HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/18/2006 - STAFF REPORTS - 1.A. Good evening Mr. Mayor, Council and Staff. . .
I'm sorry I could not be here tonight but I wanted
to take a brief moment to remind everyone of
something said by the estimable Winston
Churchill. "Those who break ties with their past
have no future."
The Spanish Inn, once owned by Alan Ladd and
his wife Sue Carroll, is a remnant of a glorious
time in our history. It represents, as well, a style
of architecture which once predominated in
Southern California. It is surely worthy of being
given a Class One status and the encouragement
Ito proceed without delay in its restoration.
I hope that, tonight, you will vote to protect this
nearly forgotten gem of Old Palm Springs.
Thank you for your time,
Roxann Ploss
126 words
JD/I��ZbD 1w
Jay Thompson
From: Jay Thompson
Sent: Wednesday, October 18, 2006 9:37 AM
To: Jay Thompson
Subject: FW' Spanish Inn. Oct 18 Council meeting
From: Ron Oden
Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2006 3:36 PM
To: 'Graham Young'
Subject: RE: Spanish Inn. Oct 18 Council meeting
Dear Graham,
Thank you for your observations. I will take them into consideration when we evaluate this hearing.
Sincerely,
Mayor Ron Oden
Icon Ciden
-----Original Message-----
From: Graham Young [mailto:grahamremax@hotmail.com]
Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2006 2:06 PM
To: Ron.Oden@palmsprings-ca.gov
Subject: Spanish Inn. Oct 18 Council meeting
Graham Young
327 Via Alta Mira
Palm Springs,
CA 92262
Oct 17 2006
Re: Spanish Inn /Class I Historic Site
Dear Mr. Mayor,
Unfortunately I am not able to attend the Council Meeting on October 18'h. 2006.
1 respectfully would like to make several observations about the latest tactic being taken by the owners of
the Spanish Inn.
I am convinced this is just another attempt to manipulate the City and Council by this application for
protection and tax favors as granted under the Mills Act.
To attempt to have all buildings declared historic is ridiculous. As recommended by STAFF only building
'B' has any possibility to meet standards as identified by the Mills Act.
If granted historical status, we will see even more delays to this ill conceived project and any attempt by
the City to enforce the time schedule will be rendered useless once the buildings are protected by the
historical status. The threat to" raze"the buildings would not hold any force.
In addition to fostering a plan to allow the owners to continue to do nothing, the implication that tax
advantages could be gained, is outrageous. For over a decade the neighborhood and City has had to live
with this blight and it is unfair and bad precedent to reward the owner by allowing tax credits.
I D ?/, Zoe)
M G-4-
10/18/2006
The Mills Act was designed to protect a historical site and is usually applied to an APN. To allow the
parting out of the project, flies in the face of the intent of the Act. In the true intent of the Act the historical
50x25' pool built in 1947 should be protected under the Act. Any historical significance should
encompass the entire site, including the fabulous pool, gardens, and cabana. The other buildings (At,
A2, A3)were "gobbly gooked" in the 1950's and do not deserve protection or'most favored'tax
designation.
The majority of the"historical site" has been removed or badly remodeled. Windows, roof, stucco exterior
are all "Home Depot"quality and are not historically significant. Most of the wrought iron railings have
been stolen and even in the owners report the comments state there is precious little left of the original
tile, mosaic, or interior items.
Please abide by Staff recommendations and not grant Historical status to any building but'B" building,
and only allow the status to be applied when the project is complete as identified in Condition #4 of Staff
report.
If you allow historical status to the buildings now, the owner will be in front of council again to rework the
$365,000 cost of traffic calming that he willingly agreed to pay to obtain his permit, arguing that the tax
exempt status allows him to pass this cost on to the city or state.
The Movie Colony Association has all ready heard rumors that Kahan wants to"renegotiate"the traffic
calming cost as he"did not understand."
This is nonsense as I was there when he willingly agreed to the imposition of this fee.
In closing please no historical status until at least the end of the project and enforce the"fact track" permit
process the council made part of his permit process.
Yours Sincerely
Graham Young
Member of Movie Colony Advisory Board
10/18/2006
Jay Thompson
From: Jay Thompson
Sent: Wednesday, October 18, 2006 9:36 AM
To: Jay Thompson
Subject: FW: (no subject)
From: Ron Oden
Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2006 3:42 PM
To: 'SolomonMnd@aol.com'
Subject: RE: (no subject)
Dear Steve,
Thank you for your observations. I will take them into consideration when we evaluate this request at the public
hearing,
Sincerely,
Mayor Ron Oden
Ron Oden
----Original Message-----
From: SolomonMnd@aol.com [mai Ito:Solomon Mnd@aol.com]
Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2006 6:38 AM
To: Ron.Oden@palmsprings-ca.gov; Ginny.Foat@palmsprings-ca.gov;
Michael.McCulloch@palmsprings-ca.gov; Steve.Pougnet@palmsprings-ca.gov; Chris.Mills@ pa lmsprings-
ca.gov
Subject: (no subject)
Dear City Council
I have lived near the Spanish Inn for over 30 years. It has been under construction for half of those
years. Now there is a new stalling tactic, the Historical landmark ploy.
New windows have been put in places and other work has been done but never completed. As of now
the buildings are dangerous eye sore.
The owner has lied to us every time we have had a meeting, He has reneged on his promises,
Do we really ha_v_e to have another of his delaying tactics for the next 15 years.
Abby Salomon
Steve Solomon
450 via Colusa
Palm Springs Ca 92262
760 325-8084
10/18/2006
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4<IFORN� CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
DATE: October 18, 2006 Public Hearing
SUBJECT: Case 5.1012 / HSPB #49: Application for Designation of the property at
640 North Indian Canyon Drive as a Class 1 Historic Site
FROM: David H. Ready, City Manager
BY: The Planning Department
CASE NO. 5.1012 / HSPB #49 - REQUEST TO DESIGNATE THE SPANISH INN AT
640 NORTH INDIAN CANYON DRIVE A CLASS 1 HISTORIC SITE.
RECOMMENDATION
Adopt Resolution # : "Resolution of the City Council of the City of Palm Springs,
California, designating the Spanish Inn located at 640 North Indian Canyon Drive, a
Class 1 Historic Site".
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Mr. Nejat Kohan and Hormoz Ramy, owners of 640 North Indian Canyon Drive, "The
Spanish Inn" have filed an application requesting the structures at the subject property
be designated a Class I historic site. Such designation would:
1. Place the subject property under the guidance of Municipal Code Section 8.05
2. Require present and subsequent owners to maintain the site consistent with that
ordinance,
3. Grant possible property tax reduction opportunities to the owner under the State
of California Mills Act.
A full project description, analysis, findings and Staffs recommendations can be found
in the attached staff report to the Historic Site Preservation Board.
Item No. 1 .A.
RECENT PRIOR ACTIONS
On Tuesday September 12, 2006, The Historic Site Preservation Board voted 6-0-1 to
recommend to Council the designation of the Spanish Inn at 6450 North Indian Canyon
Drive as a Class I Historic Site in accordance with Municipal Code Section 8.05.
At this hearing the Board moved to recommend to Council designation of all buildings
Building Al, A2, A3, and Building B) on the site as Class 1 designated structures — staff
had recommended to the Board that only complex "B" be so designated. Furthermore,
the Board recommended that the designation be effectively immediately with the
decision of the Council, as opposed to staff's recommendation that the designation be
effective upon completion of the currently entitled project The attached minutes of the
meeting present the Boards' discussion and findings.
In making their recommendation, the Board identified the following reasons for
designating all buildings on the site;
1. The historic significance of the entire site as it relates to important
persons: The Board determined that persons associated with the site made a
contribution at the local, regional, or national level. Therefore, the Spanish Inn
as an entire complex has historic importance.
2. Architectural significance: The Board noted that the architecture of the
original structure (Al) and later additions (A2 and A3) are identified as
secondary contributing elements or examples of the Spanish Colonial Revival
style. Nevertheless, the Board concluded that the buildings are
complementary and make use of materials consistent with the higher quality
architecture of Building "B".
3. Economic Support of a Revitalization Project: The Board recognized the
owner's desire to enter into a Mills Act Agreement with the City. The Mills Act
Agreement affords certain property tax relief in exchange for an agreement by
the owner to maintain the historic integrity and qualities of the structure and
site. Buildings Al, A2 and A3, once restored and renovated, will continue to
operate as a resort hotel, while Building B will be subdivided and sold as
condominiums. By classifying all existing buildings on the site as Class 1, the
economic benefits of the Mills Act apply not only to the hotel portion but also
can be extended to prospective buyers of the individual condominium units
once the parcel number is subdivided. The Board felt this economic incentive
would make the overall project more viable for both the owner and the City.
The Board recommends the Class 1 designation be effective immediately, rather than
as a condition of completion of the currently entitled project as recommended by Staff in
Condition #4. The Board argues that if the project does not proceed under the current
entitlements and is sold to another owner who is not sympathetic to the historic nature
of the site, the entire site could be lost to demolition. Also by making the designation
effective immediately, any possible changes to the scope of the project would be
L UC32
reviewed by the Board before taking effect to ensure conformance with the appropriate
standards.
ANALYSIS
Staff believes there are two issues at play: 1) determining what is historically important
and worthy of local protection, and 2) deciding how to reasonably promote Historic
Preservation as both an incentive for economic redevelopment, and as a "tool for
strengthening the local economy, stabilizing deteriorated buildings, and fostering the
civic beauty of Palm Springs for both residents and tourists" (section 8.05.010 Palm
Springs Municipal Code).
The Board's recommendation is based on the premise that the entire collection of
buildings comprises the 'historic site' associated with significant persons. It argues that
although the "A" buildings are less contributing architecturally, the context of the site's
historic significance is best understood if it is seen as a whole. Staff however believes
the protective nature of a Class 1 designation on those elements deemed 'of secondary
architectural importance' would impose excessive preservation restrictions on portions
of the site that should retain its maximum flexibility for redevelopment, modification or
alternation as future needs dictate. From the measure of 'civic beauty' and architectural
quality, staff believes the "A" buildings fail to demonstrate adequate conditions to merit
Class 1 protection.
Regarding the economics, the Spanish Inn has been vacant for over a decade -
previous owners went bankrupt and the property fell into foreclosure in the early 1990's.
The hotel has been shuttered since the 1990's generating no tourist vitality, no revenue
via the transient occupancy tax (TOT), and has existed as a deteriorating and blight
property and an economic detriment to its surrounding neighborhood for many years.
The redevelopment of the Spanish Inn — like that of the Colony Palms Renovation
nearby and other similar historic hotel projects in this neighborhood — represent an
important cornerstone of this neighborhood's return to vitality, and its economic success
should be encouraged.
Staff agrees with the Boards' concerns of promoting economic revitalization, but
believes that tools such as the Mills Act Contracts should be used judiciously and
applied carefully to promote preservation of only those sites whose physical or
architectural attributes are of primary significance. Given Palms Springs' star-studded
history, a casual application of the Mills Act Agreement to the many sites in town that
the stars once frequented could result in the preservation of physical sites that neither
contribute significantly in terms of their physical beauty nor which advance significantly
the understanding of the cultural or historic story of our city - and may actually create
unintended impediments to future efforts to create economic stability and vitality through
redevelopment of the city's older neighborhoods.
Staffs reason for adding Condition 4 was to create an incentive for the Owner to
complete the project and to fully conform to the Secretary of the Interior Standards for X0L
Historic Rehabilitation, however Staff also believes there is value in the Board's position
on this and does not oppose dropping this condition.
Finally, Mr. Nejat Kohan, one of the owners of 640 North Indian Canyon Drive spoke in
support of the Boards' position of recommending all the buildings on the site be
designated and understands the development restrictions that would be imposed by
such action.
SUMMARY.
Staff recognizes the Board's desire to provide the maximum protection to the
community's historic fabric. However Staffs recommendations to the Council remain as
stated in the Staff Report to the Historic Site Preservation Board - that of designating
only Building B as a Class 1 historic resource. Staff does not oppose the deletion of
Condition #4 as requested by the HSPB.
NOTIFICATION
Pursuant to section 8.05.140 of the Municipal Code of Palm Springs, All property
owners within three hundred (300) feet of the subject property have been notified and
notice was made in a newspaper of general circulation. As of the writing of this report,
staff as not received any inquiries on this matter.
FISCAL IMPACT: Finance Director Review:
No fiscal ' pact.
ai wing ICP Thomas J. Wilsoh
Dire t r of Pla ni g Services Assistant City Manager, Dev't Svcs
David H. Ready
City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
1. Vicinity Map
2. Historic Resources Survey dated August 11, 2003
3. Various photographs of the site taken in 2006.
4. HSPB minutes from January 10, 2006 and 9-12-06
5. Architect's Letter (no date), Certifying conformance of presently anticipated renovation
with Secretary of Interiors Standards for Historic Property Rehabilitation; received June
8, 2006
6. Secretary of the Interior Standards Checklist for Historic Rehabilitation.
7. Application for Class One Historic Site Designation
8. Staff report to the Historic Site Preservation Board dated September 12, 2006
9. Draft Resolution with Conditions of Approval
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
HISTORIC SITE PRESERVATION BOARD
AND
CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF PALM SPRINGS
Proposed Designation of 640 North Indian Canyon Drive
as a Class 1 Historic Site and Notice of Exemption from CEQA
Applicant: Nejat Kohan and HOrmoz Ramy, Owners-
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Historic Site Preservation Board of the City of Palm
Springs, California, will hold a public hearing at its meeting of September 12, 2006- The Historic
Site Preservation Board meeting begins at 8:15 a.m. in the Large Conference Room ("Studio B")
at City Hall, 3200 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, California.
The purpose of the hearing is to consider designation of the buildings located at 640 Indian
Canyon Drive as a Class 1 Historic Site- After considering all information presented, the Board
may recommend designating the buildings as a Class 1 Historic Site-
NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that the City Council of the City of Palm Springs California, will
hold a public hearing at its meeting of October 4, 2006. The City Council meeting begins at 6:00
p.m. in the Council Chamber at City Hall, 3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs.
The purpose of the hearing is to consider designation of the buildings located at 640 North
Indian Canyon Drive a Class 1 Historic Site. After considering all information presented, the City
Council may consider designating the buildings as a Class 1 historic site.
ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION: This request is categorically exempt from review
pursuant to Section 15331 (Historical Resource Restoration/Rehabilitation) of the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), whereas the proposed designation meets the conditions
outlined for preservation of a historic resource. The application is available for public review in
the Department of Planning Services, City Hall, 3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs.
REVIEW OF PROJECT INFORMATION: The staff report and other supporting documents
regarding this project are also available for public review at the City Hall between the hours of
8:00 a.m- and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Please contact the Office of the City Clerk at
(760) 323-8204 if you would like to schedule an appointment to review these documents.
COMMENT ON THIS APPLICATION: Response to this notice may be made verbally at the
Public Hearing and/or in writing before the hearing. Written comments may be made to the
Historic Site Preservation Board and/or the City Council by letter(for mail or hand delivery) to:
James Thompson, City Clerk
3200 E, Tahquitz Canyon Way
Palm Springs, CA 92262
Any challenge of the proposed project in court may be limited to raising only those issues raised
at the public hearing described in this notice or in written correspondence delivered to the City
CDerk at, or prior to, the Historic Site Preservation Board and/or the City Council hearing.
(Government Code Section 65009[b][2]). An opportunity will be given at said hearings for all
interested persons to be heard. Questions regarding this case may be directed to Ken Lyon,
Department of Planning Services at(760) 323-8245.
Si necesita ayuda con esta carta, porfavor Ilame a la Ciudad de Palm Springs y puede hablar
con Nadine Fieger telefono (760) 323-8245.
James Thompson, City Clerk
APE
boundary
Now
5 507-183-003
5071834Ofi �
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Figure 5, Schematic sketch of the 4onisb Inn complex.
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HISTORICAL/ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESOURCES SURVEY REPORT
APNs 507-183-003 AND -006 (THE SPANISH INN)
1 640 North Indian Canyon Drive
City of Palm Springs, Riverside County, California
jgg
'm•ih `i N.r
aen.d of Alan Ladd.;p.,nlsh inn ea I n80 '(C'rn+ilm� of Spamnh Inn I P 1
Submitted to:
Nejat (Cohan, J.D.
Spanish I1u1 Joint Venture
18210 Sherman Way, Suite 205
Reseda, CA 91335
Submitted by:
I3ai Tang, Principal Investigator
Michael Hogan, Purcipal lrlvestigator
CRM TECH
4472 Orange Street
Riverside, CA 92.501.
August 11, 2003
CRIM TECH Contract a 1091
USGS Palm Slnmmgs, Cahtorma, 7.5' quodr.mhle
Rcduii 11,T45 RiE,San 13ernardmo Base-bfcejdian
i�
MANAGEMENT SUMMARY
In July and August, 2003, at the request of Spanish Inn Joint Venture, CRM TECH performed a
historical/archaeological resources study on two parcels of urban land in the City of Palm Springs,
Riverside County, California. The subject property of the study, APNs 507-153-003 and -006, is
located on the east side of Indian Canyon Drive between Via Alta Mira and Gran Via Valmonte, in
the southwest quarter of the southwest quarter of Section 11, T45 R4E, San Bernardino Base
Meridian. The property is currently occupied by a group of historic-era buildings known
collectively as the Spanish Inn, which bears the address of 640 North Indian Canyon Drive, Palm
Springs.
The study is a part of the environmental review process for a proposed renovation project aimed at
revitalizing and reopening the 1939-vintage hotel, which has been closed since the mid-1990s. The
purpose of the study is to provide the project proponent,namely Spanish Inn Joint Venture,and the
lead agency, namely the City of Palm Springs, with the necessary information and analysis to
ensure the proposed project's compliance with provisions of the California Environmental Quality
Act (CEQA) on cultural resources. Since the project proponent has applied for a business and
p industry guaranteed loan administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the study is
designed to satisfy the mandate of Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) at
the same time.
