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CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
DATE: MARCH 7, 2012 UNFINISHED BUSINESS
SUBJECT: CASE HSPB #33: DETERMINATION OF CLASS 1 HISTORIC
DESIGNATION FOR PALM SPRINGS CITY HALL, LOCATED AT 3200
EAST TAHQUITZ CANYON WAY, A CLASS 1 HISTORIC SITE
FROM: David H. Ready, City Manager
BY: The Planning Department
SUMMARY
On February 15, 2012, the City Council conducted a public hearing and directed staff to
prepare a draft resolution to expand the historic designation of City Hall to include all
portions of the property. Staff has prepared the draft resolution identifying the entire
property as included in the designation. The City Council may amend or adopt the
ordinance as it deems appropriate.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Adopt Resolution No. : "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA AMENDING THE CLASS 1 HISTORIC
DESIGNATION OF THE PALM SPRINGS CITY HALL."
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Palm Springs City Hall was designated a historic site, Class 1 in 1996. The Council's
resolution (No. 18907) designating the site does not specifically state what portions of
the property are designated historic, except that exterior alterations must be approved
by the HSPB or City Council, and must also maintain the architectural integrity of the
building. Staff concluded that only the building is subject to the historic classification,
and on May 10, 2010, the Historic Site Preservation Board adopted a recommendation
to expand the designation to include the entire site. The Council received the staff
recommendation and conducted a public hearing. A full project description, historic
assessment report and recommendations can be found in the attached staff reports.
ITEM NO. Ih
City Council Staff Report March 7, 2012
Case: HSPB No. 3313200 E.Tahquitz Canyon Way Page 2 of 5
PRIOR ACTIONS
On September 10, 1996, the Historic Site Preservation Board (HSPB) conducted a
public hearing unanimously recommended to the City Council designation of the Palm
Springs City Hall as a Historic Site, Class 1.
On October 2, 1996, the City Council conducted a public hearing and unanimously
approved the Palm Springs City Hall as a Historic Site, Class 1. The Council resolution
included the following language:
"Section 4. No permits for the exterior alteration to the...Palm Springs
City Hall...shall be granted without prior approval of the Historic Site
Preservation Board and/or the City Council, pursuant to Chapter 8.05 of
the Palm Springs Municipal Code; approved alterations shall maintain the
historic architectural integrity of the building."
On March 9, 2010, the Historic Site Preservation Board initiated an amendment to the
approved historic designation of the Palm Springs City Hall to expand the designation to
include the site's landscape and parking area. The HSPB also adopted a 120-day Stay
of Demolition on the landscape and parking areas.
On May 11, 2010, the Historic Site Preservation Board conducted a public hearing and
voted 7-0 to recommend amendment of the Class One historic designation of City Hall
to include the entire site.
On February 15, 2012, the City Council, conducted a public hearing on the HSPB
recommendation and directed staff to return with a draft resolution and site designation
options.
ANALYSIS
The City Council has complete authority to determine the definition of a historic "site'.
While the popular definition of "site" may be a plot of land, the City's Historic
Preservation ordinance includes a more specific definition (PSMC Section 8.05.020.a):
Historic Site. An [sic]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 and: .
(1) That is associated with events that have made a meaningful
contribution to the nation, state or community; or
(2) That is associated with lives of persons who made
meaningful contribution to national, state or local history; or
(3) That reflects or exemplifies a particular period of the
national, state or local history, or
(4) That embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type,
period or method of construction; or
02
City Council Staff Report March 7, 2012
Case: HSPB No.33/3200 E.Tahquitz Canyon Way Page 3 of 5
(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; or
(6) That represents a significant and distinguishable entity
whose components may lack individual distinction, or
(7) That has yielded or may be likely to yield information
important to national, state or local history or prehistory.
It is noteworthy that the opening of the definition states, "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." No mention is made of
land itself, although real property certainly includes land.
In recent historic designations, the City Council has been careful to specifically call out
those items that are to be protected and those which are not. Examples include the
front fagade of the Palm Springs International Airport terminal and the second story and
specific parts of the first floor of the Oasis building at the southwest corner of Tahquitz
and Palm Canyon. These historic sites are very limited in their definition. However, the
key point is this: For purposes of regulation under Section 8.05 of the Palm Springs
Municipal Code, the definition of a particular historic site is no more or less than what
the City Council decides it to be.
The record on the 1996 designation of the Palm Springs City Hall does not provide as
clear a statement on the definition of the historic site as we produce today. Many
references in the staff reports leading up to the Council decision suggest that the
building and site (i.e., associated plot of land) were in consideration. However, the
Council's adopted resolution indicates that only alterations are to be reviewed.
In 1996, the entire property on which the City Hall building is located (APN 502-150-
005) included the co-generation plant, which was built in 1985. There is no mention of
the co-gen plant in any of the reports, minutes or other materials preceding the 1996
Council action. Also, the City Dog Park is located within the same parcel as City Hall. It
was constructed in 1998 and dedicated in 1999 (after the Council designated City Hall
as historic). There is no record that the Dog Park was reviewed by HSPB.
Consequently, staff believes that the entire lot was not intended to be designated
historic. Since there is no mention of which lesser portions of the property, other than
the City Hall building, might warrant historic protection, staff believes that only the City
Hall building is the currently-designated historic site.
As noted above, the Council has wide discretion in establishing and amending historic
designations. In the case of City Hall, it may extend the designation to include the
entire boundaries of APN 502-150-005. This would include the co-gen plant, the dog
park, the back, side and front parking lots and all associated landscaping. The parcel
also includes a 40-foot wide right-of-way strip extending about 560 feet north along El
Cielo (fronting the medical office buildings behind City Hall). Any changes to any of
these structures, features or elements would be subject to HSPB review.
03
City Council Staff Report March 7,2012
Case: HSPB No. 33/3200 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way Page 4 of 5
The Council may also identify portions of the property that it wishes to exclude from the
site designation. The Public Works Department has provided its recommendations
regarding certain elements that it believes should not be designated historic
A. Rear landscape,area (along north side of City Hall addition)
B. Parking lot (former unnamed street right-of-way)
C. Dog park
D. Co-generation plant and landscape area
E. El Cielo Road right-of-way
In the event that the Council determines that one or more of the items are to be
excluded from the historic designation, the draft resolution should be amended to
identify these items.
REQUIRED FINDINGS
As noted above in Background and Setting, Section 8.05.020 of the Municipal Code
provides the definition of an 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'. Seven other qualities are listed therein:
(1) That is associated with events that have made a meaningful contribution to the
nation, state or community; or
(2) That is associated with lives of persons who made meaningful contribution to
national, state or local history; or
(3) That reflects or exemplifies a particular period of the national, state or local
history; or
(4) That embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period or method of
construction; or
(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; or
(6) That represents a significant and distinguishable entity whose components may
lack individual distinction; or
(7) That has yielded or may be likely to yield information important to national, state
or local history or prehistory.
RECOMMENDATION
Based on the review contained in this report and City Council discussion at its February
15, 2012 meeting, staff recommends that the City Council amend the Class 1 historic
designation for the Palm Springs City Hall to include all of the property constituting the
City Hall site except for those portions delineated above by the Public Works
Department.
04
City Council Staff Report March 7,2012
Case: HSPB No.33/3200 E.Tahquitz Canyon Way Page 5 of 5
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
In accordance with Section 15331 (Historical Resources Restoration/Rehabilitation) of
the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the proposed amendment is
categorically exempt from environmental review as the proposed designation meets the
conditions outlined for preservation of a historic resource.
NOTIFICATION
The item was posted with the agenda for the Council meeting, as required by law. A
previous public hearing on this matter was conducted February 15, 2012, with advance
notice provided to affected property owners.
FISCAL IMPACT
No fiscal impact.
fi0Y C ig A. Ewing, AICP Thomas J. won
Director of Planning Services Assistant Cfty Manager, Dev't Svcs
David H. Ready
City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
1. Vicinity Maps
2. Draft City Council Resolution
3. City Council Staff Reports (February 15, 2012)
4. Resolution #33A of the HSPB
5. HSPB Meeting Minutes (May 11, 2010)
6. City Council Resolution No. 18907
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CITY OF PALM SPRINGS
CASE NO: HSPB - 33 DESCRIPTION: Amend the Palm Springs City Hall
Class 1 Historic designation (Case No. HSPB 33) to
APPLICANT: City of Palm Springs include the entire City Hall site including all structures,
Historic Site Preservation Board landscape and parking areas.
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RESOLUTION NO.
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM
SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING THE EXISTING HISTORIC
CLASS 1 DESIGNATION FOR PALM SPRINGS CITY HALL, 3200
EAST TAHQUITZ CANYON WAY, TO INCLUDE THE ENTIRE
PROPERTY (APN 502-150-005)
WHEREAS, Chapter 8.05 of the Palm Springs Municipal Code allows for
the designation of historic sites; and
WHEREAS, ON October 2, 1996, the City Council adopted Resolution No.
18907 adopting a historic designation, Class 1 for the Palm Springs City Hall
building, but excluding the site and grounds; and
WHEREAS, on May 11, 2010, the Historic Site Preservation Board
conducted a public hearing in accordance with applicable law and voted to
recommend amending the existing Class 1 historic designation of the Palm
Springs City Hall to include the entire site in the historic designation; and
WHEREAS, the designation of the entire site of the Palm Springs City Hall
shall further the purpose and intent of Chapter 8.05; and
WHEREAS, the designation of the entire site of the Palm Springs City Hall
shall promote the sensitive preservation of said site; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has 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. That the concrete area in front of the main entries to the Palm Springs City
Hall embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period or method of
construction, because the steps and plaza, as a base or "plinth", reconcile
the distinctive characteristics of the mid-century modern style with the
traditional design of a public building.
2. That the concrete area in front of the main entries to the Palm Springs City
Hall presents the work of a master builder, designer, artist, or architect
whose individual genius influenced his age; because the steps and plaza
appear to be part of Albert Frey's design plan for the property; the life and
work of Albert Frey has been well-documented; and his work is recognized
world-wide as significant toward the development of the modern
09
movements of architecture, especially as he adapted such styles and
movements to the local environment.
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS DOES HEREBY
RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. The Class 1 historic designation for the Palm Springs City
Hall is hereby amended to include the entire site of the Palm Springs City Hall
(APN 502-150-005), subject to the following conditions;
1. All future exterior modifications including but not limited to building, site,
landscaping, lighting, walls, and fences shall require Architectural Approval
pursuant to Section 94.04.00 of the Palm Springs Zoning Ordinance.
2. No permit for the alteration of the interior or exterior of any building, or the
steps or entry plaza fronting the main (south) building entries, or the
hardscape of the parking lot and landscape areas, including any and all of
the properties elements and characteristics shall be issued without prior
approval by the Historic Site Preservation Board.
3. That the City Clerk submit the Council Resolution to the County recorder for
recordation within 90 days of the effective date of this resolution.
4. All existing or previously approved alterations shall be considered
acceptable.
ADOPTED THIS xxTH DAY OF MONTH, YEAR.
David H. Ready, City Manager
ATTEST:
James Thompson, City Clerk
10
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. 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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CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
DATE: FEBRUARY 15, 2012 PUBLIC HEARING
SUBJECT: CASE HSPB #33: RECOMMENDATION TO AMEND AN EXISTING
CLASS 1 HISTORIC DESIGNATION FOR PALM SPRINGS CITY HALL
TO INCLUDE SITE PARKING AND LANDSCAPE AREAS, LOCATED AT
3200 EAST TAHQUITZ CANYON WAY, A CLASS 1 HISTORIC SITE
FROM: David H. Ready, City Manager
BY: The Planning Department
SUMMARY
Under Section 8.05 of the Palm Springs Municipal Code (Historic Resources), the City
Council may designate properties as "Class 1" historic sites. On October 2, 1996, the
City Council adopted Resolution No. 18907 designating Palm Springs City Hall a Class
1 Historic Site. The City's Historic Site Preservation Board (HSPB) has recommended
that the Class 1 designation be amended to include the parking lot and landscape areas
surrounding the building. The Council will conduct a continued public hearing (from
September 22, 2010) and determine if the existing historic designation should be
amended. Notification of this hearing was published and mailed on January 5, 2012.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Adopt Resolution No. : "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA AMENDING THE CLASS 1 HISTORIC
DESIGNATION OF THE PALM SPRINGS CITY HALL TO INCLUDE THE CONCRETE
PLAZA IMMEDIATELY FRONTING THE MAIN AND COUNCIL CHAMBER
ENTRANCES AT 3200 TAHQUITZ CANYON WAY".
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The Historic Site Preservation Board has initiated an amendment to the existing Class 1
designation for City Hall to expand the designation to include the parking and landscape
areas surrounding the City Hall building. No other changes to the existing designation
are proposed. If adopted by the City Council, such amendment would:
i2
City Council Staff Report February 15, 2012
Case: HSPB No.33/3200 E.Tahquitz Canyon Way Page 2 of 7
1. Place the entire property (as opposed to only the City Hall building) under the
provisions of Municipal Code Section 8.05 (Historic Preservation).
2. Require the City Council to forward any proposed changes to the parking lot or
landscaping to the HSPB for review.
A full project description, historic assessment report and Staffs findings and
recommendations can be found in the attached staff report to the Historic Site
Preservation Board dated April 13, 2009.
PRIOR ACTIONS
On September 10, 1996, the Historic Site Preservation Board (HSPB) conducted a
public hearing unanimously recommended to the City Council designation of the Palm
Springs City Hall as a Historic Site, Class 1.
On October 2, 1996, the City Council conducted a public hearing and unanimously
approved the Palm Springs City Hall as a Historic Site, Class 1. The Council resolution
included the following language:
"Section 4. No permits for the exterior alteration to the...Palm Springs
City Hall...shall be granted without prior approval of the Historic Site
Preservation Board and/or the City Council, pursuant to Chapter 8.05 of
the Palm Springs Municipal Code; approved alterations shall maintain the
historic architectural integrity of the building."
On March 9, 2010, the Historic Site Preservation Board initiated an amendment to the
approved historic designation of the Palm Springs City Hall to expand the designation to
include the site's landscape and parking area. The HSPB also adopted a 120-day Stay
of Demolition on the landscape and parking areas.
On May 11, 2010, the Historic Site Preservation Board conducted a public hearing and
voted 7-0 to recommend amendment of the Class One historic designation of City Hall
to include the entire site.
BACKGROUND AND SETTING
The Palm Spring City Hall was construction in the 1950's (with subsequent additions)
during the mid-century modern architectural wave that swept through the desert at that
time. Among the best-known architects of that era, Albert Frey with then-partners John
Porter Clark and Robson C. Chambers undertook the design of the City's government
center. The architectural features and merits of the building are described below.
The site is located at the northwest corner of the eastern terminus Tahquitz Canyon
Way at El Cielo Road. City Hall, the Police and County government buildings to the
south and the Palm Springs International Airport to the east define this part of the City
as the community's government center. Certain common features define all these
City Council Staff Report February 15,2012
Case: HSPB No. 33/3200 E.Tahquitz Canyon Way Page 3 of 7
facilities, including low-rise buildings, significant street setbacks, parking lots in front of
the buildings and predominantly low landscaping, usually in the form of lawns.
ANALYSIS
In the October 2, 1996 staff report to the City Council, the Palm Springs City Hall was
included with several other Albert Frey structures as recommended for designation as
historic sites, Class 1. The report cited Joseph Rosa's, Albert Frey. Architect (1990;
Rizzoli International Publications, Inc.) for much of the information used to analyze the
property's architectural and historic importance. However, no specific mention is made
of the building's relationship to the site or site conditions (lot size, shape, setbacks, etc.)
nor is there a discussion of the design of the parking lot and landscape areas. The
record is silent regarding any design or historic significance associated with the grounds
of the City Hall complex.
In Mr. Rosa's book, a site plan for City Hall is reproduced, but only the cement plinth in
front of the building is included:
1957 - �7 Wf..
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PALM SPRINGS CITY HALL,PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA
Staff has also investigated the possibility that famed landscape architect Garrett Eckbo
may have designed the landscaping for the site. However, a review of the Eckbo
archives at the University of California has revealed no drawings, prints or manuscripts
for the property. The archives include photos of the site, but there is no evidence to
indicate that Mr. Eckbo had any involvement in the design of the site's landscaping.
Based on the record, there does not appear to be any acknowledged architectural or
historic significance to either the parking lots or landscape areas surrounding the
building.
Staff notes that absent any specific information, it may still be possible to ascribe
significance based on site conditions and features. Public comment has been received
14
City Council Staff Report February 15,2012
Case: HSPB No. 33/3200 E.Tahquitz Canyon Way Page 4 of 7
to suggest that the parking lot's layout provides certain unobstructed views of the City
Hall building from Tahquitz Canyon Way. According to this argument, any revision that
would allow cars to park where they are currently not parking would inhibit the views of
the historic building. There is some merit to this argument if there can be found historic
significance to the open views of the site.
One example of such significance can be found in how the building is set on its base.
The low-rise building that reflects the mid-century modern ethic includes the concrete
base — or "plinth" — that has long been a characteristic of important buildings.
Government buildings, churches, banks were classically placed on massive foundations
that included a long series of steps from the ground level to the entry:
The low-rise nature of Palm Springs City Hall compressed the plinth to a flat concrete
base with only a few steps:
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15
City Council Staff Report February 15,2012
Case: HSPB No. 33/3200 E.Tahquitz Canyon Way Page 5 of 7
This concrete element is not protected by the current designation, but is an important
element in setting the scale of the building within the meaning of a government facility.
Whether it is important to view the building and base from off-site is a separate issue.
Government buildings are often located and designed to be prominently viewed from
surrounding areas. It is more difficult to achieve such prominence with a low-rise
building on a flat lot; however, the placement of parking to the sides of the main City
Hall entries, as well as the use of an unadorned lawn provides an open view of the
building from the street. Staff recognizes these elements as design choices, but it is not
clear whether they rise to the level of"historic".
During the time of the building's initial construction, the development of the Tahquitz/ El
Cielo area was generally devoid of significant landscape or other features and the
buildings sat in a fairly open and unobstructed landscape:
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However, other features were soon introduced, including a fountain at the airport,
statuary on several sites and trees throughout the area, which combined to interrupt the
originally unimpeded views. Consequently, it does not appear that the City ever
considered the open and visible look of City Hall or other public buildings to be of
singular importance. Monuments, statues, other decorative elements and trees were
placed in front of the low-rise buildings; these created a more complicated setting and
demonstrated that more than views of the building were important to the community.
REQUIRED FINDINGS
As noted above in Background and Setting, Section 8.05.020 of the Municipal Code
provides the definition of an 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
16
City Council Staff Report February 15,2012
Case: HSPB No. 33/3200 E.Tahquitz Canyon Way Page 6 of 7
significant because of its location, design, setting, materials, workmanship or aesthetic
effect". Seven other qualities are listed therein:
(1) That is associated with events that have made a meaningful contribution
to the nation, state or community; or
(2) That is associated with lives of persons who made meaningful contribution
to national, state or local history; or
(3) That reflects or exemplifies a particular period of the national, state or
local history; or
(4) That embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period or method of
construction; or
(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; or
(6) That represents a significant and distinguishable entity whose components
may lack individual distinction; or
(7) That has yielded or may be likely to yield information important to national,
state or local history or prehistory.
In review of the records and photographs, staff believes that several of the findings can
be made to extend the historic designation to include the concrete steps and walkway in
front of the building. This plinth element embodies the distinctive characteristics of the
mid-century modern style, as applied to a public building (finding no. 4) and appears to
be part of Albert Frey's design plan for the property (finding no. 5).
While the parking lot and some of the landscaping are also part of the original design,
the record fails to demonstrate that they represent part of the deliberate or historic
design scheme of the City Hall building. Further, staff does not recommend extending
historic designation for the parking lot and landscaping on the basis of protecting views
from off site; such off-site views do not appear to be a historic element of the site.
RECOMMENDATION
Based on the above analysis, staff recommends that the Board recommend to City
Council the amendment of the Class 1 historic designation for the Palm Springs City
Hall to include the concrete steps and entry plaza in front of the main entrance and
Council Chambers.
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
In accordance with Section 15331 (Historical Resources Restoration/Rehabilitation) of
the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the proposed amendment is
categorically exempt from environmental review as the proposed designation meets the
conditions outlined for preservation of a historic resource.
17
City Council Staff Report February 15, 2012
Case: HSPB No.33/3200 E.Tahquitz Canyon Way Page 7 of 7
NOTIFICATION
Pursuant to section 8.05.140 of the Municipal Code of Palm Springs, All property
owners within four hundred (400) feet of the subject property have been notified and
notice was made in a newspaper of general circulation.
