HomeMy WebLinkAbout23195 RESOLUTION NO. 23195
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA, DESIGNATING THE
PROPERTY LOCATED AT CASA PALMERAS
RESIDENCES, 783 N. INDIAN CANYON DR. AS A
HISTORIC SITE, CLASS 1 (HSPB 82).
WHEREAS, Chapter 8.05 of the Palm Springs Municipal Code allows for the
designation of historic sites; and
WHEREAS, on May 8, 2012, the Historic Site Preservation Board initiated an
investigation to determine if the Casa Palmeras Residences, 783 N. Indian Canyon Drive
should be designated a historic site; and
WHEREAS, on June 12, 2012, the Historic Site Preservation Board conducted a
public hearing in accordance with applicable law to consider designation of the Casa
Palmeras Residences, 783 N. Indian Canyon Drive as a historic site; and
WHEREAS, upon completion of said hearing and after considering all materials
and testimony presented on the matter, the HSPB adopted Resolution #82 to
recommend to City Council designation of the Casa Palmeras Residences, 783 N. Indian
Canyon Drive as a Historic Site, Class 1; and
WHEREAS, notice of a public hearing of the City Council of the City of Palm
Springs to consider designation of the Casa Palmeras Residences, 783 N. Indian
Canyon Drive as a Historic Site, Class 1 was issued in accordance with applicable law;
and
WHEREAS, on July 11, 2012 the City Council conducted a public hearing in
accordance with applicable law to consider designation of the Casa Palmeras
Residences, 783 N. Indian Canyon Drive as a Historic Site, Class 1; and
WHEREAS, the designation of Casa Palmeras Residences, 783 N. Indian Canyon
Drive as a Historic Site, Class 1 shall further the purpose and intent of Chapter 8.05 and
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 and notes the
following:
Resolution No. 23195
Page 2
WHEREAS, in 1930, the 33-unit Casa Palmeras residences were constructed
according to the design of architect Paul R. Williams on a flat, rectangular lot at the
south-west corner of N. Palm Canyon Drive and Tamarisk Road, and with a site address
of 783 N. Indian Canyon Drive; and
WHEREAS, the Casa Palmeras residences were among the early courtyard
apartments in Palm Springs designed and built in the Spanish Revival style, and are
almost completely intact, save for minor exterior modifications such as removal of wood
window shutters and wind-vain, addition of a swimming pool, minor exterior repainting
and revised landscaping; and
WHEREAS, the defining characteristics of this building include:
• Asymmetrical floor plans and facades,
• White stucco walls, arch entry and squat tower,
• Red-tile gable and shed roofs with short or no eaves,
• Decorative iron work and rustic masonry detailing.
NOW THEREFORE THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS,
CALIFORNIA DOES HEREBY RESOLVE:
SECTION 1. Pursuant to CEQA, the City Council finds that the designation of the
Casa Palmeras Residences, 783 N. Indian Canyon Drive 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.
SECTION 2. Pursuant to Section 8.05.020 of the Palm Springs Municipal Code,
the City Council does hereby make the following findings regarding the Casa
Palmeras Residences, 783 N. Indian Canyon Drive to support designation as a
Class One historic site:
A. The stated purpose and authority of the Historic Resources ordinance are
furthered by this proposed designation, because as a complete and apparently
original example of the courtyard apartment complex rendered in the Spanish
Revival style, the Casa Palmeras residences hold an important place in the City's
architectural history; and because the designation will help with future stabilization
and improvement of the building as it can promote the preservation of the building
in its original configuration and design; and because designation of the building
will foster civic beauty, strengthen the local economy and improve the citizens'
education of Palm Springs' experience with small apartment living and Spanish
Revival architecture.
B. The property reflects or exemplifies a particular period of the national, state
or local history; because Spanish Revival architecture developed deep roots in
Palm Springs in the 1930's and the Casa Palmeras is an excellent example of
how the style served to create an intimate and warm residential living environment
Resolution No. 23195
Page 3
for the small apartment dweller; and because the buildings are in nearly original
condition with no significant modifications or additions imposed on the structures
since their construction; and because the property well-exemplifies Palm Springs'
and Southern California's embrace of the Spanish Revival style in the early part of
the 20th century.
C. The property embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period or
method of construction; because Casa Palmeras provides an excellent example of
how the Spanish Revival style could be expressed in the smaller scale of
courtyard housing; and because the overall asymmetrical plan and the off-set
which each unit is provided from its neighbor are evidence of the custom
craftsmanship of the times; and because the rustic details on the chimneys,
masonry screens, archway and tower show the hand-made look of pre-war
construction, as contrasted to more simplified and standardized building
techniques of subsequent years.
D. The property presents the work of a master builder, designer, artist, or
architect whose individual genius influenced his age; or that possesses high
artistic value, because the building's architect, Paul R. Williams, is recognized as
one of Southern California's most prolific residential architects, who also
contributed several projects to Palm Springs' trove of significant architecture; and
because this building is a clear example of Williams' command of the Spanish
Revival style, which he employed in many of his residences around the region;
and because his use of the style in the Casa Palmeras courtyard apartment
project shows his ability to adapt the style to a multi-family setting.
E. The property represents a significant and distinguishable entity whose
components may lack individual distinction; because a look at the components of
the original building may not reveal individual distinction, as stucco, red clay
roofing tile and masonry detailing are common materials used throughout warm
climate areas, yet they are employed here to significant and distinguishable effect
through asymmetrical arrangement, intimate scale, and careful organization.
SECTION 3. Based upon the foregoing, the City Council does hereby designate
the entire site, property line to property line, as a Class 1 Historic Site, the Casa
Palmeras Residences„ 783 N. Indian Canyon Drive, subject to the following
conditions:
1. The property owner shall permit the City to place a historic marker of the
City's choosing at the site. The marker shall be placed in a location visible from
the public right-of-way. The owner shall maintain the marker in the location
installed and pay for the replacement cost if the plaque is lost, stolen, or otherwise
removed from the property.
Resolution No. 23195
Page 4
2. All future modifications of the existing structures, as well as any new
buildings shall require HSPB review pursuant Municipal Code Ordinance
8.05.180. No HSPB review shall be required for new temporary, detached, non-
habitable structures or modifications to landscaping.
3. No review for maintenance of the parking lot or landscaping shall be
required, except that, subject to staff approval, any new landscape materials shall
be native or desert-appropriate, including removal of turf, where practical.
4. All requirements of the Palm Springs Zoning Code shall be met.
5. The City Clerk submit the Council Resolution to the County recorder for
recordation within 90 days of the effective date of this resolution.
6. Any alterations or modifications to the exterior approved prior to the
designation of this site by the City Council shall be deemed acceptable.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA, THIS 11TH DAY OF JULY, 2012.
David H. Ready, Cites nager
ATTEST:
?James Thompson, City Clerk
CERTIFICATION
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE ) ss.
CITY OF PALM SPRINGS )
1, JAMES THOMPSON, City Clerk of the City of Palm Springs, hereby certify that
Resolution No. 23195 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 July 11, 2012, by the following
vote:
AYES: Councilmember Hutcheson, Councilmember Lewin, and Mayor Pougnet.
NOES: Councilmember Mills.
ABSENT: Mayor Pro Tern Foat.
ABSTAIN: None.
hies Thompson, City Clerk OE3 ' iz
ity of Palm Springs, California /