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HomeMy WebLinkAbout24396 RESOLUTION NO. 24396 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA, DESIGNATING "THE WILLIAM HOLDEN DEEPWELL RESIDENCE" LOCATED AT 1323 SOUTH DRIFTWOOD DRIVE AS A CLASS 1 HISTORIC SITE, HSPB 110, APN 508-402-005. THE CITY COUNCIL FINDS AND DETERMINES AS FOLLOWS: A. Chapter 8.05 of the Palm Springs Municipal Code allows for the designation of historic sites and districts. B. Mark and Jane Garrision, owner and applicant, filed an application with the City pursuant to Article III of Section 8.05 (Procedure for Designation of Historic Sites or Historic Districts) of the Palm Springs Municipal Code requesting Class 1 historic site designation for the parcel located at 1323 South Driftwood Drive (APN #508-402-005). The application included a historic resources report ("the report") prepared by the Palm Springs Preservation Foundation, dated November, 2017. C. In January, 2018, members of the Historic Site Preservation Board (HSPB) conducted site inspections of the proposed historic site, accompanied by City staff. D. On February 13, 2018, a noticed public hearing to consider Case HSPB #110 was held by the HSPB in accordance with applicable law. E. The HSPB carefully reviewed and considered all of the evidence presented in connection with the hearing on the project, including, but not limited to, the staff report and all written and oral testimony presented, and based upon its findings, voted to recommend that the City Council designate the William Holden Deepwell Residence as a Class 1 Historic Site. F. On March 21, 2018 a noticed public hearing to consider Case HSPB #110 was held by the City Council in accordance with applicable law. G. The City Council carefully reviewed and considered all of the evidence presented in connection with the hearing on the project, included, but not limited to, the staff report and all written and oral testimony presented. THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS RESOLVES: SECTION 1. DEFINITION OF A HISTORIC SITE. The subject parcel meets the definition of a historic site because it conforms to the following criteria established in Palm Springs Municipal Code (PSMC) Section 8.05.020 (`Definitions') as follows: Resolution No. 24396 Page 2 (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. The City Council finds that the William Holden Deepwell Residence is historically significant because of its design, aesthetic effect and association with a person of significance. Although the historic resources report was unable to verify the architect of record for the home, it stands as a dramatic example of a large custom-built residence that utilizes post and beam construction and exemplifies the Mid-century modern period in residential architecture. The City Council also evaluated the site against the seven criteria found in PSMC 8.05.020 that further establish the definition of a historic site or district as follows: 1. That is associated with events that have made a meaningful contribution to the nation, state or community, or The analysis in the historic resources report found no evidence that the site was associated with significant events. As such, it does not meet the definition of a historic site pursuant to Criterion 1. 2. That is associated with lives of persons who made meaningful contribution to national, state or local history, or Based upon building permit records, the report notes that the home was custom built for Mr. and Mrs. George Barrett in 1955 by local building Joseph Pawling. Although the report notes on page 9 that the Barretts were socially prominent, it asserts that they do not rise to the level of having made a "meaningful contribution" to local history. The report identifies Joseph Pawling as the builder of 1323 Driftwood Drive. Pawling garnered significant local recognition for having built many noteworthy homes in Palm Springs, including the William Burgess residence on Palisades Drive and custom homes on Lilliana Drive in the Mesa tract designed by architects Wexler and Harrison. He also received considerable local media attention in 1956 for a custom home he designed and built at 295 Hermosa Place, dubbed "The House of Tomorrow" (demolished November, 2000). (Not to be mistaken for the 1960 "House of Tomorrow" designed by William Krisel and Daniel Palmer for prominent local developer Robert Alexander). ' On page 11 it notes that many of the design features of 1323 Driftwood appear to be"expropriated" by Pawling from the Wexler& Harrison-designed homes on Lilliana including the fireplace, and details of the clerestory windows and slumpstone walls. Resolution No. 24396 Page 3 The second owner of 1323 Driftwood Drive was William Holden (1918-1981). Holden owned the home from 1966 to 1977. Holden was an internationally-renowned film actor whose 40-year career included "Sunset Boulevard (1950), "Stalag 17" (1953), "Bridge on the River Kwai" (1957), "Towering Inferno" (1974), and Network" (1976). Holden was recognized for his contribution to the film industry with the placement of a star on Hollywood's Walk of Fame. He was also recognized for efforts in wildlife conservation and in the 1960's was co-founder of the Mount Kenya Game Ranch and inspired the creation of the William Holden Wildlife Foundation. Holden's career as an actor and his personal endeavors in the area of wildlife conservation make him a person of significance at the national and international level and thus 1323 Driftwood Drive meets the definition of a historic site relative to Criterion 2. 