HomeMy WebLinkAbout23128 RESOLUTION NO. 23128
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA, DESIGNATING THE
PROPERTY LOCATED AT 225 W. BARISTO ROAD (DEL
MARCOS HOTEL) AS A CLASS 1 HISTORIC SITE. (CASE
HSPB 78).
WHEREAS, Chapter 8.05 of the Palm Springs Municipal Code allows for the
designation of historic sites; and
WHEREAS, on December 13, 2011, the Historic Site Preservation Board
initiated an investigation to determine if the property at 225 W. Baristo Road should be
designated a historic site; and
WHEREAS, on February 14, 2012, the Historic Site Preservation Board
conducted a public hearing in accordance with applicable law to consider designation of
the Hugh Stephens Residence 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 #78 to
recommend to City Council designation of the property located at 225 W. Baristo Road
("Del Marcos Hotel") 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 property located at 225 W. Baristo Road ("Del
Marcos Hotel") as a Historic Site, Class 1 was issued in accordance with applicable law;
and
WHEREAS, on May 2, 2012 the City Council conducted a public hearing in
accordance with applicable law to consider designation of the property located at 225
W. Baristo Road ("Del Marcos Hotel") as a Historic Site, Class 1; and
WHEREAS, the designation of the property located at 225 W. Baristo Road ("Del
Marcos Hotel") 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:
1. The Del Marcos Hotel's modern architecture employs bold angles along the roof
and front walls. Other stylistic elements include the dramatic use of stone on the
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front fagade, a glass-enclosed lobby that connects the check-in area to the
exterior breezeway and pool deck, and the simple trellis elements on the second
story walkway / deck. Functionally, the central pool deck is directly accessible
from the ground level rooms and the generous use of glass provides views to the
nearby mountains from most rooms.
2. The defining characteristics of this home include:
• An open plan surrounding the swimming pool;
• A long sloping roofline with the angular trim and doors;
• The use of floor-to-ceiling glass, stone work and redwood siding; and
• No significant changes have been made to the structure since its original
construction.
3. The building was the first independent commission for architect William F. Cody,
who became member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) about the time
the San Marcos Hotel was being completed. He was elevated to Fellowship in
the AIA in 1965. The Southern California Chapter of the AIA granted the San
Marcos Hotel an "honorable mention" in its award ceremony in 1949.
4. William F. Cody had a notable career in the Coachella Valley and with desert
resorts beyond the local area. He converted the Thunderbird Dude Ranch into
the Thunderbird Country Club and worked at the Eldorado Country Club, the
Tamarisk Country Club, the Racquet Club and the Tennis Club. During the
1960's, he spent nearly a decade altering and expanding the Spa Hotel for the
Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, and had other commissions in
California, Arizona, Texas, Cuba and Mexico. His last commissions were St.
Teresa's Catholic Church and Convent (1966-68) and the Palm Springs Public
Library (1973).
THE CITY COUNCIL DOES HEREBY RESOLVE:
SECTION 1: Pursuant to CEQA, the City Council finds that the designation of the
property at 225 W. Baristo 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.
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 property at 225 W.
Baristo Road ("Del Marcos Hotel") to support designation as a Class One historic site:
A. The property reflects or exemplifies a particular period of the national, state or
local history, because the hotel was recognized in 1949 by the Los Angeles
Chapter of the American Institute of Architects as a noteworthy example of new
resort architecture. The building is representative of the open and informal
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Page 3
modern style that became prominent in the post-war years through the 1960's.
Its bold use of angles exemplifies the energy and optimism of the times, and the
building is a unique and largely intact example of the modernist architecture for
which Palm Springs is widely known.
B. 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, William F. Cody, was recognized by the AIA
with a Fellowship after twenty years of practice in southern California and other
warm climates. He is one of the recognized groups of mid-century modern
architects who practiced in the Palm Springs area. The Del Marcos Hotel is a
clear pre-cursor to Mr. Cody's involvement in resort properties, as he later
developed a specialization in residential hotels and country clubs with residential
components.
SECTION 3: Based upon the foregoing, the City Council does hereby designate as a
Class 1 Historic Site the property at 225 W. Baristo Road ("Del Marcos Hotel"), 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.
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. All requirements of the Palm Springs Zoning Code shall be met.
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. Any alterations or modifications to the exterior approved prior to the designation
of this site by the City Council shall be deemed acceptable.
ADOPTED THIS 2ND DAY OF MAY, 2 >� l
David H. Ready, City Ma r
ATTEST:
ames Thompson, City Clerk
Resolution No. 23128
Page 4
CERTIFICATION
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE ) ss.
CITY OF PALM SPRINGS )
I, JAMES THOMPSON, City Clerk of the City of Palm Springs, hereby certify that
Resolution No. 23128 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 May 2, 2012, by the following
vote:
AYES: Councilmember Hutcheson, Councilmember Lewin, Councilmember Mills,
Mayor Pro Tern Foat and Mayor Pougnet.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: None.
ABSTAIN: None.
mes Thompson, City Clerk �/Zo I Z
City of Palm Springs, Calliforniat)5/Z