HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 1C_1880Amado_HDEMO2025-0005
HISTORIC SITE PRESERVATION BOARD
STAFF REPORT
DATE: June 3, 2025 CONSENT CALENDAR
SUBJECT: A REQUEST BY KEVIN M. CASEY TO DEMOLISH A CLASS 4 SITE
LOCATED AT 1880 EAST AMADO ROAD AND ASSOCIATED REVIEW
FOR POTENTIAL RE-DESIGNATION OF A CLASS 4 SITE TO A CLASS
1 OR 2 HISTORIC RESOURCE (APN #502-035-014) (SY).
FROM: Department of Planning Services
SUMMARY
The applicant proposes to demolish the existing structure on the 0.23 acre parcel
addressed 1880 E. Amado Road. This single-family residential home was constructed in
1956 and was not listed on the Class 3 list of potentially eligible properties for historic
designation. On September 15, 2023, a fire broke out inside the home leaving the building
uninhabitable due to the extent of the damage.
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 owner is not seeking historic designation of the site.
RECOMMENDATION:
That the HSPB take no action based on the findings. The owner would then proceed with
standard building permit procedures.
BACKGROUND AND SETTING:
The original building permit described this home as a five-room dwelling with an attached
carport and a project valuation of $16,000.00. The research did not reveal an architect
but street views of the home prior to the 2023 fire show intentional placement of
fenestration as well as unique articulation around the entry feature. The carport was
eventually enclosed and a swimming pool was added to the east side of the property.
Despite the fire damage, without a final court ruling or administrative order to be abated
as a public nuisance or otherwise correct a violation, all requests for demolition must be
reviewed by the HSPB pursuant to Section 8.05.130.
Historic Site Preservation Board Staff Report: June 3, 2025
HDEMO 2025-0005 – Demolition of Class 4 Site – 1880 E. Amado Road
Page 2 of 6
AERIAL VIEW OF THE SUBJECT PARCEL.
FRONT (SOUTH) ELEVATION FROM EAST AMADO ROAD, MAY 2025.
FRONT (SOUTH) ELEVATION FROM EAST AMADO ROAD, AUGUST, 2023.
Historic Site Preservation Board Staff Report: June 3, 2025
HDEMO 2025-0005 – Demolition of Class 4 Site – 1880 E. Amado Road
Page 3 of 6
Related Relevant City Actions by HSPB, Planning, Fire, Building, etc…
May, 2025 Site inspection by HSPB accompanied by City Staff.
Ownership Status
March, 2025 Purchase by the current owner.
ANALYSIS:
Staff analysis is based on the application material and the site visit conducted in May of
2025. The property fits within the following period:
Post-World War II Palm Springs (1945-1969)
Theme: Post-World War II Single-family Residential Development (1945-1969)
Postwar Residential Architecture: Mid-century Modern
Sub-theme: Single-family Residential Development (1945-1969)
Registration Requirements to be eligible under this theme, a property must:
• date from the period of significance; and
• represent an excellent example of an architectural style or method of
construction; or be associated with a significant architect or designer; and
• display most of the character-defining features of the property type or style; and
• retain the essential aspects of historic integrity.
This home along Amado Road had an understated presence reflecting Mid-century
Modern qualities at a more affordable scale. The fire, unfortunately, destroyed these
modest qualities of the home and the owner wishes to remove the damaged home and
rebuild a new single-family home in its place. Demolishing Class 3 or Class 4 sites require
review by the HSPB in accordance with the 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.
Historic Site Preservation Board Staff Report: June 3, 2025
HDEMO 2025-0005 – Demolition of Class 4 Site – 1880 E. Amado Road
Page 4 of 6
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:
Constructed in the Mid-century Modern architectural style, the home had some unique
qualities, but those design features were lost in the fire. Reclassification of an existing site
needs to be further evaluated against the following criteria for designation:
(i) The resource is associated with events that have made a meaningful
contribution to the nation, state or community; or
Based on the information provided included in the application, no events of significance
are associated with the site, therefore, this criterion is not met.
(ii) The resource is associated with the lives of persons who made a
meaningful contribution to national, state or local history; or
The property research based on old newspaper articles and building permits did not
reveal individuals directly associated with the home that would qualify under this criterion.
Criterion ii is not met.