The primary objective of the study is to determine whether the existing Spanish Inn complex, or
} any other potential cultural resource that may be present on the property, constitutes a "historic
` property,"as defined by NHPA Section 106, and/or 'a historical resource; as defined by CEQA. In
order to accomplish this objective, CRM TECH conducted a cultural resources records search,
carried out an intensive-level field survey,pursued historical background research, and consulted
with Native American representatives and the local community.
The results of the study indicate that the Spanish Inn, the only cultural resource identified on the
subject property,appears to be eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places and the
California Register of Historical Resources, with a local level of significance. The significance of the
Spanish Inn is derived from its close association—as one of the surviving resort hotels from Palms
Springs' glamorous heyday in the 1930s-1950s—with an important aspect and period in local
history, and to a lesser extent from its architectural and aesthetic merits. Based on the same
considerations, it also appears eligible for designation by the City of Palm Springs as a historic site
0 of Class 1 or 2, as provided by the City's Historic Preservation Ordinance. Therefore, the Spanish
Inn qualifies as a "historic property" and a "historical resource" under Section 106 and CEQA
r provisions.
In order to prevent or mitigate any potential "adverse effect" or "substantial adverse change" to the
historical integrity or significance of the Spanish Inn, CRM TECH presents the following
recommendations to Spanish Inn Joint Venture, the City of Palm Springs, and USDA:
( • The proposed renovation of the Spanish Inn complex should be carried out in accordance with
the Secretary of Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation,and alterations to the complex's primary
character-defining elements should be avoided whenever possible;
• If any physical alteration to the complex or any of its contributing components becomes
unavoidable, a comprehensive documentation program, including both graphic and textual
recordation, should be undertaken to preserve the historical and architectural data about the
j property,or at a minimum the portion of the complex to be affected.
If these conditions are formally adopted, CRM TECH recommends that the proposed project may
be cleared to proceed in compliance with Section 106 and CEQA requirements.
L �)
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I TABLE OF CONTENTS
I MANAGEMENT SUMMARY...............................................................................
.............................i
INTRODUCTION...............................................................................................................................1
SETTING..............................................—.........................................---.............................----.......3
CurrentNatural Setting--........ ....... ............. ............................................................___...........3
CulturalSetting ........................................................................................................3
EthnohistoricContext.................................................................................................................3
HistoricContext.................................. ........................................................................................4
RESEARCHMETHODS....................................... .............................................................................5
RecordsSearch.................................................................................................................................5
Field Survey.................................................................. ..6
.................................................................
Historical Research.................. 6
Consultation with Local Community...........................................................................................6
Native American Consultation.......................................................--.........................................7
RESULTSAND FINDINGS...............................................................................................................7
RecordsSearch--.......—....—.......... .......................................................................................7
FieldSurvey.....................................................................................................................................9
HistoricalResearch.......................................................................................................................13
Consultation with Local Community...............................-...................---............... ..............16
DISCUSSION..................................... 17
Definition.............................. ..................................................................................................... .....17
Evaluation............................................ .........................................................................................18
Project Effects Assessment—.........--....—..........-...............I.... .............. ...---..................19
Recommendations,................... .......--...... .......... —................---..................--.......20
CONCLUSION--............................................................. .................... ............................................22
REFERENCES................ ......--......---........ ............. —.............. ..........."—.....23
APPENDIX 1: PERSONNEL QUALIFICATIONS.......................................................................25
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LIST OF FIGURES
FigureI. Project vicinity........................ ....................................................—.................................1
Figure 2. Area of Potential Effects-......... ........ ......—....... ..........--...............................................2
Figure 3. The western edge of the APE...............—................ ......... ..........—................................4
Figure 4. Previous cultural resources studies....... ....................-.................................................8
Figure 5. Schematic sketch of the Spanish Inn complex.............................................................10
Figure 6. Overview of the Spanish Inn .........................................................................11
.......
Figure 7. Building AL........ ..........-.......-...... ...................-........ ..........--............-........-.....
11
Figure 8. Main entrance to the lobby, Building AI......... ........ ............-....................................I I
Figure9. Building A2—............................... ............................-.......... ....... .............................—.12
Figure10. Building A3........ .............--.... ............ ...... .........-...................--...............................12
Figure11. Sub-complex 13....... ......... ........................................................... .................................12
Figure 12. The APE and vicinity in 1855................................................. ................................I.....13
Figure 13, The APE and vicinity in 1885...... .......--.......-.........-.............................................-13
Figure 14. The APE and vicinity in 1893............. ............... ............. .............................. ...........14
Figure 15. The APE and vicinity in 1897-1898 ................... ......... ......................................—......14
Figure 16. The APE and vicinity in 1929........ ...... .................. ............ .........................14
Figure 17. The APE and vicinity in 1962.............. ....... ...... ......... ....... .......................—15
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INGS
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Figure 2. Area of Potential Effects. (Based on USGS Palm Springs,Calif.,1:24,000 quadrangle[USGS 19881)
3 L
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resource;'as defined by CEQA. In order to accomplish this objective, CRM TECH
conducted a cultural resources records search,carried out an intensive-level field survey,
pursued historical background research,and consulted with Native American
representatives and the local community. The following report is a complete account of the
methods, results, and final conclusion of the study.
SETTING
CURRENT NATURAL SETTING
The proposed renovation project's Area of Potential Effects (APE) lies on the western edge
of the Coachella Valley,less than a half-mile east of the foot of the San Jacinto Mountains.
The Coachella Valley,a northwest-southeast trending desert valley, constitutes the
westernmost reach of the Colorado Desert,which encompasses much of eastern Riverside
County. Dictated by this geographic setting, the climate and environment of the APE and
its surrounding region are typical of southern California's desert country, marked by
extremes in temperature and aridity. Temperatures in the region rise above 120 degrees in
summer, and dip to near freezing in winter. Average annual precipitation is less than five
inches, and average annual evaporation rate exceeds three feet.
The APE is located in a fully urbanized area in downtown Palm Springs, on the east side of
Indian Canyon Drive,a local thoroughfare. The north,east,and south boundaries of the
APE are defined by Via Alta Mira,Via Chica, and Gran Via Valmonte, three curving
residential streets. The Whitewater River, the main natural waterway in the Coachella
'Valley, runs approximately 2.5 miles to the northeast. Elevation of the APE is just over 480
feet above mean sea level. Soils in the vicinity are sandy in character,and the ground
surface has been extensively disturbed over the past few decades (Fig. 3). No native
landscape is found in or near the APE, and the only vegetation on the property consists of
introduced landscaping plants,such as palm trees and lawns.
CULTURAL SETTING
Ethnohistoric Context
The Coachella Valley is a historical center of Native American settlement,where U.S.
1 surveyors noted large numbers of Indian villages and raxcherias, occupied by the Cahuilla
people,in the mid-19th century. The Cahuilla,a Takic-speaking people of hunters and
gatherers, are generally divided by anthropologists into three groups,according to their
geographic setting: the Pass Cahuilla of the San Gorgonio Pass-Palm Springs area, the
Mountain Cahuilla of the San Jacinto and Santa Rosa Mountains and the Cahuilla Valley,
and the Desert Cahuilla of the eastern Coachella Valley.
1
The Cahuilla did not have a single name that referred to an all-inclusive tribal affiliation.
Instead,membership was in terms of lineages or clans. Each lineage or clan belonged to
one of two main divisions of the people, known as moieties. Members of clans in one
moiety had to marry into clans from the other moiety. Individual clans had villages, or
central places,and territories they called their own, for purposes of hunting game,
gathering food, or utilizing other necessary resources. They interacted with other clans
through trade, intermarriage,and ceremonies.
3
a
M
M
i -
iI
MEN
i Figure 3. The Western edge of the APE-., along Indian Canyon DnvL.
Population data prior to European contact are almost impossible to obtain, but estimates
range from 3,600 to as high as 10,000 persons. During the 19th century, however, the
Cahuilla population was decimated as a result of European diseases, most notably
smallpox, for which the Native peoples had no immunity. Today, Native Americans of
Desert Cahuilla heritage are mostly affiliated with one or more of the Indian reservations in
the Coachella Valley, including Agua Caliente, Torres Martinez, Cabazon, Augustine, and
Morongo. The Palm Springs area is the traditional homeland of the Kauisiktum ("from the
rock") lineage of the Pass Cahuilla (Strong 1929:91), the core of today's Agua Caliente
Indian Reservation, established in 1876.
a Historic Context
In 1823-1825, Jose Romero, Jose Maria Estudillo, and Romualdo Pacheco, leading a series of
expeditions in search of a route to Yuma, became the first noted European explorers to
travel through the Coachella Valley. However, due to its harsh environment, few non-
India as ventured into the desert valley during the Mexican and early American periods,
except those who traveled across it along the established trails- The most important among
these trails was the Cocomaricopa Trail, an ancient Indian trading route that was
"discovered" in 1862 by William David Bradshaw and became known after that as the
Bradshaw Trail. In the Coachella Valley, this historic wagon road traversed a course that is
very similar to present-day Highway 111. During the 1860s-1870s, the Bradshaw Trail
served as the main thoroughfare between coastal southern California and the Colorado
River, until the completion of the Southern Pacific Railroad in 1876-1877 brought an end to
its heyday.
L - L1P.^.
4
ri
r,
r Non-Indian settlement in the Coachella Valley began in the 1870s,with the establishment
of railroad stations along the Southern Pacific Railroad, and spread further in the 1880s,
r; after public land was opened for claims under the homestead Act, the Desert Land Act',
and other federal land laws. Farming became the dominant economic activity in the valley,
11 thanks to the development of underground water sources, often in the form of artesian
wells. But it was not until the completion of the Coachella Canal in 1948-1949 that farmers
in the and region obtained an adequate and reliable water supply. The main agricultural
r staple in the Coachella Valley, the date palm,was first introduced around the turn of the
century. By the late 1910s, the date palm industry had firmly established itself,giving the
region its celebrated image of"the Arabia of America." Starting in the 1920s,a new
industry, featuring equestrian camps,resort hotels, and eventually country clubs,gradually
spread throughout the Coachella Valley,and since then transformed it into southern
California's leading winter retreat.
The City of Palm Springs owes its origin to the early development efforts led by John
Guthrie McCallum,who began purchasing land in the area in 1872. The townsite was
surveyed and subdivided in 1884,initially under the name of"Palm City." After a resurvey
in 1887, the new town acquired its present name. The Palm Springs subdivision was an
instant success despite its location in the heart of the southern California desert, thanks to
an eight-mile irrigation ditch that McCallum built from the Whitewater River to the
townsite. By 1892, "Dr." Welwood Murray had leased the famed Agua Caliente hot springs
from the local Native Americans to establish a health resort,forecasting the future of
development in the budding community.
rIn the 1920s-1930s,Palm Springs was "discovered"by celebrities from southern California's
booming entertainment industry,and soon became a favored desert playground,ushering
a new chapter in the history of the entire Coachella Valley. Spurred by the influx of
affluent and often famous visitors and winter residents, Palm Springs entered its
glamorous heyday, and experienced rapid growth and an equally rapid rise in prestige.
The City of Palm Springs was incorporated in 1938. At that time,Palm Springs boasted
four well-publicized large hotels, the Desert Inn, El Mirador, Del Tahquitz, and the Oasis,
along with the Deep Well Guest Ranch,and all of them were packed during the winter and
springs months,which encouraged the construction of many smaller hostelries (Bogert
1 2003:165). The Spanish Inn,opened in 1939 roughly halfway between the Desert Inn and El
Mirador, was an intrinsic part of this tourist boom.
RESEARCH METHODS
RECORDS SEARCH
On July 18, 2003, CRM TECH archaeologist Adrian Sanchez Moreno (see App. 1 for
qualifications) conducted a cultural resources records search at the Eastern Information
Center (EIC), University of California, Riverside. During the records search, Moreno
examined maps and records on file at the EIC for previously identified cultural resources
within a one-mile radius of the Area of Potential Effects, and existing cultural resources
reports pertaining to the vicinity. Previously identified cultural resources include
properties designated as California Historical Landmarks,Points of historical Interest, or
Riverside County Landmarks,as well as those listed in the National Register of historic
1 L �
5
1
�I
Places,the Califorrda Register of Historical Resources, or the California Historical Resource
Information System.
FIELD SURVEY
On July 14,2002, CRM TECH historian/architectural historian Bai "Tom Tang(see App. 1
for qualifications) completed a field inspection of all existing buildings within the APE and
their environs. During the inspection, Tang made detailed notations and preliminary
photo-recordation of the structural and architectural characteristics and current conditions
of the Spanish Inn complex and its various components. In addition,Tang conducted a
brief reconnaissance-level survey of the surrounding area,so as to examine and assess the
physical environment of the historic-period buildings in the APE. Tang's observations
during the field inspection formed the basis of the building descriptions and historical
integrity evaluation presented below.
In conjunction with the building inspection,CRM TECH archaeologists Daniel Ballester
and Robert A. Porter carried out an intensive-level archaeological field survey of the
portions of the APE that are not occupied by existing buildings. During the survey,
Ballester and Porter walked along closely spaced courses over all vacant areas within the
APE,and carefully examined the ground surface for any archaeological remains dating to
the prehistoric or historic periods (i.e.,50 years ago or older). Ground visibility was
excellent(90-10.0%) throughout the surveyed areas due to the sparse ground cover.
HISTORICAL RESEARCH
In order to establish the historical background of the APE and the buildings in the Spanish
Inn complex,Bai 'Tom"Tang pursued intensive research using both primary and
secondary sources. The focus of the research was the existing buildings' construction
date(s),later alterations,roles and uses over the years, and possible associations with
important historic figures and/or events. Sources consulted during the research include
published literature in local and regional history,historic maps of the Palm Springs area,
archival records of the City of Palm Springs and the County of Riverside, oral historical
accounts, and local historical materials on file at the Palm Springs Public Library.
Among these sources, the County of Riverside's real property tax assessment records, the
City of Palm Springs'building safety records,and contemporary newspapers reports and
local directories provided valuable information. That information was greatly enhanced
and supplemented by an oral historical interview with Robert Miner of North Palm
Springs, a relative of the founder of the Spanish Inn, and a long-time local resident with
extensive personal knowledge about the history of the hotel.
CONSULTATION WITH LOCAL COMMUNITY
In order to assess the potential significance of the Spanish Inn to the local community, Bai
"Tom"Tang consulted with Elizabeth Kieley and Sally McManus,chairperson and director
of the Palm Springs Historical Society,respectively,and with staff members of the City of
Palm Springs Planning Department. The input from these community representatives is
r incorporated into the results and findings presented below.
r �S
r 6
r
1'II
�1 NATIVE AMERICAN CONSULTATION
As part of the research procedures,CRM TECH archaeologist Laura Hensley Shaker (see
App. 1 for qualifications) contacted the State of California's Native American Heritage
Commission on July 18,2003, to seek comments on possible cultural resources concerns
1 over the APE and to request a records search in the commissions sacred lands file. As of
this writing,no responses have been received from the commission. If any Native
American concerns arise in future consultations with the commission and/or local Native
American representatives, they will be reported inunediately to Spanish Inn Joint Venture,
the City of Palm Springs,and USDA.
II
RESULTS AND FINDINGS
RECORDS SEARC14
According to records on file at the Eastern Information Center, the Area of Potential Effects
had not been systematically surveyed for cultural resources prior to this study,and no
cultural resources had been recorded on or adjacent to the property. Outside the APE
boundaries but within a one-mile radius, EIC records show at least five previous cultural
resources studies covering various tracts of land,including the entire Section 14 just to the
south (Fig.4). In addition to these area-specific studies, a countywide historic resources
reconnaissance conducted in the early 1980s is known to have covered the City of Palm
Springs in its entirety,
As a result of the previous studies,a total of 76 historical/archaeological sites have been
recorded within the one-mile scope of the records search, The vast majority of these sites
dated to the historic period,particularly the 1920s-1950s period,when the resort town of
Palm Springs underwent a major growth spurt. But several prehistoric—i.e.,Native
American—archaeological sites have also been found in flee vicinity,representing a diverse
array of features ranging from a pottery sherd scatter to the famed Agua Caliente hot
springs. Judging from their locations in the fully developed urban core of Palm Springs,
most of these sites are likely to have been impacted since they were recorded.
Among the historic-period sites, more than 60 were buildings, including residences,
churches,and commercial buildings, dating mostly from the mid-1920s to the mid-1950s.
Among them were seven hotels or motels,including the Desert Inn and El Mirador Hotel.
These two fabled hotels, the flagships in Palm Springs resort industry during its heyday,
have been designated California Points of Historical Interest and Riverside County
Landmarks,and El Nlirador Hotel is now listed on the National register of Historic Places.
Both of them,however, were demolished during the 1960s-1970s to make way for new
developments. The other five hostelries recorded in the vicinity were generally small,
simple hotels and motels from the mid-20th century without much claim to the desert
playground's glittering past. The balance of the previously recorded sites consisted
primarily of such historic-period archaeological features as buildings remains, concrete
slabs,and sidewalks.
The large number of previously recorded historical/archaeological sites within the scope of
the records search suggests that the surrounding area is highly sensitive for cultural
7
J":
I Scope of
records ION
search
z
z
I WR
7
Park P.
is 407
IDAV
k
j
K PpLo
if
Area of
Potential Effects
a I r" h P�.A Areas previo"y
surveyed
SCALE 1:2000
low 0 10DO 2000 feel
a V A'-C A L-I P,'r
Figure 4- Previous cultural resources studies in the vicinity of the APE,listed by EIC manuscript file number.
Locations of his torical/archaeological sites are not shown as a protective measure.
8
I
resources,especially those from the late historic period. However,none of these sites was
located in the immediate vicinity of the APE. The nearest among them, the El Paseo
Building at 768 N. Palm Canyon Drive,was located on the corner of Palm Canyon Drive
and Tamarisk Road, well beyond the proposed project's sphere of maximum visual or
atmospheric impact. Therefore, none of the previously recorded sites requires further
consideration during this study.