FISCAL IMPACT:
No fiscal impact.
oEwi ICP Thomas J. Wilson
Director of nn g Services Assistant City Manager, Dev't Svcs
David H. Ready
City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
1. Vicinity Map
2. Draft City Council Resolution
3. Resolution #33A of the HSPB
4. HSPB Staff Reports and Meeting Minutes (excerpt) of March 9, April 13, and May
11, 2010
5. Related HSPB exhibits
6. City Council Resolution No. 18907
is
RESOLUTION NO. 33-A
OF THE HISTORIC SITE PRESERVATION BOARD OF
THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA,
RECOMMENDING THAT THE CITY COUNCIL AMEND
THE EXISTING HISTORIC CLASS I DESIGNATION FOR
PALM SPRINGS CITY HALL, 3200 EAST TAHQUITZ
CANYON WAY, TO INCLUDE THE ENTIRE SITE OF THE
PALM SPRINGS CITY HALL.
WHEREAS, Chapter 8.05 of the Palm Springs Municipal Code allows for. the
designation of historic sites; and
WHEREAS, ON October 2, 1996, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 18907
adopting a historic designation, Class I for the Palm Springs City Hall building, without
specifically including the entire site and grounds, and
WHEREAS, on February 9, 2010, the Historic Site Preservation Board, by a vote of 7 to
0, initiated an application to amend the existing historic designation of the Palm Springs
City Hall to consider including the entire site; and
WHEREAS, notice of a public hearing of the Historic Site Preservation Board of the City
of Palm Springs to consider designation of the Palm Springs City Hall site as a Class I
historic site was issued in accordance with applicable law; and ,
WHEREAS, on April 13 and May 11, 2010, the Historic Site Preservation Board
conducted a public hearing in accordance with applicable law to consider amending the
existing Class I historic designation of the Palm Springs City Hall to specifically include
the entire site; and
WHEREAS, the designation of the site of the Palm Springs City Hall shall further the
purpose and, intent of Chapter 8.05; and
WHEREAS, the designation of the Palm Springs City Hall site shall promote the
sensitive preservation of said site; and
WHEREAS, the Historic Site Preservation Board 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 site of the Palm Springs City Hall provides an important element as the
setting of the building within the meaning of a government facility.
19
2. The site design is a part of the original plan of the Clark, Frey, Chambers
Williams and Williams design of the City Hall.
THE HISTORIC SITE PRESERVATION BOARD HEREBY FINDS AS FOLLOWS:
Finding 1: That the Palm Springs City Hall and site is associated with events that have
made a meaningful contribution to the nation, state or community, as the city expanded
from the downtown core to the east to create a new government complex, and
Finding 3: That the Palm Springs City Hall and site reflects or exemplifies a particular
period of the national, state or local history; because the city was among the first to
develop an entire civic complex in a non-traditional style, and
Finding 4: That the Palm Springs City Hall and site embodies the distinctive
characteristics of a type, period or, method of construction; because the building and its
site are component of the distinctive characteristics of the contemporary architectural
interpretation of civic center buildings.
Finding 5: That the Palm Springs City Hall and site 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 steps and plaza appear to be part of Clark,
Frey, Chambers, Williams and Williams design plan for the property; the life and work of
Albert Frey has been well-documented; and his work is recognized world-wide as.
significant in the development of the modern movements of architecture as he adapted
such styles and movements to the local environment.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that, based upon the foregoing, the
Historic Site Preservation Board recommends that the City Council amend the Class I
historic designation for the Palm Springs City Hall to include the entire site subject to the
following conditions:
1. All future exterior modifications including but not limited to building, site,
landscaping, lighting, walls, and fences shall require Architectural Approval
pursuant to Section 94.04.00 of the Palm Springs Zoning Ordinance.
2. No permit for the alteration of the building exterior or site, including any and all of
the defining elements and characteristics shall be issued without prior approval
by the Historic Site Preservation Board. .
3. That the City Clerk submit the Council Resolution to the County recorder for
recordation within 90 days of the effective date of this resolution.
