HomeMy WebLinkAboutITEM 4A_WelwoodMurrayCemetery_CAMI2024-0011
HISTORIC SITE PRESERVATION BOARD
STAFF REPORT
DATE: June 3, 2025 NEW BUSINESS
SUBJECT: A REQUEST BY THE PALM SPRINGS CEMETERY DISTRICT FOR
APPROVAL OF A CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS FOR
ALTERATIONS TO THE WELWOOD MURRAY CEMETERY, A CLASS 1
HISTORIC SITE LOCATED AT THE CORNER OF WEST CHINO DRIVE
AND VINE AVENUE; HSPB #2 / CAMI 2024-0011 (APN 505-312-009) (SY).
FROM: Department of Planning Services
SUMMARY
The Palm Springs Cemetery District is the applicant requesting approval to construct
three above-grade columbariums and a concrete bench at the Welwood Murray
Cemetery. Two single-sided columbariums are proposed on either side of the north (rear)
entry gate and one double-sided columbarium west of the existing flagpole and concrete
walkway. The proposed structures are approximately 4 feet tall with an elevated concrete
base that is 18 inches tall. This base will sit on a concrete slab for stability.
RECOMMENDATION:
Grant the Certificate of Appropriateness to construct three new columbariums with the
following conditions:
- Reduce the overall height of the two columbariums near the north entry gate
by approximately 12-15 inches to achieve compatibility with the stone walls of
the cemetery.
- Replace the proposed polished black granite stone with a stone that is a closer
match in color and texture with the existing historic wall.
BACKGROUND AND SETTING:
The Welwood Murray Cemetery was the second site to be designated and listed on the
local inventory of historic places in Palm Springs. The staff report to City Council from
1984 described the cemetery as the first in the area to bury early non-native American
settlers, which included notable individuals like Alvah Hicks, Cornelia White, Nellie
Coffman, Welwood Murray, Harry Williams, and Albert Frey to name a few.
The triangular parcel is just over an acre and surrounded by streets on all sides. When
Historic Site Preservation Board Staff Report June 3, 2025
HSPB 2 – Certificate of Appropriateness – The Welwood Murray Cemetery
Page 2 of 5
designated in 1985, the remaining upright headstones and the perimeter rock wall were
deemed historically significant features to the cemetery.
AERIAL VIEW OF THE SUBJECT PARCEL.
PROPOSED LOCATION OF COLUMBARIUMS, LOOKING NORTH, 2025.
Relevant and Recent Past Actions
1894 Welwood Murray’s son was buried on this parcel
August 29, 1917 Cemetery made a public district.
February 6, 1985 Designated a historic landmark site.
April 6, 2010 Landscape changes approved
Historic Site Preservation Board Staff Report June 3, 2025
HSPB 2 – Certificate of Appropriateness – The Welwood Murray Cemetery
Page 3 of 5
ANALYSIS:
Pursuant to Municipal Code Section 8.05.110 (Alterations of Class 1 and Class 2 Historic
Resources – Certificate of Appropriateness), HSPB shall evaluate the proposal for
compatibility and mitigate any adverse impacts to character-defining features of the
historic resource by reviewing it for compliance with the four criteria:
Certificates of Appropriateness (“C of A’s”) are processed pursuant to Municipal Code
Section 8.05.110 as follows:
Criteria and Findings for alterations to Class 1 sites:
The HSPB shall approve the C of A’s if the following findings can be met
1. That the proposed alteration does not significantly impact or materially
impair the character-defining features of the historic resource as listed
in the resolution for historic designation, or, where a character-defining
feature may be impacted, the proposed alteration minimizes that impact
as much as possible.
