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Home My WebLink About12/17/2008 - STAFF REPORTS - 1.B. Page I of 1 Cindy Berardi From: Jay Thompson Sent: Thursday, December 18, 2008 1:09 PM To: Cindy Berardi Subject: FW: for the record 0-11` co From; Sidney Williams [mailto:Swilliarns@PSMUSEUM.org] Sent: Thursday, December 18, 2008 10:57 AM To: Jay Thompson Subject: for the record Hi Jay- Please see the attached comments from last night's Council meeting on item I.B. La Serena Villas for the record. Also, when will the opening on the HSPB be noticed and interviews begin? Thanks so much and Happy Holidays, Sidney Sidney Williams Associate Curator Palm Springs Art Museum 101 Museum Drive Palm Springs, CA 92262 760/322-4813 12/18/2008 IOU( p r 1 La Serena Villas Designation, City Council Meeting, Dec. 17, 2008 61 `` :Liq'i Good evening, I am Sidney Williams, chair of the HSPB. Tonight we are confronted with a complex case of historic preservation, involving the integrity of a historic neighborhood and the neglect of a historic property. It is ironic that less than one week after the hugely popular annual Walk of the Inns in the Historic Tennis Club neighborhood, the City Council is to vote on the historic designation of La Serena Villas to prevent the demolition of another historic inn. Our PS municipal code defines a Class I historic site as "any real property... that is unique or significant because of its location, design, setting, materials, workmanship or aesthetic effect." When the La Serena Villas property, built in the 1930s, was sold to the Kors group, it certainly exhibited many of these characteristics. The owners retained O'Donnell Escalante architects to draw up plans to restore the bungalows as a hotel- condominium combination with the addition of a fitness center. On March 12, 2005 the owners stated that it was "their intent to bring it back to as close to the original condition as possible." The project began by removing old electrical, plumbing and other fixtures to proceed with the restoration. However, the owner's priorities changed and the project languished. And languished and languished. For 3 years we have seen the bungalows slowly deteriorate due to neglect. This in no way diminishes the fact that the buildings are restorable. The plans could be resurrected. Continuing with the restoration would retain the density on the property and maintain the appropriate scale consistent with the neighborhood. It would also be the most sustainable solution. The time between the granting of building approvals in 2004 and a March 2008 notice to the owners to either proceed with the restoration by renewing their permits or demolish the property shows a real lack of monitoring the performance on this historic property. However the building department has stated that there are "no immediate safety hazard issues." It is time for the City to show its commitment to preserving historic properties and the scale and character of historic neighborhoods and designate La Serena Villas a Class I historic site. Thank you. Jay Thompson From: Craig Ewing Senn Wednesday, December 17, 2008 11:47 AM To: Jay Thompson Subject: FW: La Serena Villas Jay, This e-mail should be entered in the documents record for tonight's agenda—Item IB Craig A. Ewing, A1CP Dvicetor ofPlaruiing Set-vices City of Palm Springs 3200 L.Tahquiiz Canyon Drive Palm Spnngs, CA 92262 760.323-8245 From: sharon kramer [mailto:sharonakramer@yahoo.comj Sent: Wednesday, December 17, 2008 11:32 AM To: Steve Pougnet; Ginny Foat; Rick Hutcheson; Lee Weigel; Chris Mills; David Ready; Tom Wilson; johnraymond@palmsprings-ca.gov; DaveBarakian@palmsprings-ca.gov; Craig Ewing Subject: La Serena Villas ]dear City Council Members and all, Since my last email to you in June, my husband and i have been in negotiations with the KOR Group to re-purchase the Villas. As former owners of this site we would still like to attempt to return La Serenas to the little jewel of the neighborhood it was in the past. Please keep our intentions in mind as you decide the fate of this beautiful property. In our opinion, it should be declared an historic site. Thank you for your consideration, Larry and Sharon Kramer 12/17/2008 Allen Matkuns Leck Gamble Mallory&Natsis LLP 5 Sou Allen Mackin s 51tl at Law 51cuOt Figunou,9°i Floor I Los Aneulca,CA 900713909 Tcicphone 213.6n.5555 I Faeaimile'213 620 SH 16 www allanmatkins coin MIChael COULAUS r�mail ;)1pnialcs(u)allcmnatkms.wm Direct Dial.213.955 557S Filc Nutpbci,KG6G0-003/LAS 14634 03 Via Email/Hand Delivery o == December 16, 2008 " r-� honorable City Council of Palm Springs n= m City of Palm Springs ra 3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way r p Palm Springs, CA 92262 ^ Re: Case HSPB#69 —339 S. Belardo Road,Palm Springs Dear Honorable Council Members: This firm represents the interests of Duct Real Estate Limited Partnership ("Duet"). Duet is the owner of that certain real property located at 339 S. Belardo Road (the "Property") in the City of Palm Springs (the "City"), The Property is improved with 11 structures (the "Structures") and is commonly referred to as La Serena Villas. Pursuant to validly issued pen-nits in approximately September 2004, Duet began but did not complete the Structures' rehabilitation. The Structures have remained in their current condition since the cessation of rehabilitation activities in late 2004/early 2005. The Property is the subject of an application for desiL71ation as an historic resource pursuant to Palm Spring Municipal Code("PSMC") Section 8.05- As you may know, on November 10, 2008 the City's historic Site Preservation Board (the "Board")held a hearing to consider recommending to this honorable Council desie atinc the Property and Structures as Class 1 historic Pursuant to the.PSMC. A staff report prepared for that hearing- contained findings supporting the Board recommendation. Those findings were primarily based on the Staffs analysis of the Structures as they existed in 2004 and not on the Structures' current condition. Typically an historical analysis is based an a structure's condirion at the time the analysis is conducted. Staffs 2004 based analysis is inconsistent with this standard. The record is also void of adequate evidence to support the Board's findings that the Property and Structures qualify for Class 1 historical designation under the PSMC. Enclosed, please find a Preliminary Flistoric Resources Assessment (the "Assessment") for the Property. The Assessment was prepared by LSA Associates at our request. While the Assessment is based on a preliminary site investigation and data, it nevertheless concludes that under current conditions the Structures do not qualify for Class 1 historical designation under the _TTF �. �_ l.os Angelu I Orange County I San Diego I Century City I San Frauciseo I Del Mar H,ighis I Walnut Crock Allen Matkins Leck Gamble Mallory&Natsis LLP Altonwy®at 1.�w Honorable City Council of Palm Springs December16, 2008 Pate 2 PSMC. Moreover, the Assessment concludes that the Structures are considerably dilapidated, and rehabilitation to 2004 conditions may not be feasible. Please refer to the Assessment for specifics regarding these conclusions. At this time, LSA Associates continues with its investigation. Additionally, Duet has retained an architect to assess the cost and feasibility of rehabilitating the Structures to their 2004 condition. In any event, the Assessment provides sufficient evidence that under current conditions the Structures cannot qualify for Class 1 historical desiggmation. Furthermore, the City Council Staff Report (the "Report") for this matter recommends that this Honorable Council overturn the Board's recommendation. While Staff recommends a Class 2 designation for the Property, the Report goes on to state that even a Class 2 designation "is a close call"because the Structures' "current condition is in such a dilapidated state that the restoration may not be feasible," and the Property's "current condition significantly contributes to neighborhood blight." Accordingly, the Report notes that this Council may elect to terminate the investigation and take no further action. Based on the inadequate record to support the Board's findings, the Assessment and information contained in the Report, we implore this Honorable Council to overrule the Board's recommendation and take no further action on this-matter and lift the 6 month stay on demolition. �/ y r V•'er = ours, . � �ti Michael Gonzales MG:sah Enclosure cc: Mr. David H. Rcady (email only) Mr. James Thompson (email only) Jason R. Morgan, Esq. (email only) Kara Altice-Montes (email only) rpm UER&CL4• FORT UQLLENS POINT RICHMOND TI`V�pr t$UU IOWA AVENUE.SUIIE 2OU 951.991.9310 TEL CARLSRAU IRVINE ROCKLIN RIVERSIDE.CALIFORNIA 92507 9S1.9814177 FAX CULMA PALM SPRINGS SAN LUEE ORISP(1 L_ G Cr r 1 December 15, 2008 1— n y Michael Gonzales,Esq. 470 _- Allen Malkins Leck Gamble Mallory&Natsis LLP `],.: Nv 515 S. Figueroa Street,7' Floor Los Angeles,California 90071 Subject: Preliminary Historic Resources Assessment for the Properly located at 339 South Belardo Road in the City of Palm Springs(LSA Project No. AM1.0801) Dear Mr. Gonzales: At your request,LSA Associates,Inc.(LSA)has completed a preliminary historic resources assessment of the La Serena Villas located at 339 South Belardo Road(Assessor's Parcel Numbers[APNs]513-202-009 and-010)in the City of Palm Springs,Riverside County,California-To do this,LSA reviewed the Historic Site Preservation Board(HSPB)staff report dated November 10,2008,conducted a site investigation and preliminary archival research,and contacted the City of Palm Springs Planning Department.The results of this preliminary work are described in detail below. BACKGROT7NDA The project area consists of two parcels (APNs 513-202-009 and-010)totaling approximately 0.9 acre developed with 11 structures(attached Figure 1).The site is located west of Palm Canyon Drive in an area characterized by a rnix of commercial businesses,apartments,single-family residences,and small historic- period(pre-1958)homWresorts.In 2004,the City of Palm Springs approved a plan and building permits to renovate the property,but did not recommend that the property be evaluated for historical significance. In March 2003, the Cicy's RSPB approved a rcqucst to demolish one of the buildings that was originally constructed on the property line with no permits.Three ye,irs later,in March 2008,the property owner was notified by the City that the renovation building permits had expired and that the owners needed to either complete the renovation work or demolish the buildins.Tn June 2008,the City Council directed staff to conduct a site visit to ascertain the condition of the buildings-Lode Compliance,Fire,and Planning staff inspected the site and noted among other things "significant structural deterioration has occurred throughout the property,""dry rot and termite damage were noted in various locations of all buildings," and"transient activity was evident."They concluded LhaL"rehabilitation of these structures would exceed 75 percent of their value" and the "buildings are in such disrepair that they are substandard and uninhabitable,"and recommended that they be demolished.Subsequently,the property owner applied for a demolition permit;however,in July 2008,the City Council approved a stay of demolition for six months and directed the HSPB "to study and report on any historic findings and significance of the property." e. InfurmaLlnn in[his section was[alcan from the November 10,2008,staff report(Cast HSPB-69—La Serena Wla,4). 11 1 512 0 0 8(R.VMIIMJ I T[ Iimm.u)Lcnu 12-[ti-(18.dnc) PLANNING EN V I ROv µEN TA I. nERICN rs, ..s,nCf err.,, Ivi- In November 2008, the HSPB reviewed a staff report that evaluated the historical significance of the property not as it currently exists,but as it appeared in photographs from 2004 prior to the renovation work.Thu report indicates that this retroactive approach was taken because the City did not evaluate the property prior to approving the renovation work The retroactive evaluation was conducted using the City's criteria for a Historic Site (Chapter 8.05-Historic Preservation,Article I, section 8.05.020)and found that the property was eligible for Class I designation. Class 1 designation is "Intended for use when the structure or site still exists as it did during the historical period or is restorable."No definition for"restorable"is provided in the City's Historic Preservation ordinance.The staff report noted that in its present condition the site lacks distinction and a recommendation for a Class 1 designation is a"close call."However,based on the Findings made in the report,the HSPB recommended the Class I designation to the City Council. In response to this action,the properly owner has raised concerns regarding the appropriateness of the retroactive evaluation,which does not consider the currom integrity of the buildings and the concept that the buildings are "restorable" even though nearly all of the original materials have been removed. Additionally,the property owner does not consider the HSPB's findings legally adequate to support its recommendation. EVALUATION According to National Register Bulletui 15(How to Apply the National Register Criteria for Evaluation), to be historically significant, a property"must represent a significant part of the history, architecture, archaeology, engineering, or culture of an area and it must have the characteristics that make it a good representative of properties associated with that aspect of the pact."As indicated by the use of the present tense,the current state of the resource is what is important.A resource as it exists in the present most be able to convey its association with its past.hor this reason,evaluating properties based on their current level of integrity,rather than a past or future level of integrity,is an industry standard and one of the key factors in determining the historical significance of a resource. The National Register of Historic Places (National Register)requires that a resource possess integrity, which is defined as "the ability of a property to convey its significance."The aspects of integrity are location, design, setting,materials, workmanship, feeling, and association. The California Register of Historical Resources(California Register)also requires that a resource possess integrity,which is defined as `"die authenticity of an historical resource's physical identity evidenced by the survival of characteristics that existed during the resource's period of significance"(Califomia Office of Historic Preservation 1999:2). To retain integrity, a resource should have its original location, design, setting, materials, workmanship, feeling, and association. The importance of these factors depends on the particular criterion under which the resource is considered eligible for listing (California Office of Historic Preservation 1999). The National Register and California Register criteria for evaluating Historic significance are the models for most local preservation ordinances. This is reflected in the Palm Springs Historic Preservation ordinance,which lists five of the seven aspects of integrity as factors that contribute to the significance of a historic site. These are location, design, setting, materials, and workmanship (Article 1, Section 8.05.020(a)). It also lists"aesthetic effect,"which might be interpreted as "feeling."These criteria,in combination with any of seven additional criteria that largely reflect and expand on the National Register 12/15/2009RlANC-uYniryPrchminnry Letter 12-15-08.doi 2 ise ,suet,F.._S, a C. Based on a site investigation, it is clear that the integrity of each of the structures and the property as a whole has been severely compromised(attached Figure 2). In their current condition,the property does not convey its past and is no louger a good example of modest Spanish Eclectic architecture or a 1930s motor court.This is acknowledged in the November 2008 staff report,which notes that in theircurrem condition the structures lack distinction.The staff report goes on to state that recommendina the Class I designation based on the retroactive evaluation is a"close call." RESTORATION In addition to the question of current integrity,there is the issue of whether the property is"restorable"As previously noted,the City's Historic Preservation ordinance indicates that the Class 1 designation is in part intended for buildings that are restorable, but a definition of"restorable" is not provided. The Code Compliance,Fire,and Planning staff who inspected the property recommended demolition citing Section 17980(8)(2) of the California Health and Safety Code, which states in part, "In deciding whether to require vacation of the building or to repair as necessary,the enforcement agency shall give preference to the repair of the building whenever it is economically feasible to do so without having to repair more than 75 percent of the dwelling,as determined by the enforcement agency..."However,this is not specifically a definition of what is restorable in the context of preservation. The Secretary of Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties largely define how a property should be maintained in order to retain its historical significance.These standards are so widely accepted and applied that they are cited in the California Environmental Quality Act(CEQA)as methods to mitigate impacts to historical resources to below a level of significance(15126.4(b)(1)).The Standards provide a clear distinction betwccrt restoration and reconstruction as discussed below. Restoration projects must retain materials and features from the restoration period.Deteriorated features must be repaired rather than replaced wherever possible and replacement features must be substantiated by documentary and physical evidence, such as historical photographs, written descriptions, or historical materials that still exist on the structures. Because more than 75 percent of the materials have been removed from La Serena Villas, along with various features including the paving and landscaping,the property does not meet the criteria for restoration. Instead, "vanished or non-surviving portions"of the property would need to be reconstructed using"documentary and physical evidence--- to permit accurate reconstruction with minimal conjecture."In addition,measures would need to be taken "to preserve any remaining historic materials,features,and spatial relationships.""A reconstructed property will re-create the appearance of the nou-surviving historic property in materials,design,color,and texture'and`will be clearly identified as a contemporary re-creation." As discussed in the July 2008 report prepared by members of the Building and Planning staff,in order to bring La Serena Villas up to code and make the structures habitable,more than 75 percent of the buildings would need to be reconstructed with new materials.Based on the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treamtenr of Historic Properties-that clearly would be a reconstruction rather than a restoration and would not meet the intention of the City's Class I designation. r^J ISCOOft2lAMInYU��Pxclintio.uy t.ntar 17-IS-p$.�i�[ 3 LS- IS SOC'A Asa i>c CONCLUSION After reviewing the November 10,2008,staff report and conducting preliminary research and a field visit, LSA has determined that the property known as La Serena Villas does not meet the City of Palm Springs' criteria for a Historic Site. The property no longer retains integrity, of setting, materials, workmanship, feeling,or association and therefore no longer conveys its associations with the past.More specifically,in its current condition,it is no longer a representative example of modest Spanish Eclectic architecture or a 1930s motor court.In addition,according to the Secretary or the Interior's Standards fur the Treatment of Historic Properties,La Serena Villas does not retain enough historic materials or features to be considered a"restorable'properly and would instead be a reconstruction project.Because the Class 1 designation is specifically"intended for use when the structure or site still exists as it did during the historical period or is restorable"the property does not qualify for Class 1 designation. Sincerely, LSAASSOCIATES,INC. Casey Tibber,M-A- Culhual R4sWurees Manager Architectural Historian/Hastorian Attachments: Figure 1: Location Map Fignre 2:Representative Photographs of La Serena Villas [7/15/2ppgA:NMI-CgOI 'n.luidn ylancr 12-I5-0H doe 4 YA�i fff�g JC6� 41 $*,Pam* ffr�,�r ,T%, Project Location' JL ML 7*' @WM NOWA 23 IbAlbb�RIV'E I IL ln 46 Nos,4% 14 A A*IAL 0 A pr Ik mldp� not lift i4o* L S A FICURE 1 La Serena Villas TEET SOURO� Airplicto USA(2009),CA 111,111,Bill,2007 Project Location J\AMLOSUARL....fI�C,In,,J\17jgJ PrLl,Lu11(i(1?.lJ51l Figure 2 La Serena Villas 339 South Belardo Road,Palm Springs, CA Overview from South Belardo Road lookin southwest(12/8/08) +P r"ran Overview from the northwest corner of the property looking southeast (12/8/08) Representative Building Exteriors (12/8/08) 34, JA,111". fz- - - - - A di 2 y i p � '�YI �n •A:n a _ _.4 W`Lq.._ y_... - !`�fYI � �.K.F 7^�•+ _ 1 __ r;� ,!_, r,,,��.ii';-`,'..b•Y `•- 'mil. . w r _ i i - w,, a to k W ► � « Y �P 3 Representative Building Interiors (12/8/08) 40 ila �..... rr n `1 Living room v4th fireplace. Oil st",I allI I I MAN I i, t Bay window removed and covered with plywood. 4 ' �. SKI[' •. i � r —..n..n ... ".I 'H1'�# I ,rrawZ ►' 14 I' �i �� T 1�� wp L ^ e a 1 I w `n• r e rI Framing. -• mow. -.. -:. � �� Ceiling/roof. 5 ��pALM Sp4 ci u w rT °nroe.xo'..• `'F°R` C/TY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT DATE: December 17, 2008 PUBLIC HEARING SUBJECT: CASE HSPB #69 — APPLICATION FOR DESIGNATION OF THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 339 SOUTH BELARDO ROAD ("LA SERENA VILLAS") AS A HISTORIC RESOURCE UNDER MUNICIPAL CODE SECTION 8.05. FROM: David H. Ready, City Manager BY: The Planning Department SUMMARY On July 9, 2008, the City Council approved a 6-month stay of demolition of the property at 339 S. Belardo Road and directed staff and the Historic Site Preservation Board to consider the merits of a possible historic designation. On November 10, 2008, the Historic Site Preservation Board (RSPB) recommended a Class 1 designation for the 0.9-acre site known as "La Serena Villas", located at 339 South Belardo Road. Class 1 designation would place the site under the guidance of Municipal Code Section 8.05 "Historic Preservation". A public hearing is required for Council action on a possible Class 1 or Class 2 designation. RECOMMENDATION Open the public hearing, accept any testimony and consider the HSPB recommendation to designate "La Serena Villas" as a Class 1 historic resource. Adopt Resolution No. : "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA OVERRULING THE. HSPB RECOMMENDATION FOR CLASS 1 DESIGNATION AND DESIGNATING "LA SERENA VILLAS" LOCATED AT 339 SOUTH BELARDO ROAD AS A CLASS TWO HISTORIC SITE." BACKGROUND AND SETTING The site is comprised of two parcels totaling approximately 0.9 acres. The larger parcel contains eleven buildings, and the smaller parcel is vacant. According to the 2004 Historic Resource Survey, the buildings were constructed in the 1930's as a motor court Item No. 1 • B • City Council Staff Report December 17,2008 Case: HSPB No. 69/Lo Serena Villas Page 2 of 8 hotel, Both parcels are surrounded by commercial uses to the east, multiple-family / small hotel uses to the north and south, and single-family residences to the west. Since issuance of permits in 2004 to remodel the structures, significant work was begun, but never completed. The buildings are now in a severely dilapidated condition and the building permits are expired. The chronology of actions by the City is listed below, (see Prior Actions). New information from the last HSPB meeting pertinent to the background of this property is included. PROJECT DESCRIPTION The City of Palm Springs, via the Historic Site Preservation Board has fled an application requesting the structure at the subject property be designated a Class I historic site. Such designation would: 1. Place the subject property under the guidance of Municipal Code Section 8.05. 2. Require present and subsequent owners to maintain the site consistent with that ordinance. 3. Grant possible property tax reduction opportunities to the owner under the State of California Mills Act, Class 2 designation would: 1. Place the subject property under the guidance of Municipal Code Section 8.05. 