3. That reflects or exemplifies a particular period of the national, state or local history, or The report states that the residence exhibits many stylistic markers that place it directly in the historic context of Palm Springs' Modern Period, and that the residence may be viewed as an important component of the historic trends that have come to define Palm Springs' image as a center of important midcentury architecture. The home was constructed in 1955 and owned by Holden from 1966 until 1977, thus the period of significance for the home would be from the mid-fifties through the late seventies. As noted in the building permit records, the home was extensively renovated in 2012. At that time, significant changes in fenestration, (i.e. door types and locations), colors, exterior finishes (slump stone walls were smoothed over with stucco) , original site walls were removed and new ones added, a circular driveway across the front of the home was removed and a "motor court" driveway with "grass-crete" pavers and gates were added at the south end of the property. At the entry, construction of a water feature was added that was not present during the period of significance of the house. The changes affected the overall appearance of the home, and while the alterations may be deemed "harmonious" with the architecture of the original home, they diminish the historic integrity of the home. The City Council asserts that despite these changes, the residence still qualifies for designation under Criterion 3 based on the architectural details and period of construction of the residence. 4. That embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period or method of construction; The report indicates that the residence possesses distinctive characteristics of Mid- century modern architecture, such as the flat roof and overall horizontality of the massing, use of inexpensive mass-produced materials, and an architectural design that blurs the line between indoors and outdoors and its post-and-beam method of construction. Given these characteristics, the City Council determines the William Holden Residence meets the definition of a historic site as defined in Criterion 4. Resolution No. 24396 Page 4 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; As noted earlier, 1323 Driftwood Drive was constructed by local builder Joe Pawling. The report on page 23 asserts that Pawling's work presents the work of "a master builder whose individual genius influenced his age". 6. That represents a significant and distinguishable entity whose components may lack individual distinction; The subject property does not meet this criterion. 7. That has yielded or may be likely to yield information important to national, state or local history or prehistory. The subject property does not meet this criterion. SECTION 2. DEFINING HISTORIC CHARACTERISTICS AND NON-CONTRIBUTING FEATURES. The physical character-defining historic features of this site include the following: 1. The exposed post and beam construction and structural systems with multi-level horizontal roof planes with very thin fascias and exposed beams. 2. The expansive cantilevered roof eaves that help protect the glass from direct solar exposure. 3. The exposed tongue and groove ceiling boards. 4. The narrow roof edge fascia detail. The non-contributing features include the following: 1. The site landscaping, swimming pool and hardscape materials; including the "Grass-crete" driveway pavers. 2. The water feature at the front entry door. 3. The garage door/carport/gate enclosure at the southeast corner of the residence; 4. The wall sconce lighting fixtures. 5. The smooth stucco finish on the front wall (this wall was originally slumpstone block with a heavy texture.) 6. The pivoting doors (throughout) and windows added during the 2013 renovation. 7. The exterior barbeque area, site walls, raised planters, firepit, etc. SECTION 3. INTEGRITY. On page 23, the historic resources report provides an examination of the residence relative to the seven aspects or qualities of integrity, as recognized by the National Resolution No. 24396 Page 5 Register of Historic Places. The seven aspects or qualities include location, design, setting, materials, workmanship, feeling, and association. The report concludes that the residence retains a high degree of integrity despite numerous modifications. Upon closer analysis however, many of the recent modifications in fact diminish the home's historic integrity. Those modifications and others that were observed from photos and permit drawings from recent renovation work under the heading "Design", below. 1. Location: The residence remains on its original site. 2. Design: The essential characteristics of form, plan, space, structure, and style have survived largely intact, however several modifications have altered the fenestration, detailing, color palette, texture and overall appearance of the exterior of the home. a. An addition in 1967 added a 616 square foot garage and storeroom and a 48 square foot addition to the dining room (added during the Holden period). b. Demolition of the original "J"-shaped slumpstone block wall at the entrance. c. Addition of a water feature at the front entrance. d. Covering over of an existing slumpstone block wall with parging and smooth stucco at the front elevation. e. Changes in exterior fenestration: These changes, most of which appear to have occurred as part of a comprehensive gutting and remodeling of the home in 2012 include: i. Removal of sliding glass doors and replacement with massive pivoting glass doors. ii. Removal of a pair of wood front doors with one massive pivoting wood doors. iii. Removal of portions of solid walls and more glass walls and glass pivoting doors. iv. Removal of exterior wall sconce light fixtures and replacement with "non- period" contemporary fixtures. v. Removal of the front circular drive and installation of "grasscrete" pavers at the drive. vi. Installation of various site walls, raised planters, a firepit, and architectural screens, gates and flatwork. vii. New swimming pool. viii. Painting the entire structure white (not consistent with the darker color palette seen in the vintage photos of the home). ix. Existing landscaping was removed. 