).
FROM: Department of Planning Services
SUMMARY
The property owners, represented by Perez Collaborative Drafting Consultants, request
approval to demolish the existing home on the site. The original residence was built in
1959 and subsequent additions and remodels were made to the home. By virtue of the
original construction date, this property is classified as a Class 4 site.
Pursuant to Municipal Code Section 8.05.130 (Demolition or Alteration to Class 3 and 4
sites), the HSPB will consider whether the site possesses sufficient historic significance
to warrant possible re-designation to Class 1 or Class 2 historic resource and in doing so
may issue a stay on demolition or alteration on the buildings.
The property owners are not seeking historic designation of the site or buildings.
RECOMMENDATION:
That the HSPB take no action and allow the processing of a demolition permit.
BACKGROUND AND SETTING:
This residential lot of approximately 10,455 sq. ft. contains a single structure that was
constructed by the Alexender Construction Company in 1959. The home is in the Racquet
Club Estates neighborhood with the front yard facing East Racquet Club Road. The
building permit history indicates that the patio space between the dwelling and the original
carport was enclosed in 1972, a re-roof was completed in 2006, and a new fence was
installed in 2016. The exterior conditions of the home are in a state of disrepair with many
of the character-defining features covered and significantly altered.
Historic Site Preservation Board Staff Report: June 4, 2024
HDEMO 2024-0007 – Demolition of a Class 4 Site – 385 E. Racquet Club
Page 2 of 6
AERIAL VIEW OF THE SUBJECT PARCEL.
STREET VIEW OF THE EXISTING RESIDENCE, MAY 2024.
Related Relevant City Actions by HSPB, Planning, Fire, Building, etc…
May 2024 Site inspection by HSPB accompanied by City Staff.
Ownership Status
May 2023 Transfer of deed to new owners.
Historic Site Preservation Board Staff Report: June 4, 2024
HDEMO 2024-0007 – Demolition of a Class 4 Site – 385 E. Racquet Club
Page 3 of 6
ANALYSIS:
Staff analysis is based on the application material and the site visit conducted in May of
2024. The single-family home has a curved driveway that spans across the front yard with
little to no landscaping on the property. The carport is enclosed with sliding doors and a
new roof connects the carport structure to the home, completely altering the original
massing of the home. What appears to be the original fenestration in the front-end gable
remains in place and the original gable pitch is visible.
Requests for demolition of Class 4 sites are processed according to Municipal Code
Section 8.05.130.
Criteria and Findings for Possible Re-designation of a Class 4 Building.
If the HSPB finds that the site warrants possible re-designation, it may direct and
authorize the processing of an application to re-designate the site as a Class 1 or Class
2 historic resource, which will then be considered by the HSPB and the City Council as
provided in Chapter 8.05 of the Municipal Code. Any demolition/alteration permit shall be
automatically stayed for a period of up to one-hundred twenty (120) days pending a re-
designation decision. In making its review, the HSPB must make the following findings:
1. That the Class 3 or Class 4 building possesses exceptional historic,
architectural, archaeological, cultural or aesthetic significance to
warrant redesignation as a Class 1 or Class 2 historic resource in
accordance with the criteria set forth in Section 8.05.070 above; and
2. That the Class 3 or Class 4 building retains sufficient historical
integrity relative to its original configuration, architectural features, or
character.
If the HSPB cannot affirmatively make these findings, then it shall take no action and refer
the permit to the Director of Planning who shall thereafter approve the application for
submittal to the Building Department for appropriate building permits.
Staff analyzed the site relative to the criteria in 8.05.070 as follows:
a. The site, structure, building or object exhibits exceptional historic
significance and meets one or more of the criteria listed below:
This home is an Alexader home that was constructed in a style that is identified as Mid-
century Modern. The historical research attached to this application does not reveal any
significant events or figures associated with the property that rise to the level of historical
significance. Further evaluation is listed below:
(i) The resource is associated with events that have made a meaningful
contribution to the nation, state or community; or
Historic Site Preservation Board Staff Report: June 4, 2024
HDEMO 2024-0007 – Demolition of a Class 4 Site – 385 E. Racquet Club
Page 4 of 6
No information was provided indicating a significant event with meaningful contribution to
the nation, state, or community occurred at this site.
(ii) The resource is associated with the lives of persons who made a
meaningful contribution to national, state or local history; or
The property was constructed in 1959 and had a number of owners as listed in the deed
records and the permit records attached to this application. Of the various owners, the
permits records indicate Elgin Lackey owned the home around the 1960s and submitted
permits for various scopes of work, including the construction of a cabana and swimming
pool that no longer exist on the site. Leonard Webb owned the home in the 1970s when
the breezeway between the home and the carport was enclosed. The owners of the home
do not rise to the level of significance on a national and local level; therefore, this criterion
is not met.