2, Require Archival file to be maintained by the City. 3. Grant the site eligible for a Class 2 historic plaque. The Council may designate for Class 1 or Class 2 status, or conclude the case with no designation. These options are discussed in more detail, below. PRIOR ACTIONS On September 14, 2004, staff informed the HSPB of the proposed renovation work anticipated for the site. Specifically, the owners intended to keep the buildings, but replace doors and windows. This report was informational only — no HSPB action was required for the Architectural Approval. On September 20, 2004 Architectural approval was granted to renovate the property. This included a clean/repair/repaint of exterior stucco walls, addition/replacement of windows, addition of an outdoor fireplace, and interior renovations. The work began but was never completed. On March 12, 2005, the HSPB granted approval by a vote of 4-0-2 for Case 3.2130 for a demolition request of Bldg. 10, which was originally built on the property line with no permits. C,2 City Council Staff Report December 17,2008 Case: HSPB No.69/La Serena Villas Page 3 of 8 On March 10, 2008 the Building Department notified the owner that building permits had expired. Code Enforcement issued a Courtesy Notice to the property owner/property management company on March 28, 2008 requiring that they submit plans by April 18, 2008 to either resume the renovations, or to demolish the buildings. The client submitted an application for demolition of the existing buildings. On May 13, 2008, the HSPB heard a demolition request from the owner. Three separate motions to stay the demolition were considered - - all failed on a 3-3 vote. Therefore, the Board did not approve a stay of demolition. On the same day, an appeal was filed opposing the decision of the Board. On June 18 and July 9, 2008, the City Council conducted hearings on the May 13, 2008 appeal and unanimously approved the following actions: 1. Overrule the decision of the HSPB and approve a Stay of Demolition for a period of six months with the condition that the property be secured and painted subject to Building Official Approval, and 2. Direct the Historic Site Preservation Board to study and report on any historic findings and significance of the property. On November 10, 2008, the HSPB conducted a public hearing for potential designation and voted 4-2 to recommend to Council Class 1 Historic Designation of La Serena Villas. ANALYSIS The La Serena Villas was a fairly good example of a modest Spanish Eclectic style motor-court hotel from the 1930's. Its defining characteristics were asymmetrical facades, arches over doors and windows, two piece red clay barrel roof tiles, low pitched roof, smooth stucco exterior walls, little or no overhanging eves, large wooden beams, the addition of towers, and several rectangular painted brick chimneys on the side of the structures. It was configured as a bungalow court with a central courtyard. Tourist courts and bungalow courts like La Serena Villas evolved before and after World War II due to the popularity of the automobile. This drew an elite crowd to Palm Springs during the winter. A central courtyard of the bungalow court, allowed internal access, with parking provided for each unit defining it as a motor-court hotel. Two of the most important features of La Serena Villas are the scale and massing of the buildings. It was built as a motor-court hotel during the onset of this type of construction. The small hotel's design fits into both the fabric of the Historic Tennis Club neighborhood and the architectural character found in the surrounding area along Belardo and Cahuilla Roads. It is noteworthy that on June 26, 2008 after an inspection by Building Inspection, Code Compliance, Fire and Planning, based on the requirements of the latest Building Code, City Council Staff Report December 17,2008 Case: HSPB No.69/La Serena Villas Page 4 of 8 the Building Official determined that the buildings are substandard and uninhabitable, further recommended demolition of the structures.' HSPB RECOMMENDATION During both the May 13, 2008 and the November 10, 2008 HSPB meetings the Board discussed the past and present condition of La Serena Villas. Prior to the initiation of the 2004 renovation project, its defining architectural characteristics were generally in tact, and the project could have been evaluated for Class 1 designation. (The Board took no action to recommend designation in 2004 as it believed that a renovation project was in process.) At the November 10, 2008 public hearing, the Board discussed issues surrounding the application, including the loss of similar hotels in the city, the importance of maintaining properties from a specific period, and the method of design and construction. The Board also considered that La Serena Villas contains important defining characteristics of scale and massing which directly relate to the urban fabric of the neighborhood. However, Board members also noted that the Board did not take action to protect the buildings in 2004 or in May of 2008. Another viewpoint held that restoration and long- term sustainability of the buildings did not appear feasible. By a 4 to 2 vote, the Board recommended to Council a Class 1 designation for La Serena Villas. REQUIRED FINDINGS Definition of a Historic Site and a Historic District. Section 8.05.020 of the Municipal Code provides the definition of an historic site and historic district. They are listed below and provide the basis for determining that a project merits historic classification: (a) Historic Site. A 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 A full summary of the inspection results are listed on page three of the July 9, 2008 City Council Staff Report. City Council Staff Report December 17,2008 Case: HSPB No.69/La Serena Villas Page 5 of 8 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. Pro'ect Analysis The HSPB considered that La Serena Villas may meet the definition of a historic site in the following ways: (a) Historic Site. A 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. The La Serena Villas was a fairly good example of a modest Spanish Eclectic style motor court hotel. The defining characteristics were its arches over doors and windows, two piece red clay barrel roof tiles, low pitched roof, smooth stucco exterior walls, little or no overhanging eves, large wooden beams, and the addition of towers, although not bell towers. Staff recognizes that most of these features were removed as part of the 2004 renovation and are no longer found on the buildings. 3. That reflects or exemplifies a particular period of the national, state or local history; The growing popularity of the automobile affected hotel design as tourist courts and bungalow courts were designed to accommodate vehicle parking. A central courtyard of the bungalow court allowed internal access, with parking provided for each unit. Following the Desert Inn's success, other resorts — large and small — appeared in Palm Springs in the 1920s and 1930s. By the late 1920s the area had become popular as a winter playground for movie stars and business owners from other California cities and different states. Smaller hotels in the area initially included the Estrella Inn, (Now, La Serena Villas), and the Ingleside Inn.2 2 This information is summarized from a Historic Assessment Report completed for the nearby Orchid Tree Inn, dated April 2005 by PCR Services. City Council Staff Report December 17,2008 Case: HSPB No.69/La Serena Villas Page 6 of 8 La Serena Villas was an example of this early period of motor-court hotel development in Palm Springs when the Spanish Eclectic style of architecture was popular and prevalent. The property was listed with two other bungalow motor courts in the 1941-42 Hartford Hotelector, which was used by travel agents to recommend the best places to stay. Many other motor-court hotels were constructed around the same time including The House of Murphy, The Hacienda, Royal Palms Hotel, Tahquitz Vista Hotel, Monte Vista Hotel, and the Orchid Tree Inn. 4. That embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period or method of construction; La Serena Villas embodied the defining characteristics of the typical asymmetrical facades, stucco, arches over doors and windows, red, two-piece, clay barrel tiles and low-pitched roofs, and use of towers known to the Spanish Eclectic motor court hotels built during the 1930s. As previously noted, many of these features have been removed. Another significantly important feature of La Serena Villas is the scale of the buildings, how well it was constructed to fit into the fabric of the Historic Tennis Club neighborhood, and the architectural character of both these sections of Belardo Road and Cahuilla Road. 6. That represents a significant and distinguishable entity whose components may lack individual distinction; The 2004 renovation project removed much of the architecture of the buildings such that today the buildings lack individual distinction. However, in its condition prior to the renovation work begun 2004, it could have been evaluated for Class 1 designation. Today, it may be possible to restore the buildings to their original character, but the feasibility of such an undertaking is open to question. OWNER PARTICIPATION During public testimony at the HSPB meeting of November 10, 2008, the owner's attorney stated that the findings are not accurate for this property because the findings include statements from a portion of a Historical Assessment Report by PRC in 2005 that was completed for the Orchid Tree Inn, also a motor court hotel, but not specifically this property. He said that the owner's intent was to renovate the property as they had done with the Viceroy next door. The financial model for La Serena Villas was based on a potential condominium market. They claim that at this time, renovation is not feasible due to the decline in the housing market. They are also open to any potential buyers. (At two previous hearing, members of the public indicated that a potential buyer may exist, but no one has contacted the City in this regard.) �6 City Council Staff Report December 17,2008 Case: HSPB No. 69/La Serena Villas Page 7 of 8 ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT In accordance with Section 15331 (Historical Resources Restoration/Rehabilitation) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the proposed designation is categorically exempt from environmental review. CONCLUSION The property was evaluated in the November 10, 2008 HSPB meeting based on the condition of La Serena Villas through 2004 -- before the buildings were stripped -- to see if it warranted historic status. By a 4 to 2 vote, the HSPB determined that there was enough evidence to recommend Class 1 designation of La Serena Villas Staff has reviewed the HSPB recommendation, but believes that the site should be designated Class 2 -- allowing demolition — and notes that this recommendation is a close call for the following reasons: 1. The City's usual practice is to evaluate a property based on its current condition rather than a condition that existed in previous years; 2. The current condition is in such a dilapidated state that the restoration may not be feasible; and 3. The extent of the structures architectural contribution has been modified over the years. 4. The property's current condition significantly contributes to neighborhood blight. The Council may consider the following options: 1. Terminate the investigation and take no further action. Demolition would then be allowed. 2. Designate the property Class 1 and require that any alterations or renovations comply with the Secretary of Interior standards, subject to HPSB review and approval. 3. Designate the property Class 2, by identifying the site as "`. . . unusable, non- conforming, un-restorable, or the like." Demolition would be allowed, but a record of the buildings would be maintained by the City. Lastly, staff notes that the applicant has requested additional time to prepare for this hearing should the Council wish to consider a Class 1 designation. A proposed "Agreement to Extend Time For Action On Case Number HSPB - 69" has been received from the property owner's attorney (attached) which would allow an additional 90 days City Council Staff Report December 17, 2008 Case: HSPB No.69/La Serena Villas Page 8 of 8 to conduct such research. During that time, no demolition permits would be sought and no hearing would be held. Staff has no objection to a delay for this purpose. 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 published in a newspaper of general circulation. Cr Ewing Thomas J. Wi�on a� �tor of PI ning Services Assistant City Manager, Dev't Services David H. Ready City Manager ATTACHMENTS 1. Vicinity Map 2. Draft City Council Resolution for Class 1 and Class 2 designation 3. HSPB Staff Report dated November 10, 2008 with attachments and photos 4. HSPB meeting minutes dated November 10, 2008 5. City Council Staff Report dated July 9, 2008 6. City Council meeting minutes dated June 18, 2008 and July 9, 2008 7. HSPB meeting minutes dated March 12, 2005 and September 14, 2004 8. Two e-mails sent to The Office of the City Clerk on November 4, 2008 9. Letter from the President of the Historic Tennis Club District Organization 10. Agreement to Extend Time For Action On Case Number HSPB - 69 ii IN Department of Planning Services W+ Vicinity Map 5 I I i I III I I I I III I I I I a I I 0 BARI$70 RD iz I I 0 • a I ' � � I q I � I� Ia a a I H � I SANTA ROSA DR j - I r Z Legend - N Project Site 400 Foot Radius I Surrounding Parcels I I CITY OF PALM SPRINGS CASE NO: HSPB - 69 DESCRIPTION: Application for Historic Designation at 339 S. Belardo Road, (La Serena Villas) Zone R-3, APPLICANT: City of Palm Springs Section 15. G9 RESOLUTION NO. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA DESIGNATING "LA SERENA VILLAS" LOCATED AT 339 SOUTH BELARDO ROAD AS A CLASS TWO HISTORIC SITE. WHEREAS, Chapter 8.05 of the Palm Springs Municipal Code allows for the designation of historic sites; and WHEREAS, on July 9, 2008, the City Council initiated an application for possible historic designation of the properties at 339 S. Belardo Road, known as "La Serena Villas", and directed staff to bring the matter before the Historic Site Preservation Board (HSPB); and WHEREAS, notice of a public hearing of the Historic Site Preservation Board of the City of Palm Springs to consider designation of La Serena Villas as a historic site was issued in accordance with applicable law; and WHEREAS, on November 10, 2008, the Historic Site Preservation Board conducted a public hearing in accordance with applicable law to consider designation of La Serena Villas as a historic site, at which hearing the HSPB received a staff report and public testimony on the matter; and WHEREAS, at said hearing, the HSPB adopted Resolution - 69 to recommend to City Council designation of the eleven structures on two parcels at 339 South Belardo Road as a Class 1 historic site; and WHEREAS, the designation of La Serena Villas shall further the purpose and intent of Chapter 8.05; and WHEREAS, the Class 2 designation of La Serena Villas shall recognize said site; and WHEREAS, notice of a public hearing of the City Council of the City of Palm Springs to consider designation of 339 South Belardo Road, as a historic site was issued in accordance with applicable law; and WHEREAS, on December 17, 2008 the City Council conducted a public hearing in accordance with applicable law to consider designation of 339 South Belardo Road as a Class 1 or Class 2 historic site; and Q City Council Resolution Page 2 of 3 December 17, 2008 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 WHEREAS, in consideration of all related evidence, and written and oral testimony, the Council hereby finds, as follows: 1. Due to the deterioration of La Serena Villas, it is no longer a viable example of the early period of motor-court hotel development in Palm Springs from the 1930s when the Spanish Eclectic style of architecture was popular and prevalent in Palm Springs. 2. The defining historic characteristics of Spanish Eclectic, including arches over doors and windows, two piece red clay barrel roof tiles, low-pitched roof, smooth stucco exterior walls, little or no overhanging eves, or towers architecture have largely been removed and no longer exist. THE CITY COUNCIL DOES HEREBY RESOLVE. Section 1: Pursuant to CLQA, the City Council finds that the designation of the building at 339 South Belardo Road as a Class 2 historic site is categorically exempt from environmental review pursuant to Section 15306 whereby this designation is for data collection of a site that does not disturb any environmental resources. Section 2: La Serena Villas does not meet the definition of a Class 1 historic site. It is defined as "non-contributing structures with no historic classification assigned to the structures" because the majority of defining features are no longer found on the buildings. Section 3; La Serena Villas does not reflect or exemplify a particular period of the national, state or local history because it no longer contains the features of an early period motor-court development. Section 4: La Serena Villas does not embody the distinctive characteristics of a type, period or method of construction because it presently is not a good example of Spanish Eclectic architecture from the 1930's. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that, based upon the foregoing, the City Council designates La Serena Villas located at 339 South Belardo Road, Palm Springs, California as a Class 2 Historic Site. ADOPTED this 17th day of December 2008. City Council Resolution Page 3 of 3 December 17, 2008 David H. Ready, City Manager ATTEST: James Thompson, City Clerk 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 i 2 ;o ppLM SA? iy V � N •» v0»»vXefev v''e c9LiFOR » Historic Site Preservation Board Staff Report Date: November 10, 2008 Case No.: HSPB — 69, "La Serena Villas" Application Type: Historic Class 1 Designation Application Location: 339 South Belardo Road Applicant: The City of Palm Springs Zone: R3: Multi-family residential and hotel zone General Plan: Small Hotel APN: 513-202-009, 513-202-010 From: Diane A- Bullock, Associate Planner PROJECT DESCRIPTION An application has been filed by The City of Palm Springs regarding 339 South Belardo Road, "La Serena Villas", requesting it be considered for designation as a Class I Historic Site- Such designation would: 1- Place the subject property under the guidance of Municipal Code Section 8.05 2. Require present and subsequent owners to maintain the site consistent with that ordinance, 3. Grant possible property tax reduction opportunities to the owner under the State of California Mills Act- -- �e Hislonc;Site PreSend2tlOn Board Staff Report Page 2 of 8 Case HSPB-69—La Serena Villas Date November 10 2008 RECOMMENDATION That the Historic Site Preservation Board (HSPB) approve the application and recommend that the City Council designate 339 South Belardo as Class 1 Historic Site 69. A draft resolution is attached for consideration. PRIOR ACTIONS On September 14, 2004, staff informed the HSPB of the proposed renovation work anticipated for the site. Specifically, the owners intended to keep the buildings, but replace doors and windows. This report was informational only — no HSPB action was required for the Architectural Approval. On September 20, 2004 Architectural approval was granted to renovate the property. This included a clean/repair/repaint of exterior stucco walls, addition/replacement of windows, addition of an outdoor fireplace, and interior renovations. The work began but was never completed. On March 12, 2005, the HSPB granted approval by a vote of 4-0-2 for Case 3.2130 for a demolition request of Bldg. 10, which was originally built on the property line with no permits. On March 10, 2008 the Building Department sent a letter to the owner notifying them that their building permits had expired. Code Enforcement issued a Courtesy Notice to the property owner/property management company on March 28, 2008 requiring that they submit plans by April 18, 2008 to either resume the renovations, or to demolish the buildings. The client submitted plans for demolition of the existing buildings. On May 13, 2008, the HSPB heard a demolition request from the owner. Three motions to stay the demolition were considered - - all of which failed on a 3-3 vote. Therefore, the Board did not approve a stay of demolition. On the same day, an appeal was filed opposing the decision of the Board. On June 18 and July 9, 2008, the City Council conducted hearings on the May 13, 2008 appeal and unanimously approved the following actions: 1. Overrule the decision of the HSPB and approve a Stay of Demolition for a period of six months with the condition that the property be secured and painted subject to Building Official Approval, and 2. Direct the Historic Site Preservation Board to study and report on any historic findings and significance of the property- 2 kit Historic Site Preservation Board Staff Report Page 3 Of 8 Case HSPB-69—La Serena villas Date November 10,2008 BACKGROUND AND SETTING The site contains two parcels totaling approximately 0.9 acres. The larger parcel has eleven (11) buildings on the site, and the smaller parcel is vacant. Both parcels are bounded by commercial uses to the east, multiple-family/small hotel uses to the north and south, and single-family residential uses to the west. The small hotel known as La Serena Villas located at 339 Belardo Road was constructed in 1930s according to the 2004 Historic Resource Survey. The single-story buildings are built in the Spanish Eclectic Style. The site plan is generally rectangular surrounding the interior courtyard that once contained a pool. The single-story buildings were finished with elements found in the Spanish Eclectic Architecture vernacular including stucco exteriors, gabled and covered roofs with red-clay tiles, and eaves that are slightly extended with exposed rafter beams. The buildings also have several rectangular painted brick chimneys set into the side of the structures. The exterior stucco walls were painted yellow. Sloping roofs were added to the principal roofs to form small overhangs supported by squared posts. Windows were replaced with aluminum sliders and were flanked by false fixed shutters painted green. On the structure at the west side of the courtyard, a small tower rises above the principle roofline; with the sides tapering upward and punctured by several canales. The main entrance was originally located through a small wood gate at the west main fagade, which was later changed to the east side, The La Serena Villas hotel is fronted by a wide swath of pavement parking space; it was previously surrounded by lush gardens and mature landscaping. The site was first a part of what was called The Townhouse and bungalows, then became the Estrella Inn, then La Serena Villas, then The Sequoia and back to La Serena Villas. ANALYSIS As mentioned in previous staff reports on this site, the buildings were stripped of stucco, some roof tiles, all interior walls, electrical, and plumbing after a renovation application had been approved in 2004. The renovation was never completed and the building permits expired. Staff evaluated the property in its present condition when the application for demolition was submitted by the applicant. During the July 9, 2008 City Council meeting, the Director of Building and Safety explained the results of the staff inspection on June 26, 2008. Staff determined the steps necessary to restore the buildings, which are outlined on page four of the attached City Council Staff Report. After reviewing the prior actions and steps taken on this property beginning in 2004, the six-month stay of demolition was placed by Council on July 9, 2008, The Council also directed the HSPB to study the property for possible historic designation. This is completed by evaluating the site against the seven characteristics listed below in the Definition of a Historic Site. Historic Site Preservation Board Staff Report Page 4 of 8 - Cese HSPB-09—La Serena Vilias Date November 10 2008 It is noteworthy that the HSPB meeting for demolition was based on the current condition of the property. Because of the stay of demolition placed on the property by Council, and the fact that the property was altered before an analysis for Class 1 designation could take place, the property is now being evaluated based on the way it appeared through 2004 -- before the buildings were stripped -- to see if it warrants Class 1 status. Definition of a Historic Site and a Historic District. Section 8.05.020 of the Municipal Code provides the definition of an historic site and historic district as follows-, (a) Historic Site. A 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 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. Spanish Eclectic Architecture takes its architectural cue from the missions of the early Spanish and also includes details from Moorish, Byzantine, Gothic and Renaissance periods. The details include decorative tiles, windows and doors with elaborate grillwork and a bell tower or two. The facades are usually asymmetrical. During the late 1920s - 30s romantic nostalgia for the Hispanic culture culminated in both Mission Revival and Spanish Eclectic styles. They were vernacular adaptations, non- 4 aj Historic Site Preservation Board Staff Report Page 5 of 8 Case HSPB-69—La Serena Villas Date November 10,2008 conforming to pure architectural periods. They are reflections of the taste of that period of time showing up in the construction, building techniques, and materials of their day generally not found in large cities or commercial centers. Features found on Spanish Eclectic designs are: 1. Low-pitched roof 2. Red Roof Tiles 3- Little or no overhang eves 4. White stucco siding 5. Arches, especially above doors, porch entries, and main windows. 