3. Setting: The landscape and site design has been modified over time, with the removal of much of the privacy hedges and trees. No site plan or landscape plan of the original home was provided. The setting of the residence continues to generally reflect the relationship of an expansive, open site with a Mid-century Modem era structure. 4. Materials: The Holden residence has had numerous material changes over time including removal of certain exterior garden walls, removal of exterior walls and installation of new glass pivoting doors in their place, and replacement of existing sliding doors and double entry doors with massive pivoting doors and loss of original exterior light fixtures. The original slumpstone concrete walls, which added Resolution No. 24396 Page 6 texture and variety of materials to the home has been lost with the covering over of these walls with stucco. 5. Workmanship: The materials and architectural details of the residence remain largely intact, and reflect the workmanship of the period in which the residence was constructed. 6. Feeling: The siting of the residence relative to its lot and view retains the original integrity of feeling of a large rambling custom-built home on an expansive lot, however the feeling of the structure today, while dramatic and "sleek", no longer reflects the material feeling and texture seen in the vintage photos from the period of significance. 7. Association: The residence retains its association with actor William Holden and as a custom-designed modernist era private residence. Based on these factors, the home cannot be deemed to have a high degree of integrity. Its present-day appearance is more a reflection of its 2012 renovation than the period of significance of the fifties through the seventies. The City Council concludes that the property is appropriately characterized as having a fair degree of integrity. SECTION 4. REQUIRED FINDINGS — CITY COUNCIL. Pursuant to PSMC 8.05.160, the City Council must make the finding that the purposes of the Historic Preservation chapter are furthered by designation of such property as a historic site or district. The purpose of the Historic Preservation chapter of the Municipal Code is outlined in PSMC 8.05.010: This chapter is adopted pursuant to the authority of (California) Government Code Section 37361 for the purpose of preserving areas and specific buildings of the city which reflect elements of its cultural, social, economic, political, architectural and archaeological history. This chapter is intended to stabilize and improve buildings, structures or areas which are considered to be of historical, architectural, archaeological or ecological value, to foster civic beauty, to strengthen the local economy and to promote the use of specific buildings for the education and welfare of the citizens. Granting Class 1 historic site designation to the Holden Deepwell Residence would further the purpose of the historic preservation ordinance because residence meets the definition of a historic site pursuant to the criteria listed in PSMC Chapter 8.05, and its preservation fosters civic beauty, strengthens the local economy by ensuring long term proper care and maintenance of a unique custom built home from the mid-century era that was owned by a person of significance and helps educate and inform the citizens about this important period in the development of Palm Springs. SECTION 6. 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 Resolution No. 24396 Page 7 Historic Site: 1. It shall meet the definition of a historic site as outlined in Municipal Code Section 8.05.020. 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 marker explaining the historic nature of the site will be installed at the site in a location viewable from the public way. 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. 8. The City Clerk shall submit the Council Resolution to the County recorder for recordation within 90 days of the effective date of the Council's resolution. SECTION 7. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT. The City Council finds that the Class 1 historic site designation is not subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Sections 15060(c)(2) (the activity will not result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment) and 15060(c)(3) (the activity is not a project as defined in Section 15378) of the CEQA Guidelines, California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Chapter 3, because it has no potential for resulting in physical changes to the environment, directly or indirectly. Based upon the foregoing, the City Council hereby designates the residence at 1323 South Drivewood Drive (APN #508-402-005), "The William Holden Deepwell Residence," a Class 1 Historic Site (Case HSPB #110). ADOPTED THIS 21st DAY OF MARCH, 2018. David H. Ready, Esq., P City Manager ATTEST: nthorWJ. Mejia C it C Resolution No. 24396 Page 8 CERTIFICATION STATE OF CALIFORNIA ) COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE ) SS. CITY OF PALM SPRINGS ) I, ANTHONY J. MEJIA, City Clerk of the City of Palm Springs, hereby certify that Resolution No. 24396 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 March 21, 2018, by the following vote: AYES: Councilmembers Holstege, Kors, Middleton, Mayor Pro Tern Roberts, and Mayor Moon NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the official seal of the City of Palm Springs, California, this 2�day of t- 2018 nthony J. ejia, MM City Clerk