(iii) The resource reflects or exemplifies a particular period of national,
state or local history; or
The construction date of 1959 is within the context of “Post-World War II Palm Springs
(1945-1969)”. Built in the neighborhood currently known as the Racquet Club Road
Estates, homes in this area utilized a series of different rooflines for curb appeal and a
consistent architectural language now identified as Mid-century Modern. A gable roof form
with a breezeway connecting the street-facing carport was one of the iterations seen in
this neighborhood. The significant changes to the original form of the roof and the
enclosure of the carport have compromised the integrity of the original design. This home
in its current state no longer exemplifies the time period in which it was constructed, thus
does not meet criterion iii.
(iv) The resource embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type,
period or method of construction; or
The home appears to be constructed using conventional wood frame construction
methods and materials. There are no distinctive or exceptional qualities to the
construction, therefore, does not qualify under Criterion iv.
(v) The resource presents the work of a master builder, designer, artist,
or architect whose individual genius influenced his or her age, or that
possesses high artistic value; or
The building records show the original permit for the home was issued to the Alexander
Construction Company. This local developer is associated with some of the most beloved
examples of Mid-century Modern homes built during the period after World War II in Palm
Springs. Their work holds distinct design characteristics, and they are considered master
builders of their time, however, the home in its current condition is not an exceptional
example of their work; therefore, does not qualify under this criterion.
Historic Site Preservation Board Staff Report: June 4, 2024
HDEMO 2024-0007 – Demolition of a Class 4 Site – 385 E. Racquet Club
Page 5 of 6
(vi) The resource represents a significant and distinguishable entity
whose components may lack individual distinction, as used in
evaluating applications for designation of historic districts, for parcels
on which more than one entity exists; or
The property does not qualify under Criterion vi.
(vii) The resource has yielded or may be likely to yield information
important to national, state or local history or prehistory.
There is no known information relative to the pre-historic period for this property.
Evaluation of Historic Integrity.
Historic Integrity is evaluated based on seven qualities: location, design, setting,
materials, workmanship, feeling and association in accordance with guidelines of 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.
Staff evaluated the property’s integrity as follows:
Location.
The structure appears to be in its original location, but various additions have been made
to the building over time.
Design.
The site placement of the home, the fenestration on the gable end of the front elevation
and the roof pitch of the original home appears to be the only elements that remain.
Exterior materials have been applied to the surface and key features like the breezeway,
and carport have been enclosed and altered with a new roof. The design integrity has
been lost due to a few impactful changes to the front elevation.
Setting.
The lot is in a residential zone district developed in the late 1950s intended for single-
family housing. The neighboring lots that abut the property are single-family properties
but the street in front of the home is now a high traffic area that is a short distance away
from North Indian Canyon Drive and Highway 111. While the location of the home has
not changed, the surrounding setting has evolved over time.
Materials.
The materials used to construct this property seem to be conventional wood framing and
stucco finishes. The original gable roof is buried underneath the pitched roof that connects
the enclosed carport to the home. Stucco and wood siding was applied to the surface of
the existing home and metal gates and storm doors were added. Some areas, like the
Historic Site Preservation Board Staff Report: June 4, 2024
HDEMO 2024-0007 – Demolition of a Class 4 Site – 385 E. Racquet Club
Page 6 of 6
clerestory windows, seems original but a majority of what is seen appears to be newer
material.
Workmanship.
The workmanship for the structure is poor and does not demonstrate any period specific
techniques or stands out as noteworthy.
Feeling.
The exterior alterations significantly impact the feeling of the home and its association to
its period of construction and architectural style. The integrity of feeling has not been
maintained.
Association.
The home is associated with the Alexander Construction Company and still show features
like the gable roof and clerestory windows that are traits from the Mid-century Modern
period but the attached additions cover and alter these important architectural features.
The home’s association to the time period as well as the original builders is weak
connection to establish in its current condition.
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
Although the proposed demolition is considered a project pursuant to the guidelines of
the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”), the possible action of the HSPB to
initiate a re-designation application and to place a stay of demolition/alteration on the
property is not subject to review under 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 Section 15060(c)(3) (the activity is not a project as defined in Section
15378) of the CEQA Guidelines, California Code of Regulations, Title 15, Chapter 3,
because it has no potential for resulting in physical changes to the environment, directly
or indirectly.