(iii) The resource reflects or exemplifies a particular period of national,
state or local history; or
Prior to the fire, the home reflected aspects of the period associated with residential
development and the Mid-century Modern aesthetic. Many residential tracts developed
during this time focused on quality of design by collaborating with architects and
designers. While this home, prior to the fire, certainly had aimable qualities reminiscent
of this movement, it was not considered a complete or significant representation of this
period, therefore, it was not identified on the Class 3 list. In addition, alterations such as
the enclosed carport started to compromise the original design. The original design and
the condition of the building today prevents this site from meeting criteria iii.
(iv) The resource embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type,
period or method of construction; or
Conventional construction methods were used to construct this home. No distinctive
methods related to construction were found, therefore, this site does not qualify under
Criterion iv.
(v) The resource presents the work of a master builder, designer, artist,
Historic Site Preservation Board Staff Report: June 3, 2025
HDEMO 2025-0005 – Demolition of Class 4 Site – 1880 E. Amado Road
Page 5 of 6
or architect whose individual genius influenced his or her age, or that
possesses high artistic value; or
Based on the research and permit information found for this application, the home does
not appear to be associated with a designer or master architect. The home had a certain
level of artistic value but did not possess the high artistic value required to meet this
criterion. 1880 E. Amado does not meet this criterion.
(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 because the site does not qualify for
district designation and there is only one structure on this parcel.
(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 home is in its original location but original features like the carport was enclosed.
Design.
The one-story home has a shallow gabled roof with deep overhangs. A single extruded
beam and column provides articulation to the entry while the front door is facing east
instead of Amado Road. There are two sets of windows on the street-facing façade that
make this home unique. The first set of windows are designed in a tryptic layout with a
fixed window in the center and two operable windows on either end. The original metal
casement was destroyed in the fire. The next window is located at the front corner near
the entry door. This frameless corner window is a unique trait to the entrance of the home;
however, the tragedy of the fire destroyed these qualities. The simple and affordable
home had a few design details that made it special but the design integrity of those
features no longer exists. The integrity of design is not met.
Historic Site Preservation Board Staff Report: June 3, 2025
HDEMO 2025-0005 – Demolition of Class 4 Site – 1880 E. Amado Road
Page 6 of 6
Setting.
The surrounding setting consists of residential homes on equally sized parcels facing the
street. The neighborhood pattern of development remains intact.
Materials.
The wood frame construction, stucco walls and metal fenestration were the original
components of the home. Most of the materials still reflect this material palette, however,
the fenestration details have been completely lost due to the 2023 fire. Material integrity
no longer remains.
Workmanship.
Conventional construction methods and materials were used to construct the building.
Feeling.
The feeling of the site remains consistent as a site intended for a single-family lot;
however, the aesthetic of the resource no longer remains.
Association.
The design of the home is associated with the Mid-century Modern style but the home
falls short as a prime example of that era. In addition, the diminished integrity further