The historic cemetery, which has been in use since the burial of Welwood Murray’s son
in 1894, is nearly at capacity. The boundaries of the cemetery are defined with a masonry
wall of varying heights due to the change in grade. Gates are located on the north and
south side of the parcel, and the south gate has been identified as the main entrance into
the cemetery. When designated as a historic landmark, the five remaining upright
headstones and the perimeter stone walls were identified as historically significant
features. The proposed columbariums and their associated features like the concrete pad
and bench are in locations that do not materially impair character-defining features of the
site, but staff recommends the height of the two columbariums closest to the north wall
be reduced by at least 12-15 inches to reduce its visual presence when seen from the
street. Additionally, staff recommends the material match in color and texture to the
existing stone wall to minimize visual disruption. With the recommended conditions
regarding the proposal, staff finds the proposed alteration to the site meets community
needs as well as meets this criterion of minimizing impacts to a historic resource.
2. That the proposed alteration will assist in restoring the historic resource
to its original appearance where applicable, or will substantially aid its
preservation or enhancement as a historic resource;
The proposed alteration to construct new columbariums does not physically assist in
restoring any existing features; however, this action enhances the historic resource
because it once again meets the needs of the community and allows the cemetery to
continue its historic use and function. For a small cemetery such as this, the continued
use of the site may help it be better maintained and also increase its significance to the
community as a viable resource. This criterion is met.
Historic Site Preservation Board Staff Report June 3, 2025
HSPB 2 – Certificate of Appropriateness – The Welwood Murray Cemetery
Page 4 of 5
3. That any additions to the historic resource are consistent with the
massing, proportions, materials, and finishes of the existing historic
resource, and: (i) can be distinguished from the existing historic resource
as may be appropriate; or (ii) are indistinguishable from the historic
resource as may be appropriate, and where such alterations are clearly
documented in the City’s archival file for the historic resource as being
non-original to the historic resource;
The physical attributes of this site include the peaceful open green space and the historic
masonry walls. While there are no buildings within this space, the man-made walls
possess a strong architectural presence, therefore, the columbariums should relate to the
historic walls. The proposed height on the cutsheets show them as 15 inches taller than
the existing wall. The black polished granite, which is a material not used on this site, is
the exterior material proposed for all three structures. The proposed structures are two
different lengths in response to the site conditions and about 30” distanced from the
existing wall. No trees will be removed as part of this project. The site placement of the
proposed structures is consistent with the criteria but staff recommends the height of the
structures parallel to the north walls be reduced in height by 12-15 inches to better relate
to the stone walls. As far as materials are concerned the black polished granite does not
fit in with the character of the old cemetery. Staff recommends the color of the material
and possibly the finish be one that is visually more compatible with the existing wall.
4. That, in cases where Federal funds are to be utilized in financing the
proposed alterations, the alterations are consistent with the Standards
for the Treatment of Historic Properties, as put forth by the U.S.
Secretary of the Interior.
No federal funds are involved in the proposed project.
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT:
The proposed alteration is considered a project pursuant to the guidelines of the California
Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”). Staff as the lead agency evaluated the proposal
relative to the CEQA Guidelines and determined the project to Categorically Exempt from
further evaluation under CEQA as a Class 31 because the scope of work rehabilitates the
historic site with minor additions that have no significant impact and consistent with the
Secretary of the Interior Standards. The proposed scope of work does not radically
change, obscure or destroy character-defining features.
CONCLUSION:
The proposed alterations do not significantly impact character-defining features and will
meet the necessary criteria for the issuance of a Certificate of Appropriateness if the
applicant adheres to the conditions about height and material.
Historic Site Preservation Board Staff Report June 3, 2025
HSPB 2 – Certificate of Appropriateness – The Welwood Murray Cemetery
Page 5 of 5
PREPARED BY: Sarah Yoon, Associate Planner/Historic Preservation Officer
REVIEWED BY: Anthony Riederer, Assistant Director of Planning Services
REVIEWED BY: Christopher Hadwin, Director of Planning Services
Attachments:
A. Vicinity Map.
B. Application, related background materials, photos.
C. City Council Resolution for Designation.
ATTACHMENT A
Department of Planning Services
Vicinity Map
CITY OF PALM SPRINGS
HSPB #2 – The Welwood Murray Memorial Cemetery
ATTACHMENT B
47.250 147.375
front
Back
148.750
1 INCH EXPOSED ALUMINUM
16 double wide doors per side (32 total)
28 single sides doors per side (56 total)
TOP AND BOTTOM
152.750 25.000 1.000 19.750
21.000 3.000 8
10
6
9
5
2
3
12
4
11
7
ITEM NO.PART REF PART NUMBER PART DESCRIPTION QTY Extra Total
1 2s_15x4y9.5w9.5h3t3b 2s_15x4y_9.5w9.5h9.5d_3t3b2l2r AL, Assembly for 15x4y9.5w9.5h3t3b 1 0 1
2 274957 AL Trim A2 4 0 4
3 274957 AL Trim B 8 0 8
4 Rosette AL, Rosette 160 0 160
5 D_9.5x9.5 9.313 x 0.75 x 9.313 Granite, Door for 9.5w9.5h 120 0 120
6 GTC 152.75 x 25 x 3 Granite, Top Cap 1 0 1
7 GV_19x42 19.375 x 0.75 x 42.125 Granite, Veneer 2 1 3
8 TTA3_9.5w_1el 31.531 x 0.75 x 2.063 Granite, Trim for 9.5w 4 1 5
9 TTB3_9.5w 28.438 x 0.75 x 2.063 Granite, Trim for 9.5w 6 1 7
10 TLB2_9.5h_1el 3 x 0.75 x 18.938 Granite, Trim for 9.5h 8 1 9
11 TBA3_9.5w_1el 31.531 x 0.75 x 1.938 Granite, Trim for 9.5w 4 1 5
12 TBB3_9.5w 28.438 x 0.75 x 1.938 Granite, Trim for 9.5w 6 1 7
A A
B B
4
4
3
3
2
2
1
1
Granite, Assembly for 15x4y9.5w9.5h3t3b2s_15x4y_9.5w9.5h9.5d_3t3b_[0,0,1,
1]Ext_[3,0.75,0,0.75]CEBB[2,2,2,0,0] Assem1 SHEET 1 OF 1
UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFIED:
SCALE: 1:25 lbs:
BSIZE
FINISH
MATERIALINTERPRET GEOMETRIC
TOLERANCING PER: Y14.5M - 2018
DIMENSIONS ARE IN INCHES
FRACTIONAL 1/64
ANGULAR: MACH 1° BEND 1°
TWO PLACE DECIMAL .030
THREE PLACE DECIMAL .010PROPRIETARY AND CONFIDENTIAL
THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS
DRAWING IS THE SOLE PROPERTY OF
RAYZIST PHOTOMASK, INC. ANY
REPRODUCTION IN PART OR AS A WHOLE
WITHOUT THE WRITTEN PERMISSION OF
RAYZIST PHOTOMASK, INC IS PROHIBITED.SO10/14/2024 10:52:06 AM
INTERPRET DIM AND TOL
PER ASME Y14.5M - 2018
THIRD ANGLE PROJECTION
C O L U M B A R I A
275056 REF1s_15x4y9.5w9.5h3t3b_GR
Palm Springs Cemetery District, Palm Springs
Welwood Cemetery
148.750
8 9
1 INCH EXPOSED ALUMINUM
8 double wide doors
44 single wide doors
TOP AND BOTTOM
152.750 15.375 1.000 3.000 11.375
10.125 47.250 6
4
7
10
11
5
3
12
13
ITEM NO.PART REF PART NUMBER PART DESCRIPTION QTY Extra Total
1 1s_15x4y9.5w9.5h3t3b 1s_15x4y_9.5w9.5h9.5d_3t3b2l2r AL, Assembly for 15x4y9.5w9.5h3t3b 1 0 1
274957 AL Trim A 4 0 4
3 274957 AL Trim B 8 0 8
4 Rosette AL, Rosette 80 0 80
5 D_9.5x9.5 9.313 x 0.75 x 9.313 Granite, Door for 9.5w9.5h 60 0 60
6 GTC 152.75 x 15.375 x 3 Granite, Top Cap 1 0 1
7 GVBK_15x4y9.5x9.5y3l3r 148.75 x 0.75 x 42.125 Granite, Veneer BK for 15x4y9.5x9.5y3l3r 1 1 2
8 TTA3_9.5w_1el 31.531 x 0.75 x 2.063 Granite, Trim for 9.5w 2 1 3
9 TTB3_9.5w 28.438 x 0.75 x 2.063 Granite, Trim for 9.5w 3 1 4