CONCLUSION:
The altered home does not appear noteworthy from a historic perspective and does not
meet the criteria demonstrating exceptional historic significance to be eligible for
reclassification. Staff recommends that the HSPB take no action and direct staff to
administratively process the permit to demolish the existing structures on the parcel.
PREPARED BY: Sarah Yoon, Associate Planner/Historic Preservation Officer
REVIEWED BY: David Newell, Assistant Director of Planning Services
Attachments:
A. Vicinity Map
B. Application and related material
ATTACHMENT A
Department of Planning Services
Vicinity Map
CITY OF PALM SPRINGS
385 E. Racquet Club Road
ATTACHMENT B
April 6, 2024
IN REGARDS TO PROPERTY:
OWNER’S: TORRES / WILSON RESIDENCE
ADDRESS: 385 EAST RACQUET CLUB DR., PS, CA. 92262
APN #: 501.101.003
LOT #: 212
LOT SIZE: 10,454 SQ.FT.
YEAR BUILT: 1959
ZONE: R-1-C
HOME SQ.FT.: 1715 SQ.FT. + GARAGE SQ.FT.: 360 SQ.FT. = TOTAL SQ.FT.:
2075 SQ.FT.
To Whom it may concern,
I am providing the Historical Board of Palm Springs the data for the property
listed above to present to the Historical Preservation Board for review. Owners
are in process of completing the application requirements to obtain a demolition
permit for a complete existing building tear down/removal per owners request.
The Historical Board Review List provided corresponds to the City of Palm
Springs Department of Planning Services checklist.
If there are any questions feel free to contact us. Thank you and look forward to
hearing from you.
Perez Collaborative Drafting Consultants
Isabel L. Perez - Data & Field Research
(760)209-4236
Juan G. Perez - Principal
(760)619-8752
Dear Mr. Rick Minjares,
The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians (ACBCI) appreciates your efforts to include the
Tribal Historic Preservation Office (THPO) in the 385 E. Racquet Club Dr. project. A records
check of the ACBCI cultural registry revealed that the project area is within the boundaries of
the ACBCI Reservation. In consultation the ACBCI THPO requests the following:
[VIA EMAIL TO:rick.minjares@palmspringsca.gov]
City of Palm Springs
Mr. Rick Minjares
3200 E Tahquitz Canyon Way
Palm Springs, CA 92262
April 02, 2024
Re: 385 E. Racquet Club Dr.
Again, the Agua Caliente appreciates your interest in our cultural heritage. If you have questions
or require additional information, please call me at (760) 423-3485. You may also email me at
ACBCI-THPO@aguacaliente.net.
Cordially,
Xitlaly Madrigal
Cultural Resources Analyst
Tribal Historic Preservation Office
AGUA CALIENTE BAND
OF CAHUILLA INDIANS
03-004-2024-007
*Should human remains be discovered during construction of the proposed project,
the project contractor would be subject to either the State law regarding the
discovery and disturbance of human remains or the Tribal burial protocol. In either
circumstance all destructive activity in the immediate vicinity shall halt and the
County Coroner shall be contacted pursuant to State Health and Safety Code
§7050.5. If the remains are determined to be of Native American origin, the Native
American Heritage Commission (NAHC) shall be contacted. The NAHC will make
a determination of the Most Likely Descendent (MLD). The City and Developer
will work with the designated MLD to determine the final disposition of the
remains.
#*This letter shall conclude our consultation efforts.
Pérez Collaborative Drafting Consultants
CITY OF PALM SPRINGS – PUBLIC INTEGRITY DISCLOSURE
APPLICANT DISCLOSURE FORM
Page 1 of 2
(Revised 05/16/19)
PUBLIC INTEGRITY DISCLOSURE
APPLICANT DISCLOSURE FORM
1. Name of Entity
2. Address of Entity (Principle Place of Business)
3. Local or California Address (if different than #2)
If other than California, is the Entity also registered in California? F Yes F No
5. Type of Entity
F Corporation F Limited Liability Company F Partnership F Trust F Other (please specify)
6. Officers, Directors, Members, Managers, Trustees, Other Fiduciaries (please specify)
Note: If any response is not a natural person, please identify all officers, directors,
members, managers and other fiduciaries for the member, manager, trust or other entity
[name]
F General Partner F Limited Partner
F Other ____________________________________
[name]
_________________________________________________ F Officer F Director F Member F Manager
[name]
F General Partner F Limited Partner
F Other ____________________________________
Melinda Wilson Living Trust 2023 (50% Ownership)
385 E. Racquet Club Road, Palm Springs, CA 92262
Melinda Wilson - 126 N. Mangrove Avenue, Covina, CA 91724
4.State where Entity is Registered with Secretary of State
CA
✔
■
Melinda Wilson
_________________________________________________ F Officer F Director F Member F Manager
■Trustee
_________________________________________________ F Officer F Director F Member F Manager
■
F General Partner F Limited Partner
F Other __________________________
CITY OF PALM SPRINGS – PUBLIC INTEGRITY DISCLOSURE
APPLICANT DISCLOSURE FORM
Page 1 of 2
(Revised 05/16/19)
7. Owners/Investors with a 5% beneficial interest in the Applicant Entity or a related entity
EXAMPLE
JANE DOE
[name of owner/investor]
50%, ABC COMPANY, Inc.