contributes to the resource’s shortcoming.
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
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. If no action is taken by the HSPB, the applicant will follow
ministerial procedures that do not require CEQA review.
CONCLUSION:
Based on the submitted application material, staff finds that the site does not meet the
necessary criteria to be reclassified as a Class 1 or Class 2 site historic site, thus
recommends the HSPB take no action pursuant to Section 8.05.130.C.4.d.ii.
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 and related material
ATTACHMENT A
Department of Planning Services
Vicinity Map
CITY OF PALM SPRINGS
1880 East Amado Drive
ATTACHMENT B
AMADO ROAD 100.00'100.00'100.00'
100.00'DEMO & REMOVEENTIRE (E)RESIDENCE1,225 SQ.FT.DEMO & REMOVEENTIRE (E)GARAGE & STORAGE373 SQ.FT.DEMO & REMOVE(E) DRIVEWAYDEMO & REMOVEENTIRE (E) POOLDEMO & REMOVE(E) CONCFLATWORKDEMO & REMOVE(E) CONCFLATWORKDEMO & REMOVE(E) CONCFLATWORKDEMO & REMOVE(E) CONCFLATWORKDEMO & REMOVE(E) CONCFLATWORK(E)SIDE-WALK(E)SIDE-WALK(E)SIDE-WALK(E)SIDE-WALK(E) GRAVEL& PLANTER(E) GRAVEL& PLANTER(E) GRAVEL& PLANTER(E) GRAVEL& PLANTER(E) CURB& GUTTERDEMO & REMOVEENTIRE (E)COVERED PATIO±714 SQ.FT.(E) 6'-0" HIGHCMU WALL(E) 6'-0" HIGHCMU WALL(E) 6'-0" HIGHCMU WALL(E) 6'-0" HIGHCMU WALL(E) 6'-0" HIGHCMU WALL(E) 6'-0" HIGHCMU WALL(E) 6'-0" HIGHCMU WALL(E) 6'-0" HIGHCMU WALL(E) GRAVEL& PLANTER(E) GRAVEL& PLANTER(E)GRAVEL(E)GRAVEL(E) PALM TREETO REMAIN(E) PALM TREESTO REMAIN(E) 6'-0" HIGHCMU WALL(E) 3060GATEREMOVE (E)STORAGESHEDREMOVE(E)STORAGESHEDREMOVE (E)STORAGESHEDNORTHEXISTING RESIDENCEEXISTING CARPORTEXISTING PATIO(S) (250 SQ.FT.)TOTAL STRUCTURETOTAL SITE1,568 / 10,018.8TOTAL LOT COVERAGE1,225 SQ.FT.373 SQ.FT.1,568 SQ.FT.10,018.8 SQ.FT.15.7%AREA TABULATIONSGENERAL INFORMATIONKEVIN CASEY1880 E. AMADO RD.PALM SPRINGS, CA 92262LOT 134 MB 020/077 DESERTPALMS ESTATESAPN: 502-035-0141880 E. AMADO RD.PALM SPRINGS, CA 92262R-1C - SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL10,000 SQ.FT. ZONESINGLE FAMILYTYPE V-B, NON-RATEDOWNER:LEGALDESCRIPTION:PROJECTADDRESS:ZONING:OCCUPANCY:DEMO SITE PLANSCALE: 1" = 10'-0"A1.0DEMO SITE PLAN Date & DescriptionRev. #Job # 2025.17dTHESE DRAWINGS ARE AN
INSTRUMENT OF
SERVICE AND REMAIN THE
PROPERTY OF
GABRIEL A. RIOS
THEY ARE NOT TO BE
REPRODUCED, OR ALTERED,
DISCLOSED OR ASSIGNED TO ANY
THIRD PARTY WITHOUT THE
EXPRESS WRITTEN PERMISSION
OF RIOS DESIGNS, LLC.Date:05/09/2025SheetResidential Designs,
Custom Plans, Additions, & Remodeling
Gabriel A. Rios
51-555 Desert Club Dr., Suite 400
La Quinta, CA 92253
Cell: (760) 485-7431
email: riosdesigns@yahoo.com
Proposed Demo Site Plan
for
Kevin Casey
1880 E. Amado Rd.
Palm Springs, California 92262
APN: 502-035-014
SUPPLEMENTAL RESEARCH CONDUCTED BY STAFF
1880 E. AMADO ROAD
“CITY BUILDING PERMITS TOTAL $229,200 IN WEEK”
Desert Sun, Volume XXIX, Number 91, 27 January 1956
W.F. TUCKER, 1880 AMADO ROAD, DWELLING, $16,000.
“FRIENDS SURPRISE ENTERTAINER WITH HIS OWN PARTY”
Desert Sun, Volume XXX, Number 120, 7 February 1957
MRS. JACK MILON OF HIBBING, MINNESOTA, IS HERE FOR AN INDEFINITE STAY, AND
VISITNG HER SISTER AND BROTHER-IN-LAW, MR. AND MRS. PETER TARRO OF 1880 EAST
AMADO ROAD. THIS IS HER FIRST VISIT TO PALM SPRINGS.
SUPPLEMENTAL RESEARCH CONDUCTED BY STAFF
1880 E. AMADO ROAD
“SPRING IS HERE”
Desert Sun, Volume XXXIII, Number 199, 6 April 1960
… WE PRESENT A PICTURE SHOWING A CENTURY PLANT, ON LEFT, AND AN OCOTILLO
PLANT GROWING IN ALL THEIR SPRING GLORY AT THE PETER TARRO RESIDENCE AT 1880
EAST AMADO STREET. BOTH FLOWERS CAUSE PASSERSBY TO STOP FOR A MEDITATIVE
MOMENT.”
SUPPLEMENTAL RESEARCH CONDUCTED BY STAFF
1880 E. AMADO ROAD
“CERTIFICATE FOR TRANSACTION OF BUSINESS UNDER FICTITIOUS NAME”
Desert Sun, Volume 38, Number 188, 12 March 1965
CLARENCE GLETTLER
1880 E. AMADO ROAD
SUPPLEMENTAL RESEARCH CONDUCTED BY STAFF
1880 E. AMADO ROAD
STREET VIEW – August 2023
STREET VIEW – January 2008