10 TLB2_9.5h_1el 3 x 0.75 x 18.938 Granite, Trim for 9.5h 4 1 5
11 TBA3_9.5w_1el 31.531 x 0.75 x 1.938 Granite, Trim for 9.5w 2 1 3
12 TBB3_9.5w 28.438 x 0.75 x 1.938 Granite, Trim for 9.5w 3 1 4
13 GV_10x42 9.75 x 0.75 x 42.125 Granite, Veneer 2 1 3
A A
B B
4
4
3
3
2
2
1
1
Granite, Assembly for 15x4y9.5w9.5h3t3b1s_15x4y_9.5w9.5h9.5d_3t3b_[0,0,1,
1]Ext_[3,0.75,0,0.75]CEBB[2,2,2,0,0] Assem1 SHEET 1 OF 1
UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFIED:
SCALE: 1:20 lbs:
BSIZE
FINISH
MATERIALINTERPRET GEOMETRIC
TOLERANCING PER: Y14.5M - 2018
DIMENSIONS ARE IN INCHES
FRACTIONAL 1/64
ANGULAR: MACH 1° BEND 1°
TWO PLACE DECIMAL .030
THREE PLACE DECIMAL .010PROPRIETARY AND CONFIDENTIAL
THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS
DRAWING IS THE SOLE PROPERTY OF
RAYZIST PHOTOMASK, INC. ANY
REPRODUCTION IN PART OR AS A WHOLE
WITHOUT THE WRITTEN PERMISSION OF
RAYZIST PHOTOMASK, INC IS PROHIBITED.SO10/14/2024 10:56:39 AM
INTERPRET DIM AND TOL
PER ASME Y14.5M - 2018
THIRD ANGLE PROJECTION
C O L U M B A R I A
275056 REF1s_15x4y9.5w9.5h3t3b_GR
Palm Springs Cemetery District, Palm Springs
Welwood Cemetery
72.750 47.250 8
1 INCH EXPOSED ALUMINUMTOP AND BOTTOM
8 Double wide doors
12 Single wide doors
76.750 15.375 1.000 11.375 3.000 10.125
9
6
7
10
5
4
2
12
11
3
13
ITEM NO.PART REF PART NUMBER PART DESCRIPTION QTY Extra Total
1 1s_7x4y9.5w9.5h3t3b 1s_7x4y_9.5w9.5h9.5d_3t3b2l2r AL, Assembly for 7x4y9.5w9.5h3t3b 1 0 1
2 274957 AL Trim C 4 0 4
3 274957 AL Trim A 4 0 4
4 Rosette AL, Rosette 40 0 40
5 D_9.5x9.5 9.313 x 0.75 x 9.313 Granite, Door for 9.5w9.5h 28 0 28
6 GTC 76.75 x 15.375 x 3 Granite, Top Cap 1 0 1
7 GVBK_7x4y9.5x9.5y3l3r 72.75 x 0.75 x 42.125 Granite, Veneer BK for 7x4y9.5x9.5y3l3r 1 1 2
8 TTA2_9.5w_1el 22.031 x 0.75 x 2.063 Granite, Trim for 9.5w 2 1 3
9 TTB3_9.5w 28.438 x 0.75 x 2.063 Granite, Trim for 9.5w 1 1 2
10 TLB2_9.5h_1el 3 x 0.75 x 18.938 Granite, Trim for 9.5h 4 1 5
11 TBA2_9.5w_1el 22.031 x 0.75 x 1.938 Granite, Trim for 9.5w 2 1 3
12 TBB3_9.5w 28.438 x 0.75 x 1.938 Granite, Trim for 9.5w 1 1 2
13 GV_10x42 9.75 x 0.75 x 42.125 Granite, Veneer 2 1 3
A A
B B
4
4
3
3
2
2
1
1
Granite, Assembly for 7x4y9.5w9.5h3t3b1s_7x4y_9.5w9.5h9.5d_3t3b_[0,0,1,
1]Ext_[3,0.75,0,0.75]CEBB[2,2,2,0,0] Assem1 SHEET 1 OF 1
UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFIED:
SCALE: 1:15 lbs:
BSIZE
FINISH
MATERIALINTERPRET GEOMETRIC
TOLERANCING PER: Y14.5M - 2018
DIMENSIONS ARE IN INCHES
FRACTIONAL 1/64
ANGULAR: MACH 1° BEND 1°
TWO PLACE DECIMAL .030
THREE PLACE DECIMAL .010PROPRIETARY AND CONFIDENTIAL
THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS
DRAWING IS THE SOLE PROPERTY OF
RAYZIST PHOTOMASK, INC. ANY
REPRODUCTION IN PART OR AS A WHOLE
WITHOUT THE WRITTEN PERMISSION OF
RAYZIST PHOTOMASK, INC IS PROHIBITED.SO10/14/2024 11:04:18 AM
INTERPRET DIM AND TOL
PER ASME Y14.5M - 2018
THIRD ANGLE PROJECTION