6. Large wooden beams REQUIRED FINDINGS According to Section 8.05.145, the Historic Site Preservation Board shall make findings prior to adopting a recommendation to the City Council. Staff has evaluated the proposal against the Definition of a Historic Site, as found in Section 8-05.010. Staff has concluded that: La Serena Villas may meet the definition of a Class 1 site in the following ways: (a)Historic Site, A 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. The La Serena Villas was a fairly good example of a modest Spanish Eclectic style motor court hotel. The defining characteristics were its arches over doors and windows, two piece red clay barrel roof tiles, low pitched roof, smooth stucco exterior walls, little or no overhanging eves, large wooden beams, and the addition of towers, although not bell towers. That is associated with lives of persons who made meaningful contribution to national, state or local history La Serena Villas was owned by Frank Pershing who built the Town House (now the Viceroy) and bungalows (now La Villa Serena), Mr. Pershing was a City Councilman and was the nephew of General John Pershing. It is noted that Mr. Frank Pershing was known locally and remembered by past Mayor Frank Bogert. Frank Pershing served on the City Council from 1940 to 1942. This does not fall into the category of a meaningful contribution and would not be considered a defining characteristic for a historic site. 1.7 Historic Site Preservation Board Staff Report Page 6 of 8 Case HSPB-69—La Serena Villas Date November 10,2008 The father of Richard Outcault; co-builder and part owner of the Town House and La Serena Villas, was R.F. Outcault, also the father of the Sunday Comic strip creator of Buster Brown and the Yellow Kid. He was a landscape painter who became known for his cartoon work for Joseph Pulitzer and Wm. Randolph Hearst, and later from his creation of The Outcault Advertising Co. This does not fall into the category of a meaningful contribution and would not be considered a defining characteristic for a historic site. That reflects or exemplifies a particular period of the national, state or local history; or According to a Historic Assessment Report completed for The Orchid Tree Inn, dated April 2005 by PCR Services, smaller hotels in the area initially included the Estrella Inn, (the site in question), which was constructed in 1933 and the Ingleside Inn. Large and small hotels thrived following the end of World War II. The assessment states that with the growing popularity of the automobile, tourist courts and bungalow courts were designed with the emphasis on automobile accommodation. A central courtyard of the bungalow court allowed internal access, with parking provided for each unit. Following the success of the Desert Inn, other resorts, large and small, catering to a moneyed elite appeared in Palm Springs in the 1920s and 1930s. By the late 1920s the area had become popular with the Hollywood crowd as a winter playground for movie stars and moguls. La Serena Villas was an example of the early period of motor-court hotel development in Palm Springs from the 1930s when the Spanish Eclectic style of architecture was popular and prevalent in Palm Springs. It was listed with two other bungalow motor courts in the 1941-42 Hartford Hotelector, which was used by travel agents to recommend the best places to stay_ Many other motor-court hotels were constructed around the same time including The House of Murphy, The Hacienda, Royal Palms Hotel, Tahquitz Vista Hotel, Monte Vista Hotel, and the Orchid Tree Inn. That embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period or method of construction; or La Serena Villas embodied the defining characteristics of the typical asymmetrical facades, stucco, arches over doors and windows, red, two-piece, clay barrel tiles and low-pitched roofs, and use of towers known to the Spanish Eclectic motor court hotels built during the 1930s. Another significantly important feature of La Serena Villas is the scale of the buildings, how well it was constructed to fit into the fabric of the Historic Tennis Club neighborhood, 6 i(� Historic Site Preservation Board Staff Report Page 7 of 8 Case HSPB-Gg—La Serena Villas Date November 10, 2008 and the architectural character that defines both these sections of Belardo Road and Cahuilla Road. That represents a significant and distinguishable entity whose components may lack individual distinction, or La Serena Villas was part of a renovation project that removed and did not restore what had been taken away; therefore, in its present condition, it does lack individual distinction. However, in its condition in 2004 when renovation began and prior to that, it could have been evaluated for Class 1 designation. It was believed at the time to be a renovation project in process based on the application submitted; therefore no action to recommend designation was taken. OWNER PARTICIPATION Staff and citizens of the Historic Tennis Club Neighborhood have attempted to contact the owners, but have not received a response before the printing of this Staff Report. Staff also notes that testimony was presented to the City Council that a potential buyer may be found. No such person or group has since come forward. RECOMMENDATION Historic Site Preservation Board has three options available: 1. Terminate the investigation and take no further action. 2. Recommend Class 1 designation to the City Council based on the requirements that any alterations or renovations comply with the Secretary of Interior standards. 3. Recommend Class 2 designation, by identifying the site as ". . , unusable, non- conforming, un-restorable, or the like." Based on the aforementioned findings, La Serena Villas reflects or exemplifies a particular period of the national, state or local history; and embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period or method of construction. Because of the present condition of the buildings and list of requirements to renovate the property to The Secretary of Interior Standards for Class 1 properties, recommending Class 1 designation of La Serena Villas is a close call. La Serena Villas is one of the few examples left of the original motor-court hotels in a neighborhood defined on its perimeter by other motor-court hotels. It encompasses two parcels and sixteen original structures that at this time have been stripped of the defining characteristics of a historic site. Historic Site Preservation Board Staff Report Page 8 of 8 Case HSPB-69—La Serena Villas Data November 10 2008 ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT In accordance with Section 15331 (Historical Resources Restoration/Rehabilitation) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the potential designation is categorically exempt from environmental review as it meets the conditions outlined for preservation of a historic resource. NOTIFICATION Pursuant to section 8.05-140 of the Municipal Code of Palm Springs, All property owners within three hundred (300) feet of the subject property have been notified. The Office of the City Clerk did receive an e-mail from Lauri Aylaian on November 3, 2008, supporting Class 1 designation of La Serena Villas. Diane A. Bullock, Associate Planner g . Ew ng, AICP, actor of planning Services ATTACHMENTS 1. Vicinity Map 2. Draft HSPB Resolution #69 3. City Council Staff Report dated July 9, 2008 with attachments 4. City Council Minutes dated June 18, 2008 and July 9, 2008 5. Historic Site Designation Application, report and photos 6. 2004 Citywide Historic Resources Sheets on La Serena Villas (included in application). 7. Copies of brochures and articles 20 7.A - Attach. 1 Department of Planning Services W N E Vicinity Map S v 6ARISTO RO I w � o � a z v � � v m o a - a i rc y SAnTA ROSA OR - w r 6 L egend ius Parcels CITY OF PALM SPRINGS CASE NO: HSPB - 69 DESCRIPTION: Application for Historic Designation at 339 S. Belardo Road, (La Serena Villas) Zone R-3, APPLICANT: City of Palm Springs Section 15. �i RESOLUTION NO. 69 OF THE HISTORIC SITE PRESERVATION BOARD OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA, RECOMMENDING THAT THE CITY COUNCIL DESIGNATE 339 LA SERENA VILLAS, AS CLASS 1 HISTORIC SITE - 69. WHEREAS, Chapter 8.05 of the Palm Springs Municipal Code allows for the designation of historic sites; and WHEREAS, the Historic Site Preservation Board filed an application for Historic Site Designation; and WHEREAS, notice of a public hearing of the Historic Site Preservation Board of the City of Palm Springs to consider designation of La Serena Villas a Class 1 historic site was issued in accordance with applicable law; and WHEREAS, on November 10, 2008, the Historic Site Preservation Board conducted a public hearing in accordance with applicable law to consider designation of La Serena Villas as a Class 1 historic site; and WHEREAS, the designation of La Serena Villas shall further the purpose and intent of Chapter 8.05; and WHEREAS, the designation of La Serena Villas 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. La Serena Villas was an example of the early period of motor-court hotel development in Palm Springs from the 1930s when the Spanish Eclectic style of architecture was popular and prevalent in Palm Springs. 2. The defining historic characteristics of this building are its Spanish Eclectic architecture. The building stands as a very good example with its arches over doors and windows, two piece red clay barrel roof tiles, low pitched roof, smooth stucco exterior walls, little or no overhanging eves, large wooden beams, and the addition of towers. 22 HSPB Resolution 69 November 10, 2008 sections of Belardo Road and Cahuilla Road- Section 3: La Serena Villas represents a significant and distinguishable entity whose components may lack individual distinction; or La Serena Villas was part of a renovation project that removed and did not restore what had been taken away, therefore in its present condition, it does lack individual distinction. However, in its condition in 2004 when renovation began and prior to that, it could have been evaluated for Class 1 designation. It was believed at the time to be a renovation project in process based on the application submitted; therefore no action to recommend designation was taken- NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that, based upon the foregoing, the Historic Site Preservation Board recommends that the City Council designate La Serena Villas at 339 South Pelardo Road, Palm Springs, California as HSPB Class 1 Historic Site 69 subject to the following conditions; 1. The property owner shall permit the City to demark the building as a historic site with a marker of the City's choosing. The historic marker shall be placed in a location visible from the public right-of-way. The owner shall maintain the historic 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 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 and Historic Site Preservation Board review pursuant Municipal Code Ordinance 8.05-180. 3. No permit for the alteration of the exterior, including any and all of the defining elements and characteristics shall be issued without prior approval by the Historic Site Preservation Board. 4. All restoration follow the requirements of the report filed by the Development Services Department and Fire Department of the City of Palm Springs dated June 26, 2008, 5. All restoration follow the requirements of the Secretary of Interior Standards. • 4� HSPB Resolution 69 November 10, 2008 THE HISTORIC SITE PRESERVATION BOARD HEREBY FINDS AS FOLLOWS: Section 1: La Serena Villas reflects or exemplifies a particular period of the national, state or local history; or According to a Historic Assessment Report completed for the Orchid Tree Inn, dated April 2005 by PCR Services, smaller hotels in the area initially included the Estrella Inn, (the site in question), which was constructed in 1933 and the Ingleside Inn. Large and small hotels thrived following the end of World War ll. The assessment states that the growing popularity of the automobile, tourist courts, and bungalow courts were designed with the emphasis on automobile accommodation with the central courtyard of the bungalow court as an internal access with parking provided for each unit. Following the success of the Desert Inn, other resorts large and small catering to a moneyed elite appeared in Palm Springs in the 1920s and 1930s, By the late 1920s the area had become popular with the Hollywood crowd as a winter playground for movie stars and moguls. La Serena Villas was an example of the early period of motor-court hotel development in Palm Springs from the 1930s when the Spanish Eclectic style of architecture was popular and prevalent in Palm Springs. It was listed with two other bungalow motor courts in the 1941-42 Hartford Hotelector, which was used by travel agents to recommend the best places to stay. Many other motor-court hotels were constructed around the same time including the House of Murphy, The Hacienda, the Royal Palms Hotel, Tahquitz Vista Hotel, Monte Vista Hotel, and the Orchid Tree Inn Section 2: La Serena Villas embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period or method of construction; or This site presents a very good example of Spanish Eclectic architecture from the 1930s because: La Serena Villas embodied the defining characteristics of the typical asymmetrical facades, stucco, arches over doors and windows, red two-piece clay barrel tiles and low-pitched roofs, and use of towers known to the Spanish Eclectic motor court hotels built during the 1930s. Another significantly important feature of La Serena Villas is the scale of the buildings, how well it was constructed to fit into the fabric of the Historic Tennis Club neighborhood, and the architectural character that defines both these E�x HSP3 Resolution 69 November 10, 2008 6. That the City Clerk submit the Council Resolution to the County recorder for recordation within 90 days of the effective date of this resolution. 7. All existing or previously approved alterations shall be considered acceptable. ADOPTED this 10th day of November, 2008. AYES: NAYS: ABSENT: ABSTENTIONS: ATTEST: CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA Diane Bullock Loretta Moffett Associate Planner Historic Site Preservation Board Secretary �oF pALM spay CITY OF PALM SPRINGS c Department of Planning Services N 3200 East Tahqutz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262 CrrORN�r• Telephone: 760-323-8245 - Fax: 760-322-8360 Public Works & Engineering - 760-323-8253 Fire Department - 760-323-8187 Building & Safety - 760-323-8242 Building Inspections - 760-323-8243 Code Enforcement - 750-778-8434 HISTORIC SITE DESIGNATION (HSD) APPLICATION The completed application and required materials shall be submitted to the Department of Planning Services. The submittal will be given a cursory check and will be accepted for filing only if the basic requirements have been met. Incomplete applications due to missing or inadequate information will not be accepted for filing. Subsequent to the initial cursory check and filing of plans, a detailed review of the application and all reports and exhibits will be made to ensure that all required information has been provided. HISTORIC SITE PRESERVATION BOARD (HSPB) Once the application has been determined to be complete, the HSPB will review the application to determine whether the site meets the minimum qualifications for designation pursuant to Chapter 8.05 of the Palm Springs Municipal Code. If such determination is made, a public hearing will be scheduled for a future meeting. A public hearing will be held by the HSPB to receive testimony from all interested persons concerning the Historic Site Designation. The public hearing may be continued from time to time, and upon complete consideration, the HSPB will make a recommendation to the City Council. Prior to consideration of the application by the HSPB, a notice of public hearing for a Historic Site Designation request will be mailed to all property owners within 400 feet of the subject property a minimum of ten (10) days prior to the hearing date. CITY COUNCIL After receiving the recommendation of the Historic Site Preservation Board, a public hearing will be held by the City Council to receive testimony from all interested persons concerning the requested Historic Site Designation. The public hearing may be continued from time to time, and upon complete consideration, the City Council will then conditionally approve, deny, or approve the application as submitted. The City Council's decision on the application is final. Prior to consideration of the application by the City Council, a notice of public hearing for a Historic Site Designation request will be mailed to all property owners within 400 feet of the subject property a minimum of ten (10) days prior to the hearing date. Pp,, Pa90 ofB nmrz1n w:ooale,n r to (' REQUIRED MATERIALS - Unless otherwise indicated, do not mount these exhibits on a board. All required plans shall be neatly drawn and completely dimensioned. This and the following constitutes a complete Historic Site Designation Application. I. Historic Site Designation Application Original and 11 copies of a complete and correct application with a notarized signature of the owner or lessee. If the signatory is an authorized representative, this authorization to represent the owner or lessee shall be in written form signed by the owner. II. plot Plan. A. 8-1/2" x 11" size (12 copies) drawn to scale. If plan is larger than 8-1/2" x 11", submittal of reduced copies is required. The plans shall show the following data. 1. All property boundaries 2. Complete legal description 3. North arrow and scale 4. All existing buildings, structures, mechanical equipment, landscape materials, fences, walls, sidewalks, driveways, parking areas showing location of parking spaces, and signs. (show in light or broken lines) 5. Square footage of each building and the uses of each building 6. The date of construction of each building and/or addition must be indicated III. Public Hearing Labels: The applicant shall submit three (3) sets of typed self-adhesive labels of all property owners, lessees, and sub-lessees of record. The labels shall include the Assessor's parcel number, owner's name and mailing address of each property with 400 feet from the exterior limits of the subject property. Additionally, all Assessor's parcel maps clearly indicating the 400-foot radius and a certified letter from a title company licensed to conduct business in Riverside County, California shall be submitted. If any property on this list is owned by the United States Government in trust for the Aqua Caliente Indian Tribe or individual allottee, copies of notices with postage paid envelopes will be submitted to the Bureau of Indian Affairs to notify the individual Indian land owners of the public hearings. IV. Existing Site Photographs: 12 sets of color photographs showing each elevation of the property and its surroundings. Hipa ].1a RoriruJ f0'lU1NAET C: L r t Office Use Only Ok FI.LM & Date: r� Case No. 5 0 �0 V N .7 w � + HSPB No. c C, 0FOR \' Planner: NF L!. GC CITY OF PALM SPRINGS Department of Planning Services HISTORIC SITE DESIGNATION (HSD) TO THE APPLICANT: Your cooperation in completing this application and supplying the information requested will expedite City review of your application. Application submitted will not be considered complete until all submittal requirements are met. Staff may require additional information depending upon the specific project needs. t Please submit this completed application and subsequent material to the Department of Planning Services at 3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262 - Phone. 760-323--8245 - Fax: 760-322-8380 Applicant's Name: �1/ -L/Yr +r cc1 l�jle"/ r' C s - Lie P'- t Cts l c Please Print ❑ Owner ❑ Lessee ❑ Authorized Agent Cal' City ❑ Other Applicant's Address: 32-/)o F—,-,+S7 Number and Street Name or P.O.Box /9r '�� Pi�llVC City State ZIP Telephone Nos- 7W/6�, -• � c�S-r�/�� V Residence Cell Work E-Mail address: La, l n H5P6 p i5n A nl H Rnmnid 0$OOfyiim L� Site Address: C_(L:i- c-�-Lt to Construction Date: � �� Estimated ❑ Factual Architect 7' uw� rr Builder:___ J� f1 �Ly� 1 ly Present Owner )Pri ar l n �� LT h Address: � u1 /74e�-1 p0nr 4 0 j f, S J� Original Owner: Important Owners: Mbr-t � A( ; tlen�n (nE=yi.TD&AI�EreSfiirv� �[� u i F,wn P r� i/c. r{L. 7f�� Lf yid r2-1� t �t i Y✓ C�lttl6F tY3tOF eBi6tiORS: _ ryL b T',�1�2 / 1 &A a .�_ LJ "(1&1-4 'L -r— Y �u_SS Common Name of Property: Z P :/T(e E N Historic Name of Property: 0 ll a—� f r_ t Assessor's Parcel Number: G Zone: Section:_ Land Use-,— C7G�c 1)< <S C,Qaa 7 146( r;�Z,ZI&o i,F L k X- T: Is this project on fee land ❑ or Indian trust land? ❑ (Check one) Please attach to this application any information, photos, drawings, newspaper articles, reports, studies, or other materials to fully describe the characteristics or conditions that support this application for Historic Designation. Refer to Palm Springs Municipal Code Section 8.05.020 for the definitions of a historic site. If submitting color photographs or materials vital to the designation of this property, 12 sets of the color photographs or materials are required with this application. (Please continue to following page) HSPB Revised 04118f08lldm 4018 - L� ARCHITECTURAL STYLE: (Please check the appropriate boxes) Vernacular Adobe 1800 - 1950 Prairie Style 1905 - 1930 V° Vernacular Wood Frame 1850 - 1950 Pueblo Revival 1905 - 1940 Vernacular Brick 1850 - 1950 Mediterranean/Spanish Rev 1915 - 1940 Vernacular Ranch House 1850 - 1950 Moderne/Art Deco 1920 - 1940 Vernacular- Other 1850 - 1960 International Style 1925 - 1970 Gothic Revival 1850 - 1910 Mid-Century Modern Style 1945 - 1980 Italianate 1860 - 1880 Commercial French Second Empire 1860 - 1890 t - Other: Mission Revival 1890 - 1920 Craftsman Bungalow 1895 - 1930 PRIMARY BUILDING MATERIALS ROOF TYPE Wood Frame V Gable Log Hip Adobe Brick Hipped Gable Brick Shed Stone Gambrel V' Stucco Flat Concrete Mansard Metal Other: a1?C1-f4 k) W15 A CZALre' Steel 51-If At L S f Other. Are there any significant decorative elements? ❑Yes ❑ No It yes, briefly describe: '.i �r"'Z1lt l.� ��2.LC. %�;_ �.�� /�(4��. ��'.�� , r_ Ctff- .I�L-.tiG :w�rl'� c ��k-�r f• r•.d�.��✓�.. �5 pap rr-z:C" . u;y1 .Ld..yy.t... �,,ry_•'L,y�-c� -"gyp �I�,�,t.i-L.C-C 1..9 "-4 C��Ji U � RSPB R&,,�Pd 0 411 810 81ldm 5 of 8 !� V ii RELATED FEATURES SURROUNDINGS Barn Open Land Carriage House Scattered Buildings Garage Densely BulIt-Up Shed Outhouse ALTERATIONS Windmill Major Water Tower Minor Tankhouse Unaltered Hitching Post If altered, briefly describe Fence � Wall .. A4, / Unusual Curb Unusual Sidewalk IV,PP NT 0 DITION F Gardens I Excellent Unusual Trees Good Expansive Lawns Fair Other: rv'� -t�eleriorated Destroyed Current Use: C -• Ori anal Use: ' r Please list any sources used to cc n lete this a llcalion: i �" `� Z U 0 rG fc i H5Pa ReVlsed 04/1 Blobilden b of 8 W APPLICANT'S REQUIRED MATERIAL CHECKLIST HISTORIC SITE DESIGNATION The following items must be completed before a Historic Site Designation Application will be accepted. Please check off each item to assure completeness. Refer to the REQUIRED MATERIALS list of this application for more details of each item. Applicant City Use Only Only Application: + Original Completed Application (12 copies) ❑ ❑ + Owners Signature, Notarized (if required) ❑ Cl Plot Plan: + 8-1/2" x 11" (12 copies) ❑ ❑ Miscellaneous Exhibits: + Public Hearing Labels ❑ ❑ + Project Sponsor Labels (if any) - ❑ ❑ + Existing Site Photographs - (12 sets) ❑ ❑ + Photos, articles, etc. related to history of property ❑ ❑ (12 sets). Photos must be in color when possible. Planning Services, checked by: -_-Date: I ISPB Revised 04/18/08/Idm 7 of 32 The following forms must be completed In the presence of a Notary Public. Select the form best fitting the type of authorization required OWNER AFFIDAVIT STATE OF CALIFORNIA ) COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE ) ss I (We), being duly sworn, depose and say that I (we) am (are) the owner or owners herein named and that the foregoing statements and answers herein contained and the information herein submitted are in all respect true and correct to the best of my (our) knowledge and belief. Name: (Please print) Mailing address: City,_ State Zip Telephone: Fax Signatures: Signatures. Who proved to me on the basis of satisfactory evidence to be the person(s) whose name(s) is/are subscribed to the within instrument and acknowledged to me that he/she/they executed the same in his/hr/their authorized capacity(ies), and that by his/her/their signature(s) on the instrument the person(s), or the entity upon behalf of which the person(s) acted, executed the instrument. I certify under PENALTY OF PERJURY under the laws of the State of that the foregoing paragraph is true and correct. WITNESS my hand and official seal this day of )0— Notary Public in the State of with principal office in the County of Place Notary Seal Above NSPs m 3 Revised 0a11810811dm 8 ors �+ � Fill Edit ',(few, Favorites Tools help 'l Back � ;Search �Favol &Medlai imaps.digitalmapcenLral.comiproductionl(Z-ltyGISI�,QT C;'Go Links C"o &!c (7,—ll Add.... 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YC.vT��• �y MMf�� w�n!•M1� •' •,�' ,11.i w �'"bx prt�N.t�Nyn �y yv I^ - .Nr ^rn n d. a �-..-.w.., x. " � � .. 1p �Y+ti yq°"• - 1 1 mRl -. b.L-..�.�_ ,_. r .... •�..,. ._.� ._ter' ._,,.. _ r _ .. .. I - a o '�;. _ a,..y,•.,,r�r l i^ ar,.r:;;�v,:� s it-r - ry�a$:-a.' CSEtEh• ,4wf.�iir'�a' ,`ii e�svufc��F1ge�`cy!-°y ]'=�Is�y�:k�e,;"r,`'s,PerR ;,.Y�. ., �s,a,.' "y'`�`M�4•'�;yid�1., .-. .�. 1• qu7 ^r�' ,T'�e� �':' r✓;.ri$'��`r!�.. ar�+ "H IG n. 1-2.,:-5=1(� r.iF r r,.aN t� b�„ 1� ':• er'M, '., .rrlttrt r; +, tP7„ n yr+d*�l`�k,'`'.. Y d. Page I of r Resource Name orb:(Asslpned by recorder) La Scrana Villas Pi,Other Identifier. _ P2. Location: f No for Publication 0 Unreslricted a-county Riverside and(F2b and Pao or P2d,Miami a Location Map as necessary) b,USGS 7.5'Quad Palm Springs pate 1996 T ; R 114 of _ 114 of Sec _ more Ihan one fa BJ4, c Address 339 South Rclardo Road City Palm Springs Zip 92282- d.UTM:(Give r largo and/ortinearresaurcesl Zone 17 mFJ mN e.Other Locallonal Data,(e.g,parcel 8,diracuons to resource,elevation,eta-,a:,appropriate) city of Palm Springs section 15 Parcel No, 513 202 009 Pia.Description-(Describe resource and Its major elemcr"ts.Indudc design.maienals,condition,alterations,size,setling,and boundaries) Construcled in the 1950s, La Serena Villas al 339 South Belardo is a single-story hotel Will in the Spanish Eclectic Style and was at one lime known as the Sequoia. The plan is generally rectangular surrounding an interior courtyard with a pool. The roofs arc gabled and covered with arched red-clay tile shingles:eaves are slightly extended and rafter beams have been left exposed. There are several rectangular painted brick chimneys set into the side of the structures. Exterior walls are finished in stucco and painted yellow, Sloping roofs have been added to the principal roofs to form small overhangs supported by squared post-. Windows have been replaced with aluminum sliders and arc flanked by false,fixed shutters,painted green on the structure at the west side of The courtyard,a small lower rises above the principal rooftne,the sides of the tower taper upward and are punctured by several canalo5, The main entrance is located through a small wood pate a(the east(main)lagade_ The La Serena Villas hotel is fronted by a wide swath of pavement parking space and surrounded by lush gardens and mature landscaping. 11).Resource Attributes: HP5-HolelfMotal P4,Resources Present: 2 Building []Structure ❑object a Site ❑D.,Inct ❑dement of Otstrict Q Other(Isolates,etc,) P5b,lieseription of Photo: P52. PIIQt0 Or Drawing(Phe(o required for buildings,structures,and objects.) (VIiew,date,t nN } }z V e Pti�.V `-ill' lowW t rtR".`- N •_"7'•j+at '.rfv> �ar;. !°: o ...,ry;:r7rrv: t`.-,.t[',t �q ._.¢s August2003 k� z •urn -• ''�"{ r P8.Oate Constructed/Age and Sources: 0 Historic ❑Prehistoric ❑Both S•^v`ir - r< "F '� y ' '-' 1988;Palm Springs HSPB list(1967) y _ P7.Owner and Address: La Serena VMas LIc 780 N La Cienega Blvd M.�al Los Angeles CA 9OD69 c_2 Pa.Recorded by: Maley/PolrinfrinsleyMaison ('^ Architectural Resources Group Pier 9, The Emharcadero San Prancisco,CA 94111 P9.Date,Recorded: August 2003 P1D.Survey Type(Describe) Reconnaissance Survey P11.Report Citatloh:(tile survey Capon and other sources,or enter-none.) Architectural Resources Group, City of Palm Springs Historic Resources Survey Summary Report,2004. �nachmenfs: 0 None ❑Continuation Sheet C]District Record ❑Rock Ad Record ❑Other(List) EJ Lomtion Map ❑Building,Structure,and Object Record ❑Linear Feature Record ❑Artifact Record e Q Sketch Map [I Archaeological Record ❑Milling Station Record []Photograph Record HMO ��J Q DPR 523A(1195) - -- - J -I rn •'� V �j'.