HomeMy WebLinkAbout19047 - RESOLUTIONS - 6/18/1997 _ �GtGC �yi
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RESOLUTION NO. 19047
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM: SPRINGS,
CALIFORNIA, DESIGNATING THE TRAMWAY GAS
STATION, 2901 N. PALM CANYON DR. AT TRAM WAY, AS
A CLASS I HISTORIC SITE PURSUANT TO CHAPTER 8.05 '
OF THE PALM SPRINGS MUNICIPAL, CODE.
WHEREAS, Chapter 8.05 of the Palm Springs Muncipal Code was adopted for the purpose of
preserving specific buildings of the City which reflect elements of its cultural, social, economic,
political, architectural and archaeological history; and
WHEREAS, the Tramway Gas Station, located at 2901 N. Palm Canyon Dr. at Tram Way, and
designed by master architect Albert Frey was built at its current location during the years 1963-
65; and
WFfREAS, the stature of Albert Frey and his work is recognized by the title bestowed upon him
as a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects; and
WHEREAS, the Tramway Gas Station was designed to be a"sign" that could be easily read from
a moving vehicle with a very strong presence as the first structure seem upon arriving in Palm
Springs; and
WHEREAS, the Tramway Gas Station is an excellent and unique example of Albert Frey's work '
in the international style of architecture with its exploration of the roof plane as a sculptured
element; and
WHEREAS, the Tramway Gas Station is an excellent and unique example to Albert.Frey's
response to innovative approaches to architecture in Palm Springs as a machine-age modernist;
and
WI IET<EAS, the significance of the Tramway Gas Station in the history of national, state and
local architecture has been well documented in various publications, including Albert Prey,
Architect by Joseph Rosa, published by Rizzoli; and
WHEREAS, the Historic Site Preservation Board held a public hearing on May 13, 1997, for the
purpose of making a recommendation to the City Council regarding the potential designation of
the Tramway Gas Station as a City historic site; and
WHEREAS, a notice of such public hearing was mailed to the owners of property and was
published in The Desert Sann as required by Chapter 8.05 of the Palm Springs Municipal Code;
and
WHEREAS, the Historic Site Preservation Board considered all testimony and evidence '
presented at such hearing from all interested persons, including, but not limited to, the staff
report, and a report regarding a proposed development project at, and adjacent to, the subject
site, known as "Odyssey," presented by a representative of the developer; and
WHEREAS, the Historic Site Preservation,Board, at an adjourned meeting on May 16, 1997,
unanimously adopted Resolution No. 33 recommending that the City Council designate the
Tramway Gas Station as a Class I Historic Site, preserved at its existing setting; and
Res. No. 19047
Page 2
WHEREAS, Resolution No. 33 was forwarded to the City Council on May 27, 1997; and
WHEREAS, the City Council held a public hearing on June 18, 1997, for the purpose of
considering the recommendation of the Historic Site Preservation Board regarding the potential
designation of the Tramway Gas Station as a City historic, site; and
' WIIEREAS, a notice of such public hearing was mailed to the owners of property and was
published in The Desert Sun as required by Chapter 8.05 of the Palm Springs Municipal Code;
and
WHEREAS, the City Council considered all oral and written testimony and evidence presented at
such hearing from all interested persons, including, but not limited to, the staff report.
THE CITY COUNCIL FINDS AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. That the Tramway Gas Station is unique and significant because of its location,
design, setting, materials, workmanship and aesthetic effect.
Section 2. That the Tramway Gas Station exemplifies a post-World-War-II period of
architectural history in Palm Springs.
Section 3. That the Tramway Gas Station embodies the distinctive characteristics of the
International style of architecture.
Section 4. That the Tramway Gas Station presents the work of master architect Albert Frey,
FAIA, whose individual genius influenced his age.
Section 5. That the Tramway Gas Station serves as d landmark at the edge of the desert and
expresses the pioneering spirit of the resort community of Palm Springs.
Section 6. That the preservation of the Tramway Gas Station will foster civic beauty,
strengthen the local economy and promote the education and welfare of the citizens of Palm
Springs.
Section 7. That the development project currently proposed, and as presented to the Historic
Site Preservation Board, known as "Odyssey," does not preclude the preservation of the
Tramway Gas Station in its existing, and original, setting.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Palm Springs,
pursuant to Chapter 8.05 of the Palm Springs Municipal Code, designates the Tramway Gas
Station, located at 2901 N. Palm Canyon Dr. at Tram Way, as a Class 1 Historic Site; and
Ives. No. 19047
Page 3
BE IT FURTFIER RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Palm Springs, recommends
that the Tramway Gas Station be preserved in its present, and originall, location, and that the
structure be maintained in good condition pursuant to Section 9319.00 of the Palm Springs
Zoning Ordinance and Chapter 8.05 of the Palm Springs Municipal Code.
ADOPTED this_18th day of June, 1997. '
AYES: Members Barnes and Oden
NOES: Member Spurgin
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: Member Hodges and Mayor Kleindienst
ATTEST: CITY PALP✓I SPRIN i 4MORNIA
By
City Clerk City Manager
REVIEWED & APPROVED AS TO FORM: