HomeMy WebLinkAbout12/6/2000 - STAFF REPORTS (12) DATE: NOVEMBER 22, 2000
TO: CITY COUNCIL
FROM: DIRECTOR OF PLANNING AND BUILDING
CASE NO. HSPB-42: REQUESTTO DESIGNATE THE ALPHA BETA BUILDING, LOCATED ON
THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF RAMON ROAD AND SUNRISE WAY,ASACLASS 1 HISTORIC
SITE.
SUMMARY
During it's meeting of November 15, 2000, the City Council directed staff to prepare a resolution
denying the designation of the Alpha Beta Building as a Class 1 Historic Site. The attached
resolution is prepared for the City Council's consideration in response to that direction
Director tanning and Building
City Manager �-'"
ATTACHMENTS
1. Draft Resolution
/49A
RESOLUTION
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS,
CALIFORNIA, REJECTING THE PROPOSED DESIGNATION OF
THE ALPHA BETA BUILDING, LOCATED ON THE SOUTHWEST
CORNER OF RAMON ROAD AND SUNRISE WAY,AS A CLASS 1
HISTORIC SITE.
WHEREAS, the Alpha Beta Building was designed by the firm of Frey & Chambers, Architects in
the late 1950's;
WHEREAS, Ordinance 1140 in 1981, of the City of Palm Springs provides for designation of
structures of historic significance, into categories of Class 1, 2 or 3 based upon their level of
significance and the level of protection afforded;
WHEREAS,the City's Historic Site Preservation Board prepared a study of the Alpha Beta Building
in May 2000 and on October 10, 2000 at a public hearing recommended a Class 1 designation;
WHEREAS, on November 15, 2000, the City Council held a public hearing on said designation as
a Class 1 Historic Site; and received testimony, both written and oral, from numerous persons
concerning said designation;
WHEREAS, the owner of the subject structure objected to designation due to potential financial
impacts; and contended that the structure did notjustify Class 1 designation because it had been
altered, and does not represent the architect's most distinctive work; and that further,the shopping
center has become obsolescent and can be revitalized only by a major reconstruction;
WHEREAS,the City of Palm Springs has designated seven properties designed by master architect
Albert Frey as Class 1 Historic Sites and the subject building utilized design characteristics and
building materials which are similar to those of the buildings already designated; and
WHEREAS, the seven designated properties represent significant local examples of the work of
master architect Albert Frey;
BASED UPON THE EVIDENCE PRESENTED, THE CITY COUNCIL FINDS AS FOLLOWS:
1. The overall site has been significantly altered primarily by the demolition of the service
station and alterations to Building A; which alterations have significantly changed the
character of the original design.
2. Although some elements of the shopping center retain distinctive design elements of Frey
and Chambers, it is not clear how much of the work reflects Mr. Frey's individual
contribution.
3. Better examples of Mr. Frey's work have already been preserved.
4. The shopping center is economically obsolescent due to the small size of the grocery store
building and yet serves the vital needs of the surrounding area, which includes portions of
MOD
the City's mobile home, senior, and apartment populations, and major reconstruction of the
shopping center is critical to keeping a viable shopping center.
5. The subject structure does not possess high artistic value.
6. The designation of the Alpha Beta Building will not further the purposes and intent of
Chapter 8.05;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Palm Springs,
California that, based upon the above findings, the Alpha Beta Building located on the southwest
corner of Ramon Road and Sunrise Way is not found to be worthy of designation as a Class 1
Historic Site.
ADOPTED this day of 2000
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ATTEST: CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA
By
City Clerk City Manager
REVIEWED AND APPROVED AS TO FORM: /f/y'