I
FIELD SURVEY
I
The archaeological survey of the APE yielded completely negative results,and no
' archaeological sites, features, or artifacts,historic or prehistoric, were discovered on the
vacant land around the existing buildings. The Spanish Inn complex, therefore,is the only
cultural feature within or adjacent to the APE that appears to be more than 50 years of age.
The Spanish Inn complex consists of four buildings that are conceptually divided into two
sub-complexes, along with a swimming pool on the eastern portion of the property (Fig. 5).
The buildings are wood-frame structures clad in stucco and surmounted by low-pitched or
flat roofs (Fig. 6). The goofs of the buildings exhibit a multi-leveled,complex mixture of
(j hipped, gabled,flat, shed, and pyramidal forms, all covered or accented with red Mission
tiles. The complex is currently undergoing repair and renovation, and all buildings were
being restuccoed at the time of the survey. Many of the original steel-framed casement
windows have been replaced with metal-clad wooden windows of a similar type,featuring
multiple panes in the sashes and a crank-open mechanism that is virtually identical to what
1 was used in the original.
Architecturally, the complex is an excellent example of the Spanish Eclectic style. Inspired
by the elaborate Spanish Colonial Revival buildings constructed for the 1915 Panama-
California Exposition in San Diego, the Spanish Eclectic style gained much popularity in
the American southwest and in Florida during the 1910s-1940s,reaching its apex in the
1 1920s and the early 1930s (McAlester and McAlester 1992:418). It was favored by many of
the more refined hostelries in the Coachella Valley—and southern California at large--
from that period,not only because of the region's climatic similarity to Spain but also
1 because of the romanticized notions of California's Spanish/Mexican past.
1 Of the two sub-complexes of the Spanish Inn,Sub-complex A,occupying the northwestern
portion of the property, consists of three buildings that house the hotel lobby and a total of
22 guest rooms_ These three buildings are referred to hereafter as Buildings Al, A2, and
A3, respectively(Fig. 5).
I Building Al is a mostly one-storied structure with a somewhat U-shaped footprint, but its
ground plan features a number of projections of various sizes,creating a jagged, irregular
outline that is characteristic of Spanish architecture (Fig. 7). It contains the lobby and six
rooms,including a second-floor "penthouse"in the rear. The front entrance to the lobby,
now boarded up, is accompanied by a series of large plate-glass windows, and is sheltered
under a wooden canopy resting on delicate wrought-iron supports, all of which appear to
be the results of modern alterations (Fig. 8)_ The interior design of the lobby is
characterized by the generous use of flat arches with round corners and decorative ceramic
tiles, which further enhances the Spanish flavor of the building.
it ,9
9
APE
boundary
_7
1p W
507-183-003
507-183-006
>
13
I
Gran via valmonte
MOO saw&
Figure 5, Schematic sketch of the Spanish Inn complex_
L
10
ug,�!
Figure 6. Overview of the Spam li 1[in campILK from the in(LtsecLinn of Indian Canyon Dnve and Gran Vil
Valmonte, view Lo tkenorthea5l
The "penthouse," which faces the real- of Lhe building (Fig 7), is furnished a private
balcony and accessed through in exterior stairway with an ornate wrou hL li,on handrail.
Its entrance and principal windows are sct in shallow bays forming the typical triple-
arches, divided by turned wooden posts embedded in, the exterior wall,,, ' In curnparison,
the other units in this building are quite plain in appearance, with doors and windows that
lack any decorative trim. A fear louvered windows are also observed in these offiel- units.
Buildin- A2, which hOUSCS tell I-UeSl rooms, and Building A3, housing six rourns, represcLnt
the least embellished building", in Lhe complex, and both are clearly more recent in origin.
Both of these buildings are two-story in height, with essentially identical floor plans for the
Upper and lower levels (Figs. 9, 10). The second-floor units share cantilevered balconies
-N
A
Vial
ire'-----
H gu re 7 Building Al, view from the rear W Lhe Figure Maul entrance to [he lobby, Building A I
northwest
reached through exterior stairways,
although the stairs leading to Building A2 s•. _ •
have been dismantled and are currently
under reconstruction. Each of the units is
fenestrated with a large, simple place-glass 5. F
window in d,o front elevation, a slight
Z deviation from the complex's Spanish
architectural Lhcme. Building A2 is
rectangular in shape, while Building A3 has 't,L_--:.'
- ..
the three sets of guest rooms staggered to
avoid a flat, uniform fagade. —
Sub-complex B, which exemplifies the old h,gure Ci L3wlding A2, view to Lhe west.
Sparwfli charms of i-he hotel's design,
occupies the southwestern portion of the + Yr.
property, and comprises one Jar-e, {,
continuous building constructed around an
irregularly shaped courtyard (rigs. 5, 11) It a
contains a Lotal of 12 suites, in contrast to the
sen le rooms in Sub-com ilex A, with nine
units on the ground floor and diree on the. - - --�- "
second floor of a two-SLory portion of he t r {'' -!?
building. The courtyard opens to Indian
Canyon Drive and Gran Via ValmonLe -
through two arched entrances, I' ith the
roam entrance on Indian Canyon Drive;
sporting a three-arch arcade (Fig. I I ). A I , ;Are IU. Budding A3, view to the northwest
narrow, arched corridor provides access to
the rear of the property, including the swimming pool The once-elegant courtyard is
crossed by ,. system of curved walkways paved with red Liles, but the landscaping has long
bean abandoned since the last closure of the hotel
The two-story portion of Sub-complex B, on thc, northeastern side of the courtyard, is most
notable for its full-fagade open veranda (Fig. 11) The second-floor balcony is supported by
massive wooden beams and equally massive, square-shaped pillars, and is covered by an
,. -, „
�._:-..,- - - .as..:.ra ate_=-r.�.il�r„ ��r� Ec��^3''S '�: _i•.
Ztz
Im
sis ;:rig _
I Figure It. Sub-complex G Lefr: mam entrance to th+•coi.crt ard, rr ht: two-srory portion of he building
1 IIJ r
12
i
f extension of the principal roof that rests upon similar pillars. An arched exterior stairway,
now under reconstruction,leads to the second-floor units, The entrances to some of the
suites in the one-story portion of the building are adorned with small shed-roofed porches
and/or patios delineated with low concrete walls. The porch roofs rest on carved wooden
beams,echoing the design of the two-story veranda,but are supported by delicate wrought
1 iron posts (Fig. 11). The medium-width eaves of the building feature exposed rafters with
shaped ends, and the roofline is frequently interrupted by ornamental cupolas or chimney
tops, many of which are trimmed with ceramic tiles.
I
E The Spanish fi-Ln complex is surrounded by both commercial buildings and private
residences. Most of these buildings appear to date to the historic period,with the Spanish/
(j Mediterranean influence prevailing in their designs. A notable exception is a modern
building constructed in the Contemporary style,which stands to the north of the Spanish
Inn, across Via Alta Mira.
HISTORICAL RESEARCH
Historically, the APE encompasses Lots 1,2,3,5,and a portion of Lot 6, Block C, of the
Palm Springs Estates subdivision, which was created by Prescott T. Stevens, a successful
cattle rancher from Colorado, prominent developer in Palm Springs,and founder of El
Mirador Hotel (County Surveyor 1927; Bogert 1987:86,88). The tract was subdivided in
1927, one year before the opening of El Mirador,and one year after Stevens established the
prestigious and exclusive Las Palmas Estates subdivision a short distance to the northwest
I (County Surveyor 1926; 1927). Prior to that,no evidence of any settlement or land
development activities were noted within or adjacent to the APE (Figs. 12-15).
a C
/do � l60 /e5v
_ Area of .. Area of
- Potential Potential
�-l ; rit
Effects
Effects ` ----ffa f'
4• r' I `, 14
a 2000 4000 fee 0 2a00 4000 f!t
n.+•f , N49 V
Figure 12. The APE and vicinity in 1855. (Source: Figurc 13. The APE and vicinity in 1885. (Source:
GLO 1856) GLO 1886)
13
�I
Ir
�,. . Area of J " I Area of R
Potential A no Potential
:.
Effects pP _ " ' ' } Effects
AZ frB 64 a
r
W 1 r, l�N •- '1
,s r ,,, . • SCALE 1:125,000
0 2000 4000ieet ` 0 1 2milea _�tsl ',: -"�%vr.•:ir •%'
Figure 14. The APE and vicinity in 1893. (Source: Figure 15. The APE and vicinity in 1897-18W
GLO 1895) (Source:USGS 1901)
Between 1927 and 1929,a residence 0 100 200 ft al
appeared in the northwestern portion of the
APE (Pig. 16), apparently the first one to be
built in the Palm Springs Estates subdivision
I (Sanborn 1929). The residence was located APE
in Lot 1 of Block C, of which Lucy Berry was t)oundar `
I listed as the owner in 1928-1934 (County y hvttllRn
Assessor 1928-1937.43). Judging from its y%t-
I location and configuration, this residence
was undoubtedly the forerunner of present-
day Building A I of the Spanish Inn, which
houses the hotel lobby and the "penthouse"
wait, as mentioned above. � `s
I rcd
Around 1934, Lucy Berry deeded Lot 1 to
I David Margolius (County Assessor 1933- —
1937:43). Although well-remembered today
as the founder of what is now the Spanish
Inn, Margolius is sometimes confused with 7,—;� � •''
I David H. Margolis, a former Dayton, Ohio, vntmowt •• *K" �-s�rq.
garment manufacturer who operated the
! adjacent Colonial House/Howard Manor
hotel (now The Palms Health Resort) at 572 Figure 16. The APE and vicinity in 1929, (Source:
North Indian Canyon Drive in the 1960s and Sanborn 1929)
early 19705.
CY
14
X
i
( David Margolius of the Spanish Inn was a venture capitalist who moved to California from
Greensboro,North Carolina,in the 1930s (Miner 2003). He split his time seasonally
between his residences in Palms Springs and Beverly Hills,as was the common practice
F among affluent desert residents at the time, and managed a sizable investment portfolio
that was estimated to be worth more than a million dollars in 1939,including both stocks
1 and real estate in the Coachella Valley, the Fontana area,and Southern Carolina (ibid.;
Desert Sun 1939).
Although he purchased the former Lucy Berry property with the intention of using it as his
winter residence,(Miner 2003),Margolius soon realized the commercial potential of the
property's location on one of Palm Springs'main thoroughfares, especially against the
backdrop of the booming resort industry. By 1938,he had consolidated under his name all
of the land that now lies within the APE (County Assessor 1938-1944:18), on which he
began to build a hotel that,according to one account,would ten-ind him of his favorite
city, Barcelona (Los Angeles Time 1987).
In 1938,Margolius began building the courtyard and the suite building around it(Sub-
complex B),reportedly overseeing the construction work himself (Mixer 2003). The next
year, the Ambassador Apartment Hotel, as the Spanish Inn was originally named,opened
for business (Directory 1939:25). To the suites in Sub-complex B and the limited number of
N rooms in Building Al, Margolius later added more rooms through the construction of
Buildings A2 and A3, along with other facilities. In 1947,he contracted the National
Swimming Pool Company to build a 50'x25' swimming pool on the hotel grounds (City of
Palm Springs n.d.). Buildings A2 and A3 were completed in 1956 and 1951, respectively
(ibid.). The construction of Building A2 was carried out by The Austin Company,while the
contractor for Building A3 was not
' identified in available records, although it is
""" ~ • known that a contractor was hired for the
APE t , D project(ibid.;Miner 2003). No other major
boundary construction took place after that (Miner
�I �JjOth r 2003). By 1962, as Figure 17 shows, the hotel
( " had essentially taken its present-day shape.
y
v David Margolius,who was in his 60s by
1939, went through a divorce from his wife
of two years,Henrietta Hflde Margolius,
It shortly after the opening of the Ambassador
a Apartment Hotel, and later married Buelah
E. Margolius,a native of Colorado,with
whom he owned and operated the hotel
until his death around 1969 (Desert Sun 1939;
"`" }• - 1986;Miner 2003). Around 1941, Buelah
d : v Margolius' sister Byrel Miner came to Palm
NTc •-;i*x� wry' Springs and took over the management of
+ the hotel (Miner 2003). By 1950,Miner was
0 100 206 74 '•r r formally listed in the local directory as
manager director of the Ambassador Hotel,
as the property became known from at least
N Figure 17. The APE and vicinity in 1962. (Source: 1948 (Directory 1950).
Sanbom 1962)
15
I
During its heyday, the Ambassador Hotel was lauded as "a favorite R&R spot for such stars
as Tyrone Power, Lana Turner,Jimmy Durante,Esther Williams and opera diva Amelita
Galli-Curci,"as well as other dignitaries such as Howard Hughes (Los Angeles Times 1987).
Like all other hostelries in Palm Springs at that time, the hotel was closed from June to
September each year except during World War II, when the influx of military personnel at
the nearby air base kept it open year-around (Miner 2003).
Shortly after David Margolius' death, Buelah Margolius sold the hotel to an Italian-
American family (Miner 2003), who in turn sold it in 1972 to Sue Carol Ladd, the widow of
film actor Alan Ladd,one of the top moneymakers for the Paramount studios before his
death in 1964 (Daily Enterprise 1964;Los Angeles Times 1987). Sue Ladd renamed the hotel
Alan Ladd's Spanish Inn,and operated it, along with several other commercial enterprises
that the Ladd fancily owned in Palm Springs, for the next ten years. By that time, Palms
Springs had lost some of its luster among the rich and famous of Hollywood due to the
rapid advances in air travel since the end of WWII,but remained a favored tourist
destination,especially in the winter months.
After Sue Ladd's death in 1982, the family sold the property in 1987 to Horst Schultz and
Patricia Weinberg, who organized the Desert Resorts,Inc., to manage the hotel,now
known simply as the Spanish Inn (Las Angeles Tames 1987,Desert Sun 1988). The new
owners immediately embarked on a series of ambitious plans to add a gym,poolroom, and
sauna, to convert the lobby into a trendy lounge,and to renovate and expand a poolside
restaurant that was on the hotel grounds at that time (ibid.). There is no evidence,however,
that any of these plans were brought to fruition, and the only documented construction
work that was completed during Schultz and Weinberg's brief ownership involved the
remodeling of a balcony deck and stairs and the replacement of some walls with an
unspecified archway(City of Palm Springs n.d.).
In 1988, the Desert Resorts, Inc., filed for protection from creditors under Chapter 11 of the
r U.S. bankruptcy code (Desert Sun 1988). A few years later,the Ladd family foreclosed on
the property(Desert Sun 1994), and the hotel was "mothballed"soon after that. In
retrospect,with the passing of Sue Ladd, who as a talent agent"discovered"Alan Ladd in
1939, the Spanish Inn lost its final connection to Palm Springs'star-studded past,and its
golden era as a "show business haven" (Desert Sun 1987) had drawn to an end.
A CONSULTATION WITH LOCAL COMMUNITY
Records maintained by the City of Palm Springs Planning Department indicate that the
Spanish Inn is at the present time listed in the City's Inventory of Historic Structures as a
Class-3 site, defined by the City's Historic Preservation Ordinance as follows:
Structure/site was constructed before 1945,or a year to be determined by the city council,or
construction date cannot be confirmed. Eligible for a six-month stay of demolition.Action of
the RSPB[Historic Site Preservation Board]may include recommendation to reclassify. All
structures built prior to the subject date would be automatically so classified: (§8.05.125
PSMq
' Consultation with leading members of the Palm Springs Historical Society demonstrates
that the Spanish Lin is well-known in the local community as one of the historic-era resort
hotels. While it is not among the best recognized properties of its type, Elizabeth Kieley,
16
A
X chairperson of the Palm Springs Historical Society,points to the fact that three of the :four
most famous hotels from the pre-WWII period, the Desert Inn, El Mirador,and Del
Tahquitz, have now been demolished,and the fourth one, the Oasis, has been converted to
other use and significantly altered. Due to loss of these four landmarks of Palms Springs'
pre-WWII resort boom, the surviving second-tier properties from that period,such as the
Spanish Inn,have now become an important window to this unique chapter in local and
regional history.
DISCUSSION
Based on the research results discussed above, the following sections present the historical
significance evaluation of the Spanish Inn complex,the only cultural resource encountered
j within or adjacent to the Area of Potential Effects,and the conclusion on whether it meets
the official definitions of a "historic property" or a "historical resource,"as provided in
Section 106 and CEQA regulations.
DEFINITION
i "Historic properties,"as defined by the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, include
"prehistoric or historic district,site, building,structure, or object included in,or eligible for
inclusion in, the National Register of Historic Places maintained by the Secretary of the
Interior" (36 CFR 800.16(1)). The eligibility for inclusion in the National Register is
determined by applying the following criteria, developed by the National Park Service as
per provision of the National Historic Preservation Act:
The quality of significance in American history,architecture,archeology,engineering,and
culture is present in districts,sites,buildings,structures,and objects that possess integrity of
location,design,setting,materials,workmanship,feeling,and association and
A (a) that are associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad
patterns of our history;or
M (b) that are associated with the lives of persons significant in our past;or
(c) that embody the distinctive characteristics of a type,period,or method of construction,or
that represent the work of a master,or that possess high artistic values,or that represent
a significant and distinguishable entity whose components may lack individual
N distinction;or
(d) that have yielded,or may be likely to yield,information important in prehistory or
N history. (36 CFR 60.4)
For CEQA-compliance considerations, the State of California's Public Resources Code
A (PRC) establishes the definitions and criteria for "historical resources,"which require
similar protection to what NHPA Section 106 mandates for historic properties. "Historical
N resources," according to PRC §5020.1O, "includes,but is not limited to, any object, building,
site, area, place,record,or manuscript which is historically or archaeologically significant,
N or is significant in the architectural, engineering, scientific, economic,agricultural,
educational, social,political,military, or cultural annals of California." More specifically,
1 CEQA guidelines state that the term "historical resources"applies to any such resources
listed in or determined to be eligible for listing in the California Register of Historical
Resources, included in a local register of historical resources,or determined to be
historically significant by the Lead Agency(Title 14 CCR§15064.5(a)(1)-(3)).
