HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-04-08- HSPB minutesCITY OF PALM SPRINGS
HISTORIC SITE PRESERVATION BOARD MEETING
Minutes of Meeting – Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Large Conference Room, City Hall, 3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way
Palm Springs, California 92262
BOARD MEMBERS
Present
This Meeting
Present
Year-to-Date
FY 2007-2008
Excused Absences
To-Date
Sidney Williams, Chair X 9 1
Jade Nelson, Vice Chair X 9 1
John Williams X 9 1
Brian Strahl
Sheila Grattan
Shelly Saunders
X
X
X
9
9
10
1
1
0
STAFF REPRESENTATIVES:
Craig Ewing, Director of Planning
Diane Bullock, Associate Planner Loretta Moffett, Administrative Assistant
1. The HSPB regularly scheduled meeting was called to order at 8:17 a.m. on Tuesday, April 8
2008 by HSPB Chair Sidney Williams.
2. ROLL CALL: Present: S. Grattan, J. Nelson, S. Saunders, B. Strahl, S. Williams, and J. Williams
3. REPORT OF POSTING OF AGENDA: This Agenda was available and posted in accordance with state
and local procedures for public access at the City Hall exterior bulletin board, City Clerk’s office, and the
Department of Planning Services’ counter by 4:00 p.m. Thursday, April 3,, 2008.
NOTE: Audio Cassettes and DVDs of HSPB Meetings are available for review. Cassettes will be kept
for six months only. DVDs of the meetings will be kept indefinitely.
4. PUBLIC COMMENT: Mr. G. P. Gerber from the Racquet Club Area reported that he had turned in a
Historic Site Designation application and spoke in favor of designating the property at 177 West
Santa Catalina – the former Charles & Virginia Farrell House - as a Class 1 Historic Site. He
briefly described the house and its history. The owner, Jose Portilla, of U.S. Development,
intends to restore it to its original 1936 design.
Staff Liaison Bullock advised that it would be coming before HSPB at a future meeting as
additional information was needed before the application could move forward. A subcommittee
will be formed to visit the site and it could be on the June HSPB Agenda.
PUBLIC COMMENTS CLOSED
5. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES: Board members asked for several corrections to the Minutes of
the March 11, 2008. M/S/C (Grattan/J. Nelson) to approve the March 11, 2008 Minutes as
corrected - 6 Yes, 0 No, 0 Absent, 0 Abstentions.
6. REPORT FROM THE CHAIR: Chair Williams visited Taliesen, the Frank Lloyd Wright Studio and
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Minutes from the April 8, 2008 Meeting
Home, in Phoenix and took their tour, also bought a newsletter featuring Frank Lloyd Wright
(passed around). City Council unanimously designated the Coachella Valley Savings & Loan
(Washington Mutual Bank) as Class 1 Historic Site #53 at their April 2, 2008 meeting and included
the parking garage in the designation. She received a call from a resident in the Racquet Club
Estates who is also interested in that area becoming a historic district.
7. PUBLIC HEARINGS: N O N E
8. CERTIFICATE OF APPROVAL REQUEST(S):
A. Case 3.3214 – La Plaza HSPB #22 – Application to re-roof - remove existing tiles and install
2-ply v.d.l base, re-install tiles on upper and lower decks with existing tiles and replace
breakage as needed at 191 A/C Indian Canyon Drive South, Zone CBD, Section 15. Don
Derrick, All Surface Roofing & Waterproofing, Inc., agent for Plaza Investments.
Staff member Scott Taschner explained the project and scope of the work (outlined above)
and that most of the tiles will be re-used. Staff recommends that HSPB grant a certificate of
approval.
Board members expressed concerns:
1. Owners of Class 1 historic properties often seem hesitant to adhere to historic procedures
where repairs/modifications are involved.
2. That replacement tiles match existing tiles
3. That permit(s) were not pulled in this instance
4. Staff Report recommendation needs to be corrected to fit this project – remove “outside
patio bar area” from the staff report.
5. Board asked that applicant use old tiles in the most obvious places and new tiles in
hidden places
6. All future re-roofs within the historic property need “advance” applications and
presentation to HSPB - -before any job starts
7. Requested that the new tiles be blended in so that it is not so evident that one part is “old”
and another part is “new”
Board member J. Williams moved that the Board issue a Certificate of Approval for this re-roof
project at 191 South Palm Canyon Drive (La Plaza HSPB #22) subject to the following
conditions: (1) Percentage of tiles being saved; (2) locate new tiles in a less visible
location; and (3) new tiles to be blended in with old for uniformity thru-out.
