HomeMy WebLinkAbout5/13/2009 - STAFF REPORTS - 2.E. CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA
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MINUTES EXCERPT
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 2009
1.113. LA SERENA VILLAS DESIGNATION OF THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 339
SOUTH BELARDO ROAD AN HISTORIC SITE (CASE HSPB-69):
Craig Ewing, Director of Planning Services, provided background information as
outlined in the staff report dated April 15, 2009.
Councilmember Foat commented on the submission of materials, and requested
staff address the recommendation of the HSPB designation as a Class 1 site.
Councilmember Weigel requested staff address if a bungalow has been
renovated.
Councilmember Mills requested staff address the differences between a Class 1
and a Class 2 designation.
Mayor Pougnet opened the public hearing, and the following speakers addressed
the City Council.
MICHAEL GONZALES, representing owners, summarized the contents of his
letter and the resources report submitted to the City Council, provided
background information on the accumulation of the properties in the 1960's,
stated the property does not support the findings as a Class 1 designation, and
requested the City Council terminate the proceedings.
CRAIG BLAU, commented on the current blight at the property, the promises of
the owners of the property to adjoining neighbors, and stated his support for the
historic designation.
PAT STUMPF, commented on the neglect at the property to the surrounding
properties, stated she would like the property renovated as soon as possible.
RON MARSHALL, Palm Springs Preservation Foundation, stated the property
can be restored and rehabilitated as an historic property, and stated his support
for the designation as a Class 1 site.
ITEM NO. z
City Council Minutes Excerpts
April 15, 2009
Page 2
DONNA BUCKINGER, stated the property owner has a responsibility to the
surrounding owners and the City, and requested the City Council designated the
property as a Class 1 site.
SHELLY SAUNDERS, stated her support for the City Council to designate the
property as a Class 2 site.
CODY STOUGHTON, stated the City will lose the property as "demolition by
neglect," and requested the City Council designate the property as a Class 1
Historic Site.
FRANK TYSEN, stated the property is in neglect, and spoke in support of a
Class 1 designation of the property.
No further speakers coming forward, the public hearing was closed.
Councilmember Hutcheson requested staff address the landscaping issues at the
property.
Councilmember Foat explained the differences between a Class 1 and the Class
2 designation, stated her support for a Class 1 designation, commented on a
recent article in the Desert Sun with respect to the property, the condition of the
property, commented on the letter written by Architect Lance O'Donnell, and the
findings needed for a Class 1 designation.
Mayor Pro Tern Mills commented on the report from the Building Department that
the buildings are a blight and condemnable, commented on the letter submitted
by Architect Lance O'Donnell, stated he does not wish to see the building sit in
the current state for a long period of time, but the reality is that the property will
remain empty and continue to be a blight in the neighborhood, commented on
the one-unit that has been renovated, and stated his support for a Class 2
designation.
Councilmember Weigel requested the City Attorney comment on the letter
submitted by the property owner's legal counsel, requested the City Council
postpone the decision and further study be made on partially designating the site
or a portion of the improvements as an Historic Site, and requested the Owner's
Attorney address if the property owner would be willing to agree to a stay of
demolition.
Councilmember Hutcheson reiterated the facts surrounding the owner's options
with respect to the Class 1 or the Class 2 designation, and stated the facts
support a Class 1 designation.
Mayor Pro Tern Mills suggested the site plan and the building "style" for the
property be designated as a Class 1, and the buildings as a Class 2.
City Council Minutes Excerpts
April 15, 2009
Page 3
Councilmember Weigel requested the owner's Legal Counsel clarify comments
with respect to the demolition of the property.
Mayor Pougnet commented on the blight in the neighborhood, stated the
property has met the test as a Class 1 designation.
Councilmember Mills requested the City Attorney address the process of a
potential bifurcated designation a portion as Class 1 and a portion as Class 2.
Councilmember Foat commented on the restorability of the property.
Councilmember Weigel requested the City Attorney address the status of
demolition if the site is designated a Class 1 site.
ACTION: 1) Designate the 'La Serena Villas' at 339 South Belardo Road a Class
1 Historic Site; and 2) Direct staff to prepare a resolution memorializing the
record and findings for City Council adoption on May 6, 2009. Motion
Councilmember Foat, seconded by Councilmember Hutcheson and carried
4-1 on a roll call vote.
AYES: Councilmember Foat, Councilmember Hutcheson, Councilmember
Weigel, and Mayor Pougnet.
NOES: Mayor Pro Tern Mills.
RESOLUTION NO.
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA DESIGNATING 339 S.
BELARDO ROAD ("LA SERENA VILLAS'), AS CLASS 1
HISTORIC SITE - 69.