17
1
■
■
Regarding the proper criteria of historical significance,CEQA guidelines mandate that "a
resource shall be considered by the lead agency to be 'historically significant'if the resource
■ meets the criteria for listing on the California Register of Historical Resources" (Title 14
CCR 915064.5(a)(3)). A resource may be listed in the California Register if it meets any of
the following criteria:
(1) Is associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns
of California's history and cultural heritage.
(2) IS associated with the lives of persons important in our past.
(3) ]Embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type,period,region,or method of
construction,or represents the work of an important creative individual,or possesses
. high artistic values.
(4) Has yielded,or may be likely to yield,information important in prehistory or history.
(PAC§5024.1(c))
A local register of historical resources,as defined by PRC §5020.1(k), "means a list of
properties officially designated or recognized as historically significant by a local
government pursuant to a local ordinance or resolution." For properties within the City of
Palm Springs, the City's Historic Preservation Ordinance (Title 8.05, Palm Springs
Municipal Code)provides the designation of"historic sites,"as defined below:
An historic site is any real property such as:a building;a structure,including but not limited
to archways,tiled areas and similar architectural elements;an archaeological excavation or
object that is unique or significant because of its location,design,setting,materials,
workmanship or aesthetic effect and:
(1) That is associated with events that have made a meaningful contribution to the nation,
state or community;or
(2) That is associated with lives of persons who made meaningful contribution to national,
Astate or local I*tory;or
(3) That reflects or exemplifies a particular period of the national,state or local history;or
(4) That embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type,period or method of construction:
Or
(5) That presents the work of a master builder,designer,artist,or architect whose individual
genius influenced his age;or that possesses high artistic value;or
(6) That represents a significant and distinguishable entity whose components may lack
individual distinction;or
(7) That has yielded or may be likely to yield information important to national,state or local
history or prehistory. (§8.05.020 PSMC)
Pursuant to these statutory and regulatory guidelines, the Spanish Inn complex is
evaluated under the criteria for the National Register, the California Register,as well as
City designation. The results of the evaluation are discussed below.
]EVALUATION
As the results of this study demonstrate, the Spanish Irin,formerly known as the
Ambassador Hotel and Alan's Ladd's Spanish bin,was opened in 1939 by David
N Margolius,a wealthy investor and part-time Palm Springs resident,in a converted private
residence (Building Al) and an apartment building constructed specifically for this
purpose (Sub-complex B). More rooms were added to the hotel in the 1950s (Buildings A2
N
A lg
A
and A3),and Margolius and his family owned and operated the property well into the
modem period.
In considering the potential historical significance of the Spanish Inn, the salient fact is that
it was one of the smaller hostelries developed during Palm Springs' resort boom in the
years before WWII. As such,it is directly associated with the transformation of Palm
Springs from an obscure desert settlement in the early 20th century to a world-renowned
glamour capital in the 1930s-1950s, certainly "a historic trend that made a significant
contribution to the development of a community" (NPS 1991:12).
Although it was not among the best-known resort hotels frequented by the luminaries of
the time, most of the more distinguished properties,such as the Desert Inn,El Mirador,Del
Tahquitz, and the Oasis,have fallen victim to recent developments since the 1960s. The
Spanish Inn, in contrast, has not been substantially altered since 1956, except for the
apparent remodeling of the lobby entrance and the construction and demolition of a
poolside restaurant, and thus retains excellent historic integrity to relate to its heyday in the
1930s-1950s. As a relatively intact survivor of the dozens of resort hotels that sprang up in
Palm Springs during the mid-20th century boom,the Spanish Iron has now attained a closer
association to the historic event of significance,and perhaps the closest association among
similar properties that have been recorded in the vicinity.
G In addition to its association with an important historic event, the Spanish Inn stands as a
!� good example of Spanish Eclectic architecture, the style of choice among resort builders in
the Coachella Valley and southern California in the early and mid-20th century. It is, to be
sure,by no means an important specimen of its style, type, or method of construction (NPS
1991:18),but exhibits sufficient architectural and aesthetic merits to further enhance the
significance it has acquired through the historic association.
Based on these considerations, the present study concludes that the Spanish Jim appears to
be eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places and the California Register
of Historical Resources under Criterion a and Criterion 1,respectively, with a local level of
significance. The architectural and aesthetic merits of the complex,meanwhile, further
contribute to its historic significance under Criterion c and Criterion 3. For the same
reasons,it also appears eligible for designation by the City of Palm Springs as a historic site
of Class 1 or 2,as provided by the City's Historic Preservation Ordinance (§8.05.125 PSMC).
Therefore, the Spanish Inn qualifies as a "historic property,"as defined by Section 106, and
"a historical resource,"as defined by CEQA. Among the various components of the
complex, the two original buildings from the 1930s, Building Al and Sub-complex B,are
determined to be primary contributors to the property's historic significance and integrity,
while the other components, dating to the late 1940s to mid-1950s, are considered
secondary contributing elements.
PROJECT EFFECTS ASSESSMENT
Section 106 mandates that federal agencies take into account the effects of their
undertakings on historic properties and seek ways to avoid,minimize, or mitigate any
adverse effects on such properties (36 CFR 800.1(a)), Similarly, CEQA establishes that "a
project that may cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical
19
# resource is a project that may have a significant effect on the environment" (PRC§21084.1).
"Substantial adverse change,"according to PRC §5020.1(q), "means demolition,destruction,
relocation,or alteration such that the significance of an historical resource would be
impaired."
In Section 106 regulations, the term "effect"is specifically defined as follows: "Effect means
alteration to the characteristics of a historic property qualifying it for inclusion in or
eligibility for the National Register" (36 CFR 800.16(i)). In defining the term"adverse
effect," Section 106 regulations further state:
An adverse effect is found when an undertaking may alter,directly or indirectly,and of the
characteristics of a historic property that qualify the property for inclusion in the National
Register in a manner that would diminish the integrity of the property's location,design,
setting,materials,workmanship,feeling,or association. Consideration shall be given to all
qualifying characteristics of a historic property,including those that may have been
identified subsequent to the original evaluation of the property's eligibility for the National
Register. Adverse effects may include reasonably foreseeable effects caused by the
undertaking that may occur later in time,be farther removed in distance or be cumulative.
At the present time, specific plans for the proposed project remain to be finalized beyond
the ongoing repairs, maintenance, and renovation of the existing buildings, which will not
have an effect on this historic property if carried out in compliance with the Secretary of
Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation. No significant alteration has been proposed for the
two primary components of the Spanish Inn complex, Building Al and Sub-complex B, or
either of the other two buildings. The ultimate goal of the project is to reopen the Spanish
Inn as a hotel, or if necessary partially as a hotel and partially as condominiums. In both
scenarios, the intended use of the property is generally consistent with its historic use, and
will not adversely affect the preservation of the character-defining elements of the complex.
It is possible that the swimming pool on the hotel grounds will be relocated closer to the
a existing buildings,while additional suites and a subterranean parking garage will be
I constructed at the current site of the pool. Since the specific designs of these alterations
have not yet been presented,it is premature to determine if they would constitute an effect
and/or adverse effect to the Spanish Inn complex. However,in view of the local level of
significance attained by the Spanish Inn, the effect, if present,can be mitigated through
further recordation efforts to preserve the historical and architectural data about the
i property prior to the alterations, as outlined below.
T RECOMMENDATIONS
A
In order to prevent or mitigate any potential "adverse effect" or "substantial adverse
change" to the historical integrity or significance of the Spanish Inn,CRM TECH presents .
the following recommendations to Spanish Inn Joint Venture, the City of Palm Springs, and
N USDA:
1. The proposed renovation of the Spanish Inn complex should be carried out in
i accordance with the Secretary of Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation,and alterations
}" to the complex's primary character-defining elements should be avoided whenever
possible.
20
B
In 36 CFR 67, the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation are listed as
follows:
(1) A property shall be used for its historic purpose or be placed in a new use that requires
minimal change to the defining characteristics of the buildings and its site and
environment.
(2) The historic character of a property shall be retained and preserved. The removal of
historic materials or alteration of features and spaces that characterize a property shall
be avoided.
® (3) Each property shall be recognized as a physical record of its time,place,and use.
Changes to create a false sense of historical development,such as adding conjectural
features or architectural elements from other building shall not be undertaken.
(4) Most properties change over time;those changes that have acquired historic significance
in their own right shall be retained and preserved.
(5) Distinctive features,finishes,and construction techniques or examples of craftsmanship
that characterize a historic property shall be preserved.
(6) Deteriorated historic features shall be repaired rather than replaced. Where the severity
of deterioration requires replacement of a distinctive feature,the new feature shall
match the old in design,color, texture,and other visual qualities and,where possible,
materials. Replacement of a missing feature shall be substantiated by documentary,
physical,or pictorial evidence.
(7) Chemical or physical treatment,such as sandblasting,that cause damage to historic
materials shall not be used. The surface cleaning of structures,if appropriate,shall be
undertaken using the gentlest means possible.
(8) Significant archaeological resources affected by a project shall be protected and
preserved. If such resources must be disturbed,mitigation measures shall be
undertaken.
(9) New additions,exterior alterations,or related new construction shall not destroy
historic materials that characterize the property. The new work shall be differentiated
from the old and shall be compatible with the massing,size,scale,and architectural
features to protect the historic integrity of the property and its environment.
(10) New additions and adjacent or related new construction shall be undertaken in such a
manner that if removed in the future,the essential form and integrity of the historic
R property and its environment would not be impaired. (NPS 1990:6)
2. If any physical alteration to the complex or any of its contributing components becomes
unavoidable, a comprehensive documentation program,including both graphic and
textual recordation,should be undertaken to preserve the historical and architectural
data about the property, or at a minimum the portion of the complex to be affected.
Due to the local nature of the Spanish Inn's significance,recordation procedures
comparable to the Historic American Buildings Survey(NABS), which are often applied in
similar documentation of historic buildings, do not appear to be an appropriate approach
in this case. Instead,the recommended scope of work consists of textual documentation of
the history and current condition of the complex, as well as archival-quality photo-
recordation and,if necessary, scaled drawings of their structural and architectural
characteristics, including interior and exterior details. Part of these procedures,pertaining
to the textual documentation,has in fact been completed through this study. The results of
these procedures should be curated at an appropriate local cultural resources information
repository for easy public access, such as the City of Palm Springs and the Palm Springs
N Historical Society.
I
21
S
CONCLUSION
In summary, the results of the present study indicate that the Spanish Inn, the only cultural
resource identified on the subject property,appears to be eligible for listing in the National
Register of Historic Places and the California Register of Historical Resources,with a local
® level of significance. The significance of the Spanish Inn is derived from its close
association—as one of the surviving resort hotels from Palms Springs' glamorous heyday in
® the 1930s-1950s—with an important aspect and period in local history,and to a lesser
extent from its architectural merits. Based on the same considerations,it also appears
eligible for designation by the City of Palm Springs as a historic site of Class 1 or 2, as
provided by the City's Historic Preservation Ordinance. Therefore, the Spanish Inn
AQ qualifies as a "historic property"and a "historical resource" under Section 106 and CEQA
provisions.
In order to prevent or mitigate any potential "adverse effect" or "substantial adverse
change" to the historical integrity of significance of the Spanish Inn,CRM TECH presents
the following recommendations to Spanish Inn joint Venture, the City of Palm Springs,and
USDA.
The proposed renovation of the Spanish Inn complex should be carried out in
accordance with the Secretary of Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation,and alterations
to the complex's primary character-defining elements should be avoided whenever
possible;
b If any physical alteration to the complex or any of its contributing components becomes
Xunavoidable, a comprehensive documentation program,including both graphic and
textual recordation,should be undertaken to preserve the historical and architectural
data about the property,or at a minimum the portion of the complex to be affected.
If these conditions are formally adopted, CRM TECH recommends that the proposed
project may be cleared to proceed in compliance with Section 106 and CEQA requirements.
AO
AI
�i
r
A
A
A
M
A 22
A
REFERENCES
Bogert,Frank M.
1987 Palm Springs'First Hundred 'Years. Palm Springs Heritage Association, Palm
Springs.
2003 Palm Springs:First Hundred bears; revised and updated edition. Palm Springs
Public Library, Palm Springs.
i
City of Palm Springs
n.d. Building permit records, 640 North Indian Canyon Drive. On file,City of Palm
Springs Building and Safety Department, Palm Springs.
County Assessor,Riverside
1928-1937 Real property tax assessment records, Book 24A. Microfiches on file,
Riverside County Assessor's Office,Riverside.
1938-1959 Real property tax assessment records, Book 29. Microfiches on file, Riverside
County Assessor's Office,Riverside.
County Surveyor,Riverside
1926 Subdivision plat map: Las Palmas Estate. Microfiche on file, Riverside County
�r Surveyor's Office (MB 15/15-16),Riverside.
■ 1927 Subdivision plat map: Palm Springs Estate. Microfiche on file, Riverside County
Surveyor's Office (MB 15/43), Riverside.
Daily Enterprise (Riverside)
1964 Alan Ladd Found Dead in His Palm Springs Dome. January 30:D1,D6.
Desert Sun (Palm Springs)
1939 Mrs. Margolius Granted Divorce by Default. July 21-28:1.
I 1986 Obituary of Buelah E. Margolius. March 19:A4.
q 1987 Alan Ladd's Spanish Inn Bought for$1.3M. August 29:C1.
1988 Inn Revamped after Filing Chapter 11. November 24:C1.
1994 Spanish Inn Gets New Owner. March 25:C1.
Directory
1939, 1950 Telephone directory of Palm Springs (with other nearby communities). On
file, Palm Springs Public Library, Palm Springs.
GLO (General Land Office, U.S. Department of the Interior)
1856 Plat map: Township No. IV South Range No. IV East,San Bernardino Meridian,
California;surveyed in 1855.
1886 Plat map: Township No. 4 South Range No. 4 East,San Bernardino Meridian,
California;surveyed in 1885,
1895 Plat map: Township No. 4 South Range No. 4 East,San Bernardino Meridian,
California;surveyed in 1893.
NLos Angeles Times
1987 Alan Ladd's Spanish Inn Gets New Owners. September 13:VM-1.
23
E�
M McAlester,Virginia,and Lee McAlester
1992 A Field Guide to American Houses, Alfred A. Knopf, New York.
Miner, Robert
2003 Personal communication. Interviewed via telephone on July 31,2003.
NPS (National Park Service,U.S. Department of the Interior)
1990 The Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation and Guidelines for
Rehabilitating Historic Buildings. U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C.
1991 How to Apply the National Register Criteria for Evaluation;revised edition.
National Register Bulletin No. 15, Washington, D.C.
Sanborn (Sanborn Map Company)
1929, 1962 Insurance Map of Palm Springs, California;Sheet 9. Sanborn Map
Company, New York. Copies provided by Environmental Data Resources, Inc.,
Southport, Connecticut.
USGS (United States Geological Survey, U.S. Department of the Interior)
1901 Map: San Jacinto, Calif. (30', 1:125,000);surveyed in 1897-1898.
1979 Map: Santa Ana,Calif. (1:250,000); 1959 edition revised.
1988 Map: Palm Springs, Calif. (75, 1:24,000); 1957 edition photorevised in 1984.
R
R
A
M
A
A
24
1
i
APPENDIX 1.
PERSONNEL QUALIFICATIONS
I PRINCIPAL INVESTIiGATOR/HISTORIAN/ARCHIT'ECTURAL HISTORIAN
Bai "Tom"Tang, M.A.
' Education
1988-1993 Graduate Program in Public History/Historic Preservation, UC Riverside.
1987 M.A.,American History, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut.
1982 B.A.,History,Northwestern University,Van, China.
2000 "Introduction to Section 106 Review,"presented by the Advisory Council on
Historic Preservation and the University of Nevada, Reno.
1994 "Assessing the Significance of Historic Archaeological Sites,"presented by the
Historic Preservation Program, University of Nevada, Reno.
Professional Experience
2002- Principal Investigator, CRM TECH,Riverside, California.
1993-2002 Project Historian/Architectural Historian, CRM TECH,Riverside, California.
1993-1997 Project Historian,Greenwood and Associates,Pacific Palisades, California.
1991-1993 Project Historian, Archaeological Research Unit, UC Riverside.
1990 Intern Researcher, California State Office of Historic Preservation,
R Sacramento.
1990-1992 Teaching Assistant,History of Modern World, UC Riverside.
1988-1993 Research Assistant,American Social History, UC Riverside.
1985-1988 Research Assistant, Modern Chinese History, Yale University.
I 1985-1986 Teaching Assistant, Modem Chinese History, Yale University.
1982-1985 Lecturer, History,Xi'an Foreign Languages Institute,Xi'an, China.
�) Honors and Awards
�i 1988-1990 University of California Graduate Fellowship, UC Riverside.
1985-1987 Yale University Fellowship, Yale University Graduate School.
1980, 1981 President's Honor List, Northwestern University,Van, China.
Cultural Resources Management Reports
Preliminary Analyses and Recommendations Regarding California's Cultural Resources
�l Inventory System (With Special Reference to Condition 14 of NPS 1990 Program Review
Report). California State Office of Historic Preservation working paper, Sacramento,
September 1990.
Numerous cultural resources management reports with the Archaeological Researcfi Unit,
Greenwood and Associates, and CRM TECH, since October 1991.
M'I
Membership
California Preservation Foundation.
�� 25
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR/ARCHAEOLOGIST
Michael Hogan, Ph.D.,1ZPA"
Education
1991 Ph.D.,Anthropology, University of California,Riverside.
1981 B.S., Anthropology, University of California,Riverside; with honors.
A 1980-1981 Education Abroad Program, Lima,Peru,
2002 Section 106--National Historic Preservation Act: Federal Law at the Local
Level, UCLA Extension Course#888.
2002 "Recognizing Historic Artifacts,"workshop presented by Richard Norwood,
Historical Archaeologist.
2002 "Wending Your Way through the Regulatory Maze,"symposium presented
by the Association of Environmental Professionals.
1992 "Southern California Ceramics Workshop,"presented by Jerry Schaefer.