+iu''��flS'>�yl �, x, l'�` �,,�." �}{U��I'�IIL• `Y. � O LE yj >t Off hJ;�i.ai^'•�S+GN}",",�;,o`"�:c[;a�"1, ' i+ ; .�y�' jtl+irV�"_d":Cxa^i k .u" w :1 rri,A�.'11'i"'i�;!-4j('�s •c it�.''].: •.1.y. i 'a T'-wY' l,„ . , ,,.j;+x :y p'�..1',.I;.ra� .� 'jp.Kro_rr Z ❑ F,.I .o',':ln�,,:t::��,cr„�t w:7'1x�j��, �s!-µ#�,.�7,5,H� 2it�7�:,, \'�' !� ,. 3 •iF J Q 1•-�o,.ig'l:i!'lJ:f•�t,f � �y�J^✓p.r. f 9y,i'r �i_ i� d v• i, \'. •. +IIY:j"'�7';�`", • ..`;=51,r� 'f 1'�TJ.t4ri�'41�`'n�4H,:1 F �`T .i-'.l Hii;n�,Mt,r,`+'!"`,�`r�' ki,' lQn (f F-',+t '�•-h Ln "RI Al" '� oll- wf. "�cory LL i,:' i'W y4�.'�Yi:i;f�`.t�c+�' Y '•{: .41, ��[•.� ..��n :' k�ai ( � � �,'�.+�� y�;��y:` y 7 .'�'i"4ri�5'i'ipi' lnM � ""T" r:rr• .�' .y�.#'- 7 ,,,��ti '.:if �:.t Y1�y 4.;:Yi�I'1.n�f-.;i. yt xr _ ' �r+ ��• rL III Q 1!r •'Y1'ilx;�kYiu4f_wi 4l rSy`i,^,x`S i�,, :_ •4C!r:.'Y. Z `a'n_^^','r-'_ -.-tr=,�7.•i'f'r.".'irrr :�F{r�+,�r••• I- f� � � 7 'n , ,�,i�.0�:'y�4Sytin``nN�""3:Y��,i'-:d;'�4 ,•'�d��`ti�'wyn�: r h C� ve P Q _ •ice r)�{x Yu ��J� r�-`` (� , pi � vW' 7r 1, rn (D vl LU w (/1 Q \ awi+k v� w�va "> Q V) ✓1 r S]13�M 501 0� , viM viun itraGHds J ,y . pia UiLL ti ad� o� - --_ r r \ , .,16� a • J x i�o9 J �o r �� x O "�,nnnoua p S r}, ✓ ww in05'j0 F 5]115aWOH w ,�.c`� •;s ,�x 1\�—_ — s� Y•n�,1 74tHdHW1 z W Z PALM 5 P R I N G S 16409e4e*za (?a&" Palm Spzj�,, NE S T L I N G at the FOOF of rugged ,Mount B f CY C71 f7 9 • You may rent a bicycle for The corFages are completely equipped for ho,rse- Tahquifx, +his gem of archi+ectaral and Floral beau{y, any length of time and, on the splendid highways keeping. Also there are avaifabfe some sleeping offers the idea! spol for a prolonged vaca#ion in and byways, you will find many kindred spirits. roams and single apartments with buffet kitchen, the warm sunshine d. our winter months In ds The tariffs are in keeping with the season and the spacious patio, qar with umbrellas, lawn swings and In addiiian to #Fiese major activities you will find accommodations requested. Daily maid service is cols, or on the sun deck, one ma-y sun peacefully swimming, in excellent outdoor plunges; Tennis on furnished and every effort is made by the manage- and contentedly, :knowing that the nightly chill wili courts within walking distance; hiking on the desert men# {o add fv {he comfort of the guests. be tempered inside is+e cdilages by Mar.elaire and moun+ain hails; also 6adminion, ping pang and Furnace and electric beaters. crow uei. In your aulomobile you can, within an Season October Is+ to :May 15`h how, reach the Saftdn Sea, 265 Feet below sea level, or 'ravel upward on the Palms to Pines Highway for the Lc our Of Spert s, Palm Springs offers man}' to the slopes of Mouni San Jacinto, where winter For additional information, please write forms For your diversion. sports are avai?able in the vicinity of Idyflwild. LA SERENA COTTAGES, A. O. Box 869, IC Palm Springs, California, or phone 5f740. n , n a sun-drenched f rence nook o +he desert,I f R 9 � Probably the most popular o{ Our location i � desert astimec is where fog :s unknown, is protected from the high p provided d b}' rse nearby winds of `he open spaces. Being wilhin five blocks-:ding stables. Well trained saddle horses will be Mrs. Pearl Bush, Manager deliyered at your door at any time. of the central part of the village, where -here are excellent caies and shops, one may find Fhe usual Herbert Goodall, Owner diversions of the city. Adjoining on the north is the newfy-erected "Woman's Club Building" and G o/I A gcdd course is within easy walking nearby are churches and schools, including a senior 3 44 S o u t h C a h u i f l a R c e d distance. high school. P A L M S P R I N G S, C A L F F O R N ! A -- LA SERENA COTTAGES — - - - --- y 4. 1 n �q G,� nLLLX � E�J r � r' l l i Dec. 20"' 2006 Palm Sprincxs Historical Society \TT: Salk McManus John Coghlan 221 South Palm Canyon Dr. 13842 Valleyheart Dr. Palm Springs, CA 92262 Sherman Oaks, CA 91423 760 333 8297 818 905 6411 Dear Mrs V1cManus. I enjoyed our conversation and am sending you the enclosed which you will find of interest. You were correct I believe in that 359 S. B -11ardo is part of the Viceroy at 415. 1 talked to the clerk without revealing who I was and he said the following (below) regarding what is probably left of the Town House .. the bungalows- Subsequently I talked to Ken Lyon of the Preservation Board who told me the process to go through to try- and sane the bungalows. Very nice guy and very helpful. He did caution me that the City Council is in a development mood and that all the Viceroy (Kor Corporation) has to do is say it would not be financially advantageous to save the bungalows and that would pretty much finish them off But the issue roes first ro the Presen aTion committee and then to the city Council --- per Ken- Frank Bogert was more optimistic and said they �ate to save older buildings every time. So I don't know how the issue would come out at this point but I Think it should be undertaken. Time may be of the essence and the C iTc should be aware enough to keep the owners from tearing the bungalows down. Ken also said if they were to be completely demolished it would hai e To come bekore the HSPB. There are many ploys developers use that I am aware of however and they are powerful. The City Council is a key I helieve- An interesTing point is That the Vicero% ad%ertises thaw various famous people stayed at the Viceroy- But the Town House also was a fa%oriic spoT for famous people and like the Viceroy had bungalows in back. You'd think the Vicero\ would keep them but you never know. The post card of the Town House shoe s the lat ue block-like Town House front structure ... now gone. llowever there is nothirig That looks like a hoTcl on the 500 address side The Viceroy used To be The EsTrclla and the\ still call a spa section that is my understanding. The pages included are self explanatory, buT they establish Frank Pershin.- (who built the Town 1710use) as also being a City Councilman. the dates. When he sold the Town Flouse (19.55), his cofinection with General Pershing (nephew) and the General- Frank and mom in Palm Springs the picture). He was «ell lilted. Frank Bogert rememhered him too. tt lL 3s� S • � John Coghlan pg 2 Thank you for your newsletter. Aln interesting aside regarding your Hall Co. safe ... The lather of Richard Outcault who was co-builder of the Town House was R. F. Outcault who was also the lather of the Sunday Comic strip and creator of Buster Brown and the Yellow Kid. His first job (roughly around 1985) was working for the Hall Safe Co. In Ohio where he painted scenes on the doors of the safes. He was also a landscape painter but became well off through his cartoon work (for Joseph Pulitzer and Wm. Randolh Hearst) and later from his creation of The Outcauli Advzrtisitig Co. There is much about him on the Web ... see Richard Clsons site. Well I sce I was not able to stick to one page- Use the material as you see fit .. except for the letter as you can understand at this point. Yours, John Coghlan ■ ■ Hisors otel demoll't1o on ih By Stefanie Frith ovations or demolish the buildings. stefania,fnthwpalmspnngssun.rom "We really have no plans right now for what we will do with the property,"Blaze said. V A Palm Springs hotel built in tie I 9305 that was ap- On Tuesday, the Palm Springs Historic Site Preser- proved for renovation four years ago will be demolished. vation Board cued to find a consensus for how To proceed La Serena Villas—once known as the Sequoia—ar 319 with The demolition. Some thought further investigation S. Belardo Road will be Torn down ar The recommendation into the hisrorical nature was needed. Others said that of The Palm Springs code enforcement Team. would delay an inevitable razing. The owner received city approval four years ago to The ooard deadlocked and eventually took no action, renovate the property in the Historic Tennis Club Neigh- which means the application for demolition remains- borhood, but property controller Chris Blaze said this "This is very disappointing," board member John n week that cough economic Times prevented redeveloping Williams said. "This !s another historic building_ that is k It - (being) demolished by neglccr." We "are in no financial position co move forw)rd at this While the board could not agree Tuesday about how to Time," Blaze said. proceed with The hotel's demalmon, it did decide to meet The nearly one-acre parcel continued to dereriorare, and wuh chi Building and Safety Depattmert to discuss better cod: enforcement raid Blaze to either continue with ren- See ii!yiC41C, nag: IO ON IN Palm Springs Sun Friday, May 16, 2008 HISTORIC Renovation never materialized WOW ham page 1 the property owner assured us mixed-use Port Lawrcncc pro- Bode IT would be restored,"he said. jeer, which also hasn't begun, communication regarding enforcement and historic codeiruc- Now board members wonder vice chairman Jade Nelson what will happen To the former said. cores. Orchid Tree Inn, which Is near "We are going to keep deal- Williams said he remembered La Serena Villas. The Orchid Ing with this,"he said. being on the board four years Tree was approved for reno- But board member Shelly ago when the owner of La vations in 2006 bur so far has Saunders said La Serena Villas Serena Villas proposed been neglected and The victim Is a hazard and could continua grandiose"renovations to the oft%vo tires, to deteriorate. property. The Monte Vista I-lotel was "We need To push it through "We didn't elevate (the prop- also peglecred and Tom down a for the inregriry of The neigh- erty's historic status) becaus'c couple years ago for the borhood,"she said. _ G JOHN J PERSHING WASHINGTON May 23, 1940. Truss Lary Tane Pershing, Palm Springs, Calif. My dear Terie: kuAt D,;ay sent me a copy of your speech in the Lions Club contest and it has reached me just no,,,r. I have reaa it with great interest and hasten to send you my very enthusi- aetic congrstulaticns. It is perfeatly splendid and I am so glad that you are Capable of doing such a fine piece of work. All this suggests to me that it would be: an excellent thing for you to carry on in a girl's college like Iltliesley or Vaaear, or some other o±' high rank. 1 feel ;,hat you rathzr cwe It to yourself and to all of us to give this every consideration. Your sreacr_ ;ndicates a fine mind, i-ich you shoula continue to cultic;ate. I are very sorry chat your '.ant aCay and I did not have az oopc—t,uaity to visit =alto Strin:cs this vear enii to saz you and your mothzr and the r-st of the family, but if we go to th? southwest again next winter eve shall certainly drive over to LaLm orringz for a short visit . Please acCN,]t ray affectionate good wish?s and extend tCem to your fatha7 and mo ,_r nrd youz• ��'�nrlt�o:!7er, �p PERSHINGS BUY FINE PROPERTY Sale of nu nm•n,us propertie of b"th resideiltial and incunl, types, nnc of considerahle ill, v�; d',�vm:},:+y. .;,y,:-_�;• yy},+ `qq"t.> Pur[ance, has 4een complete. by Ehr Mc\fdnu Real[, Com s,•e. ;` die ys�"-l�j Pally in [lie pdit several iLl arcordipg to Herbert L smith, manager, F � One of the hest income Property Ixddmgs of Elie com- �^:-n. P.my nas purchast<I h5 14Ir, r of and Mrs. Frank Pershing of �� - Flushing, Long Island- The Pershing. Irmo resided in P.dhn Springs during Ilun la•t seaxon, occupying the Sall Id, cmLo cu¢dge, one of [he N11- 6'crdsonec .eiv residenre for Mr. .uid Air; Frank Frrr6rng epee undrr ron- Nlanus plopertics. NIr. Per- rrrurlion in Taiiyur[z Park Na 11 Hre;usler ccd Benedr-r, lL erirtees *hill, in the nephew of Gen. oral John f'efshinv. The purchow by III, Per- slings was made- jointly with Richard F. Outcault end hi• rrowl......I w,Page 67 THROUGH THE YEARS . . . statistics prove Palin - Springs PrO Property has been and it today the safest invest- PER$HINGS BUY FINE P `1 5 PROPERTY Lnent you can make. It brings Happiness and Flealth (c„rm.,.'dI,*.. P✓aro"') mother, Mrs, Mary J. Out. and 15 a swell investment. All property 15 IACYe"aSmP coult, also of flushing. Long Want], Mr. Out cauh is the rapidly in value. Locations close-in are at a premium. inn or the famed creator of The sheltered close-in sites near the r�-iountain are, we the comic Characters, Bu-ter Brown. Mary )ant and To,, feel the choicest- Too, we feel they'll have the greatest I well remembered for their an. tica in the comic seotinn5 of turnover value In the shortest timc. I leading Snndov ne+vsPapers of PaSE year, An interesting group of dis. r uncuve apartment dwellings is rAHQV lTG PARK No. rl planners for early construction on the newly-purchased prop- Has everything you want, Homesites, 100 feet front, erty, to estate size, from $1,700.00 up, See Owner Offices North and Soulh Palm Canyon Drive Telephone 3694 and 4301 u �L City of Palm Springs COUncilmembers 1938 to Preront NAME TERM ECEASFE ADDRESS NOTES John Williams 4-16-38 to 4-9-40 _ Robert Murray 4-18-38 to 4-9-42 Bacon L. Clifton 4-18-38 to 2-3-43 Alvah F. Hicks 4-18-33 to 4-9-40 Frank V. Shannon A-18.38 to 4-9-40 Austin G McManus 4-18-38 to 4-9.40 Thales S, Boyd 4-15-40 io 10-17.40 41505 Carlotta Dr#250, Palm 'First Mayor 1938-1942 Philip L. Boyd 4-21-42 to 4-11-44 yes Desert - IR+6ymond M. Sor�tu -+, - -4-1f-40 to 12,3042--_ Frank E Pershing C. 4-15-40 to 10-7-42 Har TL-PFymire--- 1 - 0-49To-414='42- John M, Connell 4.21-42 to 4-11-44 C.P,Adams 4-21-42 to 3-1-45 George H. Housman 11-4.42 to 4-11-44 _ Frank W. Cutler '1-20-43 to 4-11.44 Eugene E. Theneau 2-3.43 to 4-18-44 Maurice M. McCann 4-18-44 to 4-2-47 Culver Nichols 4-18-44 to 4-13-48 yes Armand V. Turonnet 4-18.44 to 4.13-48 Clarence E. Hyde 4-18.44 to 4-13-48 W.Z Allen 5-9.44 to 4-9-46 Edward F. Martell 3-7-45 to 12-1-48 Charles D. Farrell 4.16-46 to 4-20.4a yes 630 Tachevah, Palm Springs John Archibald 4-16.46 to 1.8-47 1800 S, Sunrise Way, Palm F. Thomas Kieley 1-8-47 to 11-20-50 5 rings Floyd Bi, eley 4-16.47 to 4.13-48 1993 William Ff. Veith 4-20-48 to 1074-50 1994 Florian G Boyd 4.20-48 to 7-31-53 yes 2195 E.Ale o Palm S rin s Ruth Hardy 4.20-48 to 4-12.60 yes W.L.Waring 12-29-48 to 4-11-50 Jerry Nathanson 4-18-50 to 4-8-58 Earle C Strehe 4-18-50 to 4-10.66 yes 1570 C'alle Do Maria Palm Springs Frank W Miller 4-18-50 to 4-15-58 yes Theodore McKinney 4-15-52 to 4-21-64 2-95 George K Sanborn 8-5-53 to 11-13.57 yes 1109 N Sunrise Way, Patin Leonard 1-I. Wolf,Jr 4-17-56 to 4-12-60 2/14/04 $ rin s _ Florian G Eoyd 11-13-57 to 10.22-58 yes 2195 E.Alelo, Palm S im, s� MaDf Carlin 4-15-58 to 4-21-64 yes George Beebe Jr. 4-15-58 to A-19-6G 1-98 John Wood 4-15-58 to 4-12-60 Earle C. Strebe 4-19-60 to 4-21-64 yes _ 1480E Racquel Club Palm Kenneth Kirk 4-19-50 to 4-21.84 yes Springs Harry F Paisley 4-19-60 to 4-21-64 yc5 Matthew J. Dragicevich 4-21-64 to 6-16-68 lyeS vy I 31 •`�c'Aii Jl- •.!' ri:t+'Pa;1:.{'cj�Fa�i ,p��,cu� ±p,r � � ':fr;i••,..i`t, CITY OF PALM SPRINGS CALIFORNIA arnc,of Mcyar October 2, 1942 Major Frank F, Pershing Wingate Ordnance Depot Gallup, New Mexico Dear Frank: I withheld your resignation until two or three days ago as Housman had not returned to town. I had one talk with him and ex_Qect to have another today. We all exceedingly regret that it was necessary for you to present your resignation as we had hoped you would be stationed in this vicinity and could keap up your councilrss.nic duties. All success to you, ['le hope you will return to us when this thing is over and that it will be sooner than we now anticipate. Regards to you from all our city employees. Sincerely, F. V. Shannon s :m f NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION OF PARTNERSHIP Notice is hereby given that the partnership of which the undersigned R. F. OUTCAULT, MARY JANE PERSHING, MARJORIE F. OUTGADLT AND FRANK E. PERSHING, were the members, and which conducted a business under the name "The Town House" at 359 South Belardo Road, Palm Springs, Califor- nia, was dissolved on the 18th day of July, 1955. Further notice is hereby given that none of the undersigned is or will be responsible for any charges or obligations incurred: under the name "The 'Down Rouse" or for the property or business at the above address from and after the 18th day of July, 1955. Dated this 26th day of August, 1955. R. F. Outeault R. F. OUTCAU10 Mary Jane FerBhi _W PTar,jorie F. Outcault MARJORIE F. A Frank E. Pershing FEMIX PERSHINQ - - — �J� i .'`r, o•�� uy '`" 'i i . , `i".,,-¢'h3''s "�, 111, Envirowneatal Setting i Years later, Congress distributed the even numbered sections of hard to the Agua- Calienle Indians, which then created the checkerboard pattern of growth that is still evident in the Palm Springs area today. The Native Americans were unable to develop much of the prime close-in real estate until recent years because of court battles over allotment equalization, litigation with the local government over zoning, acid the establishment of long-tern leasing rights for Indian landowners. The first permanent white settler in the Palm Springs area was John Guthrie McCallum, a notable judge and attorney from San Francisco. McCallmm arrived in 1884 with his family seeking health for his tubercular son. Two years later, he purchased the surrounding land in the vicinity from the Southern Pacific and set about improving the water supply by constructing an aqueduct. Completion of the aqueduct made possible the rapid growth of fruit trees and alfalfa fields and led to the subsequent rich agricultural development of the Coachella Valley. Another colonist, Doctor Welwood Murray, who purchased a site from McCallum opened the first family operated hotel in 1886. In 1897 McCallum passed away, but his daughter Pearl McManus still resided in the Village. In the late 1890s, at the eastern end of the valley, the famous agricultural history of Indio began when botanist Pat Gale experimented with date shoots that C-P. Huntington, president of the Southern Pacific Railroad, brought with hint from a vacation in Algeria. Today Indio and the agricultural area swrotmding it produces 90 percent of the annual U-S. date crop, plus a variety of other fruit. By the turn of the century, Palm Springs was becoming a thriving resort community with more than ten buildings, a post office, and many seasonal visitors. In the early 19008, word spread that the dry climate in the desert communities had health benefits. A number of boarding houses in Palm Springs specializing in asthmatic and respiratory care began to draw visitors. Nellie Coffman, credited with founding the famous Desert Inn in Palm Springs, started her hostelry as a health-care boarding house in 1909. Within the small town, a school house was erected in 1914, and by 1918, the early villagers, spurred on by Mrs. Coffman, founded a Board of Trade which functioned as a chamber of comincrou for the community. Early hotel operators seized the opportunity to attract wealthy Easterners afraid to travel to Europe for spa treatarents during World War 1. Following lire success of the Desert Inn, other resorts large and small catering to a moneyed elite appeared in Palm Springs in the 1920s and 1930s. Of these, the most noteworthy were: the Oasis Hotel (1925) and the El Mirado 11otcl (completed 1928). By the late 1920s, the area had become popular with the Hollywood crowd as a winter playground for movie stars and moguls. The grand El Mirado Hotel received wide publicity as the largest and most sumptuous of the Palm Springs resorts. Charlie Furell and Ralph Bellamy, two young film stays who 261 Setovdo Ro1J Historic Resources As msment Report PCR Services Corporation !.pal 2005 Page 9 -- cY III. Envir �' u_�i_ y; „w: •rr�r 5 ��-. .� i onment;rl Settin wanted more access to the area's few, but popular tennis courts, founded the prestigious Palm Springs Racquet Club in 1932. Smaller hostels in the area initially included, the Estrella hm, which was constructed in 1933 and the Ingleside Jiff. Built in 1925 as the estate of the Humphrey Birge family, owners of the Pierce Arrow Motor Car Company, the property was sold and then converted to a 20-room inn in 1935- The Orchid 'free Inn, originally called the "Sakarah"apartment motel, was built as a small courtyard bungalow motel around 1934_ I As Palm Springs grew, local concerns over a lack of adequate zoning controls led to a successful vote for incorporation as a city in 1938. World War 11 brought increased activity to the desert with General George S. Patton Jr. directing military training maneuvers in preparation for an invasion of the Notth African deserts. The 131 Mirado Hotel and grounds were requisitioned and turned into the Torncy General Hospital in time to receive the wounded from the battlefields of the war. An airfield was established at the time with two-mile long runways, which later became the Palm Springs Airport. Following the end of World War 11, Palm Springs returned to its pre-war resort status. Growth of this desert area, as well as much of the Coachella Valley, experienced an extended building boom lasting over three decades. Large and small hotels thrived during this period, many located along Indian Canyon Avenue. Additionally, Palm Canyon Drive became the commercial heart of the city with its strip of retail stores, restaurants, and glamorous nightclubs such as the Chi Chi and the Doll House. Some of southern California's most exclusive stores opened branches along Palm Canyon Drive, including Bullock's , Robinson's, and Desmond's_ By 1960 Palm Springs had been transformed into an increasingly urban environment with schools, hospitals, an airport, and other civic amenities. In addition to t11e construction of custom residences throughout the City after 1945, tract houses marketed as second homes to upper middle class buyers began to appear. These tract homes were designed in the,Modem architectural idiom that was becoming increasingly popular in the Coachella Valley and throughout southern California during these decades. The first Palm Springs tract development of approximately 100 dwellings was built in 1948-49 near the Tahquitz Creek in the south end of town by Los Angeles-based developer Paul W. Trousdale. Starting in 1957, and continuing until the mid-1960s, San Fernando Valley developers George and Robert Alexander constructed the first of thousands of tract houses in the Modem architectural style that would be built throughout Palm Springs_ From the 1970s through the early 1990s, condominiums became the primary residential building type constructed in tlae City for use as second homes. It was during these years that Palm Springs entered an extended period of economic decline that derived, in part, from the then-perceived dated look of its architecture, distance from numerous golf courses, and lack of expansive new gated comnmuities in comparison to the growing Coachella Valley cities of Rancho Mirage, Patera Desert, Indian Wells, and La Qwrlta located further east. Palm Springs' fortunes turned around; however, in the late 1990s when the city's rich architectural heritage and 2Gt r3clardn ttosd Biatoric Ra9vurces AsmNrnent Report Kit services corporation April 2005 Page 10 J� ( i :i Ill. Envirnnmcnlal Setting i jits pedestrian-friendly downtown was rediscovered and publicized. Today, Palm Springs is experiencing a building boom that rivals its 1950s and 1960s heyday. 4. Tourist Camps and Bungalow Courts With the growing popularity through the teens and twenties of the automobile, a new kind of tourism, not dependent on the railroads, began to flourish throughout the country. The proliferation of the automobile reinforced the movement for a comprehensive system of national highways, begun in the 19th century_ Gaining momentum with the establishment of a coast-to- coast road and the passage of the Federal highway Act of 1916, automobile tourism captured the imagination of the American public. Travel by automobile seemed to offer the ultimate in i freedom of destination and from the linutations of time and budget. At first, the pioneers of the open road slept in ad hoc campgrounds. Subsequently, municipalities and private landowners f opened organized tourist camps, eventually equipping them with such amenities as toilets and showers, parking areas, picnic tables, fireplaces, and even electricity. In the 1920s, some entrepreneurs decided that more permanent accommodations would attract paying clientele, and cabin camps began to dot the highways- More widely known as cabin courts, cottage courts, and \\` tourist courts, these facilities were the forerunners of that fixture of American highway, the motel.1' In appearance, the tourist courts had much in common with the bungalow court, including its design and configuration. The primary difference between the two was the greater 1 emphasis put on automobile accommodation in the tourist court, where the central courtyard usually became an internal access road and parking was provided for each unit. In fact, the word "Mo-tel" was registered with the Library of Congress by Pasadena bungalow court architect, Arthur S. Heineman, in 1925." The first recorded use of the word was at Heineman's Milestone Motel, which opened in Sari Luis Obispo in 1926." First appearing on the southern California landscape during the 1910s, bungalow courts consisted of a series of detached cottages, each usually containing one or two dwelling units, arranged around a central, public space. Plans of the courts varied somewhat, most cornmonly appearing as two bars connected across the rear to fora a "U" shape. Oaten the composition of the court would have a central focal point, either a two-story rear unit, an archway across the ? entry or at the rear connecting the waits, a light standard or some other element of the landscape. Where space permitted, individual gardens enhanced each bungalow. Each unit would have its own entry either facing the court or the street. Living areas would also face the court, with kitchens and bathrooms placed at the rear of the building, where a perimeter service path was usually sited. Garages, when provided, were located in the rear of the property, accessed either by driveways along the sides of the court or by a driveway that ran through the center of the i courtyard. Stylistically, courts displayed the same architectural tastes that were evident in the 1°Chester Id Lfei)s, "Main Street to kliru[!e Mile. American Roadside Architecture,"pp- 160-18d- If ",bungalow Courts in Pasrnlena,"National Regiszer of Historic Places nonrinrllron. i r117>id i 261 Bela rdo Road historic Resources Assessment Report PCR Serves Corporilm Apn)2005 Page I C p O tj � icy ..a 4�,-�i'S it I 4i� d :'♦,:; l� "' 1F �;, ex235• J, �•-i�;'r `+ - �4�'.r�'�i`. Environmental Setting i modernism for the masses: appealing, affordable tract houses, open-pan, post-and-bcam structures with butterfly roofs and sweeping floor-to-ceiling windows. I I The style was also incorporated into a variety of short-term transient lodging facilities, such as apartment buildings and motels. The motel became an archetypal building type, and Palm Springs boasts one of the finest collections of custom and commercially designed motels in the country.1° Many were desigucd by prominent Modernist architects, including Albert Frey, Stewart Williams, William Cody, John Lauttler, and William 1S.riscl. As with any flexible and living architectural type, the motel adapted to the conditions of Palm Springs- In the City,motels were a destination, a vacation spot, where people came to spend a weekend, a week, or a month. The spectacular views of the mountains and the perfect winter weather were to be enjoyed at the motel. These considerations altered the prototype, with kitchenettes and larger, more sheltered pool and outdoor areas. The resort character, present but minimized in typical roadside motels, was enlarged in many of these local designs. Roadside motels sold themselves as momentary vacation breaks, where one could relax from a rigorous business trip or long and hot road flip next to a cool pool with either a diving board or carving fiberglass slide. Carefree names like the Town and Desert, Villa Royale,Warm Sands Villa, Desert Riviera, Holiday House, or Palm Carden, all Palm Springs motels advertising in the 1953 city directory, underscored the basic architectural character of escape and recreation- Pool terraces were social settings as well, where strangers mingled and befriended each other- One of the best of these was William Cody's 1955 L'Horizon, a casual collection of Modem, flat-roofed bungalows around a broad lawn and pool built for movie director Jack Wratber. The wide-caved bungalows situated on an oblique grid provides an unfolding experience of small courts, private entries and leisurely rambles among the buildings. Pahn Springs, playground of the wealthy in the 1920s and 1930s, reconfigured itself to handle the increasing number of middle-class vacationers in the 1950s, As in housing and store design, Modernism proved a popular means of attracting those customers. Local architect Albert Frey designed a number motels and long-term lodging Facilities within the City. The design of the San Jacinto Hotel, built in 1935 and the Villa Hermosa, erected in 1947, reflect modern European workor's housing of the 1930s; both include flat- roofed forms, with multiple staircases leading down to a common central pool and garden. The 1958 Premiere apartment motel, which is located within the survey study area, exhibits typical stylistic influences of the many two-story vernacular motels that had already dotted many of the California roadsides at the time. The fonn is more streamlined and tudfied than the earlier motels Modernism not only flourished in Palm Springs' residential architecture, but in the city's civic and commercial buildings too, among them the Albert prey designed city hall building, the ra glan Hess anti AI afreiv Datiah,Palrn Springs Weekend,pg 13d 761 Bdi do RoaU l historic Resources Assessment Report PCR Services Cwporauon April 2005 Page 13 � p V V ._. .__._ �,.' [�,'r�„c;av" �'�—`'�•••,")W31r'kN",%ll'Ainvironmental Setting Palm Springs International Airport, the Palm Springs Desert Museum, dozens of retail shops, and numerous bank buildings_ From city hall to hank buildings to retail shops to motels to custom homes to country clubs to tract homes, the full and varied impact of Modemism can be seen in Palm Springs as clearly as anywhere else. 6. Orchid Tree Inn Property Situated at the southwest comer of Belardo Road and Baristo Road, the Orchid Tree Inn has been welcoming guests since the mid-1930s. Over the years,the inn has expanded to include most of the property surrounding the initial bungalow court motel_ Today, a variety of housing types comprise the Orchid Tree Inn property, including a Craftsman bungalow; a Modern style apartment building; a combination one- and two-story apartment complex; a small Spanish style duplex; a one-story, L-shaped motel complex,- a rectangular shaped, four-unit apartment; and the original "U" shaped courtyard motel. Prior to the construction of the Spanish Colonial Revival tourist court, the block in which the property is located was primarily undeveloped. The 1929 Sanbom Fire Insurance map illustrates the area with defined parcel lots, a one-story dwelling along what was originally called Palm Avenue (now referred to as Balardo Road), a single- family residence and a small duplex along Orange Avenue (now called Cahuilla Road), and a few houses of varying size along Park (now Arenas Road). Lime Street, which would later become Baristo Road, contained no improvements along this block and only two residences a few blocks west_ At the time, most of the hotels, motels, and resorts, including the Winter Garden Hotel, Desert Inn, Oasis Hotel, El Mirador Hotel, and others were north of the Orchid Tree Inn site. The oldest structure on the Orchid Tree Inn property is a Craftsman influenced bungalow, which is dated from around 1915, Situated along the east side of Cabuilla Road within the Orchid Tree Inn grounds, this dwelling once had its own address as 248 South Cahuilla Road (later changed to 262 South Cahuilla Road). For over 45 years it was owned and occupied by Genevieve Reilly, a Chnstian Science practitioner. It was later acquired and incorporated as part of the Orchid Tree Inn property and converted to transient lodging as part of the motel. Since its acquisition, the bungalow has been extensively altered on the exterior and interior. Much of the exterior features, including the stucco siding and river rock cladding are recent additions. Located a few lots to the north, still within the Orchid Tree Inn property, is a small one- story Spanish Colonial Revival duplex. No building permits exist for this stucco clad building; however, in reviewing Sanborn maps and tax assessor records, as well as assessing its architectural style, workmanship, and materials it appears this small residence was erected around 1927, lrr reviewing city directory information, the property was owned for over twenty years by Mac Abbott, a non-resident of Palm Springs who lived in Claremont and used this multi-family dwelling on a seasonal basis. The other unit in this duplex appears to have been utilized as a rental with a variety of white-collar type workers occupying it over the years. With i r 267 ae�grdo Rond � Historic Rm-rces Assessment Repon PCR Service Corporation April 2005 Page 14 -_ � _ z rr , 1h: r31'lirok�rnenla3 Setting an address of 244 South Cahuilla Road (later changed to 244-248 South Cahuilla Road), the property was sold in 1965 and acquired as part of the ever-expanding Orchid Tree Inn. Over the years, as more seasonal visitors carte to Palm Springs the need for adequate short-term lodging facilities grew- The Orchid Tiee Lon, constructed in 1934 by local builder Herbert Poster, was built in response to that lodging demand. .Erected at the northwest comer of Baristo and Belardo roads (originally Lime and Palm Avenue) the small motel called the "Sakarah" was constructed as a 10 unit bungalow court motel apartment. As was typical at the time, the complex was designed in the Spanish Colonial Revival style and featured a large landscaped court area in the center. The original entry approach into the complex was off Baristo Road. In the latter part of 1940, the motel not only changed ownership, but its unusual name. Under the management of John "Harry" and Martha Irvin, the motel was renamed the "Apache Lodge-" As to not cause confusion, the name Sakarah was also listed along side the iApache Lodge in the local city directories for a number of years. By 1948, the small hotel changed names, and probably ownership though not documented, again. Retaining its 226 West Baristo Road address, the complex was now called the Bel-Arlo Villas- For approximately two years the bungalow court motel operated under this name; however, by 1952, it was sold and renamed yet again. It was at this time that the property acquired its current name the "Orchid Tree Irm," as well as a swimming pool with diving board and additional landscape features such as orchid trees. Over the next ten years the property would undergo exterior modifications that would include replacement of original wood-framed windows with aluminum sliders, the removal of Spanish Colonial Revival inspired wrought iron window treatments, modifications to the central portal at the north end of the complex (originally arched), and the re-landscaping of the courtyard area- In the recent past, additional alterations to the complex have included the re- location of the main entrance of the complex from Baristo Road to Bclardo Road, the re- configuration of some of the individual units, the re-stuccoing of exterior surfaces, file roof repair, and further re-landscaping of the courtyard area and the installation of a newer swimming pool. Even with these modifications, however, the property still retains and reflects its original design intent as a charming bungalow court motel and conveys a particular period of time in Palm Springs' history. Built along South Belardo Road is the fourth oldest structure on the Orchid Tree Inn grounds. Located aloe the northeast boundary of the property, gr g y p p rty, adjaeeni to motel's parking lot, this one-story, four-unit apartment building was built around 1938. Designed in a vernacular modern style, it was owned and occupied initially by Mrs- Louise Farming. Referred to as the "Blidore Apartments" with an individual address of 231 South Belardo Road, the units that comprise the complex were occupied over the years by family members, including Elizabeth, Kenneth, Dorothy, and Margaret Fanning (Potter). It appears that the name of the building was derived by combining the first part of the names Elizabeth and Dorothy; however, this hypothesis has not been confinried. The fourplex was acquired frorn the Fanning family in 1970, and incotporated into the overall Orchid Tree Inn property- 261 Relirdo Road }ristorie IiMu roe&ASRSSMCM Report PCR Services Corpontion April 2005 Pegc 15 October 24, 2008 We have included a Harford Hotel-selector from the Hartford Service "the Travel Agents Representative" for Palm Springs California in the year 1941- 42. The format lists local hotels, ranches, apartments and bungalows that are available for rent in the city of Palm Springs. La Serena is listed under "Bungalows" and is noted to have 32 units and had servant quarters along with serving a "mixed clientele." There are only three of these "bungalows" listed in the this hotel-selector and if La Serena is torn down we will loose one of the most unique motor- type lodgings located in the Palm Springs area at a very important point in our local history. 1 have included brochures from other hotel and apartment hotels on the list One that was on the list, "Casa Cody" has been demarcated as a Class 1 historical site and has been saved. Many of the others on the list have been lost to development. .Also included is information on La Serena which represents an era of motor bungalows where it was possible to park next to a self contained bungalow apartment and enjoy a exceptionally comfortable stay in our fair city. 62 1 r H AR T F H R D , HITILECTOR PA:.y s:RIPISS.cALIKORNIA 1941-42 SEAMEN aoTr.Ls f I s 1 ' I I Easif as del Monte 13 Jv r _ 1 - .'� f j AV'AV a/ ! OQ 3cr AV's..S�r ✓ V✓✓V ✓aV ✓AV✓Deserl I¢¢ rwo 2 Vj V I: "°+ s,li` 33 ,.... b' V l✓ Y ✓✓'V V ✓AJ V r ✓ IN !•� �b F E[ h[ornceo o:0 2 V _ - _ �,a 3 s u._c� ' i. ✓ ✓ ✓ ,.•/v ry ay z�-f z t 'F1 R¢y aal z v d I, '" ✓ Iv 10o z „v's_ _ ✓✓ ✓i1/I Av jv s i House at Aflv]16y!PI 2 V ;./ YI j�u s ° !"� f!f V V ✓2'x ✓ �^X�.G.A A'J S..L.I '/ V V ✓ AV 4 P:Jm Sprurgs 75 z e= z- ' n�{ - V VJ RrAV !/ s'^ I'"`„ Ar AV S S.c V V VI {V ✓ AV V i 5 r Royal Palms f75 2 V / ;7n 7� 5- 5-l;v°.y 7� is ! ` V V !/ lnV 1�• V V;M 3'-"SI. A'J;., lu VjV✓rV✓ V A'1 t ✓ V{V f f I•�V f�;,'Iv ;_- 6 ! Tlli ➢asis 87 2 ✓ - _ - -,_m •o-:�o- a ,vrj_ A 5 ✓ V Pu I"'0e' k. +X<V V V {V V V 7 1` - •� :'e- • fP ✓ V{ nV n1! V V CO 2'• •• A4' 3x: ! r , ` i1 � IV VVVVAI ✓P! i .✓ ✓ ' to P' ry_Ig D-Dar-Absi ] r% l i VI✓ v'r m Y ✓E- ss Y 2r• v v v v1v v vV✓ Vi V 1" 1, 2s v,' Y Cluck a-Walla ]La Paz 21 1 ! ✓, -24 I7-19-�9'-' c"117-19 19-lS- !/'1f V V°�I •V V 6'- °r"• G° V V V✓3V V j A';! 1 V Ip € '/ Av as'I ✓ s'a .n YV vVSYVIVY a:� V I r !1 L T-Cross-Y. ?e 1 ! Vj ! " f I I'sY fs= ✓✓V' �V Ve^-3'-'••r � , f rL.° c. VVVi V,VIsf Y' 1 r ;°:r is 1==112 • - r1P,'LIiT4EEEt�fS p ! i s { I I 1 1 1 ! I f Casa Aldea Zi! ] V • i 3. ! 9°a- v } i✓✓V fI V Casa Codr 120: IV 7-1Casa l o 39 V ➢ Mon 1m I, Harlow Hawn13011 ✓VV AV a4' IR'VY/. V ✓E0Op"00a 731"^-`SGG9eF; Jl,AAV:V'Vti'�.,ISS;rr•.,..-*c"- VVVv.!VVV/✓✓V✓ ✓V✓✓:i'r/,i! ! iAnAh'V'+;' r]IIwd75 ' t'70 7 j ,V I;v p 6�, 'fv � i'i=! ✓ 1 i.es Arhntes so I v ks- i a c I g'I f I Vi V oa r^ce Av. -', ✓ ✓ V v nvj ! { Its I ' vlv �.. V ca{ ,11 v s s�i V v of ✓v AvI s 19 i Plaza [ut 2 I!/ f •s- 6 79 V3V riJ F4) ✓f c=T=`Y+PG AY$,.Gcr V Vl✓l V ✓ A.V f 20 TaGlryitx Vista >ir 2 1/ '�',n;= =m �„ 6pr�Va G V✓ V 6A 1'"GH nv' I� V Vi✓ ✓ ✓ Av c hV' • r 1 ., 21 TmSn au¢se #5; 2 Vi - d- Q� a-' izb V V di' SI• y �C+" A'1 V S- V ✓✓AV V V AV!AY AV r A'." I+°'I.s� !" 22 i alf7lGriLli[['S f � I • Casa del Camino 127 1 ! n^i"°." a.V ,.ir- Vf✓ V V r1' VRV 23 La hfesa f1s 1 !/ lP ✓ VV v ✓ 1^ 2"'c' Av s..' ✓/ V VAv ,24 La Serena 32 { ✓ _ - f V V SV A'1' ✓ QO 1•' G4 0.V v!: V V k'J 2g ,.., HOTELS RANCHES + s 1 6 r+ s ��° 1 °' — _ 1 ! q �r c, +r V 1 FiN .➢ 3 -I °{ C R1 mj-MI I�{f Ze alCj ° � pl� F `I u! ml olu p r +"� op• ` r -i APARTMENTS- � ° 91 ! ` A cr cls, alo _•.�1,:'til `' `I -°11.°13°'. "_' S.I t1 rr -I °lac `I ., n, m _ oicyE:M ' i 'ol ela 4i1 fI =I nl gl n f10 �ivf%i dl ;: ° "a r�l3i i9 �, �a15: .. I ..°I �r G' r—;a: , c BUNGALOWS o `!z� a'a a asl °! °r�1 mI G ul °t ' `�. - _ Pi_ of A s �'s'i!-als• of a s' 4 - E!_ L* E`e1 0� `f'a � :1 1 I �I P.aY'`�$I$ f Ic+nf " ui of cl ., ! c I`c1 �1 >1 i� .cf +I aF' 1.n. .i EI�rS� °'It n{51.ii' ^ram.' I� T: �- 7o: Fl I —' S � a .�! c �!o �. 3 ° k; i+ ° it o! ?� + of o� ri; ml E! c � _ulµl or' ° ^��. ._,._ olQf �j'313Iv 3� E1�' a,„°�Rj�+C9i E: n�� I o zl-n° ys _ Pel+.�Ir Sm:Fn�"e3^��.,•�•�-',A-OtiN"��=Gr v%_3nrlw�..e^_ • �v---f-[-.s.--.r1.•. _..-_��._+°..E_AO.._iN 110_V G GLOi>a — ..--..�Yis -._-G_ur',r GG"rnnre ETvrr-lu-.'�--I�EEE-Y-°'-_ E - I Ai N r•[.n gammaU X r N k"11.31. ° inVr! . OL-AIr GH i i i I I /` � CAHVIC W SROF .5 �If W[IrSP C � 11 a ..aaon wo E r atm kAnro v _ • ` ¢ O n 6' C nAEm CggYO a,DR ' O IOO �' �.�a- a0 © li•y. �U� � @� �no��n © avenue I !o m ncs Q rS MILES ¢ ? A { el I ? I I c I I � f �e fd 1 CI,E A a' w "i f> - ___ '�..._:��a�: - - _T.�.. �y.�r.x,r..�_,�-..---.mac-...-..�-•-" _ - -__ '[ �� .=,3x-e - .,b .-ate CAUFORNIA (T)VOUITZ VISTA HOTEL and APARTMENTS 418 South Palen Canyon Drive DAILY RATES - Oct. 1 to Dec. 15 and Easter to Jun. 1 {e:ccept holidays Hotel Rooms 2 persons $6.50 to $8..50 Double Apts _ 2 to 4 persons 410.00 to $1.5.00 Triple Apts . 4 to 6 persons 116.00 to 420.00 DAILY PATES - Dec, 15 to Easter Hotel Rooms 2 neraons 49.00 and 410.00 Double Apts , 2 to 4 persona 015.00 and 418.00 Triple Apts . 4 to 5 persons $20.00 to $25.00 Pmtry parsons �2.50 per night each Guests may enJoy the use of the swimming pool just across the Street at El Encanto. SUPERVISED PLAY PRCGPU� FOR C$TLDREV? M d Rsser7atiers are necessaMy telephone Palm Springe 4343 in Los Angeles H011y,.iood 3-2113, n ti J r .A. � � 1 -v�'d'L0�• a � ili;�;'�;411•�� .W�*.bhY;r?�i'."M 'rvN„ � g ��-�1.-,'., 5p`vr.�1��, • •.y�^q'-x,;�'S 4F�,�,. "j M1�;r,.,�?:t;' ��•y��X'y�R{;r(rn\ft� r:'. a - ).ti�t,�J ��fJJJF �•'. �•".Y.•.'H�'.: f�{r•�N".i i'v(.i.E�'�-'c.`1�n`Yl'^�=i� L• '.c�-r �'~ '.r, �1rI J(t• I 1 ' � Zaicce4 - COMFORT \ PALM F A N Y 0 HEALTH PLEASURE Near-by, you Can find healthful ao+m+i.s +hot ,m dude ridingswim m ing, gclf, tennis and every other ou+door :pert. There is a novnr.cnding program to "May we welcome you to fn+ere.t lnvi tin heel+h +orin not you. gore g, g The HOUSE OF MURPHY?" Sulphur Spring baths. when you Come +e Palm Spring:, you will Cempletcly enjoy hfe under +hc rays of our warm winter sun_ The House of Murh ara hes m nu;ua fea-P Y moor P many a +ure: +hof will pramofo and 6cnofi1 your health and �""��•+`��'Y".a" �'�s�lt`�rr"'r�c happine::, making 4 your ideal aoa+ion headquarter:, r _ r• Q Y 67 �aue��f COMFORT \ PALM CANYON I HEALTH "HEALTH AND HAPPINESS" say ,Leading m: ,i Scientists. The rays of +he sun become'dxtra bene- 11 - fieial for our well-hoing when Ibc human body is :f grounded. We have ie:+alled 'a epociol device that F•;: ,'y Yih3 •n�^lit + � For the first time gives you +he rays of+hc sun in their °�' ° F -�a " 3 most healthful form, s �' •,•p i l .�,m ji Our scizn+i6call r (. y built roof garden is the ufimelc in —'r '�" i x••'�i - .: sunbathing. Res+rlc+cd areas for Iodic: and gcc+lemen. h,Yr "IDEALLY LOCATED" 1 Against the unusual setting of 6a su+iful Tahqul+; C°n- you and the towering m un+alnsldc nexf es o mod• "r d ern hotel and apar+mcnt:. The entire dz:ert and Pic- �' -r= ture.que village unfold at your fact, Roerc.tional h ,�,,, Facilities and sconie -ender: are all quickly accessible. v, , . �. a A congenial group of refined people from +hc nusi. 11 -� _a� OIL ness and social orld join you n making The House of Murphy the happy Vacatl nland. COMFORT PALM IC ANY OI Y+�•w �� Thy House of Murphy af£urs many new scien- hAc additions for your 'r�. ° comfort, including dIs- dK�'"'• infoctian of your room , orapartment that leave: 7}}"h',�r. it immaculately fresh �--`I�,�,µ. S•+' ' and Y_m,e� Our air cooling system firings to you a con. r `.a""t'` v"�• :fant flow of clean frc:h Ire" - - r and is epr`ratad to e>�' { Ile maximum offeicney. Cf course our ,It heaf gives you warmth and freshness of sun lighf... operated Ly you, clec- frically, at a o most s notice in oachaparf- • - mont. Every room with private bafh. R A T E S 53.50 oad up single. i• '`' IIII end up double. N }•` A •l � ;{-:.`r• S]so aad up for aparlmenT ar £ Weekly and moo}lily y, a> discount. HOUSE OF MORPHY H.eel—Apa rhmcn ks PALM 5 P R I t _ 4_ Q Apartmenis in original building, all on gro floor, consist of two rooms with twin beds, pri bath and kitchenette. Extra bed at small addiri Cost. v nAmpno'a Also one larger apartment with accommodat for four. AMLTSFMFNTS Horseback riding, hiking and motor trips are- chief diversions. A public golf course, with no fee, is now available. Dinner dances at the hotels vide evening amusemenr. Chronic invalids or tubercular persons cannot �� .�.g�Aa.�'y��l�`�.5� accepted as guests of the Hacienda. _ RATES SINGLE and DOUBLE Single apartments, accommodating three, $3 $45 per week, everything furnished. Apartments Monthly rates $125 to $150. Extras, gas and tricity (on meter) and laundry. By Day, Week Two room apartments, accommodating two, or Month per week, everything furnished- Monthly rates $100, Extras, electricity, as laundry. Three room apartment, accommodating four,, + ' per reek, everything furnished, or $140 per mo electricity, gas and laundry extra. Rates by day, $5.00 and$6.00 for one and$ for each additional person who occupies the apartment. Deposit required with reservations Write or Phone: MR.. OR MRS. ROBER'T G. PARKER D,q,LM SPRINGS PROPRIETORS CALIFORNIA "THE HACIENDA Telephone 3352 Palau Canyon D PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA zU THE HACIENDA Thirteen miles east of Banning you turn right off (An apartment house where you feel at home.) the main highway and go ten miles on good macadam The "charm of the desert" is an intangible some- road to Palm Springs. here you find modern hotels, thing which cannot be explained. It is in the spark- apartment houses and private homes, architecturally ling sunshine which warms you physically; in the ro- in harmony with the desert, set in an oasis of magni- mance of soft moonlight and black, silver-studded skies ficent old cottonwoods and stately palms, and desert which thrill you emotionally; in the mystery of shift- gardens of cacti, wild verbenas and giant oleanders. ing sands and unbroken silences which awe vou; and THE HACIENDA in the winds and elements which challenge you. The The Hacienda, a "homey apartment house," is desert is a mystic place of relaxation and peace sur- ideally located on Palm Canyon Drive, the main high- rounded by niounlains and canyons to be admired, ex- way, at the south end of the village in a protected cove plored and remembered. of the mountain almost at the entrance of Tahquitz These are but a few of the reasons why every Ivin- Canyon. This canyon is second only to Palm Canyon ter season, beginning early in October and lasting until in beauty and interest and is considered the hikers' late in May, thousands of people go to Palm Springs, principal objective. a quiet but vitally alert little village, 452 feet above The Hacienda has recently been remodcicd and six sea level, on the edge of the Colorado Desert of Cali- single apartments added and gas installed for beating fornia, 113 miles east of Los Angeles. and cooking. HOW TO REACH PALM SPRINGS The furnishings are simple, cheerful and arti-` c with the comfort and convenience of guests thef = The Pickwick stages maize daily trips direct to mris'ideration. Wide verandas and grassy lawn make Palm Springs, and the Southern Pacific trains dis- lounging in the sun a daily delight. charge passengers ten miles from the village where all There is a compact kitchen for complete house- but night trains are met by a local stage. keeping, or guests can dine at several excellent hotels The automobile trip, via the Walley Boulevard out and restaurants, all within a radius of three blocks. of Los- Angeles, is through endless cirrus groves of in- Delivery of fresh vegetables, milk and provisions toxicaring perfume or golden fruit. It cuts through are equal to city accommodations and maid service can the center o1 the largest vineyard in the world and then be had at reasonable rates. to Ontario, where you make a choice between going through Riverside, and up the Jack Rabbit Trail, to Single Apartments' in the new two-story section Beaumont, ur through Redlands to Beaumont and consist of one large room equipped with double wall then through the almond orchards surrounding Ban- hul and rhrce foot couch bed, privare bath and kit- ning cheneue- � 4 4 f - � _ _ J ��.�-Vic'`"�-_��. • - .. ^ _ - <� - _ tea: ter__ - _ _ �.� 1''L! - _ - .Y - _ •}C� %a . VNia maY L. ..,5•:ns bT'� 'F` � _ _ ISrG P Tom' 1Fy,../ / //��,�.� jj S.l°.i Gr. vI _ NJ ..• fY _ _� any It e-n,.e. ° r• •- d ._ -.. _ - ,s'`'• �``e3_: 'Y 3:-I-f- _ W/W Sf/LY+�t�I, f y ? ' .....• :F'�'�A��,�.,„:,,a.°,�...,.-.°•,',.�lII,a...ft.,�oD. ..Y.;A•iG•tl} ��',a, '••%,O,l 11 s___i_�_:`.�_r FLpIA,n~tE-t;`n�,¢i�YYUU Sz��b,,'ei e��t t'e4G 4sI"=�Jl7"u',st nwt,ynetq•Ln'te'eeo°Ste Gl�s i„:�Vv;'=��_.�_ and it cn Palm Slrino5 s ao t T=AHOUITZ VISTA u.ON6 ,, ,.I„. located on Palm Canyon Drive 1m` three bloc .s earsd0arfin reA QR from the very heart of the villade . it affords one an yoLOz pVA'es -t unsurpassed view of the desert with the rudoed, sno•.a' ,,..• °"" „°.._°••`° ene °E f�«^"' ca ed mountain of San Jacinto as a bacl o:round. The y=' famed Tanduitz Canyon form; a dramatic complement to �, e - =`'x`'=� ; " '' the beautiful 6a_dm patio of TAHOUITZ VISTA. 7- 4AHQUITZ VISTA Inv]tes I otf At T Sty.C.-a S' �}' _ r '�ISTA the spa.iovz rooms of 1 J!;'r='"��.,.ii r f• RELAX to your hearts' content to an atmo- e� ^ach aparmocnt are :ur �' sph ere of hospi t a h ty r[and men fo rn the beau tt ful l nish ed m Lecpl n, ,,th the •i; " � y q early Cahf.mc,. mlu tee garden Of Tnhqufaz L'III¢ Our accommoda-k _ I., of the 6uJdmss. Co rnEuri is y tions lend ehemselves perfect v to the desert ty pfied Ir. the charming 6rm _ ataosa]t ere Broad rivateas and "[as' doors open on _ of each apaTtrncnt D.. - wnr.}• he comer end ariva[e porches suiround the paten. Ly rl Fitful furnishing In tie mor q.+` �e'.�:��;.,, ern manner '— Hotel rooms are comfonaSlY fur:,Ish ed cot twm S.urmons beds. a•T+::-..tv agaaNg:t<,as.ra::cli nit a rhd ree Car - .:� st.d,o rourh, ate,Lower or tnb and ample 'os.t room. . 2 Double apa r tmenc.acwmrnoda t,..2 to J p-rs.m,con•Ist of ILv.n�, - '3 Poi=1 of :he comlert AM - _ +Dorn with It dw6Ee Ir.a-donr bee, bed ry m +mc6 n.m T[1Ilq LLi CZ Uds te.harh ,III wh and rho....and In,dem 1itc'.en full} .q uepped — r- `^ Tr+ ] ere the deep e.".' beds - roorre apartnoc2ts eccammcdate 3 m 6 pe sons .nd vwslst of ILIaq of each accommodsnoo !• _. th a 'ou6fe m C dear bed twa se arjte c-d,00 each '.nth Large bedroom f < ["I.Sects. ule bath'.,.th tub and sl'nw.r 11.1 edl, equlp�d iachen aliord _ _- _ �,F•perEr_t veaida[io r. 's y Daily maid s.mr_[ s pry+:d ed I., ewe rr _con modahoa Nctl n; rz y Individually continued a WLIII.rns Wrl. ]I I.,eq,+poent �. i r.!,:f�.,x '� o ,a �- Kuchens arc e,.,pc.d 'A. , ..,a, I/ _�.. Chen and Mae -ta _ Chef ra ayes All - eTerals. ILr.[nz x r and ut Lres fur - - T PALM SPRINGS one p"a °.=3 n era"Ia• r.o.r rn savvy velar,.d.+s: nIs]Ie2. of many In glues fo+ rit ana r,,-at,on On the -cunQ=at Tahytlhr v""oneFly �,, '# �_ L•r tRK El S. . art :ioq .,nd th.a ties rc C alt r.Ithln fivI rno 'sssn I. rn the patio or on a '4r'. m S T. olrlu es "IL n, d.smnc.. Tnlu;nu¢ L•IsIn pn:ace vn d-_'s FoT:h[mor-ct. Fe operates o :r y mdlnea. 6c ten hl,ne6ad a .�+: d ace, pe ah Ir, plm Hm,e.ar. or excellent restemrarr rr Yc r. "' p_T . °c 1 P:e nlsu.and rmm z r Ic, y 6, h s d a ridmq. te,nI. s.Immin4.awirng golf 4"'S • '. s y� 'YAgv t nv nme prngp.n.and oti-r aeervihes a.avail - E a61e Fen the your ,gr., C epndh,r ^ter Sea=or. exte-Ids Erom 0.mber to June is,winos Cad gar2cn gamrs Lxrp thrrn -- �_ ,.[ls tcnpled. TaNmrz Vesta Rates h For after,dark pm LVre Ihe,,tr� . _ � .".'-, HO:[: RQOMS G GOWtE APA.gn 1 ENT5 dannng and cnterrrnmcnt 'a ll > P.n ua.IT s Sca i' r I. t I—— sl].6] Iu Ie.00 iau.lr) ar _ o P..annl Iaa.'r Ioso s+ leading hotels ana sm art , .; ni.St dubs. Or, one may ��-,v`:�f � Lr \ toun e[ ahoVi our ].