C O L U M B A R I A
275056 REF1s_7x4y9.5w9.5h3t3b_GR
Palm Springs Cemetery District, Palm Springs
Welwood Cemetery
ATTACHMENT C
RESOLUTION NO. 15423
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS,
CALIFORNIA, DESIGNATING THE WELWOOD MURRAY
CEMETERY AS A CLASS 5 HISTORIC SITE, AND
DESIGNATING CERTAIN FEATURES WITHIN THE CEMETERY
AS CLASS 7.
WHEREAS the Welwood Murray Cemetery and its associated personages have
contributed substantially to the history of the City of Palm Springs; and
WHEREAS Chapter 8.05 of the Palm Springs Municipal Code allows for the
designation of historic sites; and
WHEREAS on June 11, 1984, the Historic Site Preservation Board initiated pro-
ceedings to designate the Welwood Murray Cemetery as an historic site; and
WHEREAS on July 9, 1984, the Historic Site Preservation Board held a public
hearing on said designation and unanimously recommended to the City Council
designation of said property as a Class 7 Historic Site; and
WHEREAS on December 10, 1984, the Historic Site Preservation Board reviewed
this matter and unanimously recommended to the City Council designation of
said property as a Class 5 Historic Site, with certain features contained
therein, and described below, as Class 7; and
WHEREAS the City Council concurs in the recommendation of the Historic Site
Preservation Board regarding the historic value of the Welwood Murray
Cemetery; and
WHEREAS the designation of the Welwood Murray Cemetery shall further the
purposes and intent of Chapter 8.05; and
WHEREAS the designation of the Welwood Murray Cemetery shall promote the
sensitive preservation of said site.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Palm Springs,
California as follows:
Section 1. The Welwood Murray Cemetery, located westerly of Vine Avenue
between Chino Drive and Alejo Road, shall be designated a Class 5
Historic Site pursuant to Chapter 8.05 of the Palm Springs
Muncipal Code. The subject Cemetery is located on approximately
1.15 acres, known as the Palm Springs Cemetery, recorded at page
35 of map book 2, and page 37 of map book 18, Riverside County,
California; APN 505-312-009.
Section 2. That certain features within the cemetery are designated as a
Class 7 Historic Site and that no alteration of these features
shall be permitted without the prior approval of the City Council .
These features are as follows:
a. the rock wall on the perimeter of the site; and
1
b. the remaining upright headstones (including the Cliff Frager
marker) .
These features are delineated on attached Exhibit "A".
ADOPTED this _ 6th day of February __ 1985.
AYES:Councilmembers Birer, Foster, Smith and Mayor Bogert
NOES:None
ABSENT: Councilmember Maryanov
ATTEST: CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA
By
City Clerk City Ma alter
Resolution 15423
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