1992 "Historic Artifact Workshop,"presented by Anne Duffield-Stoll.
Professional Experience
2002- Principal Investigator, CRM TECH,Riverside,California.
1999-2002 Project Archaeologist/Field Director,CRM TECH,Riverside.
1996-1998 Project Director and Ethnographer,Statistical Research, Inc.,Redlands.
1992-1998 Assistant Research Anthropologist, University of California,Riverside
1992-1995 Project Director,Archaeological Research Unit,U. C. Riverside.
1993-1994 Adjunct Professor,Riverside Community College, Mt. San Jacinto College,
UC Riverside, Chapman University, and San Bernardino Valley College.
1991-1992 Crew Chief,Archaeological Research Unit, U. C. Riverside.
1984-1998 Archaeological Technician, Field Director, and Project Director for various
M southern California cultural resources management firms.
I
!i Research Interests
Cultural Resource Management,Southern Californian Archaeology, Settlement and
ii Exchange Patterns,Specialization and Stratification,Culture Change,Native American
Culture, Cultural Diversity.
r! Cultural Resources Management Reports
t Author and co-author of, contributor to, and principal investigator for numerous cultural
resources management study reports since 1986.
Memberships
*Register of Professional Archaeologists.
Society for American Archaeology.
Society for California Archaeology.
! Pacific Coast Archaeological Society.
Coachella Valley Archaeological Society. k`
!I 26
PROJECT ARCHAEOLOGIST
Daniel Ballester, B.A,
Education
1998 S.A.,Anthropology,California State University,San Bernardino.
1997 Archaeological Field School, University of Las Vegas and University of
California,Riverside.
1994 University of Puerto Rico,Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico.
2002 "Historic Archaeology Workshop," presented by Richard Norwood,Base
Archaeologist,Edwards Air Force Base;presented at CRM TECH, Riverside.
Professional Experience
2002- Field Director,CRM TECH,Riverside.
• Report writing,site record preparation, and responsible for all aspects of
field work and crew.
1999-2002 Project Archaeologist, CRM TECH, Riverside.
• Survey, testing, data recovery,monitoring, and mapping.
1998-1999 Field Crew,K.E.A. Environmental,San Diego.
Two and a half months of excavations on Topomai village site, Marine
Corp Air Station,Camp Pendleton.
1998 Field Crew,A.S.M. Affiliates, Encinitas.
• Two weeks of excavations on a site on Red Beach, Camp Pendleton, and
two weeks of survey in Camp Pendleton, Otay Mesa, and Encinitas.
1998 Field Crew,Archaeological Research UniL,University of California,Riverside.
• Two weeks of survey in Anza Borrego Desert State Park and Eureka
Valley,Death Valley National Park.
PROJECT ARCHAEOLOGIST
Robert Allen Porter, S.A.
]Education
2000 B.A.,Anthropology, California State University, San Bernardino.
Professional Experience
2001- Project Archaeologist, CRM TECH, Riverside.
2000 Archaeological field class under the direction of Claude Warren. Excavated
units at Soda Lake in the Mojave Desert and produced lake bottom
1 stratigraphic profiles and carbon sample collections.
Honors and Awards
Spring 2000 Dean's Honors List(G.P.A. of 4.0 in fly units)
t Fall 2000 Dean's Honors List(G.P.A. of 3.9 in 12 units)
27
®I PROJECT ARCHAEOLOGIST
Adrian Sanchez Moreno, B.A.
®I Education
1999 B.A.,Anthropology (with emphasis in Archaeology),University of San Diego.
i
.Professional Experience
2000- Project Archaeologist, CRM TECH, Riverside.
1999 Field Crew, excavation in Camp Pendleton Marine Corps Air Base,
Oceanside, K.E.A. Environmental, San Diego.
1999 Field Crew, excavation at Freedmen's Cemetery site in Alexandria, Virginia.
URS Greiner Woodward &Clyde.
1999 Field Crew,survey and excavation in Guerrero Negro, Mexico.
o Including identification of osteological specimens.
1999 Field Crew,excavation at Lake Chapala, Baja California,Mexico.
Excavation and cataloguing of lithic artifacts from the oldest known site in
Baja California.
1998 Field Crew,petroglyph survey in San Pedro Atacama, Chile.
Focusing on identification of possible habitation and petroglyph sites.
f PROJECT ARCHAEOLOGIST
Laura Hensley Shaker, B.S.
Education
1998 B.S.,Anthropology(with emphasis in Archaeology), University of California,
1 Riverside.
1997 Archaeological Field School, University of California,Riverside.
1
2002 "Historic Archaeology Workshop,"presented by Richard Norwood, Base
1 Archaeologist, Edwards Air Force Base;presented at CRM TECH, Riverside.
1 1999 "Unexploded Ordinance Training,"presented by EOD officers;Fort Irwin.
Army Training Facility, Barstow.
Professional Experience
' 1999- Project Archaeologist,CRM TECH, Riverside.
1999 Applied Earthworks, excavation of sites in Vandenburg Airforce Base.
1999 Archaeological survey at Fort Irwin Army Training Facility, Barstow.
1998-1999 Paleontological field work and laboratory procedures, Eastside Reservoir
' Project;San Bernardino County Museum,Redlands.
1998 Archaeological survey at the Anza-Borrego State Park;Archaeological
` Research Unit, U.C. Riverside.
1997-1998 Archaeological survey and excavation at the Twentynine Palms Marine Corps
Air and Ground Combat Center;Archaeological Research Unit, U.C.
Riverside.
28
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and the north wing of building 1. Now the entire building has been demolished, so it will be a re-
creation and all the historic fabrics have been completely lost, ,Don't understand how staff can say
that they are following what this Board approved in termsi6f the building permits_ What was
approved has nothing to do with re-creating a building the as now gone. There has to be another
level of review And report back to the Board to discuss fiat is now appropriate. The Secretary of
Interior Standards de get very specific as to how recon cting historic properties with guidelines to
follow. There is a formal process for dealing with thi kind of situation — this Board should ensure
that this occurs, because this was illegally dem fished. In discussing this with the Building
Department Director, there ale plans to invoke a minimal fine and since the letter from Jones &
Stokes (consultant) claimed th& appropriate re edy is to put up a plaque — that does not explain or
justify the fact that an important hi oric resour e was demolished. This needs clarification as to how
the reconstruction of a demolished property - in any way consistent with what this Board approved
which only involved removal of the ceft . Building 3 - called the restaurant building - was not
considered by this Board, but it was al %completely demolished_ Does not believe the mural is
being properly protected — covering b plastic is not a good approach for something painted on
plaster. There are lots of issues to e dealt with on this project - urges the Board to lake further
action and discussion.
Board requested having oversi t on the reconstruction of project. The approval process has been
de-railed by the demolition o the buildings — which was ri61approved_ The mural is considered a
very important part of Palm prings fabric and someone from"the Museum or another expert should
inspect it and be sure tha It is being protected so it will be incorporated into the new building. A site
visit by J. Williams prov there is no back building and the basem�nt is filling up with water, a piece
of plastic and plywo d is not sufficient to protect this_ The Board, needs assurance that the
architectuzslaff
of the stairs, railings(bannisters) windows, mural�roof tiles are preserved_
Sidney Wed as the third member of the sub-committee. She and\Bill Scott will meet with
the develtaff while J. Williams is out of town and then report baakk at the next Board
meeting.
Director Eined that this goes back to the authority granted by the Municipaf'Code and the
City Counl review this and report back. The sub-committee for the Colony Palms Hotel is
John Williams, Bill Scott, and Sidney Williams. They will meet with the owner/applicant�etween
now and the next meeting, invite them the attend the next meeting, and the status approval'of the
project will be investigated in light of the changes and will report back to this Board at the next
meeting
AGENDAITEMF#;'1_, :CASE 5.1014-cut riTTM 31104 - NEJAT KOHAN OF THE SPANISH INN
�U APPLYING FOR AiCONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TO ALLOVIf'THE';CONVERSION OF HOTEL TO
rr� �• CONDOMINIUMS AND THE CONSTRUCTION OF CONDOMINIUMS AT 640 NORTH INDIAN
CANYON DRIVE, ZONE 53, SECTION 11 - UPDATE AND DISCUSSION ONLY
Staff reported that the applicant wanted to update this Board on the project status. There is no
approval process or recommendations required today. This has been approved by HSPB, AAC,
Planning Commission, and City Council.
Board originally approved "....to renovate the Spanish Inn hotel convert the hotel to condominiums,
and construct a new condo building at 640 North Indian Canyon Drive, Zone R-3, Section 1, sublect
to reconsidering the homogenization of the existing buildings with respect to detailing and restudy
the mass and height of the tower and new structure. (5 Yes 0 No, 1 absent) (April 12. 2005
Minutes
Skip Goodell, architect, reported on the three components of the project - Complex A, B, & C.
Complex C is totally new, A & B were shown to the board at the April 12, 2005 HSPB Meeting..
Drawings passed around and displayed on the walls. Working drawings are almost complete and
uoQ9
HSPB Mecting Minutes,January 10,2005 4 of 8
being brought back as promised. Complex A needs new stairs, railings, and balconies; B needs all
new stairways. All Architecture to be sympathetic to existing. The tower has been re-worked as
Board requested, and is now 28 feet(from 37 feet) in height, ceramic the roof in a mural mosaic type
color/design. Added more work related space for management staff in Complex A. There is now a
two-story entrance. Solar panels will be on the roof out of sight to reduce energy costs. Complex A
handrail is the only existing metal work - full leafy type design — small children could go right thru
it...it's too open for safety so will be re-designed- Exposed wood will be brown, stucco will be white,
ref roof tiles, canterra stone work, ironwork may be black. Funding is finalized, project is ready to go
when alV plans, permits and approvals are in place.
Board member asked if the roof the color was approved by AAC, Planning Commission and/or City
Council? The mosaic now being suggested is not in keeping with the Spanish Colonial style and
wonder if AAC would or will approve it.
Board is concerned that new structures in this project will mimic the existing buildings - not
appropriate. Sub-committee may need to be appointed to work with staff and applicant/developer.
Original colors were white stucco with red tile roof, The Mirador Tower, a few blocks away, has
colored roof tiles - board does not want this project to copy that. First choice by Board would be for
a red tile roof (clay type). Board does not want to delay the project, but needs see the colors, the
tower, the work, and how it impacts the color of the project.
Board suggested that the applicant/developer come back with a color board and color renderings
either through a sub-committee or at a future meeting.
Staff indicated that applicant is to give Board details of any changed made from what was presented
and approved at the April 12, 2005 meeting. If it is determined that the changes are far beyond what
had been approved, it will be taken back to the AAC and Planning Commission- In terms of HSPB
approval, it appears that the Board was prepared to move the project along subject to the
homogenization of the buildings and the massive height of the tower - almost deferring it to some
future review, Not sure the understanding was that it would be brought back to the Board.
Construction documents have not been submitted as yet and are now being prepared.
t eturning to AGENDA ITEM#9: ON-GOING PROJECT UPDATES - STAFF &SUB-COMMITTEES
(13) HO'q ON HOTEL: 1050 Est Palm Canyon Drive: Staff reported the are re-striping the
parking aqd working on landscaping in accordance with approved plans. No opening date
determined. ` hiis will stay on the agenda until project is complete and certificate of
occupancy has been iswed
i
(C) GTE BUILDING: 360 North Palm�anyon Drive (Class 1 Historic Designation #26): Staff
reported no update. Sub-committee of Bill Scott and John Williams - asked if
applicant/developer is going to re-paint the-building- Applicant has indicated to staff that the
building will be re-painted an off-white color similar.-to the original color. A written notification
will be sent to the applicant/developer/owner to advse-Shat the approved color was an off-
white and not the beige/tan they used.
(D) SEE BURG BUILDING, 1081 North Pal Canyon Drive: Staff reported th_e building has been
renovated per the HSPB approval- it is almost completed, Exterior is dons interior is being
done now. Submitted plans have been submitted for the rear carports -Vecy close to
completion. Sub-committee of James Hayton and Bill Scott indicated that this could Taken
off the Agenda since it is a completed project. I
a_ _
Historic Site Preservation Board Page 2 of 7
Minutes from the September 12,2006 Meeting
their long-range plans-
a, WISHED BUSINESS:
Board er Riley asked about the 1915 Craftsman Bungalow because the Stay Order runs
out on October tall member Ken Lyon updated Board via email and the stay runs out mid-
November and discusse h Matt Fisher and they do not anticipate any demolition until the
first of the year 2007. Negotia i re ongoing to find someone to move the Bungalow, will
update the Board when more is known.
C. NEW BUSINESS
(1) Horizon Hotel — Class 1 Historic Site Designation A
David Scharf, owner of the Horizon Hotel, reported that renovations have jus
completed,and would like to move forward with the Class 1 application. Staff membe
Lyon will work with owner on application, Mills Act, etc.
(2) Case No. 5.1012 - banish Inn Application for HSPB Class 1 Designation #49
Subcommittee member Bud Riley gave a brief report of their site visit. Staff recommends
�tb classifying only the 1939 element based on its historic significance.
Nejat Kohan, Co-Owner of Spanish Inn, read from a prepared statement describing the
hotel/condo renovation and restoration project. (attached for information)
Board member Jade Nelson stated his agreement with the Staff Report that the 1938-39
portions of the site be designated. Concern is that the project is still under renovation and
how does the Board designate during this process — should it be designated now or when
the project is completed?
Staff member Ken Lyon identified the condition of approval and designation in the staff
report and that work must be continued in accordance with the Standards of Rehabilitation
and the designation be conditional on the completion.
Board member John Williams asked about the "tower element" which was a Board issue
when this project was reviewed some time ago, and asked that the Board see the new
design. Would like to see buildings A-1 and B included because A-1 is the oldest building.
Nejat Kahan explained that the Tower roof was originally designed to be "domed." AAC
suggested the tower be triangular, but after review the "domed" design was better. The
domed design has now been approved by AAC, the tower is 28 feet high (lowered from
original design of 34 feet).
Tom Tang explained that the concern of building A-1 is that the facade has been
significantly altered and does not look like something from the 1920's, but the entire
compound is a significant property.
Nejat Kohan explained that the only proposed change to Building A-1 is the height of the
lobby from ten feet to 15 feet, everything else remains the same. Believes the entire project
as a whole should be designated-
Board member John Williams stated a concern regarding the Resolution to the Council - -
(read from items 1 & 2 in the staff report) -- a new owner could potentially demolish building
in_, T51"1
Historic Site Preservation Board Page 3 of 7
Minutes from the September 12,2006 Meeting
A-1 based on this Resolution. Also concerned about making the Class 1 Designation
conditional on completing the proposed rehabilitation for the same reasons.
Staff's recommendation was put forth as an incentive for developer to continue to adhere to
standards they have certified they will follow.
Board member Bud Riley stated that Building C, not part of this discussion, is being
constructed to look almost identical to Buildings A& B. It can look like the others, but it
should be distinct and he wants this to be on record.
Tom Tang, CRB Tech, restated Item #9 from The Secretary of the Interior's Standards....
page 21 of the Historic Assessment...."New additions, exterior alterations, or related new
construction shall not destroy historic materials that characterize the property. The new
work shall be differentiated from the old and shall be compatible with the massing, size,
scale, and architectural features to protect the historic integrity of the property and its
environment." The intent is not for the new building to be identical to the original structures.
Nejat Kohan stated the object of the application is to obtain the Class 1 designation benefits.
If certain parts are only approved and the benefits are not there, what is the purpose of this
application? Help is needed by way of tax deductions, property tax, income tax benefits
based on the Class 1 designation_ All parts of the project are completely historical.
Chairperson Sidney Williams asked if only part of the project was approved, what is the
differentiation in tax benefits?
Staff member Ken Lyon advised that the Mills Act gives benefits for property tax and there
are other tax programs and preservation tax break incentives at the national level. If the
buildings in Complex B are "for sale' units and sold off as for sale condos, they would each
enjoy the benefits with a Mills Act contract. Those for sale units in Complex C (new building)
or those portions of Complex A (1950's buildings) would not enjoy any tax benefits. If this
sits as a single property, not to be subdivided into for sale units, there is one property tax
index number—the County records the Mills Act against an APN.
Board member Brian Strahl asked if the work already completed has been done in
compliance with the Secretary of the Interior's Guidelines? Feels the Board's job is to
preserve the history of the building/project regardless of the owner's tax benefits—the
history and what is historical significant in the building.
Staff member Ken Lyon reported that those areas where work has been done appear to
conform to the Standards.
Board member John Williams asked Tom Tang of CRB Tech about other"entire° projects
being classified even though additions or alterations had been done and can this Board
request a designation for the entire project under the current Ordinance?
Board Vice Chair Jade Nelson indicated he was thinking of the compound being designated
a Class 2 Historic Site, with Building B a Class 1. He read from Municipal Code Article I,
Definitions 8.05.020 (a).....An historic site is any real property...... (thru items (1), (2), (3). &
(4)) —as they all apply to the Spanish Inn and cover all the features and importance of that
entire property--land, buildings, events, people....the history of the site rather than just the
structures. Feels this entire site should be seriously considered for designation rather than
individual buildings.
Historic Site Preservation Board page 4 of 7
Minutes from the September 12,2006 Meeting
Board member John Williams stated that the applicant has an interest in the Mills Act on this
property and if he were to ask for and get through the Council a designation for Al-, A-2, A-
3 and B, he would at least be able to enjoy the Mills Act on those properties. Building C
may be an issue to take up at a later date. He is in favor of requesting designation of the
entire site and eliminating the waiting period.
Board member Brian Strahl is not in favor of designating the entire site for a building that is
not yet built. He would be in favor of limiting the class designation so it is not applicable
until the project is completed, but feels it should be protected from being torn down in case
another developer buys the property.
Staff member Ken Lyon suggested that if it were to be designated now, any building permit
applications henceforth would require coming before this Board....any scope of work would
have to conform. If it is classified as Class 1, the developer sells the property, someone
else takes it over and files for a building permit to do work that is not conforming --that
building permit would come before the Board for review to determine if that work was in
keeping with and protective of the property.