—ITP.IPLE APnnT.WNTS - . f�••+ u door fireplace and ncI r o:r tI . n + ' lust afar TL. .o'r+(1, n e`1L V pr,r+r's,.:. v. Tf en^^+r[.I¢rI6 C ii.0] '.5.1,dmlr. a._on Sc+o Tohrgarz t Ira 2""n, ,nd . : rduded n these rates CU —r •ram�- ---�:;� i -4i � �= � �c]�i .:4 -- six ' - €ir i3 � • _ � Nl 3`f r s ¢ r�r1'€ ".�..` emu.;.?x:,i, �` J � a'fs}!��} 3.. �'i i�� :IF'� _.� • ��. � s�5 �i C"F— F� � . .. E OCATED al [he foot at IcI�, SIC ,�� A ]acmto,¢o."Fee[z G,,u se:. ] el Rest, Recreation and Health .>000ATED m the heart of the v$ u D canyons, L1ate Gardens, mid _- °'� ]age, "Tndy Noeireq T7ungs 41,, h d Dunes are uithia easy motoong - - oft oft r — II'Me." dnrarhvu shops, theetre, once of the❑dlage. _ "~ F s1 garage, adeavalk cafes, gdf course, 'he Yalm Springs ""Lt.,desert area dare mart, and Indian Tedmg Post, �d for its exre]]tat " ter elunate, - � � � aP are at your door r shies, and sun drenched days The Lnh6v, Polio, Poo], Wad gue�S goraring n mdvrz rF moms are �Luat,d arcai Gom th= cmg The ights.wernge Woos tempera- ir— - -- rt� _ '.ram, main thomughFare Where ouret and a SZ degree.,ever mg-]5 deg.ees. �-� � - -- r; _ a-}� ye"y` -@__� complete relaxation saoo_est [he ease -cychag, golf, ,emirs,g, hrkmg, ad- — = of desert life Mqua and bowling `T Lame, a!tmchrely furnished rooms, cd os popular acreatwnal sports _ each"nti pa..me bath dreAug room, .i a?�..�� - and electr'sc heat offer .Mfort and Palos Spring, one finds caurchs v i + luxors•.il !ody es•ery denomination, =�% -� ''"=:=' r H pm-ate Lt - -�, Complete hotel equipment, modem ruhlir schools,t?eatrn,art mlone, , s in even• dean], rog arage and telegra h ' . 't r et ier with a coin p -.A d" �^-� l petent staff, serve ro male your 'ist path, naseurs, denh.ls a-d-.Ad" a'" a pleasure I - i'. 9 The Lobhg lire would he happy b mmher Im i Line, s ac_c.,f Al hs Uoto• — you among our satis&ed guest= and Bus Line, Tram os jrrpland - E srncerelr bdheye our s,nje, .sill ]m = x, bN y ur recomme nding to ding as vour _ RA'TES _ l SUMMER SEASON (Jan= 15 to Oct kft to $d - n",�'.'i•' I` i C)ouoles g5 $H WINTER SEASON(Oci fst to Ane Is .� 4, If L _ Singles q oan6ler $a to Ali: r� U'f dam, ' � \�;Yiy�„ ,�..1^ "�• �r.S,r ..�,srld'•,il {� ��,�'! ' ;rv' i�l•a", .`Vl>, yY •,...rv��. 1;11 .......... ............ S4 07 41% M rY L....rd as Jie J o[ III-.'III-.' 5Es - "� t �^ LurneJ rt Jw bean nL she sll 51. ]edam, n dig lee. .i ha.e +cr - y _ —� la,e. fmfy hxrsresf 7inmg. II ov1A ill.] L'e.unLd t..onm„ Dal,G,, - _ .__ - IP n.Ic.' 4nra�o.e shop, tl,•.iler. ,Erna, z.d 5an0 [)u cs aye •..Whoa n•e sdena0. Iifa. golf c, rs mo[nnng d,•san ce of the ��' I( o" - 1 d ° ,nr nia:0..end Indian Trud'ng Thr Pal nl SPnxgs de=cc[ are..1, allay ae 5uu:door. nosed far ns "ttaknr nmhi 11 _ I j !.� - 1 - -- 2'Le L,Lb,,V.un.]'uul,a,Ide i�sr ,ale, dear slles,and ,un Wrenched s• _ III C Woos ase venared assay Irnm rm de7s. 1•niger..un� Wahl, •,duce rtain J;omughfrre e.l ere yumr and r 1[III slee P.e, The s,°rn- n m c nuv I� = r I' nsplese rehIarion suggc sei she ea rrmper_wre is 97 drgrec. ncn.ng r �� ']�'Y , c•[date[bfr - Umycling, cal[, lepnrs. hdurg, - La.o, aruac u1c furnished ndmg, III mmrog, aryl bmcL,ng arc �- �ji{(!f rounss,ends I nh PI _ huh dress o Qe red as der recrea[,plsa] _1 . + I rnu r✓onl and ekc[nc heal, oRer PIP I i {f a comma a.6 I,.— spurns f, fl 4s Palm, SpIll1g, �.ne I.nds ��P{�r i�in plesx I•uod eyw pmeoo n:od ' dsurcnes of n^n rll rse. do nominx ! - _ _ _��f4i -- !" _ _� c•n m c.ery desad, soge:her ..nh }x i _ a mm uan ualF, .eac so malr sh,, pn.ur and pubuc equ 3Lc, - P s nun .'is:[ x lnsim Ihra rers ors �dous, brd o.gr and • .!' P mlzanyeh ax o senpazli n:.n Ue 'ao ild hr happy m nuin her aeon derma, erm and donors ,,. • R.. .uu amnnp our sa cashed gv c•ss xnd P.,Ln 5Pr31g L5 -. Bible l :�: •=_y�,v x. I slncerel± Leoiece nsr smite nP' ,ll usoi C_• B., DII �eTraur or _ . - •ya+'r" �2e a,�a�'�n - -�� y2iz++.- _ _ • '� yuafe ,,'our remmn,endmg w to :I 7Ae LoSLy ' R.—, 6t ApaNmenh to S,,,,ALL Y..,, Ple. +fn lnlllF1'rl&1RIFFA551STArFT NGR, F ,5111TI-I •in -",„,�._�_ y .,-. .,[ I G- TA A;rs. Eaeyn 4+'1lh ms �_ _� qI l T� N—b-•Irl le M.,b 1.1e. Ir!Ie N.—L.. 1,1 r _E4 •�' hOTI 13 -t. HOTEL Oally - ## I F. p[p].r.59 � Persva "" e .�•Eqg d: r i $]XO SLX T..,n d.ts 1.5a Reds =•YJ Y>F ] Pxrsc , 101 1 1 Penor., 6.03 - 4 Pers... In OJ a T-nc., ] 4 « ANN Ix Aq NE%; I Pa nvn 'q] I Person I i•! _ i— icd, 31•] R... J.— W,ph. o Palm 5pdvgs 347 [cr A.grhs TRiniIP ISIt—�•p°nl keq.'rted %�S:vrm uig Poor .T,Prn Gncs: Rown 'L The Su'Imning TL>�� _ The RRyal P.Lms / — Yrol [ins a capac- I,•. ,' - rs npeo+rM on llsc i n} aE SF,adp ga' "� Fu rnpran plan, , of lma[ed,fihemd t,� tz hoverer. dssea and sesred >,urn Rlll - t= , 1y r •" phame is our Ca[ svmng healsh .� - 's a , I Ece Shnn and a Eul.Pleasurable .1_- 1 L IEI. ' s tl� (.,rA a II Gsungc aermmmg i. _ l4_s� Inn rnnn. s:nrce aelal>la. Llamg Pol rn Jay Thompson XECEIVEL) From: aylaian@aol.com C:IT '( OF PAt,11 SPRjpq(7, Sent: Saturday, November 01, 2008 3.07 PM ZQQB�d0u —3 To: Cit Clerk AM 9- 03 y @palmsprings-ca gov; Jay Thompson Subject: Case No. MSPB - 69 JA1CIES T T CcERK o�d Dear Mr. Thompson: RE: CASE NO. RSPB - 69 /LAS SLRBNAS VILLAS This letter is intended to voice my support for the designation of the Las Serena$ Villas as a Class I Historic Site. My husband and I live at 377 W. Baristo Road, several blocks away fiiom Las Serenas Villas. When the hotel was still open, we visited it during the annual Christmas Walk through the Historic Tennis Club Neighborhood, and were very pleasantly surprised to learn the history of the hotel, and to hear the names of the celebrities and personalities who were associated with the history of the hotel. It's character and history bolster the stature of the Historic Tennis Club area, and are part of what defines Palm Springs as being unique. The heritage of Palm Springs is one of the glamour associated with being a resort retreat for Hollywood celebrities and dignitaries, and inns like the Las Serenas are, in 2008, the only real evidence of that era that remain. Please vote to designate this historic property as a Class 1 Historic Site so that it can be preserved; we have already lost far too many of the distinctive properties that established Palm Springs, and the Historic Tennis Club Neighborhood, as being special. Sincerely, Lauri Aylaian 377 W. Baristo Road Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.323.1187 w 5� f i7 Historic Site Preservation Board Page 3 of 7 Minutes from the November 10,2008 Meeting TA HSPB — 69 — LA SERENA VILLAS — Proposed Designation of 339 South Belardo Road as a Class 1 Historic Site and Notice of Exception from CEQA, Zone R-3, Section 15. Director Ewing summarized the Staff Report, past history, and actions taken on this property. Two more emails were handed out today urging designation. Council asked HSPB to consider this property and determine if it can be recommended back to Council as a Historic Site. The structures were built as a small hotel in the 1930s in a Spanish Eclectic style. The property is being considered in its 2004 condition prior to alterations, as current condition of the property structures is poor, but many features are in tact- The 2004 permits have expired because restoration work was never completed. A Stay of Demolition was issued by Council pending historic designation research. The Stay expires in January 2009- Staff feels this is a "close call" for Class 1 designation because of its current state and the requirements to renovate and restore the structures. There are three options for this Board to take: (1) Terminate the investigation and take no further action; (2) Recommend Class 1 designation to the City Council based on the requirements that any alterations or renovations comply with the Secretary of Interior Standards; or (3) Recommend Class 2 designation, by identifying the site as "...unusable, non-conforming, un-restorable, or the like." Staff believes there is sufficient evidence to Support a recommendation for Class 1 Historic Site designation, based on viable buildings in 2004 and today -- although they have been significantly altered. PUBLIC COMMENTS: Michael Gonzales, attorney from Allen Matkins Law Firm, Los Angeles, for the La Serena owners, stated that the data in the records does not support the conclusions listed in the Staff Report and that no action or a Class 2 designation would be warranted. The record is incomplete as based on an analysis of the adjoining Orchid Tree property. Conclusionry statements are found through- out the Staff Report and owners feel strongly there is not significant data in this record to support the two conclusions. The property owners request that HSPB not recommend Class 1 designation given its current condition. Based on the severe downturn of the capital market, there are no finances sufficient to complete the vision for the property. Frank Tysen, Casa Cody Inn, 175 South Cahuilla Road, spoke strongly in favor of designating La Serena a Class 1 Historic Site as the owner of nearby Casa Cody and as a Board member of the Historic Tennis Club Neighborhood organization, whose Board has voted unanimously for the preservation of La Serena. Mr. Tysen also serves on the Board of the Small Hotels of Palm Springs and they are very concerned about this issue. La Serena is situated in Palm Springs' oldest neighborhood and contributes to the character and uniqueness of Palm Springs- Historic Inns are the defining quality for Palm Springs that no other city in the valley has. There were 21 historic inns in Palm Springs in the 1980s, seven have been lost to condo conversions, apartments, substance abuse centers, and private compounds. Some have been changed beyond recognition. The La Serena and Orchid Tree are languishing in half-demolished conditions. The survival of this important neighborhood is at stake and the increasing loss of rooms and revenue are at risk. With the loss of these inns and small hotels, this historic neighborhood becomes less authentic and less valuable. He pointed out that HSPB has discussed this neighborhood for becoming the first historic district. Mr. Tysen mentioned he had talked with potential buyers this morning who have an interest in re-purchasing and restoring La Serena, but current ownership has never responded to their inquiries. The project could easily be restored. Mr. Tysen urged the Board to support Class 1 designation of La Serena. PUBLIC COMMENTS CLOSED Historic Site Preservation Board Page 4 of 7 Minutes from the November 10,2008 Meeting BOARD DISCUSSION and concerns: (1) Several important small hotels and inns have been lost and they do bring an important economic aspect to the City. Restoration for La Serena may be daunting, but there is enough left for restoration to occur; (2) If demolition is allowed to proceed, it might be setting a very dangerous precedent in Palm Springs because there are other potential historic properties sitting vacant. It would be a matter of time before they come before this Board one at a time for demolition; (3) When is the potential buyer going to come forward?; (4) La Serena was not on the list of 53 significant properties from the 2004 survey; (5) HSPB needs to look at this property in its current condition— not the 2004 condition; (6) It may be appropriate to give more time to determine viability of restoring; (7) Board needs to look at La Serena in a broader context than just architectural features; (8) Owners went into this with plans to renovate and restore, the buildings were stripped to a point where they can be renovated and upgraded. La Serena maintains the scale and massing of the motor court tradition, and could easily be renovated, but at some expense; (9) La Serena was viable when originally purchased, but was allowed to fall into its current deteriorated condition; (10) There appears to be a potential buyer who needs to come forward (11) If this property is changed to a Class 1 designation, what is the process with the owner? (12) How long will the process of doing anything be delayed? (13) Is there is any designation the Board could propose that would restrict it to the current massing density for a future project, and are these the only options at this time or could the Board propose an extension of 90 days for the potential buyer to come forward? (14) Could two-story buildings be built on that parcel based on current zoning? Director Ewing explained that if Council adopts a recommendation from HSPB and acts to designate La Serena as Class 1, it would subject any new action on the property to a review by HSPB for appropriateness. The applicant can propose whatever they wish, but whatever is done will trigger a review process with HSPB. The permits have expired and the Building department is concerned about the condition of the structures. They have recently inspected the site and now believe the buildings are secure enough that there are no immediate safety hazard issues. It may be that the buildings could remain in their current state before the property owner makes any kind of proposal regardless of designation. If this property was clear of existing buildings, staff does not know. To speculate that what might be proposed or approved in the future is difficult to predict. The City retains total control over density, design under restrictions of the zoning Ordinance. Anything could be proposed, the City would have jurisdiction over what is approved. The Council adopted a six-month Stay of Demolition which expires January 9, 2009 and there is no condition in the code for an extension beyond January 9, 2009. Whatever historic designation action, it needs to happen by the Council before January 9, 2009. The properly is zoned R-3 which allows a 35 fool height limit — two-story buildings could be constructed. The acreage is 0.9 acres so that means about 13 or 14 units. Mr. Gonzales stated that the owners would entertain any reasonable offer for La Serena. If the Board is inclined to move forward with designation, he suggested allowing the ownership a period of time to perform an appropriate historical assessment to determine if there is any historic fabric left in these structures. There is no architectural analysis to support the finding outlined in the Staff Report. Ownership asks the Board to take no action, approve Class 2 designation, allow time for the potential buyer to surface, or for ownership to make further historic determination. Markets change and the current housing market is very bad and unstable —the financial model for La Serena was based on a condo-financing mechanism and that market disappeared a long time *'I Historic Site Preservation Board Page 5 cf 7 Minutes from the November 10,2008 Meeting ago. It is a financial issue and is a result of the economic downturn, not of the ownerships' intent to demolish by neglect- that has never been the intent of ownership. Board member Gilmer moved that HSPB recommend to City Council that La Serena be designated Class 1 Historic Site 69, seconded by Board member Marshall — Further discussion Board member Strahl requested that the potential buyer come forward. The Board is looking at structures that are not in the condition they were in 2004. Board member Gilmer commented that he feels the purview of HSPB is to access structures as to their historical integrity, and that the economic viability of maintaining them is not an overriding factor whether there is a buyer or not. The Board needs to look at the integrity of the structure, its position in the City, and how it contributes to the overall historical identity of the City. Vote on the motion to (state above) 4 Yes, 2 No (Strahl/Grattan), 0 Absent, 0 Abstentions. Motion passed 4/2. 8. CERTIFICATE OF APPROVAL REQUEST(S): None 9. OTHER BUSINESS: 9.A. DISCUSSION OF POTENTIAL CLASS 1 DESIGNATIONS: Director Ewing reported that since original review of the properties by HSPB, where staff asked for the top priorities, Council forwarded La Serena & the P.S. Airport, for HSPB consideration, and these take priority. Processing nine properties cannot be completed by staff within a reasonable time frame. The Airport will be processed next since it is requested by Council. Staff now seeks Board comments and direction regarding priorities two, three, and four out of the remaining eight. Board member Grattan stated that the Council needs to hear the statement regarding security at the Airport that was presented to the Board earlier in the meeting before HSPB moves forward. Chair Williams explained that the Board had already nominated and recommended that Santa Fe Federal be designated Class 1 Historic Site 54. Council directed that it come back to them when the Baristo Lofts project, that includes the Santa Fe Federal, is presented to Council. Director Ewing proposed taking (9.A-3) Santa Fe Federal, (9.A-4) La Serena (heard today), and (9.A-5) Front (west) Fagade of P.S. International Airport off the list of priorities, as they will be moving forward. The Town & Country Center has been swept up in the Museum Market Plaza project, but there is nothing to preclude the Board initiating a process on that property, the Oasis Commercial Building, or the remaining properties. Absent direction from the Board, staff will proceed with the Airport and then back to 2006/2007 list and items (9.A-6) Ellwood/Palevsky House; (9.A-7) Horizon Hotel; (9.A-8) Del Marcos Hotel; and (9.a-9) Cary Grant "Las Palomas" House. The Board can alter that with direction to slaff. Staff listed these properties on this Agenda and notified all property owners, and provided an Agenda so these properties could be discussed in open session today. Board member Gilmer asked if Staff Reports have been prepared and sent to Council on the Santa Fe Federal and Oasis Commercial Building, and if a report was written on the Town & Country Center? Chair Williams stated that a Staff Report has been written on Santa Fe, it has gone to Council, and a Historic Assessment has been written on the Oasis, but it has not gone to Council. Zt a°�p `M Spy yr �Z U N A .r 4•v.n*° P4 City Council Staff Report DATE: July 9, 2008 PUBLIC HEARING SUBJECT: AN APPEAL BY ROXANN PLOSS REGARDING A DECISION BY THE HISTORIC SITE PRESERVATION BOARD TO TAKE NO ACTION ON A STAY OF DEMOLITION FOR PROPERTY CALLED LA SERENA VILLAS LOCATED AT 339 SOUTH BELARDO ROAD, ZONE R-3, SECTION 15. FROM: David H. Ready, City Manager BY: Department of Planning Services SUMMARY The City Council will conduct a continued public hearing on an appeal of the Historic Site Preservation Board's (RSPB) decision to allow demolition of buildings located at 338 South Belardo Road. The appeal is based on the HSPS's tie vote on the application requesting demolition of Class 3 historic structures which were formally known as La Serena Villas (339 South Belardo Road). RECOMMENDATION 1. Adopt Resolution No. "A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS CALIFORNIA DENYING THE APPEAL AND ALLOWING THE DEMOLITION OF THE BUILDINGS AT LA SERENA VILLAS LOCATED AT 339 SOUTH BELARDO ROAD" PRIOR ACTIONS On September 14. 2004, staff informed the HSPB of the renovation work anticipated for the site, Specifically, the owners intended to keep the buildings, but replace doors and windows. This report was informational only — no FISPB action was required for the Architectural Approval. On September 20, 2004, for Case 3.2130, a Minor Architectural Approval was given to renovate the property. The project included: Item NA . /'l . 6 City Council July 9,2008. Case 3.2130—Appeal(Stay of Demolition)339 S. aclardo Road Page 2 of 5 • cleaning, repair, and repaint of exterior stucco walls • addition/replacement of windows and doors • addition of an outdoor fireplace • landscape improvements • interior renovations Between October 10, 2004 and June 29, 2005, building permits were issued for remodel and structural upgrades to the site. Work was begun but was never completed. Changes to the property included removal of stucco from several building and removal of site landscaping. On March 12, 2005, the HSPB granted approval by a vote of 4-0-2 for Case 3.2130 for a demolition request of Bldg. 10, which was originally built on the property line with no permits. They also approved the remodel scope of work. (Architectural approval by the HSPB is not part of the Class 3 designation regulations). On March 10, 2008 the Building Department sent a letter to the owner notifying them that their building permits had expired and were given instruction to contact them by April 11, 2008 to avoid possible legal action- On May 13, 2008, the HSPB heard a demolition request from the owner. Three motions to stay the demolition were considered all of which failed on a 3-3 vote. Therefore, the Board did not approve a stay of demolition. On the same day, an appeal was filed opposing the decision of the Board. On June 18, 2008, the City Council conducted a hearing on the May 13, 2008 appeal and continued the hearing for additional staff research- BACKGROUND AND SETTING The site is comprised of two parcels totaling approximately 0-9 acres. The larger parcel contains eleven buildings, and the smaller parcel is vacant. Both parcels are surrounded by commercial uses to the east, multiple-family ! small hotel uses to the north and south, and single-family residences to the west. The small hotel known as Las Serena Villas located at 339 Belardo Road was constructed in 1930's according to the 2004 Historic Resource Survey. The single-story buildings built in the Spanish Eclectic Style generally surround the interior courtyard that once contained a pool. The single-story buildings were finished with stucco exteriors, gabled roofs with red- clay files, and eaves that were slightly extended with exposed rafter beams. The buildings also have several rectangular painted brick chimneys set into the side of the structures. Since issuance of permits in 2005 to remodel the structures, significant work was begun, but never completed. The buildings are now in a severely dilapidated condition and the building permits are expired. At the meeting of June 18, 2008, the City Council directed staff to conduct a site inspection to assess the conditions of the structures. (As previously City Council July 9,2008, case 3.2130--Appeal(Stay of Demolition)339 S. Belartlo Road Page 3 of 5 noted, the City has required that the owner either submit plans For reconstruction of the buildings or consider an application for demolition. In response, the owner has submitted an application to demolish the buildings.) ANALYSIS On June 2Vh, Building Inspection and Code Compliance staff, along with Fire and Planning staff, inspected the site (see attached photos). The results of that inspection revealed the following' • The site consists of 11 buildings containing 27 units. • Significant structural deterioration has occurred throughout the property due to extended exposure to the elements_ Exterior and interior wall coverings, windows and doors are currently absent throughout. • Dry rot and termite damage were noted in various locations of all buildings inspected; extensive replacement of wall framing members and plates would be required. x Building beam support on the exterior porch areas is inadequate and outdated; exterior roof supports and columns do not have proper connections or support and anchorage. Most of the roof weatherproofing appears to be damaged or missing with several tiles removed typically throughout; remaining roof tiles would have to be removed and new under-layment installed. The buildings are all shells, lacking all plumbing fixtures and piping, electrical and mechanical equipment, which have been completely removed. Conduits and piping were cut off at slab level. • Some structural modifications have been made in one unit. Additional rafters have been added between existing rafter / joists; however, they are not supporting existing roof and lack proper hardware connections. • One of the buildings is being used for storage of materials for an adjacent hotel, the Viceroy. This is the only unit close to having all required inspections. In other buildings, transient activity was evident. To determine if the buildings should be preserved, staff considered Section 17980 (b) (2) of the California Health & Safety Code, which states, in part, that "the enforcement agency shall give preference to the repair of the building whenever it is economically feasible to do so without having to repair more than 75 percent of the dwelling, as determined by the enforcement agency'. Based on the requirements of the latest Building Code, the Building Official has determined that rehabilitation of these structures would exceed 75 percent of their value. Further, the Building Official has concluded that these buildings are in such disrepair that they are substandard and uninhabitable. Consequently, absent any significant historic value or willingness on the owner's part to save the structures, staff recommends demolition of these structures. If the owner wished to save the buildings, Building and Planning staffs have determined that the following would be required: City Council July 9,2008, Case 3.2130—Appeal(Stay of Demolition)339 S. eelardo Road Page 4 of 5 1_ Prepare and submit plans under the Palm Springs Zoning Cade and 2007 California Codes and Standards, and obtain all new planning approvals and building permits. 2. Prepare and submit a complete building analysis performed by a licensed structural engineer or architect, to include, but not limited to: a. Deteriorated structural members b. Unreinforced masonry fireplaces 3_ Reinstall all underground electrical, sewer, water and gas (currently capped off) 4. Prepare and submit a landscaping plan for review by Planning. Install landscaping according to the approved plan. (At this time, there is essentially no landscaping.) 5. Remove from the premises all combustible waste material accumulated in various buildings. 6. Exterior openings and interior openings accessible to other tenants or unauthorized persons shall be boarded, locked, blacked or otherwise protected to prevent access or entry. 7. Remove from the site all accumulations of combustible materials, flammable or combustible.waste or rubbish. The site shall be maintained clear of waste or hazardous materials at all times. REQUIRED FINDINGS There are no speck findings for determining whether or not to issue a Stay of Demolition. As previously reported to the City Council, La Serena Villas is a Class 3 historic site (built before 1945), and may be eligible for a six-month stay of demolition (Section 8,05.125). This Code Section also identifies a purpose for issuing a stay of demolition Action of the HSPS may include recommendation to reclassify." In order to evaluate if the buildings justify a Stay of Demolition, they should have some potential to meet the conditions for reclassiflication to Glass 1; . 1. Associated with events that have made a meaningful contribution to the nation, state or community; or 2. Associated with lives of persons who made meaningful contribution to national, state or local history; or 3. Reflects or exemplifies a particular period of the national, state or local history; or 4. Embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period or method of construction; or 5. 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. Represents a significant and distinguishable entity whose components may lack individual distinction; or 7. Yielded or may be likely to yield information important to national, state or local history or prehistory. Staff has evaluated the subject property and has found none of the defining conditions present that would argue for its reclassification. The HSP6 also split on this issue. o� City Council July 8,2008, Case 3.2130—Appeal(Stay of Demolition)339 S.eelardo Road Page 5 of 5 Staff also considered that the owner's actions in large part resulted in the buildings deteriorating to their current state. However, staff cannot determine if the owner's actions were intentionally focused on eventual demolition or represent the abandonment of a project in a down market. In the absence of a compelling argument for preservation, staff recommends that the City Council uphold the derision of the HSPB and deny the appeal, thereby allowing the buildings to be demolished. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT This project is categorically exempt from environmental review per Section 15301(L), (3) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CF-OA) Guidelines. NOTIFICATION There are no public notifcation requirements for this application. If publication of the application or action being appealed was required, the notice of appeal shall be published in like manner. The demolition application did not require notification; therefore, the appeal does not require notification. FISCAL IMPACT: No fiscal impact. -wing, CP Thomas Wils , Assistant City Manager ��pirec�tor�of PI n g Services Development Services David H. Ready, City er Attachments: 1 Vicinity Map 2. Draft Resolution 3. Appeal Letter dated May 13, 2008 4. HSPB Staff Report dated May 13, 2008 5. Copy of the 2004 Survey of the property 6. HSPB Minutes dated May 13, 2008 7. HSPB minutes dated March 12, 2005 8. HSPB minutes dated September 14, 2004 9. Code Enforcement Courtesy Notice dated March 28, 2008 10. Building Department Notice dated March 10, 2008 11. Copy of building permit cards for property 12. Photographs w Department of Planning Services WE o Vicinity Map s I i I 1 i I I I it I I ,I t SARISTORD I I , I I i O , p - I . a I f I I I I .^ AROSA OR • I � I � I Legend I Project Site 400 Foot Radius 1 I I Surroundrng Parcels I CITY OF PALM SPRINGS CASE NO: 3.2130 MAA DESCRIPTION: Appeal regarding an application for demolition of 11 buildings at 339 S. Belardo Road, APPLICANT: Duet Real Estate, LP. Class 3 Historic Site, Zone R-3, Section 15 c: RESOLUTION N0, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL. OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS CALIFORNIA DENYING THE APPEAL RECEIVED ON MAY 13, 2008 AND ALLOWING THE DEMOLITION OF THE BUILDINGS AT LA SERENA VILLAS LOCATED AT 339 SOUTH BELARDO ROAD WHEREAS, the buildings located at 339 South Belardo Road were constructed prior to 1945 and are therefore automatically designated a Class 3 Historic Resource under Section 8.05.125 of the Palm Springs Municipal Code; and WHEREAS, the Historic Site Preservation Board (HSPB) may issue a Stay of Demolition on any Class 3 resource for which a demolition permit has been requested; and WHEREAS, on April 25, 2008 the applicant, Jeff Smith of Duet Real Estate LP for La Serena Villas submitted an application to demolish the existing structures, and apply an approved binding agent on the soil at 339 South Belardo Road; and WHEREAS, on May 13, 2008 the HSPS held a public meeting on the application for demolition of the buildings located 339 South Belardo Road; and at which meeting the HSPB considered a staff report, related exhibits and public testimony; and WHEREAS, after considering three motions for a stay of demolition, each of which failed on a 3-3 vote, the HSPB decided not to act on the matter, thereby allowing the demolition to proceed; and WHEREAS, on May 13, 2008, the appellant "Roxann Ploss" filed an appeal to the City Council with the Office of the City Clerk opposing the outcome of the decision of the HSPB, which allows for demolition of the buildings at 339 South Belardo Road, La Serena Villas; and WHEREAS, a public hearing notice is not required for an appeal of a demolition; and WHEREAS, on June 18, 2008 the City Council conducted a public hearing on the appeal of the HSPB decision not to issue a stay of demolition on the the buildings in La Serena located at 339 South Belardo Road; and WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 15301(L)(3) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines, this project is categorically exempt from environmental review as a demolition of existing facilities; and WHEREAS, the City Council has carefully reviewed and considered all of the evidence presented in connection with the meeting on the appeal, including but not limited to the staff report, and all written and oral testimony presented. THE CITY COUNCIL DOES HEREBY RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS: SECTION 1: Pursuant to CEQA, the City Council finds that the demolition of the buildings at 339 South Belardo Road, La Serena is categorically exempt pursuant to Section 15301(L)(3) as a demolition of existing facilities. SECTION 2: The Council does hereby find that the buildings at 339 South Belardo Road do not meet the criteria for reclassification to a more protective historic class, in that' 1. The buildings are not associated with events that have made a meaningful contribution to the nation, state or community. 2. The buildings are not associated with lives of persons who made meaningful contribution to national, state or local history. 3. The buildings do not reflect or exemplify a particular period of the national, state or local history. 4. The buildings do not embody the distinctive characteristics of a type, period or method of construction. 5. The buildings do not present the work of a master builder, designer, artist, or architect whose individual genius influenced his age; or that possess high artistic value. 6. The buildings do not represent a significant and distinguishable entity whose components may lack individual distinction. 7. The buildings do not yield and are not likely to yield information important to national, state or local history or prehistory. SECTION 3: Based on the above findings, the City Council hereby denies the appeal of May 13, 2005 and allows the buildings located at 339 South Belardo Road to be demolished- ADOPTED THIS lath day of June, 2008. David H- Ready, City Manager ATTEST: James Thompson, City Clerk 0 - o' 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 -- - - - - A Historic Site Preservation Board Page 2 of 11 Minutes From the May 13,2008 Meeting S/C (J. Williams/S. Grattan) to approve,the Minutes of the April 8, 2008 HSPB meeting as corre Vote 6 Yes, 0 No, 0 Absent. 6. REPORT FROM TH 4AIR: Chair Williams thanked staff for the work to coordinate the Study Session for HSPB on May 22--1_ Iiusfeldt described all the neighborhood organizations and how they functioned, including that a ' - officer' may be appointed from each neighborhood. Councilwoman Ginny Foat offered a summation stated that the defining of historic districts is separate from the mission of the ONI. The HSPB et will be continued so that all neighborhoods will have appropriate information if they wish f heop Historic Districts. Monday, May 19, 2008 is the deadline for applications for the Boards and Commis ' There are three seats on the Historic Site Preservation Board —one for reappointment and two va es_ 8. CERTIFICATE OF APPROVAL REQLIEST(S): A. Case 3.2130— La Serena Villas-- Class 3-- listed in 1987 & 2004 Historic Surveys Application by Jeff Smith of Duet Real Estate, LP, owners, for demolition of the existing vertical structures, and application of approved binding agent on soil at 339 South Belardo Road, Zone R3, Section 15, Staff member Scott Taschner described the application and demolition requested of a Class 3 Historic Site based on the fact that it was built in the mid to late 1930S as the La Serena Hotel which consists of about 11 buildings. Photographs were reviewed...Stucco has been removed, the landscaping is gone, pools have been filled in — all done by prior approval in 2004 when the renovation was approved. Building permits expired after six months and the Planning approval expired after two years. By way of a Courtesy Notice from Code Enforcement, the owners have been given two options (1) continue the renovation, and (2) pull new permits, etc. The applicant is now applying for demolition of the structures. Staff does not find any characteristics to recommend this to a Class 1 Historic Site, and is recommending no action for a Stay of Demolition from HSPB which would allow demolition_ Chair S. Williams asked about the approval in 2004 for renovation. Staff member Tagchner described the approval: (1) removal of the stucco, repair, and replace stucco; (2) add doors and windows; (3) additional landscaping to include a fountain or water feature of some type. To continue renovations, they would have to pull all new permits. Board member J. Williams stated that he was on this Board when applicant presented their plans to save and restore the La Serena Villas in 2004, At that time the Board found the Property to be functioning and in fairly good condition, but its condition has deteriorated. It's very disappointing that another potential historic building(s) is now being considered' for 'demolition because of neglect' -- this seems to be happening over and over in Palm Springs_ The applicant was asked to explain their current plans. Chris Blaze, controller for the applicant owner, reported that the changing market condition and finances led to the delays of the project, and Cede Enforcement Notices prompted them to move forward with the demolition application. The scope of work is to remove all the neglected buildings, finish the site with ground cover to contain the dust problem, and remove the chain link fence. There are no current plans for the property because of the financial situation of the owners. C1 � Historic Site Preservation Board Page 3 of 11 Minutes from the May 13.2008 Meeting } Board member J. Nelson asked staff to explain the policies regarding blight and/or neglected buildings in conjunction with the Vacant Building Ordinance (attached for information). Staff member Bullock explained that the Planning department does not regulate removal of buildings because of safety reasons or disrepair — those are matters for the Building and Code Enforcement departments. Board member B. Strahl asked if there had been more than one Code Enforcement notice since the buildings have been vacant for more than three years and asked if there was any discussion four years ago about making this a Class 1 Historic site. Board member J. Williams asked about copies of the past Minutes in this instance. He recalled that the Board discussed the significance of the buildings, that it is a small historic hotel, had an old Spanish style the Board felt was worth preserving, but as far as he could recall, the Board did not move to elevate the status because the owners assured everyone that it would be maintained and restored 'in keeping with its style-' It appears as if the motivation is to tear it down because the City has given ownership notice that it is a hazard. If there are no plans to build something else on the property, perhaps it can be fixed-up or repaired so that it is no longer a hazard and is not torn down? Once it is torn down, it's gone. The Board might wish to work on a historic survey or assessment. It is one of the original hotels in Palm Springs- Chris Blaze stated that the owners have been trying to keep the property in better condition,I boarded up, etc. and have spent over $10,000 in doing so. Board member S. Saunders pointed out that the Board had approved demolition of one building some time ago, then approved French doors, other new doors, and windows . which appear to be 'new' and not restorations or replacements of original type items. The 'new' replacements would not be of historic value- Board member Strahl asked that this be tabled until the notes and minutes from prior meetings be reviewed. It is premature for this Board to make a decision today without knowing what transpired at previous HSPB meetings. Board member S. Grattan asked for a better process in monitoring these buildings. Meantime, to delay this process and not take staffs recommendation is a waste of time for everyone. From its appearance, it would cost a fortune to restore and may not be - marketable when repaired, restored, etc. Vice Chair Nelson commented that this is a perfect case study of what has been happening in Palm Springs in the last five years — the Potter Clinic, Orchid Tree Inn, and the former Monte Vista Hotel — are just a few properties having historic value that have been demolished, neglected, and in disrepair- Stopping blight, stopping demolition by neglect, and saving valued historic properties was a large part of election campaigns over the last several years. It appears that HSPB may have to keep dealing with issues like this project of La Serena- There is not enough information today to make a good decision, the process has not been followed, and when the permits expired HSPB should have heard about it { because it is a Class 3 site by nature of age. S2 Historic 5ite Preservation Board Page 4 of'11 Minutes from the May 13,2008 Meeting Board member S. Saunders commented t(1at she drove by, stopped to inspect, and it is a serious hazard. There are great properties adjacent, and the Board needs to pursue this for the safety of the neighborhood and for everyone involved — it is a definite problem. Staff member Bullock advised that the regulations only allow HSPB's purview on demolition for Class 3 sites. When an architectural approval application comes in, it is a staff decision to approve, and/or take to the Architectural Advisory Committee or Planning Commission based on the Code. It is not something that would be brought to the Board for any kind of determination. The requested Minutes from March 2005 were pulled from the file and copies distributed to the Board for immediate review. Board member Strahl summarized his interpretation from the Minutes of March 2005 as: (1) When the original application came in for demolition, the only choice the Board would have had at that time would have been to (a) issue a stay of demolition to elevate the property to a Class 1 historic site, or(b)approve the demolition- (2) That was the only purview the Board had at that time. (3) The Board said at that time, we're not going to work on doing research to elevate to a Class 1 site, the applicant can proceed with the renovations. (4) The applicant later demolished the#10 building per HSPB approval (5) At the time of the original discussion and application, this property was not elevated nor pursued for a Class 1 historic site designation by the Board. Board member J. Williams commented that this project came to HSPB through a well- respected Architect and it was a Class 3 site. They said to the Board..."we're going to maintain, love, restore this building, and make it part of our hotel. The Board did not take action to nominate for a Class 1 site because the Board did not feel the need to and felt this owner would take care of and maintain the property. This is very disappointing and is happening with other properties. There has to be some way to stop this neglect of historic and other properties —once this property and others are gone — they're gone and the City is left with empty lots that will sit there for years based on this economy. Chair S. Williams pointed out that this is not just the renovation or restoration of the buildings, but if they are demolished the entire character of the neighborhoods are changed. Vice Chair Nelson commented that the whole point of preservation is identifying and maintaining the context and fabric of existing structures — when built, everything west of Palm Canyon Drive was small, Spanish Revival Mediterranean style bungalows with red tile roofs. The City and residents are slowly losing these valued historic properties and heritage piece by piece. Board member Strahl commented that the Board has two options (1) Vote to nominate to a Class 1 historic site and issue a stay of demolition for time to do the research, or(2) approve the demolition. PUBLIC COMMENTS: George Marantz of G & M Constructions stated that Code Enforcement has been after this properly for about five years. Building permits lapsed in April 2008. Code Enforcement wanted it to be fenced, boarded up, and vagrants moved out. Code Enforcement gave the owner two options — repair or demolish. A Stay of J J< Historic Site Preservation Board Page 5 of 1 1 Minutes from the May 13,2008 Meeting Demolition for three or four months will not solve the problem — the fire problems, the derelict problems, the homeless problems - it will create a hazard for the Police to rhonitor until October or November. The best time to proceed with the demolition is in the off- season. Air Quality Control from LA asks for at least 30 days before a building is taken down. The Board can ask for a 90-day Stay of Demolition, then it will probably not be found significant enough for a Class 1 historic site. Ninety days go by, then wait another 30 days for AQC, then schedule the tear-down...it will be October or November before demolition (in mid-season) — in the Tennis Club area. The market is not there for many developers to put money into renovation, restorations or new construction. PUBLIC COMMENTS CLOSED. Board member S. Grattan suggested addressing this issue with all such properties and the Board needs to be more in-tune with Code Enforcement. Staff and Code Enforcement's recommendation should be taken into consideration by this Board. It was moved by S. Grattan, seconded by B. Strahl to accept the staffs recommendation to move forward with the demolition with the understanding that the applicant will salvage the roof tiles and other items that someone else can use. DISCUSSION: Board member Nelson agreed that elevating La Serena Villas to Class 1 is very slim and would be a waste of time for the Board because of all the neglect and that the character defining features are already lost. As a business member of the Tennis Club Neighborhood Association, members and residents are always asking about that, I property and are very concerned about what happens. Although it is a small piece of land, it is part of the defining feature of that entire neighborhood. He expressed that it may not be worthy of designation, but based on available information today is not the right time or place for the Board to vote for demolition. Board member S. Saunders commented that the Board and staff work hard in order to make historic designations. HSPB has previously designated several properties of significance. It should now and in the future be respected that appropriate research was or will be done, so future Boards do not have to go back in time to re-research. Board member J. Williams clarified that the Board does not designate Class 3 — they are automatic based on being built prior to 1945. If Code Enforcement has been after the owners for five years, why hasn't this Board heard before now? This is very disconcerting and a big disappointment. Better communication between City departments is needed. The La Serena buildings appear to be beyond repair or restoration because they have been so sorely neglected. It was moved by S. Grattan, seconded by /B, Strahl to approve the demolition with preservation of the roof tiles and others items that someone could use and to issue a. Certificate of Approval to the Applicant for the La Serena Villas at 148 South Belardo Road -- Vote: 3 Yes (Strahl, Saunders, Grattan), 3 No (J. Williams, Nelson, S. Williams) - Motion failed. k Chair S. Williams called for another motion_ Vice Chair Nelson presented the idea of nominating the La Serena Villas for Class 2 Historic Historic Site Preservation Board Page 6 of 11 Minutes from the May 13, 2008 Meeting Designation which would allow the demolition of the property, but would require the property be memorialized by historic assessment, memorabilia, documents, historic marker, and archived. Staff member Bullock read from the Code that"archival file will be maintained, site is eligible for plaquing ..." It was moved by J. Williams, seconded by J. Nelson that the Board issue a 30-day Stay of Demolition so research can be done, a subcommittee can talk with the Historical Society, and talk with the architect who presented the previous application, then the Board can make a decision at the June meeting.* DISCUSSION: Board member B. Strahl asked for clarification on the time limits of a Stay of Demolition -- Staff responded that the Code allows "...up to 6 months". Motion was restated as shown above — Vote: 3 Yes (J. Williams, S. Williams, J. Nelson), 3 No (Strahl, Saunders, Grattan). Motion failed. Board member Nelson commented that research will probably indicate the property is not significant enough to warrant Class 1 Historic designation, the owners will probably not do anything further on renovation, he has mixed feelings. He does not feel the Board should take action today to allow the demolition based on the information presented. Board member Grattan itemized several items: (1) facts in front of the Board show it will not be significant'enough for a Class 1 designation; (2) it is in such poor condition that it will have to be demolished; (3) it is blight in the neighborhood; (4) it is a fire hazard; (5) it is occupied by vagrants and the homeless; and but because the Board does not like the way it was presented or the way information was provided, the Board wants to make everyone wait 30-60-90 days. She feels this is the wrong use of the Board's authority. Board member Saunders commented that she did not hear the owner/applicant say they did not have any desire to improve the structures. What she hears is that the economy presents a financial situation that is not conducive to the owner renovating or restoring as they would like or had planned to do_ It is not the Board's place to present opinions to the applicant/owners as to what they should do or should not do with their property. They were very clear that the financial situation does not allow them to do what is best for the building and the neighborhood by removing the blight, making it a safe area -- the view of the mountains through that area is much more attractive than buildings in disrepair. Chair S. Williams commented that perhaps the Board could meet with Building and Planning staff to work out better communications in terms of code enforcement on historic structures to avoid this type of situation in the future. A Subcommittee was suggested. Staff member Bullock will meet and discuss with the Director of Planning for his recommendations. Staff will email Board members. Board member Saunders moved that La Serena Villas be nominated for Class 2 Historic Designation with historical information maintained in the City's archives, and the Board v� Historic Site Preservation Board Page 7 of 1 1 Minutes from the May 13,2008 Meeting i take no action for a Stay of Demolition. Board member J. Williams suggested finding out about the hisstoric value of La Serena Villas before making a decision. The historic information will be required if it is nominated as a Class 2 Historic Site. He asked Board member Saunders to amend her motion to include a Stay of Demolition until it is determined if the property has historic value to become a Class 2 site. Board member Saunders will not amend her motion since some Board members already feel it will not be saved. A Stay of Demolition is not good use of anyone's time. Board member Saunders restated the motion — To proceed with staffs recommendation of allowing the applicant to demolish the La Serena Villas at 339 South Belardo Road and to research to determine if it is qualified for Class 2 Historic designation. Board member Nelson amended the motion to — Follow staffs recommendations, but with a 30-day delay(Stay of Demolition) to allow gathering of historic information, minutes, history, archives, and a re-analysis at the June Board meeting, Board member Nelson withdrew his amendment to Ms_ Saunders' motion. There was no second to this motion. Board member J. Williams stated in summary — Staff has brought this before the Board, the . l Board can initiate a Stay of Demolition, or proceed to elevate the property to Class 1 or 21 historic designation; but if the Board does nothing and takes no action whatsoever, it means that this application for demolition is not being challenged and the demolition can go through. All three motions were considered and failed by 3/3 tie votes. No action was taken, which results in allowing demolition of the buildings, review a request by the applicant to change the material for the gates. Gate rial and drawings will be supplied for review at the meeting. Staff member ck described the proposed changes and materials. The project was presented to the Arc hi ural Advisory Board on May 12. They were in favor of new design, cut steel, and materials, a ade one suggestion to look into the striping of the parking stalls. AAC preferred a more trasting color for the stalls. The landscape designer requested a final landscape and pa , lot plan for AAC review. In recommendation to HSPB, AAC was in favor of the project as n designed. Mike Sweeney, architect, explained that the parking will be asphalt, that