4. All existing or previously approved alterations shall be considered acceptable.
ADOPTED this 11th day of May, 2010
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AYES: DeLeeuw, Grattan, Ploss, Strahl, Williams, Marshall, Gilmer
NOES: none
ABSENT: none
ABSTENTIONS: none
ATTEST: CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA,
21
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I
Historic Site Preservation Board— Minutes Page 2 of 5
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
6. PUBLIC HEARINGS:
6A. Case HSPB 33 (Palm Springs City Halo —An application by the City of Palm
Springs Historic Site Preservation Board to amend the designation of the
Palm Springs City Hall to include the City Hall site as a Class 1 historic site at
3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way, Zone CC, Section 13.
Director Ewing summarized the staff report. Chair Gilmer reviewed his own memo
previously e-mailed to the Board and offered his arguments for designation of the
entire site. The Board discussed the request.
Chair Gilmer opened the public hearing. John Tymon spoke in favor of designating
the entire site. No other speakers came forward, and Chair Gilmer closed the public
hearing.
Board member Grattan confirmed that the parking lot modifications currently under
review would not be `grandfathered' under the draft condition that allows all
previously-approved alterations.
M/S/C (Pioss / DeLeeuw, 7-0) To approve the draft resolution prepared by Chair
Gilmer to recommend amendment of the Class One historic designation of City Hall
to include the entire site, subject to the following amendments:
1. The architects of record be listed as Clark, Frey, Chambers, Williams and
Williams, and
2. The hearing dates of both April 13 and May 11, 2010 be listed.
7. CERTIFICATE OF APPROVAL REQUEST(S):
7A. Case HSPB 3 (Welwood Murray Library) —An application by the City of Palm
Springs to remodel and expand the existing public library at 100 S. Palm
Canyon Drive, a Class One historic site, Zone C<B=D, Section 15. (CE)
Assistant Planner Mlaker presented the staff report, including staffs
recommendation to approve the request. Speakers on behalf of the applicant
included Ana Escalante, Alex Meyerhoff, Barbara Roberts (City Librarian) and Al
Smoot, project manager. The Board discussed a number of issues:
- use and design of the outdoor plaza, including public access and
landscaping
design of the addition, including relationship to the building, its historic
elements, scale, materials and color
use of the site and plaza in relation to adjacent buildings and development
accessibility to the site and availability of restrooms to the community room
placement and use of interior furnishings
22
IJs�a�I
RESOLUTION NO. 18907
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS,
CALIFORNIA, DESIGNATING THE FREY HOUSE II, THE
VALLEY STATION OF THE PALM SPRINGS AERIAL
TRAMWAY, THE LOEWY HOUSE, PALM SPRINGS CITY
HALL, AND THE CAREY-PIROZZI HOUSE AS CLASS 1
HISTORIC SITES.
WHEREAS the Frey House H, the Valley Station of the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, the
Loewy House, Palm Springs City Hail, and the Carey House have contributed substantially
to the historic architectural diversity of dte City of Palm Springs; and
WHEREAS the Frey House 11, the Valley Station of the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, de
Loewy House, Palm Springs City Hall, and the Carey-Pirozzi House have long been
landmarks of the City of Palm Springs for residents, architectural students and visitors; and
WHEREAS the Frey House II, the Valley Station of the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, the
Loewy House, Palm Springs City Hall, and the Carey-Pirozzi House together constitute a
significant portion of a body of work desigued by the architect Albert Frey, FAIA, along
with various partners; and
WHEREAS the life and work of Albert Frey, FAIR, has been well-documented, and his
work is recognized world-wide as significant toward the development of the International ,
style and other modern movements of architecture, especially as lie adapted such styles and
movements to the local eaviromtent; and
WHEREAS the Patin Springs General Plan provides for the long-term preservation of
significant architectural and historic buildings; and
WHEREAS Chapter 8.05 of the Palm Springs Municipal Code provides for the designation
of sites with architectural and historic significance; and
WHEREAS on September 10, 1996, the Historic Site Preservation Board held a public
hearing to recommend the designation of the Frey House II, the Valley Station of the Palm
Springs Aerial Tramway, the Loewy I-Iouse, Palm Springs City Hall, and the Carey-Pirozzi
House as historic sites and unanimously recommends to the City Council designation of said
properties as Class 1 Historic Sites; and
WHEREAS the City Council concurs in the recommendation of the Historic Site Preservation
Board regarding the architectural and historic value of the Frey House II, the Valley Station
of the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, the Loewy House, Palm Springs City Hall, and the
Carey-Pirozzi House; and
WHEREAS the designation of the Frey House II, the Valley Station of the Palm Springs
Aerial Tramway, the Loewy House, Palm Springs City Hall, and the Carey-Pirozzi House
shall further Llic purposes and intent of the General Plan and Chapter 8.05 of the Palm
Springs Municipal Code; and
WHEREAS the designation of the Frey House H, die Valley Station of the Palm Springs
Aerial Tramway, the Loewy House, Palm Springs City Hall, and the Carey-Pirozzi House
shall promote the sensitive preservation and restoration of said sites.