Nejat Kohan reported that the CC&Rs for the project are completed and they contain a
Historic Site Committee within the Homeowners Association that will bring all changes,
especially exterior changes in the project, to the HSPB. Those are the Conditions within the
CC&Rs. If A & B are approved as a Class 1 designation, Mr. Kohan felt he would have no
problem with excluding new construction, but wants all of the project looked at for Class 1
Historical Designation.
Board member Bud Riley commented that the Board has an obligation to protect A & B and
feels Council will agree if presented properly. Would like to see Complex C stand alone for
now and should look different.
Staff member Lyon read from the Municipal Ordinance, Article III, Section 8-05,125 — Class
2...... "Site qualified for city designation; may be...."
Board member Bud Riley moved that Case 5.1012- Spanish Inn at 640 North Indian
Canyon Drive be designated a HSPB Class 1 Historic#49 Site under Municipal Code
8.05.125, Buildings A-1, A-2, A-3, and Band that this request for designation be forwarded
to the City Council for approval. Board member John Williams seconded the motion.
M/S/C (Riley/J. Williams — 5 Yes, 0 No, 1 Absent, 0 Abstention) to approve motion as
stated above.
ase 3.2959—Application for Demolition at 1189 Tamarisk Road (taken out of order)
Several Boar bers reported visiting the site and did not see any redeemable features
of the property.
Board member Jade Nelson wanted the r to show that the original owners were
Claude & Ruth Freed according to the 1937-48 loc ne directory.
Board member John Williams moved that the Board approve demo i iIIr<Case 3.2959 —
Application for demolition at 1189 Tamarisk Road. Seconded by Chair Sidne iams.
xr_
yC�-I�Y-�3 a r P/�11 SPK S
MAN v�7 cn.]
HISTORICAL APPLICATION FOR CLASS l r'`�' N' 'r �ter•
The undersigned, Skip Goodell, Architect and Designer for the Spanish Inn,has read the
August 11,2003 CRM Historical Survey Report and that all work relating to the
conversion and renovation of the Spanish Inn will be done in conformance with the
Secretary of Tntedor's Stand of rehabilitation of a historic structure_
Sincc the report by CMR 'Tech was produced in August 2003 as a historical site, it still
exists today without any alterations to the buildings' primary character.
The buildings' bistorical character will be retained and preserved and will have minimal
change to its distinctive features and materials such as:
Reroofing all buildings using original old Spanish mission tile,replacing,broken
tiles with matching Mission tiles,additionally retaining original roof rafters_
Repair existing stairways,reconstruct wand structures,stud walls, and install
existing boutique Spanish tiles from orignal construction.
Wrought iron railings have been preserved,and any additional railings will have
the same design.
Exterior walls have new stucco finish with the same mission white smooth
texture, as its original.design. Interior walls will have smooth finish_
Cupolas have been repaired and refinished using the original boutique the to
match its historic character.
Casement windows arc being replaced ,with the same 5 and b lite design, but with
better craftsmanship and energy t0cieney,
Complex A building will remain the same,however the large lobby will be
renovated converting the large lobby and administrative area into a large Main
I-Tall and managers unit raising the main ceiling adding a new Entry tower,but not
deviate from the same original design,
Complex S will be renovated and not have any major construction changes.
Complex C will be new constructiom As proposed, the architectural style of a
new suites above parking garage in Complex C is compatible with the quality
design of the original and existing con plexe-s A &13. The building details of new
Courtyard"C"are also in harmony with the existing Courtyard"B"
Again I hereby certify that all work related to the renovation and convention of
the Spanish Inn will be done in conformance with the Secretary of Interiors Standards,
c� /lr l • tJ ,
Skip Goo eI],Architect For Spanish Inn
S�z�cl� 'rT-DV`k% Lia PIUS A-Or C6W RACJT-
APPENDIX A
MAINTENANCE AND Rt HADILITATION STANDARDS AND CONDITIONS
SECRETARY OF THE INTERIORS STANDARDS FOR REHASILITATIoN
L A property will be used as it was historically or be given a new use that requires minimal change to
its distinctive materials,features,spaces,and spatial relationships.
2. The historic character of a property will be retailed and preserved. The removal of distinctive
materials or alteration of features,spaces•and spatial relationships that characterize a property will be
avoided.
3. Each property will be recognized as a physical record of its time,place, and use. Changes thtat create
a false sense of historical development, such as adding conjectural features or elements from other
historic properties,will not be undertaken.
4. Changes to a property that have acquired historic significance in their own right will be retained and
preserved.
5. Distinctive materials, futures, finishes, and construction techniques or examples of craftsmanship
that characterize a property will be preserved.
6. Deteriorated historic features will be repaired rather than replaced. Where the severity of
deterioration requires replacement of a distinctive foaluru, the new feature will match the old in
design, color, texture, and, where possible, materials. Replacement of missing features will be
substantiated by documentary and physical evidence
7. Chemical or physical treatments, if appropriate,will be undertaken using the gentlest means possible.
Treatments that cause damage to historic materials will not be used.
S. Archeological resources will be protected and preserved in place. If such resources must be
disturbed,mitigation measures will be undertaken.
9. New additions, exterior alterations, or related new construction will not destroy historic materials,
features,and spatial relationships that characterize the property. The new work shall be differentiated
from the old and will be compatible with the historic materials, features, size, scale and proportion,
and massing to protect the integrity of the property and its etnvironmene
10, New additions and adjacent or related new construction will be undertaken in such a manner that,if
removed in die future, the essential form and integrity of the historic property and its cnvirenment
would be unimpaired.
PROPERTY IVIAINTENANGE
All buildings, structures,yards and other hnprovemcnts shall be maintained in a superior manner. All current
building and zoning codes will be enforced. The following conditions are prohibited:
a. Dilapidated buildings or features such as fences, roofs,doors,walls and windows.
b. Abandoned or discarded objects, equipment or materials such as automobiles, automobile parts,
furniture,appliances,containers,lumber or similar items stored outside but within property lines-
C. Stagnant water or open excavations.
d. Any device, decoration or structure,which is unsightly by reason of its height, condition or location.
G Peeling exterior paint or umemovedhmcovered grafrai.
f. Overgrown landscaping, exposed bald areas within yards or grounds and broken hardscape features
which could cause injury.
g. Other substandard conditions as cited by Vic Cultural Heritage Commission, the Director of Planning,
or the City's hIistorical Property Contracts Manager.
CONDITION$
Tl»s Historical Property Contract provides the potential for property tax reduction in exchange for agreement
to rehabilitate and maintain an historic building. Existing conditions not in conformance with Vie Secretary of
the Interior's Standards, may be required to be removed and the original conditions remedied as part of this
contract.
HITTORIUL PROPIIRTY CONTRACT
yPPLILlT10H 6lNO!
q pylyy Kµwµf xOotl
T0: City of Palm Springs March 29, 200'0
Historical Site Designation
FROM: Skip Goodell, Architect
RE: Spanish Inn Application for
Historical Site Designation
Following is a brief description of the scope of work entailed in the current project:
The original hotel on 640 N Indian Canyon dates back to the late thirties. The hotel
consist of 2 complexes as follows:
Complex A is the original hotel site with 22 rooms and will be converted to 26 hotel
rooms_ Parts of these structures are to be removed and replaced with an"Entry Tower"
providing a focal point, and a new two-story"Main Hall" (lobby). The existing rooms
are to be renovated to reflect the distinct architectural features from Complex B, such as
doors, windows, columns, railings, stairways and original detailing.
Complex B consists of one and two-story structures also dating over''/Z century. The 17
original apartment/studio units are to be converted and designed to accommodate 12
complete condominiums_ Complex B will include the existing stairway, tiles and
ironwork to keep the integrity of the original design. Anew rear stairway,balcony with
multiple trellises will be added to the rear elevation. Complex B contains the most
attractive and historic features of the project.
Complex C is a new feature added to the property consisting of 8 new condominium units
over a parking structure. The location of Complex C will be over the existing swimming
pool that will be relocated to the west side of Complex C and centered around all three
complexes.
The project site includes the dedication of 20 feet along Indian Canyon Drive to the City
and the dedication of three other surrounding streets from the City to the Spanish Inn
(Street Calming Program), The Site design will include trash shelters, entry gates,new
walkways, new water features,relocation of existing date palm trees, interior courtyards,
pool and spa areas, connections between the Complexes, and Security.
Electrical,plumbing, mechanical, cable, and telecommunications will be converted to
meet the current Unified Building Code. Although contemporary by Code, it will reflect
the history and culture of the past as integral components of restoration and renovation
as applied.
All the above changes have been reviewed and approved by the Historical Site
Preservation Board of the City of Palm Springs.
c '
rVi
DATE SUBMITTED
CASE NO. �
(To he assigned)
CITY OF PALM SPRINGS
Department of Planning &Building
Historic Site Designation
11)THE APPLTCAN'P:
Your cooperation in completing this application and supplying the information reauested will
expedite City review of your application pursuant to local procedure. Applications submitted will
not be considered complete until all submittal requirements are"met. Staff may require additional
information depending upon the specific project needs.
Please submit this &lication and subsequent material to the Department of Planning &Building.
NAME OF APPLICANT
Check One: Owner ❑ Lessee ❑ Authorized Agent
Applicant's Address: 6��I/7 �. dx �d�/
t
Telephone Number: 700
Site Address:
Co� � na✓L Con��ry �6V1 : C�VCav 1939
Construction Date: Estimated Factual
Architect: r-
Builder:
Present Owner: ✓ �/�r�`ay/�
Original Owner:
HSD
4 :
Itnpartant Owners:
���
Other Historic Associations: p��7��iCJCidr irLG9 ��c{Pr"7 `
Common Narne : �� � Historic Name: mlJ
Assessor's Parcel Number: — —
Zone: Land Use: d
Is this project on The land gor Indian trust land ❑? (Check One)
HSD
Revised 8199 5
, p
Please check the appropriate boxes:
ARCHITECTURAL S YLE
❑ Vernacular Adobe 1800-1950 ❑ Bungalow 1895-1930
❑ Vernacular Wood Frame 1850-1950 ❑ Prairie Style 1905-1930
❑ Vernacular Brick 1850-1950 ❑ Pueblo Revival 1905-1940
❑ Vernacular Ranch House 1850 1950 VN Mediterranean/Spanish Rv. 1915-1940
❑ Vernacular (other) 1850-1950 ❑ Moderne/Art Deco 1920-1940
❑ Gothic Revival 1850-1910 ❑ International Style 1925-1950
❑ Italiante 1860-1880 ❑ California Style Post-1945
❑ French Second Empire 1860-1890 ❑ Commercial
❑ Mission Revival 1890-1920 ❑ Other:
❑ Craftsman Bungalow 1895-1920
PRIMARY BUILDING MATERIAL ROOF 'TYPE
® Wood Frame ❑ Gable Other: /
❑ Log ❑ Hip
❑ Adobe Brick ❑ Half-Hipped
❑ Brick ❑ Gablet
❑ Stone ❑ Shed
RJ Stucco ❑ Gambrel
Concrete ❑ Flat
Metal �j ❑ Mansard
Other:dp$zWar /i/� ❑ Hipped Gable
Are there any significant decorative elements? Yes ❑ No
If yes, briefly describe:
[ 5r7 0.� �'Qc.C,Qr� 5CCIph -L' :
ucn
RELATED FEATURES SURROUNDINGS
❑ Barn ❑ Open Land
❑ Carriage House Scattered Buildings
❑ Garage ❑ Densely Built-up
❑ Shed ALTERATIONS
❑ Outhouse ❑ Major
❑ Windmill Minor
❑ Water Tower ❑ Unaltered
❑ Tankhouse If altered, briefly describe: / f
❑ Hitching Posts
]Fence wGffCrv2f��� [ .vld�r !�
Wall � � d �UfZrh
❑ Unusual Curb � � �- —�—
G�!/�� !J O l-,z"+ 1f7�,170
❑ Unusual Sidewalk PRESENT CONDITION � � 1• " ems
❑ Formal Gardens ❑ Excellent
❑ Unusual Trees ❑ Good
I❑ Expansive Lawns ® Fair
❑ Other: ❑ Deteriorated
I ❑ Destroyed
USE OF BUl�AING
Current Use: ,/rz(Gr!�
d ,
Original Use:
]Please list any sources used comple this application:
/� l!
HSD
Revised 8/99 7
n
F
APPLICANT'S REQUIRED MATERIAL CHECKLIST
HISTORIC SITE DESIGNATION
The following items must be completed before a Historic Site Designation application will be
accepted. Please check off each item to assure completeness_ Refer to the REQUIRED
MATERIA s list of this application for more details'on each item.
Applicant City Use
Only Onl
• Original Application t/ ❑ ❑
(10 copies)
Plot Plan
8 1/2 x 11 (10 copies) d ❑ , ❑
Miscellaneous Exhibits
• Public Hearing Labels 'f ❑ ❑
• Project Sponsor Labels (if any) ✓ ❑ ❑
• Existing Site Photographs ✓ [] ❑
Planning Department, Check By:
HSD
THE FOLLOWING FORMS MUST BE FILLED OUT WITH A STATE OF CALIFORNIA NOTARY
PUBLIC PRESENT. SELECT THE FORM WHICH BEST FITS THE TYPE OF AUTHORPGlTION.
OWNER AFFIDAVIT
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE ) ss
I (WE), / x' a� BEING DULY SWORN, DEPOSE AND
SAY THAT I, AM (ARE) THE OWNER OR OWNERS HEREIN NAMED AND THAT THE
FOREGOING STATEMENTS AND ANSWERS HEREIN CONTAINED AND THE
INFORMATION HEREIN SUBMITTED ARE IN ALL RESPECTS TRUE AND CORRECT TO
THE BEST OF MY KNOWLEDGE AND BELIEF.
Name ZKk/7�rLr Phone 7��
(Please Print)
Mailing Address 2
City � ��2 � State C _/7r. /may'22-63
Signature(s) ����
�e
Subscribed and sworn to before me this day of h``m--cL
CIS-- '
Notary Public in and for the rate of California with principal r ELAINE COONS �
office in the County of 3 "v e ry r� e p COMM,f 1401201 O
() NOTARY PUBLIC-CALIFORNIA
RIVERSIDE COUNTY
MY COMM EXPIRES FEB.10.200T
HSD
Revised 8198 q
pmaryWl��Izq,f�'SI 17,�pv v J gJ 6BY�"6 "'��A��'���3��,�',��7�.-
A T
D, 0
EAT
F;,
I.
.I 7Q f 1i7
kk
Page I of I Resource Name or (Assigned by recorder) Spanish Inn
P1. other Identifier;
P2, Location! El Not for Publication 21 Unrestricted a.County Riverside
and(P2b and Plc or P2d.Attach a Location Map as necessary-)
b. USGS7.6'Ouad Palm Springs Date 1996 T R 114 of 114 of See
c. Address 640 North Indian Canyon Drive_ City Palm Springs Zip 92262
d. LII (Give,more than one for large and/or linear resources) Zone 11 mg- mlI
e. Other Locational Data:(e.g.,parcel 9,directions to resource,elevation,etc., appropriate)
City of Palm Springs Section I I
Parcel No. 507 183 006
P3a. Description:(Describe resource and its major elements.Include design,materials,condition,alterations,size,setting,and boundaries)
The hotel at 640 North Indian Canyon,the Spanish Inn,was constructed in the Spanish Colonial Revival Style. Previously known as
the Ambassador Hotel,the hotel is set on a corner lot and comprised of a two-story main block surrounded by smaller,single-story
appendages-all creating a rectangular shaped plan with an interior courtyard. Characteristics typical of the Spanish Colonial
Revival Style that appear at this hotel building are: while stucco finish on walls, red-tiled gabled roofs with extended eaves, exposed
rafters,candles,and prominent chimneys with pyramidal hoods that serve as ornament as well. A louvered circular opening
punctures the expanse of unbroken wall surface below the north-facing side gable, Fenestration patterns are somewhat regular and
include three-Ifte steel casement windows on the main block and multi-lite steel casement windows on the dependencies. The main
entrance is located on the west comer of the fagadre and is covered by a wood awning supported by decorative metal posts set atop
heavy cement piers- A low,patterned cement fence surrounds the entire compound. Tall,mature palm trees constitute the
landscaping visible from the street, The Spanish Inn is currently undergoing renovations.
PIResource Attributes: HP5-Hotel/Motel
P4.Resources Present: 9 Building ❑structureE OjectE Site E O�strictiLj Element of District [I Other_(Isolates,etc.)
P5a_ Photo Or Drawing(Photo required for buildings,structures,and objects.) PI Description of Photo;
(View,data,accession#)
View Southeast
August 2003
P6. Date Constructed/Age and Sources:
5111 F Historic 0 Prehistoric [I Both
1948: Palm Springs HSPE3 List(1987)
Owner and Address:
Pq 8210 Sherman
Ramy
rman Way #205
1
Reseda,CA 91335
Recorded by:
I ;I may/Pet
-irTnsleyWalson
1,U Architectural Resources G,oup
Pier 9, The Embarcadero,
San Francisco, CA 94111
r. P9. Date Recorded: August 2003
P1 0. Survey Type(DeI
Reconnaissance Survey
P11, Report Citation: (Cile survey report and othersouroes,or enter"none.")
Architectural Resources Group, City of Palm Springs Historic Resources Survey Summary Report,2004.