M/S/C (J. Williams / S. Grattan) moved to approve as stated above – Vote: 6 Yes, 0 No,
0 Absent, 0 Abstentions.
Staff offered to write an informational letter to the owners of all Class 1 Historic sites outlining
specifics of procedures to follow when their properties need repairs, maintenance, draft will be
emailed to Board members prior to next meeting for their review and input.
9. OTHER BUSINESS: N O N E
10. COMMITTEE REPORTS AND SPECIAL PROJECTS:
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Minutes from the April 8, 2008 Meeting
A. Subcommittee Report on Public Outreach - Board member Grattan and Saunders
reported on the (1) Realtor Mailing; (2) the Brochure Reproduction; and (3) the
Sunmor Historic Designation Information Sheet. A copy of the Subcommittee’s report
was distributed to members and is attached for further reference.
Chair S. Williams pointed out that the Historic Ordinance refers to ‘Historic District’ and
questioned changing to “Historic Overlay of Neighborhoods.” She feels that when this
material is presented to various City neighborhoods, the response from the
neighborhoods should probably dictate the order in which Historic Districts are
established.
Vice Chair Nelson advised that a State of California District Record form outlining various
Historic Districts criteria will be sent to members in their packets to review prior to the May
meeting.
An extensive Board discussion ensued regarding a Study Session on Historic Districts.
Staff member Bullock suggested that the Board meet and talk with Lee Husfeldt who is
the Director of Neighborhood & Community Relations. A Study Session is also a good
idea to formulate a starting point, then take that information and go into neighborhoods.
The current Ordinance provides for the definition of Historic Districts, the Board now
needs the process for creating these Districts.
The Board decided to hold a Study Session on Friday, May 2, 2008 for additional training
and information related to Historic Districts. Invite a Council member or members, and
Lee Husfeldt.
B. P.S. Preservation Foundation - Jade Nelson
No Report
C. P.S. Modern Committee - John Williams
The annual home tour was a great success – they toured eight classic moderns, including
John Porter Clarke’s and Don Wexler’s original homes and the Abernethy and Russell
house. Over 200 tickets sold at $125 each to benefit the Palm Springs Heritage Fund.
D. P.S. Historical Society – Sidney Williams
The Society will hold “Dancing with Our Stars” fundraiser April 19 at the Hyatt Grand
Champions Hotel. Tickets and other information – 760- 323-8297
E Architecture and Design Council - Sidney Williams
The last lecture of the season will be Saturday, April 12, at 6 p.m. in the Annenberg
Theater featuring Brett Terpeluk, Project Architect, topic is “The Machine in the
Garden” – converging concepts of sustainability at the California Academy of Science.
F. Work Program 2007/2008 – Budget Planning for 2008/2009
Carried over from February 11 & March 11 meetings:
(1) California Preservation Foundation Budget
a. Board discussion of the Conference in Napa Valley
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Minutes from the April 8, 2008 Meeting
After discussion, Board member J. Williams moved to approve $500 for Chair S.
Williams travel expenses and $330 for Vice Chair Nelson’s registrations and
$250 travel expenses; seconded by Board member Grattan. Vote was 5 Yes,
1 No(Saunders), 0 Absent, 0 Abstentions – motion carried.
(2) Budget – Various items were discussed and based on estimated costs of the
conference and two historic markers, there should be about $1,800.00 remaining.
(3) Mailings – The reduction in the number of mailings for the Realtors should not incur
many costs.
(4) Historic Markers – Text for the Historic Marker for Invernada was discussed along
with the location of the Washington Mutual Marker. Staff reported that the Casa
Cody is moving forward with that designation. The P.S. Preservation Foundation
agreed to sponsor the Invernada Plaque. Text for the historic markers is limited to
50 words or 275 characters on the 8” x 12” residential and 125 words or 800
characters on the 20” x 20” commercial markers.
Board member J. Williams moved to offer the owner of Invernada a large historic
marker based on sponsorship. Vice Chair Nelson seconded, the vote was 6 Yes, 0
No, 0 Absent, 0 Abstentions.
The inconsistency in marker sizes needs to be worked out. Staff advised that
several years ago, it was agreed by the Board and Planning Commission that
residential markers would be 8” x 12” and commercial markers would be 20” x 20”.
Board member J. Williams moved, seconded by Vice Chair Nelson, to offer the
owner of Invernada the 20” x 20” bronze marker based on it being sponsored by
PSPF.
Board member Saunders would like to see the residential markers remain at 8” x 12”
and the commercial markers at 20” x 20”.
Vote on the above motion was 6 Yes, 0 No, 0 Absent, 0 Abstentions to approve the
motion as stated above.
Staff member Bullock advised the Board that she will be on medical leave for the
next two weeks and Craig Ewing will be the “go to” person for HSPB related issues.
Chair S. Williams will provide draft copy for the Washington Mutual (Coachella Valley
Savings Bank) historic marker.
Board requested all funds in this budget be allocated and requested prior to year-
end.
(5) P.S. Brief History & Architectural Guide – Reprinting & Corrections – discussed
earlier under Item 10 A.
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Minutes from the April 8, 2008 Meeting
G. List of Class 1 Historic Site Designations – with Dates of Designation. Staff was thanked
for compiling additional information for this list.
11. STAFF & OTHER REPORTS:
Staff member Bullock asked if the Council should be notified of the historic tour provided by
HSPB through Palm Springs Modern Tours during this fiscal year or should this wait until the
new fiscal year.
Budget Subcommittee member Saunders explained that there is only about $900 surplus in this
year’s budget, which should go toward printing and the outreach items. Board agreed.
A. Council decision on the Coachella Valley Savings (Washington Mutual Bank) – this was
discussed under Report from the Chair.
B. Introduction of Designation Applications Received for Consideration
Staff member Bullock talked with Frank Tysen, owner of Casa Cody, and he is interested
in moving Casa Cody forward toward Class 1 designation. Staff will start work on
document preparation after April 23.
There were three single-family home applications submitted for Class 1 designation, two
did not have complete information – the applicants have been notified. The third
application, Koch Casablanca Adobe at 590 South Indian Trail, will require a
subcommittee to visit the site, compare the applications with the physical property, etc.
Board member J. Williams and Chair S. Williams volunteered to serve on this
subcommittee. Staff will contact owners for an appointment to view the property.
12. BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS: Vice Chair Nelson reported that the El Paseo Building is
moving forward with its restoration. There is a small sample of the paint palette with the
patterned screen on the north side of the building near the parking lot. Old roof tiles have been
removed and new roof tiles are being installed. Planning or Building may need to look into this
issue. He was contacted by the P.S. Women’s Club, corner of Baristo & Cahuilla, to present
information about Class 1 designation. Their group is moving forward with research to
designate their building, designed by John Porter Clark, for a Class 1 Historic Site. The Royal
Hawaiian Condos, designed by Ric Harrison and Donald Wexler in the early 1960’s, is a
potential Class 1 site and they are very close to submitting their application.
Board member Saunders asked about Board members representing HSPB at public meetings
or group meetings – is approval of the Board necessary. She asked for an email confirmation of
the Board’s role.
Chair S. Williams commented that the Women’s Club was asking for designation information
and HSPB members are qualified to offer preservation information – it’s a part of Board
member’s roles.
Staff member Bullock will verify and report back to the Board.
Board member Grattan asked about members interacting in the public sector on preservation
issues and if this could be agendized at a future meeting.
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Minutes from the April 8, 2008 Meeting
Board member J. Williams expressed concern about the HSPB designation numbers assigned
that shows Town & Country Center, the Horizon Hotel “in process” and others -- no applications
have been initiated for:
#51 Town & Country Center, 174 North Palm Canyon Drive,(5/07 in process)
#60 Horizon Hotel, 1050 East Palm Canyon Drive; (Potential consideration 9-11-07)
(designed by William Cody)
#61 Willard/Moorten House, 1735 South Palm Canyon Drive,(Potential consideration 9-11-07)
(built by Alva Hicks)
#62 Cary Grant House ,928 North Avenida Palmas, (Potential consideration 9-11-07)
(built 1929-30)
#63 Kocher-Samson Building, 766 North Palm Canyon Drive,(Potential consideration 9-11-07)
(designed and built in 1934-35 by Albert Frey & Lawrence Kocher)
#64 Elrod House, 2175 Southridge Drive – 1968, (Potential consideration 9-11-07)
(designed by architect John Lautner )
#65 Fire Station #4,1300 LaVerne Way – 1971,(Potential consideration 9-11-07)
(designed – 1971 by architect Hugh Kaptur)
Property owners may be concerned to see their properties on a list if they have not been
contacted. These properties are on the list to be nominated but nothing further has
progressed. The HSPB #’s should be assigned as an application is filed with Planning.
Chair S. Williams summarized that HSPB numbers #60 thru #65 have not been nominated
and numbers should be removed until applications are filed. Staff will remove the HSPB
numbers where no applications have been submitted.
Vice Chair Nelson asked that the Minutes be reviewed to determine if the Board had actually
made a motion to nominate, which locks the properties into the nomination process. Staff will
check and report to the Board by email and the list will be revised.
Chair S. Williams distributed a copy of a New York Times article in Greenwich Village re
historic districts.
13. ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business, it was moved by B. Strahl seconded by
S. Grattan, to adjourn the HSPB April 8 meeting at 10:18 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Diane Bullock, Associate Planner
HSPB Staff Liaison