[percentage of beneficial interest in entity
and name of entity]
A.
[name of owner/investor] [percentage of beneficial interest in entity
and name of entity]
B.
[name of owner/investor] [percentage of beneficial interest in entity
and name of entity]
C.
[name of owner/investor] [percentage of beneficial interest in entity
and name of entity]
D.
[name of owner/investor] [percentage of beneficial interest in entity
and name of entity]
E.
[name of owner/investor] [percentage of beneficial interest in entity
and name of entity]
I DECLARE UNDER PENALTY OF PERJURY UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF
CALIFORNIA THAT THE FOREGOING IS TRUE AND CORRECT.
Signature of Disclosing Party, Printed Name, Title Date
PENALTIES
Falsification of information or failure to report information required to be reported
may subject you to administrative action by the City.
Signature of Disclosing
Melinda Wilson, Owner
Melinda Wilson 50%
Denise Torres 50%
05/28//2024
CITY OF PALM SPRINGS – PUBLIC INTEGRITY DISCLOSURE
APPLICANT DISCLOSURE FORM
Page 1 of 2
(Revised 05/16/19)
PUBLIC INTEGRITY DISCLOSURE
APPLICANT DISCLOSURE FORM
1. Name of Entity
2. Address of Entity (Principle Place of Business)
3. Local or California Address (if different than #2)
If other than California, is the Entity also registered in California? F Yes F No
5. Type of Entity
F Corporation F Limited Liability Company F Partnership F Trust F Other (please specify)
6. Officers, Directors, Members, Managers, Trustees, Other Fiduciaries (please specify)
Note: If any response is not a natural person, please identify all officers, directors,
members, managers and other fiduciaries for the member, manager, trust or other entity
_________________________________________________ F Officer F Director F Member F Manager
[name]
F General Partner F Limited Partner
F Other ____________________________________
[name]
_________________________________________________ F Officer F Director F Member F Manager
[name]
F General Partner F Limited Partner
F Other ____________________________________
Denise Torres Living Trust 2023 (50% Ownership)
385 E. Racquet Club Road, Palm Springs, CA 92262
Denise Torres - 4638 E. Montgomery Rd., Cave Creek, AZ 85331
4.State where Entity is Registered with Secretary of State
CA
✔
■
Denise Torres
■Trustee
_________________________________________________ F Officer F Director F Member F Manager
■
F General Partner F Limited Partner
F Other __________________________
CITY OF PALM SPRINGS – PUBLIC INTEGRITY DISCLOSURE
APPLICANT DISCLOSURE FORM
Page 1 of 2
(Revised 05/16/19)
7. Owners/Investors with a 5% beneficial interest in the Applicant Entity or a related entity
EXAMPLE
JANE DOE
[name of owner/investor]
50%, ABC COMPANY, Inc.
[percentage of beneficial interest in entity
and name of entity]
A.
[name of owner/investor] [percentage of beneficial interest in entity
and name of entity]
B.
[name of owner/investor] [percentage of beneficial interest in entity
and name of entity]
C.
[name of owner/investor] [percentage of beneficial interest in entity
and name of entity]
D.
[name of owner/investor] [percentage of beneficial interest in entity
and name of entity]
E.
[name of owner/investor] [percentage of beneficial interest in entity
and name of entity]
I DECLARE UNDER PENALTY OF PERJURY UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF
CALIFORNIA THAT THE FOREGOING IS TRUE AND CORRECT.
Signature of Disclosing Party, Printed Name, Title Date
PENALTIES
Falsification of information or failure to report information required to be reported
may subject you to administrative action by the City.
Signature of Disclosing
Denise Torres, Owner
Denise Torres 50%
Melinda Wilson 50%
05/28//2024