Attachments:
IR,None [I continuation sheet District Record F-] Flock Art Record [I Other (List)
[-]Location Map E-1 Building, Structure, and Object Record [.1 - Linear Feature Record I'"j Artifact Record
FJ Sketch Map ❑Archaeological Record C 7 Milling Station Record D Photograph Record
�pALM yp�
iy
c�4
1FORNA\ Historic Site Preservation Board
Staff Report
Date: September 12, 2006
Case No.: HSPB 49 l 5' ( 012
Application Type: Request for Class 1 Historic Site Designation
Location: 640 North Indian Canyon Drive, The Spanish Inn
Applicant. Negat Kohan & Hormoz Ramy (Owners)
Zone: R3 Multiple Family Residential and Resort
General Plan- H43/21 High Density Hotel and Apartment
APN: 507-183-003 and 006
From: Ken Lyon, Associate Planner
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
An application has been filed by Mr. Negat Kohan and Hormoz Ramy, owners of 640
North Indian Canyon Drive, "The Spanish Inn" requesting it be designated a Class I
Historic Site. Such designation would:
1. Place the subject property under the guidance of Municipal Code Section 8.05
2. Require present and subsequent owners to maintain the site consistent with that
ordinance,
3. Grant possible property tax reduction opportunities to the owner under the State
of California Mills Act
Historic Site Preservation Board Slaff Report
Case
Date
RECOMMENDATION
That the Historic Site Preservation Board recommend approval to the City Council of the
application to designate 640 North Indian Canyon Drive, The Spanish Inn, a Class 1
historic site, conditioned for approval as noted herein. A draft resolution of the
recommendation to City Council is attached for HSPB consideration.
PRIOR ACTIONS TAKEN ON THE PROJECT
April 12, 2005, the HSPB approved Case # 5.1012 with conditions; a project for the
renovation of 18 hotel rooms, the conversion of hotel rooms to 12 residential
condominiums and the construction of 8 new residential condominiums on the site.
September 7, 2005 City Council approved the aforementioned project.
January 10, 2006 the HSPB heard a presentation and update by the applicant
concerning design development of Case 5.1012.
August 14, 2006 the Architectural Advisory Committee reviewed and approved a
request by the applicant for revision to a proposed tower element, returning it to a
design scheme that was submitted in the initial application with a domed roof structure
instead of a pyramidal clay the roof
BACKGROUND AND SETTING
The Spanish Inn is located at 640 North Indian Canyon Drive at the intersection with
Granvia Valmonte on a 1.39 acre (60,698 square foot) irregularly shaped parcel
comprised of 4 lots from the original subdivision of 1927 and several buildings
constructed in various periods from 1928 to 1954 The site was purchased by the
present owners in 1996 and the hotel buildings on the site have been closed since the
early 1990's. Surrounding land uses are as follows,
Table 1. Surrounding land uses, General Plan, Zoning
_W Land Use General Plan Zoning
North Resort Hotel H431221 R-3
South Resort Hotel H43/21 R-3
East SF Residential L4 _ R-1-B
West Resort Hotel RC R 3
Portions of the fallowing are summarized from the 2003 Historic Resources Survey
Report by CRM TECH, Inc.
2
Historic Site Preservation Board Staff Report
Case
Date
In 1938 David Margolius, a venture capitalist who moved to California from Greensboro,
North Carolina, took ownership of the property which included a small structure built in
1928 as a private residence (now called Building Al at the corner of Indian Canyon and
Via Alta Mira). Realizing the growth of Palm Springs as a resort destination, Margolius
converted the residence and added a courtyard apartment building (now called Building
B) in 1939 and began operation of a hotel which he named The Ambassador Apartment
Hotel.
The two buildings were designed in an eclectic Spanish Colonial Revival style. This
style was popular in much of the American southwest and Florida following the 1915
Panama-California Exposition in San Diego. It was a style favored by many of the more
refined hostelries in the Coachella Valley at the time because of the romanticized
notions of California's Spanish/Mexican past.
In 1947 a pool was constructed on an eastern portion of the site. What is now called
Building A3, (a two story structure along Via Alta Mira) was constructed in 1951 and
Building A2, (a two story structure along Indian Canyon Drive) was constructed in 1953.
Significant alterations were made to Building Al at this time also.
The Ambassador Hotel, (as it was called after about 1948) was lauded as "a favorite R
& R spot for such (Hollywood) stars as Tyrone Power, Lana Turner, Jimmy Durante,,
Esther Williams and opera diva Amelita Galli-Curce" as well as other dignitaries such as
Howard Hughes.
The hotel was sold in 1972 to Sue Carol Ladd, widow of film actor Alan Ladd Sue Ladd
renamed the hotel "Alan Ladd's Spanish Inn", the name under which it operated until
her death in 1982. After her death, the property was operated by Desert Resorts, Inc
and was known simply as "The Spanish Inn". In 1988 Desert Resorts, Inc. filed for
bankruptcy, the Ladd family foreclosed on the property in 1994 and the hotel was
`mothballed' shortly after that In retrospect, with the passing of Sue Ladd, who was a
talent agent who "discovered" Alan Ladd in 1939, The Spanish Inn lost its final
,connection to Palm Springs' star-studded past, and its golden era as a "show business
haven" drew to an end.
In 1996 the present owners acquired the property and in 2005 submitted a proposal for
redevelopment of the site comprised of a new structure to the east of the present
buildings and renovation of the existing structures to create condominium units and
retain a certain number of hotel units.
ANALYSIS
The Spanish Inn is a surviving example of the pre-World War II era of Palm Springs
resort hotels. The nearby hotels of its era which were larger and arguably more
distinguished include the Desert Inn, The El Mirador, and the Del Tahquitz. All these
have all been demolished in the past few decades. With the loss of these landmarks,
Historic Site Preservation Board Slaff Report
Case
Date
the surviving second-tier properties such as the Spanish Inn, the Colony Palms, Movie
Colony Hotel, and the Indian Manor, became important representatives of this unique
chapter in local and regional history.
Definition of an Historic Site.
Section 8,05.020 of the Municipal Code provides the definition of an historic site as
follows;
(a) Historic Site
An historic site is any real property such as a building, a structure, including but
not limited to archways, tiled areas and similar architectural elements; an archaeological
excavation or object that is unique or significant because of its location, design, setting,
materials, workmanship or aesthetic effect and,
9, That is associated with events that have made a meaningful contribution to the
nation, state or community, or
2. That is associated with lives of persons who made meaningful contribution to
national, state or local history, or
3. That reflects or exemplifies a particular period of the national, state or local
history, or
4. That embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period or method of
construction, or
5. That presents the work of a master builder, designer, artist, or architect whose
individual genius influenced his age; or that possesses high artistic value, or
6. That represents a significant and distinguishable entity whose components may
lack individual distinction, or
7. That has yielded or may be likely to yield information important to national, state
or local history or prehistory,
The Municipal Code states that a Class 1 Historic Site may also qualify for historic
designation at the federal, state and/or county level.
Designation of Historic Sites
The City Council is authorized to designate Historic Sites.
The Historic Site Preservation Board may recommend to the City Council that certain
sites be designated as Historic Sites in accordance with Section 8.05.135 of the
Municipal Code. The Board may initiate studies, surveys and investigations as it deems
necessary to adequate gather information in support of the recommendation
Conditions that apply to Class 1 Historic Sites,
According to Section 8 05 of the Municipal Code, the following shall apply to a Class 1
Historic Site,
1. It shall meet the definition of an historic site as outlined in Municipal Code
Section 8.05.020
4
Historic Site Preservation Board Staff Report
Case
Date
2. An archival file shall be maintained on the property by the City.
3. It may be qualified as 'historic' at the federal, state, and/or county level.
4. The structure/site may not be modified nor objects removed without the approval
of the City Council.
5. The use may be limited by the City Council to the extent that it may impair the
integrity of the site.
6. A plaque explaining the historic nature of the site will be installed at the site-
7- Compliance with all rules and regulations for Historic Sites and Historic Districts
under Article IV of Chapter 8.05 of the Municipal Code shall be required
REQUIRED FINDINGS
Section 8 05,020 of the Municipal Code has been used to evaluate the historic
significance of The Spanish Inn Those sections that are relevant to this application are
excerpted herein with staff's assessment comments following.
The opening paragraph of the definition of a historic site is
An historic site is any real property such as a budding, a structure, including but
not limited to archways, tiled areas, and similar architectural elements; an
archaeological excavation or object that is unique or significant because of its
location, design, setting, materials, workmanship or aesthetic effect, ...
The Spanish Inn site consists of several individual buildings built over a period of
roughly thirty years Each building is evaluated herein relative to this definition.
Building Al. circa 1928
The exterior architectural characteristics of Building Al mostly mimic the picturesque
Spanish Colonial Style, but this building has been so extensively modified over the
years that its architectural integrity as a historic structure has been lost. A modern style
street-side entrance canopy and additions were built in the 1950's with the construction
of Buildings A2 and A3. At the rear of Building Al is a two story tower room with
exterior stairs and an ornamental iron railing. Architecturally it is considered of
'secondary contributing importance' to the site as noted in the attached Historic Survey,
Building A2 circa 1953
This building, while constructed of materials consistent with those of the rest of the
complex, does not possess outstanding architectural merit or a definitive architectural
style. Its street-side fagade has undersized windows on a largely flat elevation with a
thin trim board running just below the second story windows The east'fagade appears
as any typical two story motel type structure from its time with Over-sized picture
windows and exterior doors to each room opening onto an exterior balcony corridor. It
is also considered of"secondary architectural importance" on the site.
Building A3, circa 1951
Historic Site Preservation Board Staff Report
Case
Date
This building, while constructed of materials consistent with those of the rest of the
complex does not exhibit any outstanding architectural significance nor a definitive
architectural style. It is a two story structure with gabled roof and a staggered footprint,
creating the appearance of three two story townhouse-like cottages with common
sidewalls. It has under-sized windows on the street side and large picture windows and
exterior doors to each room opening onto an exterior balcony corridor on the fagade
facing the interior of the site. It too is considered of "secondary architectural
importance".
Building B circa 1938-39,
Those portions of the Spanish Inn comprising Building B are the best examples on this
site of the eclectic Spanish Colonial Revival style popular in Palm Springs in the early
part of the 201h century. Contributing features include
1. Spanish mission clay barrel tile roofs
2. Decorative 'mission style' painted ceramic wall tiles.
3. Exposed roof rafter tails and interior exposed wood roof timbers .
4. Wrought iron railings.
5. Chimneys with prominent masonry cupolas and pyramidal hoods with decorative
mission style ceramic tile.
6 Heavy masonry arched portals.
7. A courtyard configuration enclosing a common outdoor area in the center.
8. Smooth finish, off-white stucco walls.
9. Low perimeter vernacular masonry garden walls with patterned openings
Building B retains most of its original defining elements and is the primary architecturally
significant structure in the complex
Paragraph (2) of Section 8,05.020 notes that historic significance can be established on
a site:
(2) That is associated with lives of persons who made meaningful contribution to
national, state, or local history,
The Spanish Inn is historically significant in that it is associated with many of the well-
known stars from the American movie industry. Individuals including such stars as
Tyrone Power, Lana Turner, Jimmy Durante, Esther Williams and opera diva Amelita
Galli-Curti and other dignitaries such as Howard Hughes considered the Spanish Inn a
favorite resort destination during the early resort era of Palm Springs.
Although the second story 'tower room' of Building Al is alleged to have been the
honeymoon suite of one of movie star Elizabeth Taylor's marriages, no historic.
b
Historic Site Preservation Board Staff Report
Case
Date
documentation was found to confirm this; thus staff does not recommend any particular
protective covenants be assigned that element '
Paragraph (3) of Section 8.05,020 notes that historic significance can be established on
a site:
(3) That reflects or exemplifies a particular period of the national, state, or local
history,
In considering the potential historical significance of The Spanish Inn, the salient fact is
that it was one of the smaller hostelries developed during Palm Springs' "golden era", a
boom time for the city in the years prior to World War II. As such, it is directly
associated with the transformation of Palm Springs from an obscure desert settlement
in the early 20"' century to a world-renowned glamour capital, a reputation it held from
the 1930's to the 1950's In this regard, the Spanish Inn represents a site that
contributed significantly to the development of the community The Spanish Inn is
noteworthy in that it is a rare and surviving example of the type of small courtyard type
resort hotels that were popular during the early part of the 20th century in palm Springs.
In evaluating the entire complex of buildings at the Spanish Inn one can observe the
conglomerated nature' and growth that typified many such small hotels of this early era
in Palm Springs Often construction of these hotels occurred in piecemeal fragments,
with later additions showing little or no architectural merit or adherence to the
picturesque revival style of the earlier buildings on the sites The Spanish Inn site is no
different. In this case, the strength architecturally Ices in the main courtyard
arrangement and architecture of Building B from 1939 Although it is important to
recognize that the later additions at the Spanish Inn are understood as related parts of
one large hotel operation that was associated with several notable people, it is harder to
make an argument for strict architectural preservation of these later elements. As for
the 1928 building, while it could be argued that the building could be stripped of non-
contributing elements and restored, insufficient evidence exists of exactly what the
structure looked like in 1928, thus restoration 'solutions' would be 'conjectural or
replicative' in nature, which is not consistent with Secretary of the Interior Standards for
Rehabilitation of historic structures It could perhaps be argued that it has value as a
charming, small scale structure -- but not for its historic merit.
For these reasons, staff finds sufficient evidence to recommend the Spanish Inn as a
Class I Historic Site in accordance with the Municipal Code Chapter 8.05 as follows;
1 The entire exterior of Building B, both street side and courtyard be preserved
and maintained, including all contributing elements listed herein, and restrict
any future additions or modifications to the exterior of this building. The
courtyard should be re-landscaped to complement the building and such
Staff has contacted the agent for Ms Taylor in an effort to substantiate this ciai n, however no response has been
received ) �
1 �'F J
Historic Site Preservation Buard Staff Report
Case
Date
plans should be reviewed and approved by the Historic Site Preservation
Board prior to issuance of permits for that work.
2 Buildings Al, A2, and A3 not be included in the Class 1 historic designation
because of their secondary architectural significance
3 Any other separate or new structures built on the site be excluded from the
Class 1 historic designation or status.
4 The subject designation be conditional on the applicant completing all
proposed rehabilitation, restoration, landscaping and new construction on the
site related to the development Case number 5,1012 in accordance with
Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Historic Rehabilitation.
5 Any plaque or marker for this site should note that part of its significance as a
historic site is relative to Important persons associated with its function as an
early Palm Springs resort hotel.
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
In accordance with Section 15331 (Historical Resources Restoration/Rehabilitation) of
the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the proposed designation is
categorically exempt from environmental review as the proposed designation meets the
conditions outlined for preservation of a historic resource
NOTIFICATION
Pursuant Chapter 8.05 140, a public hearing notice/courtesy notice was mailed to all
property owners within 300 feet of the subject property. As of the writing of this report,
staff has not received any comment
IKen Lyon, ssociate Planner
C I in P
Direc or of PI nni Services
ATTACHMENTS
1. Vicinity Map
2. Historic Resources Survey dated August 11 2003
3. Various photographs of the site taken in 2006
4. HSPS minutes from January 10, 2006
5. Architect's Letter (no date), Certifying conformance of presently anticipated renovation with
Secretary of Interior's Standards for Historic Properly Rehabilitation. received June 8, 2006
6. Secretary of the Interior Standards Checklist for Historic Rehabilitation.
7. Draft Resolution with Conditions of Approval
S
RESOLUTION NO
OF THE HISTORIC SITE PRESERVATION BOARD OF
THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA,
RECOMMENDING THAT THE CITY COUNCIL DESIGNATE
THE SPANISH INN LOCATED AT 640 NORTH INDIAN
CANYON ROAD, AS A CLASS 1 HISTORIC SITE
WHEREAS, in 1938, David Margolius constructed a small two storey courtyard style
hotel at 640 North Indian Canyon, and
WHEREAS, the defining architectural characteristics of this structure are its Spanish
Colonial Revival style, clay barrel tile roof, exposed rafter ends and roof timbers, deep
set arched arcade entry portals, and , decorative 'mission style' painted ceramic wall
tiles, a courtyard configuration enclosing a common outdoor area in the center, smooth
finish, off-white stucco walls, and a vernacular masonry garden wall with patterned
openings, and
WHEREAS, the Spanish Inn stands as a very good example of a style of small resort
hotels typical of the period of Palm Springs' development in the 1930's and 1940's as a
premier desert resort, and
WHEREAS, the Spanish Inn is associated with many famous individuals associated
with the American Movie Industry who chose it as a favorite resort destination during
Palm Springs early development as a resort community, and
WHEREAS, Chapter 8.05 of the Palm Springs Municipal Code allows for the
designation of historic sites, and
WHEREAS, the current property owners, Newt Kohan and Jormoz Remy, filed an
application for Historic Site Designation; and
WHEREAS, notice of a public hearing of the Historic Site Preservation Board of the
City of Palm Springs to consider designation of the Spanish Inn as a Class 1 historic
site was issued in accordance with applicable law, and
WHEREAS, on September 12, 2006, the Historic Site Preservation Board conducted a
public hearing in accordance with applicable law to consider designation of the Spanish
Inn as a Class 1 historic site, and
WHEREAS, the designation of the Spanish Inn shall further the purpose and intent of
Chapter 8.05; and
WHEREAS, the designation of the Spanish Inn shall promote the sensitive preservation
of said site, and
L
WHEREAS, the Historic Site Preservation Board has carefully reviewed and
considered all of the evidence in connection with the designation, including but not
limited to the staff report, application and historical research, all written and oral
testimony presented.
THE HISTORIC SITE PRESERVATION BOARD HEREBY FINDS AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1: The Spanish Inn meets the definition of an historic site in that it possesses
outstanding architectural integrity as a Spanish Colonial Revival structure.
The defining characteristics of particular note are in Building B and
include:
1- Spanish mission clay barrel tile roofs
2. Decorative 'mission style' painted ceramic wall tiles.
3. Exposed roof rafter tails and interior exposed wood roof timbers .
4. Wrought iron railings.
5. Chimneys with prominent masonry cupolas and pyramidal hoods with decorative
mission style ceramic tile.