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R18907
Page 2
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Palm Springs,
California, as follows:
Section 1. The Frey House 1I, the Valley Station of the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway,
the Loewy House, Pahn Springs City Hall, and the Carey House were
constructed during the period 1946-1965 and have since contributed to the
' historic architectural diversity of the City.of Palm Springs.
Section 2. The Frey House 11, the Valley Station of the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway,
the Loewy House, Palm Springs City Hall, and the Carey House are excellent
examples of the Modem architectural movement in the City of Palm Springs as
designed and adapted by the renowned architect Albert Frey, FAIA.
Section 3. a.The Frey House 1I, owned by Albert Frey ("Owner"), and located at 686
Palisades Dr., shall be designated as a Class 1 Historic Site pursuant to
Chapter 8.05 of the Palm Springs Municipal Code. The site is located on Lot
10, and a portion of Lot 8, of Palm Springs Palisades, M/B 19123, Riverside
County, California; APN 513-110-020.
b.The Valley Station of the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, owned by Motutt
San Jacinto Winter Park("Owner`), and located at the westerly terminus of
Tram Way, shall be designated as a Class 1 Historic Site pursuant to Chapter
8.05 of the Palm Springs Municipal Code. The site is located on a portion of
Sec. 7, T.4S., RA.E., Riverside County, California; APN 505-020-012.
e.The Loewy House, owned by James Gaudineer ("Owner"), and located at
600 Panorama Rd., shall be designated as a Class I Historic Site pursuant to
Chapter 8.05 of the Palm Springs Municipal Code. The site is located on a
portion of the SWl/4 SEl/4 of Section 3, TAS., RAE., Riverside County,
California; APN 504-292-014.
d.Palm Springs City Hall, owned by die City of Palm Springs ("Owner"), and
located at 3200 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way, shall be designated as a Class I
Historic Site pursuant to Chapter 8.05 of the Palm Springs Municipal Code.
The site is located on Lot 16 of Palm Valley Colony Lands, MB 14/652, San
Diego County, California; APN 502-150-005.
e.The Carey-Pirozzi house, owned by Vincent&Karen Pirozzi ("Owners"),
and located at 651 W. Via Escaela, shall be designated as a Class 1 Historic
Site pursuant to Chapter 8.05 of the Palm Springs Municipal Code. The site is
located on Parcel 1, R/S 27/75, Riverside County, California; APN
504-193-002.
Section 4. No permits for the exterior alteration to the Frey House I1, the Valley Station
of the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, the Loewy House, Palm Springs City
Hall, and the Carey-Pirozzi House shall be granted without the prior approval
of the Historic Site Preservation Board and/or the City Council, pursuant to
Chapter 8.05 of the Palm Springs Municipal Code; approved alterations shall
' maintain the historic architectural integrity of the building.
Section 5. The Owners shall permit the City to demark the Prey Flouse H, the Valley
Station of the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, the Loewy House, Palm Springs
City Hall, and the Carey-Pirozzi House as historic sites with a plaque of the
City's choosing.
Section 6. This resolution, and the historic designation put in place by it, shall not affect
title to the subject properties.
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R18907
Page 3
Section 7. The City Council hereby directs the City Cleric to submit this resolution to the
county recorder for recordation within 90 days of the effective date of this
resolution.
ADOPTED this Znd _,day of October, 1996. '
AYES: Members Barnes, Hodges, Oden, Spurgin and Mayor Kleindienst
NOES: None.
ABSENT: None
ATTEST: CITY OF PA SPRINGS NIA
B i 'ty Clerk City Manager
REVIEWED &APPROVED:
., 5y