HomeMy WebLinkAbout7/20/2017 - STAFF REPORTS - 00 (2) O�QALAI
' City of Palm Springs
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Department of Planning Services
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13 June 2017
Mayor Robert Moon
Mayor Pro Tern Ginny Foat
Councilmember Geoff Kors
Councilmember Chris Mills
Councilmember JR Roberts
RE: Downtown Palm Springs Park
Mayor Moon and Councilmembers:
We are pleased that the City is conducting a public input process in the design of the new Downtown Park,
and support the provision of public open space in the downtown area. As you are aware, the Downtown
Park is located on the former grounds of the Desert Inn Hotel. The Desert Inn site was designated as a Class
II Historic Site by the City Council in September 1985 (Resolution No. 15623). The site is of key importance
in the history and development of the city, and as such, the Historic Preservation Ordinance encourages that
plaques or other similar monuments be used to identify the importance of the site.
We would request that the following items be included as required elements of the design of the Downtown
Park to memorialize its location as a Class II Historic Site:
• The gates of the Desert Inn;
• An informational kiosk with the history of the Desert Inn and the Historic Site Preservation Board Class
II Plaque;
• Any additional remaining artifacts from the Desert Inn; and
• Nellie Coffman's star (from the Palm Springs Walk of Stars).
In addition, we would request that the park be named in honor of Nellie Coffman. Following in the tradition
of Ruth Hardy and Francis Stevens, it would be fitting to name the park in honor of the owner and operator
of the fabled inn that previously stood on the site.
We sincerely hope that consideration is given to the historic nature of the property in the design of the new
park, and that through the inclusion of these elements, park patrons will gain an understanding of the people
and events that helped shape the city.
Sincerely,
Gary Johns
Chair, Historic Site Preservation Board
CC: David Ready
Mark Rios
Post Office Box 2743 0 Palm Springs, California 92263-2743