6. Heavy masonry arched portals
7. A courtyard configuration enclosing a common outdoor area in the center-
a. Smooth finish, off-white stucco walls
9. Low perimeter vernacular masonry garden walls with patterned openings
Section 2 The Spanish Inn is associated with lives of persons who made meaningful
contribution to national, state or local history,
The Spanish Inn is associated with many of the well-known stars from the American
movie industry Individuals including such stars as Tyrone Power, Lana Turner, Jimmy
Durante, Esther Williams and opera diva Amelita Gali-Curci and other dignitaries such
as Howard Hughes considered the Spanish Inn a favorite resort destination during the
early resort era of Palm Springs
Section 3: The Spanish Inn reflects or exemplifies a particular period of the national,
state or local history,
In considering the potential historical significance of The Spanish Inn, the salient fact is
that it was one of the smaller hostelries developed during Palm Springs' "golden era'; a
boom time for the city in the years prior to World War II. As such, it is directly
associated with the transformation of Palm Springs from an obscure desert settlement
in the early 20" century to a world-renowned glamour capital; a reputation it held from
the 1930's to the 1950's. In this regard, the Spanish Inn represents a site that
contributed significantly to the development of the community The. Spanish Inn is
noteworthy in that it is a rare and surviving example of the type of small courtyard type
resort hotels that were popular during the early part of the 20`h century in Palm Springs.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that, based upon the foregoing, the Historic
Site Preservation Board recommends that the City Council designate the Spanish Inn,
located at 640 North Indian Canyon Road, Palm Springs, California as a Class 1
Historic Site subject to the following conditions,
1. The property owner shall permit the City to demark the Spanish Inn as an
historic site with a plaque of the City's choosing. The plaque shall be placed in
a location visible from the public right-of-way. Owner shall maintain the plaque in
the location installed and pay for the replacement cost if the plaque is lost,
stolen, or otherwise removed from the property.
2. All future exterior modifications including but not limited to building, site,
landscaping, lighting, walls, and fences shall require Architectural Approval
pursuant to Section 94.04.00 of the Palm Springs Zoning Ordinance and Historic
Site Preservation Board review.
3_ No permit for the alteration of the exterior of Building B shall be allowed without
approval by the Historic Site Preservation Board
4. That the City Clerk submit the Council Resolution to the County recorder for
recordation within 90 days of the effective date of this resolution.
5. All existing or previously approved alterations shall be considered acceptable.
6. This Class 1 designation shall only apply to the 1938 courtyard complex known
as "Building B".
7_ This Class 1 designation shall be conditional on the applicant completing all
proposed rehabilitation, restoration, landscaping and new construction on the
site related to the development Case number 5.1012 in accordance with the
Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Historic Rehabilitation-
8- Any plaque or marker for this site should note that part of its significance as a
historic site is relative to the important persons associated with its function as an
early Palm Springs resort hotel.
ADOPTED this day of 2006.
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTENTIONS.
ATTEST: CITY OF PALM SPRINGS,
CALIFORNIA
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PRELIMINARY NOT FOR CONSTRUCTION Al
i
RESOLUTION NO.
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM
SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA, DESIGNATING THE SPANISH
INN LOCATED AT 640 INDIAN CANYON DRIVE, AS A
CLASS ONE HISTORIC SITE.
WHEREAS, in 1939 David Margolius constructed a two story courtyard style resort
hotel, named the Ambassador Hotel which later became known as the Spanish Inn; and
WHEREAS, the defining characteristics of the Spanish Inn are its
Mediterranean/Spanish Revival style, articulated in the following features of the building:
1. Spanish mission clay barrel tile roofs
2. Decorative 'mission style' painted ceramic wall tiles.
3. Exposed roof rafter tails and interior exposed wood roof timbers .
4. Wrought iron railings.
5. Chimneys with prominent masonry cupolas and pyramidal hoods with
decorative mission style ceramic tile.
6. Heavy masonry arched portals.
7. A courtyard configuration enclosing a common outdoor area in the center.
8. Smooth finish, off-white stucco walls.
9. Low perimeter vernacular masonry garden walls with patterned openings.
and
WHEREAS, the Spanish Inn stands as a very good example of the small resort hotels
typical of the period of Palm Springs' development in the 1930's and 1940's, and
WHEREAS, the Spanish Inn is associated with notable persons, and several of the top
Hollywood stars, such as Tyrone Power, Lana Turner, Jimmy Durante, Esther Williams,
opera diva Amelita Galli-Curce", and Howard Hughes, and
WHEREAS, Chapter 8.05 of the Palm Springs Municipal Code allows for the
designation of historic sites; and
WHEREAS, the current property owners Nejat Kohan and Hormoz Ramy, filed an
application for Historic Site Designation; and
WHEREAS, notice of a public hearing of the Historic Site Preservation Board of the City
Of Palm Springs to consider designation of the Spanish Inn as a Class 1 historic site
was issued in accordance with applicable law; and
WHEREAS, on September 12, 2006, the Historic Site Preservation Board conducted a
public hearing in accordance with applicable law to consider designation of the Spanish
Inn as a Class 1 historic site; and
WHEREAS, notice of a public hearing of the City Council of the City of Palm Springs to
consider designation of the Spanish Inn at 640 Indian Canyon Drive as a Class One
historic site was issued in accordance with applicable law; and
WHEREAS, on October 18, 2006 the City Council conducted a public hearing in
accordance with applicable law to consider designation of the Spanish Inn at 640 Indian
Canyon Drive as a Class One historic site; and
WHEREAS, the designation of the Spanish Inn shall further the purpose and intent of
Chapter 8.05; and
WHEREAS, the designation of the Spanish Inn promotes the sensitive preservation of
said site; and
WHEREAS, in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the
designation of a historic site is categorically exempt from environmental review pursuant
to Section 15331 for the preservation of historical resources; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has carefully reviewed and considered all of the evidence
in connection with the designation, including but not limited to the staff report,
application and historical research, all written and oral testimony presented.
THE CITY COUNCIL HEREBY FINDS AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1: Pursuant to CEQA, the City Council finds that the designation of 640 North
Indian Canyon Drive as a Class One historic site is categorically exempt
from environmental review pursuant to Section 15331 whereby this
designation is for the preservation of a historical resource.
Section 2: The Spanish Inn is associated with lives of persons who made meaningful
contribution to national, state or local history; because of the many
Hollywood movie industry stars and other internationally known figures
who vacationed there.
Section 3: The Spanish Inn reflects or exemplifies a particular period of the national,
state or local history; because Building B is an excellent example of the
regional Mediterranean/Spanish Revival architectural style applied to a an
early resort hotel typical in Palm Springs around the 1930's and 1940's,
and the building retains nearly all of its original exterior features, elements
and materials.
Section 4: The Spanish Inn is a rare surviving example of a type, period or method of
construction; because the hotel was constructed in a architectural style
and scale that was typical of the early resort hotels in Palm Springs during
the 1930's and 1940's most of which have since been lost to demolition.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that, based upon the foregoing, the City
Council designates Building B at 640 Indian Canyon Drive as a Class One Historic Site
pursuant to Chapter 8.05 of the Palm Springs Municipal Code subject to the following
conditions;
1. The property owner shall permit the City to demark the Spanish Inn as an historic
site with a plaque of the City's choosing. The plaque shall be placed in a location
visible from the public right-of-way. Owner shall maintain the plaque in the
location installed and pay for the replacement cost if the plaque is lost, stolen, or
otherwise removed from the property.
2. All future exterior modifications including but not limited to building, site,
landscaping, lighting, walls, and fences shall require Architectural Approval
pursuant to Section 94,04.00 of the Palm Springs Zoning Ordinance and Historic
Site Preservation Board review.
3. No permit for the alteration of the exterior of Building B shall be issued, except in
accordance with Section 8.05 of the Palm Springs Municipal Code and the Palm
Springs Zoning Code.
4. All existing or previously approved alterations shall be considered acceptable.
5. This resolution, and the historic designation put in place by it, shall not affect title
to the property.
6. That the City Clerk submits the Council Resolution to the County recorder for
recordation within 90 days of the effective date of this resolution.
ADOPTED THIS , day of , 2006.
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTENTIONS:
ATTEST: CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA
City Clerk City Manager
Reviewed and Approved as to Form:
FpPGM SA
IP'c City of Palm Springs
V v,
Officethe City Clerk
kP* HC� ORATEO y9 * 3200 L.T.iliquuz Canyon on Wsy • Palm Springs,California 92262
C, �P Tel! (760) D2D-S204 • Ua%; (760) 322-8332 • Web: wwwcn palm-springs-ca.us
q�OFOR�
NOTICE OF CONTINUANCE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the regular meeting of October q, 2006, Public
Hearing Item No. 1.13.
CASE HSPB-49 PROPOSED DESIGNATION OF 640 NORTH
INDIAN CANYON DRIVE (SPANISH INN) AS A CLASS 1
HISTORIC SITE APPLICATION BY NEJAT KOHAN AND
HORMOZ RAMY
On motion by Mayor Pro Tem Foat, seconded by Councilmember Mills, and
unanimously carried the public hearing was continued to Wednesday, October 18,
2006, Council Chamber, 3200 Tahquitz Canyon Way, at 6:00 p.m., or as soon
thereafter as possible-
AFFIDAVIT OF POSTING
I, James Thompson, City Clerk of the City of Palm Springs, California, certify this Notice -of-
Continuance was posted at or before 5:30 p.m., October 5, 2006, as required-by established
policies and procedures. =
mes Thompson
City Clerk
0, ,
H:WSERSIC-CMI� Tearing NoticesWOTICE OF CONT- Spanish Inn RSPB-49.d0c
Post Office Box 2743 0 Palm Spriaxgs, California 92263-2743
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
HISTORIC SITE PRESERVATION BOARD
AND
CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF PALM SPRINGS
Proposed Designation of 640 North Indian Canyon Drive
as a Class 1 Historic Site and Notice of Exemption from CEQA
Applicant: Nejat Kohan and Hormoz Ramy, Owners
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Historic Site Preservation Board of the City of Palm Springs will hold a
public hearing at its meeting of September 12, 2006. The Historic Site Preservation Board meeting begins
at 8:15 a.m. in the Large Conference Room at City Hall, 3200 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs-
The purpose of the hearing is to consider designation of the buildings located at 640 Indian Canyon Drive
as a Class 1 Historic Site. After considering all information presented, the Board may recommend
designating the buildings as a Class 1 Historic Site.
NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that the City Council of the City of Palm Springs will hold a public hearing at
its meeting of October 4, 2006- The City Council meeting begins at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber at City
Hall, 3200 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs.
The purpose of the hearing is to consider designation of the buildings located at 640 North Indian Canyon
Drive a Class 1 Historic Site. After considering all information presented, the City Council may consider
designating the buildings as a Class 1 Historic Site.
ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION: This request is categorically exempt from review pursuant to
Section 15331 (Historical Resource Restoration/Rehabilitation) of the California Environmental Quality Act
(CEQA), whereas the proposed designation meets the conditions outlined for preservation of a historic
resource. The application is available for public review in the Department of Planning Services, City Hall,
3200 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs,
REVIEW OF PROJECT INFORMATION: The staff report and other supporting documents regarding this
project are also available for public review at City Hall between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.,
Monday through Friday. Please contact the Office of the City Clerk at (760) 323-8204 if you would like to
schedule an appointment to review these documents-
COMMENT ON THIS APPLICATION: Response to this notice may be made verbally at the public hearings
and/or in writing before the hearings. Written comments may be made to the Historic Site Preservation
Board and/or the City Council by letter (for mail or hand delivery) to:
James Thompson, City Clerk
3200 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way
Palm Springs, CA 92262
Any challenge of the proposed project in court may be limited to raising only those issues raised at the
public hearing described in this notice or in written correspondence delivered to the City Clerk at, or prior to,
the Historic Site Preservation Board and/or the City Council hearings. (Government Code Section
65009[b][21). An opportunity will be given at said hearings for all interested persons to be heard. Questions
regarding this case may be directed to Ken Lyon, Department of Planning Services at (760) 323-8245.
Si necesita ayuda con esta carts, porfavor Iiame a la Ciudad de Palm Springs y puede hablar con Nadbe
Fieger telefono (760) 323-8245.
;jlesThompson, City Clerk
{O�ptM sap
Department of Planning Services
ice ¢U Vicinit 9�,Foaa. Y Map
0
to i
TAMARISK RD
a
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a
0
2
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MERITO PI
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GRANVIA VALMUNT@ - -•. -- —.. -- -
VALMONIE DEL SUR
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CHINO DR
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City of Palm Springs
Applicant: Nejat Kohan and Description: Proposed Designation of 640
Hormoz Ramy, owners North Indian Canyon Drive ('Spanish Inn')
as a class 1 Historic Site and Notice of
Exemption from CEQA.
1;1h'il t""11F
No. 2776
NOTICE OF PU13LIC HEARING
PROOF OF P`UrBLI ICI7ATION Thi HISTORIC ANDCITY PRESERVATOUNCILION BOARD
`2015.s.1.".l-."�17'��uJ �y HIV •� ` rlrl U- +11+ CITY OF PALM SPRINGS
Proposed Designation of
640 North Indian Canyon Drive
a i' L_ + I�� �: Notice of Exempltionlfrome And
CEOA
Appplicant.
Nejat Iand Hormoz Ramy, Owners
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Historic Site
Prescrvabon Board of the City of Palm Springs
will hold a public hearin at its meeting of Sep-
tember 12, 2006. The Historic Site ProservaAen
STATE Or CALIFORNIA Board meeting begins at 8.15 a.m. in the Large
County Of Riverside Canyon onferenWa ,Pam at ingsty Hall 3200E TahgWtz
The purpose of the heerinq Is to consider dc5ig-
nation of the buildings loan ad at 640 Indian Can-
yon Drive as a Class 1 Historic Site.After eonsld-
oring all Information presented, the Board may
recommend designating the bulldings as a Class
1 Historic Site
1 am a citizen of the United States and a resident of 0 0—hm"^�^r Pl=
Vldully Mrp
the County aforesaid;I am over the age of eighteen
years,and not a party to or interested in the
above-entitled matter.I am the principal cleric of a
printer of the,DESERT SUN PUBLISI3ING --
COMPANY a newspaper of genera[circulation,
rr.
printed and published in the city, of Palm Springs, -
County of Riverside,and which newspaper has been
adjudged a newspaper of general circulation by the -
Superior Court of the County of Riverside,State of
California under the date of March 24, 19S&Case ------o=. f"s•i
P�P�_-�
Number 191236;that the notice,of which the Ir
annexed is a printed copy(set in type not smaller
than non pariel,has been published in each regular NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that the City Coun-
and entire issue Of said newspaper and not in any 11 of the City of Palm Springs will hold a ppublic
supplement thereof on the following dates,to wit:
hearing at its moe4n, or October 4, 2006. The
Giry cauncit meetinpp' egins at 6:00 pp.m, in the
Gvuncil Chamber of City Hall 3200 E. Tahquitz
August 2Gv',2006 Canyon Way Palm Springs
The purpose of the hearing Is to consider des
lgg-
---�---------............ ------- nation of the buildlgs located at 640 North Indi-
an Canyon Drive a Class 1 Historic Site. After
------—— considering all information presented, the City
----�„ �- C II O... may consider designating the build ings
as a Class 1 Historic Site.
All in the year 2006 ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION: This re-
quest Is categorically exempt from review pPumu-
ant to Section 15331 (Hlstorlcal Resource ROStp-
I certify(or declare)under penalty of perjury that the ration/Rehabllitatlon)of the Californla Envlronmen-
foreg oing is true and correct. tal Quality Act'(GEQA) whereas the reposed
dosignatlon meets the conditions ou lined for
ppreservation of a historic resource. The applies-
Ion Is available for public review in the OO art-
Dated at palm Springs,California this----29"',—day ment of Planning Services City Hall,3200 E.Tah-
quitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs
of- —— Au - ---� REVIEW OF PROJECT INFORMATION:The staff
py ,2006 repart and other supporting documents reganang
this proleat are also avaltable for public review at
�• II, f II CIry Hall bct'con the hours of 8:00 a.m.and 5:00
J pp m., Monde through Fridayy. Please contact the
Offioo of the City Clerk at (�60) 323-8204 if you
k would like to schedule an appointment to review
these documents.
S nature COMMENT ON THIS adeL oATIDN: Response
g to this notice or I be made verbally at the public
"'wry hearings and/or In writing before the hearings.
Written comment:: may be mode the Council
Site Preservation Board and/or thea Cd Cqnc
y uncli
by letter(for molt or hand delivery) to: -
I I t°N James Thompson, City Clerk
3200 E.Tah'qultz Canyyon Way
Palm Springs. CA 92262
Any challenge of the proposed project in Court
may oe lmired ro ralsing only those issues raised
at the public hcanng dO:cribetl in this notice or In
written correspondence delivered to the City Clerk
al, or pFlar po, the Hlstorlc Site Preservation p
Board and/or the City Council hearings (Govern- ✓
ment Code Section 650091b][2]) An opportunity
Will be given at said hearings for all interested .�
persons to be hoard. Quc':1ion. regarding this
case may be directed to Ken Lyon,Department of
Planning SONICCS at (760) 323-8245.
SI necesita ayuda con asta carte,porfagor(lame a
la Ciudad de Palm Springs y puede hablar con
Nadine Fieger telefonv (760)y23.8245.
�amcs-Thamp3on, City Ierk
Published:8/26/2006
A.
7ALMsA"Pi
N City ®f Palm Springs
• Office of the City Clerk
* mronnrco`°3 3200 r Tahquirz Canyon Wary • Palm Spring>,C2liforuia 92262
C, �P Tel: (760) 323�8201 • I':6 (760) 322-8332 • Wcb'WWW.a.Palm-%Prinls.ca.ns
g4IFOR�
AFFIDAVIT
OF
MAILING NOTICES
I, the undersigned City Clerk of the City of Palm Springs, California, do hereby
certify that a copy of the Notice of Public Hearing, to consider of the buildings
located at 640 Indian Canyon Drive as a Class 1 Historic Site, was mailed to
each and every person set forth on the attached list on the 24'" day of August,
2006, in a sealed envelope, with postage prepaid, and depositing same in the U.S.
Mail at Palm Springs, California.
(70 notices mailed)
I declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct.
Dated at Palm Springs, California, this 24th day of August, 2006.
MES THOMPSON
- City Clerk
/kdh
Affdavd-640 Indian Canyon 09 06 06.dor
Post Office Box 2743 • Palm Springs, California 92263.2743