WHEREAS, Chapter 8.05 of the Palm Springs Municipal Code allows for the
designation of historic sites; and
WHEREAS, the City Council initiated an application to consider the property at 339
North Belardo Drive ("La Serena Villas") for designation as a historic property under
Palm Springs Municipal Code Chapter 8.05; and
WHEREAS, notice of a public hearing of the Historic Site Preservation Board of the City
of Palm Springs to consider designation of La Serena Villas a historic site was issued in
accordance with applicable law; and
WHEREAS, on November 10, 2008, the Historic Site Preservation Board conducted a
public hearing in accordance with applicable law to consider designation of La Serena
Villas as a Class 1 historic site; and
WHEREAS, the Historic Site Preservation Board, following receipt and consideration of
a staff report and written and oral testimony from the public, adopted a
recommendation for Class 1 designation of the property; and
WHEREAS, the designation of La Serena Villas as a historic resource shall further the
purpose and intent of Chapter 8.05 and promote the sensitive preservation of said site;
and
WHEREAS, notice of a public hearing of the City Council of the City of Palm Springs to
consider designation of La Serena Villas a historic site was issued in accordance with
applicable law; and
WHEREAS, on December 17, 2008, the City Council opened a public hearing in
accordance with applicable law to consider designation of La Serena Villas as a historic
site, which hearing was continued to February 2 and April 15, 2009 ; and
WHEREAS, the City Council carefully reviewed and considered all of the evidence in
connection with the proposed designation, including but not limited to the staff report,
application and historical research, all written and oral testimony presented.
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS DOES HEREBY RESOLVE
AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1: Pursuant to CEQA, the City Council finds that the designation of the La
Serena Villas at 339 South Belardo Road as a Class 1 historic site is categorically
exempt from environmental review pursuant to Section 15331 whereby this designation
is for the preservation of a historical resource.
f
Resolution No._
Page 2
SECTION 2: Pursuant to Section 8.05.020.a.3, 4 and 6 of the Palm Springs Municipal
Code, the City Council does hereby make the following findings;
1. La Serena Villas reflects or exemplifies a particular period of the national, state
or local ,history because, according to a Historic Assessment Report completed for the
Orchid Tree Inn, dated April 2005 by PCR Services, smaller hotels in the area initially
included the Estrella Inn, (the subject site), which was constructed in 1933. Further,
large and small hotels thrived following the end of World War II as the growing
popularity of the automobile encouraged the development of tourist courts and
bungalow courts designed with the emphasis on automobile accommodation, with the
central courtyard of the bungalow court as an internal access with parking provided for
each unit. La Serena Villas was an example of the early period of motor-court hotel
development in Palm Springs from the 1930s when the Spanish Eclectic style of
architecture was popular and prevalent in Palm Springs. La Serena Villas was one of
several motor-court hotels that were constructed around the same time, including the
House of Murphy, The Hacienda, the Royal Palms Hotel, Tahquitz Vista Hotel, Monte
Vista Hotel, and the Orchid Tree Inn. (PSMC Sec. 8.05.020.a.3)
2. La Serena Villas embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period or
method of construction because the site presents a very good example of Spanish
Eclectic architecture from the 1930s, including the defining characteristics of the typical
asymmetrical facades, stucco, arches over doors and windows, red two-piece clay
barrel tiles and low-pitched roofs, and use of towers known to the Spanish Eclectic
motor court hotels built during the 1930s. Further, the scale of La Serena Villas fits into
both the fabric of the Historic Tennis Club neighborhood and the architectural character
that defines both these sections of Belardo Road and Cahuilla Road. (PSMC
Sec.8.05.020.a.4)
3. La Serena Villas represents a significant and distinguishable entity whose
components may lack individual distinction, because the La Serena Villas site is a
collection of small, individual cottages forming a motorcourt hotel plan characteristic of
the late 1930's through late 1950's. (PSMC Sec. 8.05.020.a.6)
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that, based upon the foregoing, the City
Council designate La Serena Villas at 339 South Belardo Road, Palm Springs,
California as HSPB Class 1 Historic Site 69 subject to the following conditions;
1. All future exterior modifications including but not limited to building, site,
landscaping, lighting, walls, and fences shall be subject to Section 94.04.00 of
the Palm Springs Zoning Code (Architectural Review) and Article IV of Chapter
8.05 of the Palm Springs Municipal Code (Rules and Regulations for Historic
Sites)
105
Resolution No._
Page 3
2. No permit for the alteration of the exterior, including any and all of the defining
elements and characteristics, shall be issued without prior review and approval
pursuant Article IV of Chapter 8.05 of the Palm Springs Municipal Code (Rules
and Regulations for Historic Sites).
3. All restoration shall follow the requirements of the Secretary of Interior
Standards.
4. The City Clerk shall 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.
ADOPTED this 15th day of April, 2009.
David H. Ready, City Manager
ATTEST:
James Thompson, City Clerk
CERTIFICATION
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE ) 55.
CITY OF PALM SPRINGS )
I, JAMES THOMPSON, City Clerk of the City of Palm Springs, hereby certify that
Resolution No. _ is a full, true and correct copy, and was duly adopted at a regular
meeting of the City Council of the City of Palm Springs on
by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
James Thompson, City Clerk
City of Palm Springs, California
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