HomeMy WebLinkAbout22657 RESOLUTION NO. 22657
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA, DESIGNATING THE
ROYAL HAWAIIAN ESTATES CONDOMINIUM LOCATED
AT 1774 S. PALM CANYON DRIVE AS A HISTORIC
DISTRICT.
WHEREAS, Chapter 8.05 of the Palm Springs Municipal Code allows for the
establishment of historic districts, and
WHEREAS, on August 25, 2009, the representative of the Royal Hawaiian
Estates Condominium Homeowners Association, Bill Lewallen, filed an application
requesting a historic district be established for the condominium development, and
WHEREAS, notice of a public hearing of the Historic Site Preservation Board of
the City of Palm Springs to consider designation of the subject property as a Class 1
historic site was issued in accordance with applicable law; and
WHEREAS, on November 10, 2009, Board voted 5 to 2 (Grattan and Strahl
opposed) to recommend that the City Council establish a historic district for the
condominium development; and
WHEREAS, on February 3, 2010, the City Council conducted a public hearing,
following notification in the manner prescribed by law, at which hearing the Council
received a staff report, associated exhibits and historical research, and written and oral
testimony; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has reviewed and considered all of the evidence in
connection with the proposed district, including but not limited to the staff report,
application and historical research, and all written and oral testimony presented.
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS DOES HEREBY RESOLVE
AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. That the proposed historic district is Categorically Exempt from
environmental review, in accordance with Section 15331 (Historical Resources
Restoration/Rehabilitation) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), as the
proposed historic district meets the conditions outlined for preservation of a historic
resource.
SECTION 2. That the proposed Royal Hawaiian Estates Condominium Historic
District conforms to the definition of a historic district, as contained in Section
8.05.020.b of the Palm Springs Municipal Code, because the proposed district meets
the following findings of Section 8.05.020.a:
Resolution No. 22657
Page 2
1. The properties reflect and exemplify a particular period of the national, state or
local history, because the Royal Hawaiian Estates' unique architectural detailing
is an excellent example of its type, period, and method of construction. The
complex completed in two phases in 1961 and 1962, as designed by architects
Wexler and Harrison reflects one of the Desert Modern styles, as applied to
multi-family development in Palm Springs in the early 1960's. The architects'
successful and unique interpretation of Polynesian architectural forms in an
International Style, along with their use of bold color and geometric shapes and
forms adds to the importance of these buildings. Defining historic characteristics
of the buildings include:
a. Exaggerated gables over the ends of the buildings-
b. Projecting slanted ridge beams.
c. Elaborately detailed wooden Tiki-Style elements.
d. Triangular clerestory windows and vaulted ceilings.
e. Large stylized "Outrigger", "Flying Sevens".
f. Orange painted cement plaster triangle as part of "outriggers".
g. Wood diagonal siding.
h. Natural rock building walls.
i. Concrete block screen at pool painted orange.
j. Tiki-Style statues and stone carvings.
2. The properties embody the distinctive characteristics of a type, period or method
of construction, because the Royal Hawaiian Estates condominium complex was
built over a two year period and remains largely intact: All twelve buildings and
the surrounding site retain the look of their original design and construction. The
Desert Polynesia time period which took root in the early sixties was one of
several modern design themes that advanced the idea of indoor/ outdoor living
possibilities in Palm Springs. The Desert Polynesian style was short-lived, but
resulted in the unique architectural elements of the Royal Hawaiian Estates.
3. The properties present the work of a master builder, designer, artist, or architect
whose individual genius influenced his age; or that possesses high artistic value,
because the Royal Hawaiian Estates present the work of one of Palm Springs'
(and the Coachella Valley's) most prolific and accomplished architectural team of
Donald Wexler and Rick Harrison. Wexler and Harrison's skills as architects in
the early 1960's are clearly reflected in the condominium development which is a
good example of contemporary Polynesian—influenced design concepts. The
complex is one of the few remaining Tiki-Style buildings in Palm Springs and is
of importance as an example of this architectural style as designed by a master
architect and builder.
SECTION 4. That the Royal Hawaiian Estates Condominium, including twelve
multi-unit residential buildings and all associated landscaping and grounds are hereby
established as the Royal Hawaiian Estates Historic District, subject to the following
conditions:
Resolution No. 22657
Page 3
1. The property owner shall permit the City to place at 1774 S. Palm Canyon Drive
a historic marker of the City's choosing. 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. That the City Clerk shall submit the Council Resolution to the County recorder for
recordation within 90 days of the effective date of this resolution.
3. Any alterations or modifications to the exterior approved prior to the designation
of this site by the City Council shall be deemed acceptable.
SECTION 5. That all structures and site landscaping of the Royal Hawaiian
Estates Condominiums site are hereby designated "contributing structures" of the Royal
Hawaiian Estates Historic District, and are therefore subject to the following conditions.
4. All future modifications to all contributing structures and site features, including
but not limited to building, landscaping, lighting, walls, and fences shall require
Architectural Approval pursuant to Section 94.04.00 of the Palm Springs Zoning
Ordinance and HSPB review pursuant Municipal Code Ordinance 8.05.180.
5. No permit shall be issued for the alteration of the landscaping or building
exterior, including any and all of the defining elements and characteristics
without prior approval by the Historic Site Preservation Board.
ADOPTED THIS 3RD DAY OF FEBRUARY, 2010.
David H. Ready Cit anager
- - ATTEST:
r
amen Thompson, City Clerk
Resolution No. 22657
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. 22657 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 the 3rd day of February,
2010, by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmember Foat, Councilmember Weigel, Mayor Pro Tem
Hutcheson, and Mayor Pougnet.
NOES: Councilmember Mills.
ABSENT: None.
ABSTAIN: None.
dmes Thompson, City Clerk ��`oZ��t4
ity of Palm Springs, California