it runs from lot line to lot line, and is in very poor condition. Striping wl yellow highway paint and is changing from a solid pattern to an outline pattern because of t lare from the sun. Stall lines will be further researched. The two gates will be 3/16" water-jet cut aluminum attached to steel tube Pram and are designed to provide structural support, fit with the building, ornamental, and designed City Council Minutes June 18, 2008 Page 2 Mayor Pougnet noted his property related abstention on Consent Calendar Item 2.H. ACTION: Accept the Agenda as amended. Motion Councilmember Weigel, seconded by Councilmember Hutcheson and unanimously carried on a roll call vote. 1. PUBLIC HEARINGS: 1.A. APPEAL OF THE DECISION OF THE HISTORIC SITE PRESERVATION BOARD BY ROXANN PLOSS TO TAKE NO ACTION ON A STAY OF DEMOLITION FOR THE PROPERTY KNOWN AS LA SERENA VILLAS LOCATED AT 339 SOUTH BELARDO ROAD HSPB 3.2130: Craig Ewing, Director of Planning Services, provided background information as outlined in the staff report dated June 18, 2008. Mayor Pougnet opened the public hearing, and the following speakers addressed the City Council. ROXANN PLOSS, outlined the basis of her appeal of the demolition, and requested the City Council issue a stay of demolition. SHERYL HAMLIN, Palm Springs, noted the current restrictions on the property and the streetscape, stated this is a bond performance issue, requested the City Council issue a stay of demolition and performance monitoring of the project. MARSHALL ROATH, Palm Springs, provided a history of the interaction of the project with the community, requested the City Council stay the demolition permit. CHRIS BLAZE, Core Hotel Group, stated they have no intention of building on the site at this time, and they have two choices as presented by the Building Department, to either submit plans or request demolition. BOB HELBLING, Palm Springs, commented on the "green fence" issues in the Community, stated the bungalows could be rented out until such time as the property could be developed. STEVE SIMS, Palm Springs, commented on the poor maintenance and requested that the property be maintained, stated we need to keep small hotels. ELISSA GOFORTH, read a letter by Gene Dippel, Historic Tennis Club Neighborhood, requesting a stay of demolition. E' City Council Minutes June18, 2008 Page 3 JADE NELSON, Palm Springs, commented on the history of La Serena Villas, and requested a stay of demolition. KENT DALMAN, stated the decision for historic site should not be based on the year it was built. FRANK TYSEN, Palm Springs, provided background information on the condition of the neighborhood, stated the property qualifies as a Class 1 Historic Site, and requested a stay of demolition. No further speakers coming forward, the public hearing was closed. Mayor Pro Tern Foat stated the Core Group does not wish to demolish the building but was a request of the City, requested staff address if the City could withdraw the request to demolish, stated her preference for staff tc inspect the property and determine if the property is safe, and in compliance with the vacant building ordinance. Councilmember Weigel requested staff address what findings would have to be made to stay the demolition. Councilmember Mills recommended that staff inspect the site, and prepare a report of conditions that would have to be met to bring the property within City code. Councilmember Hutcheson stated his support of continuing the public hearing and recommended the acceleration of discussion with the owners_ Mayor Pougnet requested the City Attorney address when performance bonds are required. ACTION: 1) Direct staff to Inspect the site and prepare a comprehensive report on the condition of the property, 2) Continue the Public Hearing to July 9, 2008; and 3) Direct the City Clerk to post a notice of continued public hearing. Motion Councilmember Weigel, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Foat and unanimously carried on a roll call vote. 1.B. L REVIEW AND RENEWAL OF THE PALM SPRINGS BLISINES MENT DISTRICT AND ADOPTION HE FISCAL YEAR 2008-09 P M: John Raymond, Director of Comm nd Economic Development, provided background infor as outline e staff report dated June 18, 2008. May ougnet opened the public hearing, and the followin eakers ressed the City Council. 93 City Council Minutes July 9, 2008 Page 2 f ACTION: 1) Continue Public Hearing Item 1.C., Standards for Portable "Open"Signs, to July 30, 2008; and 2) Direct the City Clerk to post a Notice of Continued Public Hearing. Motion Councilmember Hutcheson, seconded by Councilmember Mills and unanimously carried 3-0 on a roll call vote. AYES: Councilmember Hutcheson, Councilmember Mills, and Mayor Pro Tenn Foat. NOES: None. ABSENT: Councilmember Weigel and Mayor Pougnet. ACTION: Accept the Agenda as amended. Motion Councilmember Hutcheson, seconded by Councilmember Mills and unanimously carried 3-0 on a roll call Vote. AYES: Councilmember Hutcheson, Councilmember Mills, and Mayor Pro Tern Foat. NOES: None. ABSENT: Councilmember Weigel and Mayor Pougnet, 1. PUBLIC HEARINGS: 1.A. CONTINUED PUBLIC HEARING [FROM JUNE 18, 2008] APPEAL OF THE DECISION OF THE HISTORIC SITE PRESERVATION BOARD BY ROXANN PLOSS TO TAKE NO ACTION ON A STAY OF DEMOLITION FOR THE PROPERTY KNOWN AS LA SERENA VILLAS LOCATED AT 339 SOUTH BELARDO ROAD HSPB 3.2130: Craig Ewing, Director of Planning Services, and Don Duckworth, Director of Building and Safety, provided background information as outlined in the staff report dated July 9, 2008. Councilmember Mills requested staff address the condition of the roofing, and possible recent renovations, questioned if any prior infrastructure was remaining. Mayor Pro Tern Foat opened the Public Hearing, and the following speakers addressed the City Council. ROXANN PLOSS, stated the owner promised the community the property would be rehabilitated as hotel rooms, commented on other re-use projects, stated the property could not be developed for other uses due to its size, and indicated the community is working toward a solution and requested additional time. City Council Minutes July 9, 2008 Page 3 SHERYL HAMLIN, stated someone may wish to rehabilitate the property, the report should not have included financial aspects and historical information as that information was not requested by the City Council. JADE NELSON, commented on the historical significance of the property, and provided historical background for the property. JAY GUSTUFSON, Palm Springs, encouraged the retention and development of small hotels in the City of Palm Springs, and requested a six month extension before demolition. FRANK TYSEN, Palm Springs, stated the reasons why the property should be a Class 1 Historic Site, the hotel is 16 units not 27 units, provided information on upcoming activities related to the possible sale and rehabilitation of the property, and requested a six month extension on the demolition. JOAN MARTIN, commented on a recent positive experience at the hotel, requested the property be upgraded and rehabilitated, and requested a six month extension on the demolition. No further speakers coming forward, the public hearing was closed. Councilmember Hutcheson requested staff and the current owner address if the Core Group had expressed any interest in a transfer or sale of the property, stated his support for a stay of demolition for six months, but the City has to ensure the safety of the public. Councilmember Mills requested staff address the City's requirements if the City Council approved a stay of demolition for six months, what would happen if the owners fail to take action during the stay, commented on the current condition of the property and the "restoration in progress," the property' s future without a designation, and stated his support to allow something to happen with the property, along with securing of the property. Mayor Pro Tom Foat questioned why the property has never been considered for historic designation. ACTION: 1) Overrule the decision of the Planning Commission and approve a Stay of Demolition for a period of six months with the condition that the property be secured and painted subject to the Building Official and; 2) Direct the Historic Site Preservation Board to study and report on any Historical findings and significance of the property. Motion 00 City Council Minutes July 9, 2008 Page 4 Councilmember Hutcheson, seconded by Councilmember Mills and unanimously carried 3-0 on a roll call vote. AYES: Councilmember Hutcheson, Councilmember Mills, and Mayor Pro Tern Foat. NOES: None. ABSENT: Councilmember Weigel and Mayor Pougnet. I.B. A EAL BY FELIX BARTHELEMY AND RICHARD SAVING OF THE PL NING COMMISSION'S ACTION OF MAY 28, 2008, APp ING CASE O. 3.3216-SFR, AN APPLICATION FOR ARCHIT TURAL REVIE OF A 4,000 SQUARE FOOT HILLSIDE SIN E FAMILY RESIDENC LOCATED AT 844 PANORAMA ROAD: Craig Ewing, Director of Planning Services, pro ' ed background information as o ined in the staff report dated July 9 008. Mayor Pro Tern Fo t opened the public he ing, and the following speakers addressed the ity Council. FELIX BARTHELEMY, Ap ellant, stated the decision of the Planning Commission does not con 'der the Impacts to the neighborhood, requested the proposed house e to ted in the center of the property, stated that the solar panels were o considered in the height calculation, and recommended the City Co un¢ consider the negative impact to the neighborhood. // LANCE O'DONNELL, repre nting the pplicant, commented on the placement and orientation of he home. No further speakers comlforward, the public earing was closed. Councilmember Mills ommented on the site plan, ated the project has a minimal impact to t neighborhood, and the house as designed for the space, stated his pport For the setback from the stye and the Planning Commission and he AAC did appropriate work on the pr osed project. Councilmemb r Hutcheson stated the owner has propo ed a project within the urrent code and his support to uphold t e Planning Commissio decision. Mayor P o Tem Foat requested staff address if the distance is me sured from th property line or between the structures, requested staff ad ess the su division requirements. HSPl3 Minutes March 12, 2005 i Applicarl a .ated he had no problem with that and really did not have a problem with the canopy staying on the building. It app ere is enough social features/functions wrapped around this canopy to make it an important issue. So, "let's find a re about d if we can. The volcanic rock does have to go." M/SIC (S_ Williams/J. Williams) 4 Yes, 0 No, 2 Absent, [ions, approved the removal of the rock and other proposed alternations, except the history of the canopy will be re d further and will come back to the Board. G. CASE 3.2130: APPLICATION BY O'DONNELL & ESCALANTE ARCHITECTS FOR DEMOLITION OF A STRUCTURE AT 339 SOUTH BELARDO ROAD, ZONE R-3, SECTION 15. Staff member Yeo reported that during 2004 the restoration of the bungalow units of La Serena Villas were approved and this project is now replacing doors and windows toward the preservation and restoration of the bungalows. Exhibits were displayed on the wall for Board viewing. Applicants are requesting demolition be approved for building No. 10 — it is built on the properly line, no building permits were found, photos are available to show the original look of it before all the extra illegal additions were removed, and it now appears to have been some type of outdoor cabana or shade area. Overtime it was added onto with a second story-there were no permits on file for any of this. This building will be replaced with a building of the same style of the other buildings on the property and will meet building and 'zoning codes. Poter Blackburn, project architect with O'Donnell and Escalante, described the proposed project structure as not being designed as residential or hotel and has been seriously compromised over the years. The barrel tiles will be re-used as replacements for broken and missing tiles from adjacent units. A number of structures were built around the property for storage of some type- all were poorly constructed in an ad-hoc manner. Most did not match the casitas. A storage add-on, two lean-to enclosures, a laundry room, and adjacent support storage structures have already been demolished — they were all add-on types and very poorly constructed. Two swimming pools were removed to allow for a new fitness center for the property. A lap pool as part of the fitness facility will be added, Future storage will be adjacent to one of the mechanical rooms within an existing building and in the fitness center. John Williams and Sidney Williams volunteered to be the Board representatives for this project to visit the site as necessary and report back to the Board. The Board is being asked to approve the demolition of the one building described earlier. It will be replaced with a structure similar to the surrounding buildings. M/SIC (S.Williams/Cassady) 4 Yes, 0 No, 2 Absent, 0 Abstentions to approve demolition of the building described and allow applicant to proceed with the project. DIAN CANYON DRIVE, ZONE RED, SECTION 14. Staff Member Yeo r ed that (Iris property is listed on the Historic Site Survey at the corner of Indian Canyon Drive and Amado Road, I a car dealership, and applicants wish to convert it to a furniture store. Drawings were displayed for Boar Chairman Scott read the building description shown e Historic Site Survey. Alberto Rivera of Dax Studio and Joe Reyon of DWR Construction ibed the proposed project of converting the old auto dealership building into a furniture store. Most of the buil I are well constructed, there are so me additions to the original structure, and some parts were recently restored. ain architectural change will be to enclose/connect two spaces, remove the poorly constructed existing facade fro e old showroom and create an indoor showroom for furniture as well as an outdoor area for outdoor furniture. s will be necessary to close off at night for security of the furniture, they will be constructed to allow viewing e Page 4 of 6 k U 2 1F 1 rJ ■ V � _ _ ..... 1 � ,c— m— � � ., ,.f � J �� t�t T �a u u ...a �c� l'V.-t_ 1 c� c:.<.}ruU• • '_L� ,S vrrvc 11' Ghairman Scott exp ame is m the Oasis Holel - - it was F6- Ms. Yeo also reported that La Serena Villas (south of Viceroy-Estrella Inn) are changing-out windows and doors and staff is working with them for a complete site plan. They are demolishing pools on the property and then replacing with paved walkways and landscaping. This properly is on the Historic Site Survey, and staff will keep Board updated as project progresses. No demolition of buildings is proposed. Owners will keep buildings as they are, but change out doors and windows. Oirector Evans advised they hired O'Donnell - Escalante to inventory the property to determine what was original and what were additions. There were a number of shed-like structures, they took everything that was not original off the buildings and their intent is to bring it back to as close to the original condition as possible. Palm Canyon Drive. Carports are proposed at the rear of the building Staff will keep the Board informed. They ve boarded up the portion where the car crashed through the storefront. Staff worked with the restoration co any and so far one matching steel column has been replaced and metal decking will be replaced. They are o planning to use metal left over from the former Ralphs Shopping Center. No application for replace nt windows has been applied for as yet. Director Eva reported that he and architect Jim Cioffi reviewed the plans, carports are free-standing, and are designed to be mpatible with the architecture of the building. Chairman Scott ask for an update on L'Horizon Hotel. Ms. Yeo reported that sta looked at the review process, met with Members Scott, Williams, and Scott Kennedy from the Modern Committ to explain process. Short version is that initial meeting was with Members Isermann and Williams, the velopment team, and Kathy Marx at the site in May to go over the proposed project. At the time of the wal hru, it was proposed to essentially restore the property. A lot of the rotting wood has been taken off and will replaced with newer material that will look the same. Ms. Yeo walked the property and reviewed plans with the anager and owner, and staff is comfortable that they are proceeding with what has been approved. The look of a buildings will not be changed in any way, except to clean them up.Location of walkways will remain the sa e, but concrete pavers will be replaced with new material. Rich Campbell, the manager, welcomes anyone o wishes to do a walk-thru. A security fence has been erected because there has been looting of fixtures, the in door, etc. Ms. Yeo passed around a letter and photos that w e received from a Palm Springs citizen who had walked around the top of the canyon at West Chino Road and -scovered what he believes to be an old water pipe and stone-lined ditch. He is interested in preserving this in so e way if the Board so chooses. Director Evans indicated that from the description this is eithe on Desert Water Agency property or a piece of property owned by Mark Bragg that does not have developmen lans on it. When and if it goes forward with any development plans, the Bragg property would require an en nmental development impact report for a number of issues including cultural and historic resources. Staff is re of a pipe that does run through this area which Ile refers to to his letter. There is an evaluation of that pip 'n an area downhill that is part of The Boulders project and part of the environmental review• There was an hist 'c archeological survey done on that site and the recommendations was for follow-up work on the pipe. It appear to be part of a complex, staff has not heard of a "ditch" in this area, but does know of that there is a series of p sin this area. Staff will pass this along to the archeologists in this project and respond to Mr. Housman's corre ondence and do a walk-fhru to know the exact location. Chairman Scott asked if someone wants to develop that property, would they have to a cultural resource survey, and if any Board member would volunteer to oversee or be the '.shepherd" of this pr ' ct7 Member John Williams will represent the HSP Board and Member Hayton asked to be included ! his project. Chairman Scott pointed out that since there is now a survey with approximately 250 propertie listed, a procedure really needs to be developed whereby those projects that come to the Planning or ilding departments for modification, renovations, etc. are to be handled. The Board has an overall responsibi for Class 1 sites, but how involved does the Board want to gel on the survey projects? Perhaps this is someth Page G of 8 r;,3 C/ ) Jay Thompson RECEIVED CITY OF PALM Sr RiNC° From: Dzwilewski, Daniel [DDzwilewski@Sempra.com] 2008 NOV -4 PM 6; 00 Sent: Tuesday, November 04, 2008 4:14 PM To: Jay Thompson CITY CLERIC Subject: Case 4 HSP2-69 I am writing to express my strong support to the designation of the Las Serenas Villas as a Class 1 historic site. As a part time( seasonal ) resident of the Tennis Club area of Palm Springs for 10 years with plans to retire there full time , I believe it to be extremely important for the City to take action to protect and preserve the structures that the City is most famous for. The Villas have a long history and need to be preserved. Thank You Dan Dzwilewskl, Dircctrn Corporale Secmity'Fmergency Prcparodness Scmpi a lrncrgy. Plionc 0l9 096 2041 Pax G 19 696 1807 'U 11/4/2008 Lz) Jay Thompson „I;y RECEIVED OFPAIMcr rlfd„' From: Stephen Schultz[szschultz@gmail.com] 2968NOV -4 ff"f S: $8 Sent: Monday, November 03, 2008 4,17 PM To: Jay Thompson 71wUh Y CLERKir� q,, 17 Cc: Schultz, Eileen Bechara Subject: Las Serenas Villas November 3, 2008 To: City Clerk, Jay Thompson Re: Case No. HSPB-69 Las Screnas Villas Dear Mr. Thompson: As trustee owners and part-time residents of a St. Baristo Villa for over two and one-half years now, we wish to address the importance of Class 1 designationsespecially within the Historical Tennis Club District. We've come to realize the importance of historically significant properties or structures within Palm Springs prefecture and how those have contributed to the world's fame and economic growth to the City. Upon learning that many Hollywood luminaries have frequented the Las Serenas Villas in years past as they did over at Copley's, Ingleside Tan, Parker Hotel, the newly refurbished Riviera, Viceroy, etc. and etc., it is imperative to grant the tine Las Serenas Villas a Class 1 Historical Designation. The locals and visitors want to enjoy a bit of history that Palm Springs is famous for; the City needs to preserve a variety of historical sites that tourists could coine to visit and enjoy as well as to bring much needed spending to boost the local economy. But more important, the structures were meant to be preserved as they represent a bygone cra and why it helped contribute to Palm Springs as the preferred destination of travelers from all over the world Prior to purchasing a St. Baristo Villa, we frequented the 7 Springs Inm on Indian Canyon Drive and thoroughly enjoyed its mid-century ambiance. Our guests have stopped by across the street from our St. Baristo Villa to visit the historically significant Del Marcos Hotel for drinks and lively chats with the hotel's host; they came away very impressed with the hotel's history as learned. The Horizon Inn on East Palm Canyon Drive is another wonderful example of Preservation. The Las Serenas Villas could be just as similar in preservation efforts to help represent what the Hollywood celebrities had enjoyed in the days past and how much we could learn from their contributions to the City's fame and growth. Please seriously take the long view and realize the historical significance the Las Serenas Villas could make for the City of Paler Springs as well as the Historical Tennis Club District. Thant:you for the opportunity to share our view. Stephen and Eileen Schultz, Trustees 360 W. Baristo Road, Pahn Springs 92262 a r 1 v4i2008 =' -dC-d d 15:5b JUJUMI ' (15eg4`Jfb15 F'HIaI:G n�rr�r+e i�arr txr a7w•irr u7ia"'c'w Tune 17,2008 Palm Springs City Council City Hall Palm Springs, California Dear Mayor and Council Members, 'Me HTCNO Board met last night and unanimously voted to request a six months stay of demolition for the la Serena property to allow an opportunity to explore ways and means to save this property and bring it back to its original splendor. Though we have been critical of the unfinished condition in which it has boon allowed to exist for the past several years, we are willing to continue to bear this for another sits months in order not to lose another important piece of our neighborhood fabric. We also understand, through one of our board members,that a serious investor has indicated an interest in repurchasing the property for the purpose of completely restoring it in case the present owner,the Kor group,continues to be unwilling to do so. We understand than you will be hearing directly from them about their interest. For the future we implore the Council to explore ways to start requiring completion bonds on developers of sensitive projects, such as La Serena. We are tired of promises by developers that arc not kept. We also are still waiting on the completion of a Cahuilla Road streetscape improvement project by tho Kor group which has been in the making for many years. Meanwhile La Serena must be given another opportunity to survive. Once it is demolished it is gone forever. We count on your stewardship of our important historic neighborhood. Sincerely, Genc Dippcl President Historic Tennis Club Nstrict Organization � ��C.'- �� ' �y� u � �EPiV E D yq�pp _ r d� 1 2008 ,, `°��'^� ^+^� FaCP.NrdlNG SERVICES DEPAI37 VIENF AGREEMENT TO EXTEND TIME FOR ACTION ON CASE NUMBER HSPB - 69 This AGREEMENT TO EXTEND "TIME FOR ACTION OF CASE NUMBER 1-1SPB — 69 ("Agreement") is entered into as of November__, 2008 (the "Effective Date") by and between Duct Real Estate, Limited Partnership, a Delaware limited partnership ("Duet") and the City of Palm Springs (the "City") a municipal corporation. Duet and City are referred to collectively as the "Parties." RECITALS A. Duct is the owner of that certain parcel of real property commonly referred to as 339 South Belardo Road (the "Property"), located within the City. The Property is comprised of two parcels bearing Riverside County Assessor Numbers 513-202-009 and 513-202-010. B. Between approximately April and July 2008, Duet processed a request for demolition permits to demolish the Property's existing structures- C. On July 9, 2008, pursuant to an appeal and Palm Springs Municipal Code (the "PSMC") Section 8.05.125, the City Council of the City issued a 6-month stay of demolition for the Property's existing structures. The 6-month stay of demolition commenced on July 9, 2008 and will expire on January 9, 2009 (the "Demolition Stay Period"). D. As of the Effective Date, the existing structures have not been demolished. E. On November 10, 2008, in connection with City Planning Department Case Number HSPB —69 (the "City Planning Case") the City's Historic Site Preservation Board (the "HSPB") held a public hearing to consider designating the Property's existing structures as Class 1 pursuant to the PSMC. The HSPB recommended action to the City Council. Therefore, the City Council must take action on the City Planning Case- F. The City has expressed concerns that a hearing before the City Council on the City Planning Case must be held before the Demolition Stay Period expires, or the City risks Duet applying for and possibly receiving a demolition permit. G. Duet is in the process of obtaining information relative to the City Planting Case. Duet desires to delay a City Council hearing beyond the Demolition Stay Period's expiration. H. Accordingly, after the Demolition Stay Period expires, Duet will not apply for demolition permits to demolish the Property's existing structures for the period of time set forth below. City will also delay scheduling a City Council hearing on the City Planning Case in accordance with the terms set forth below. THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and promises contained in this Agreement and other good and valuable consideration, the sufficiency and receipt of which are hereby acknowledged, the Parties hereby agree as follows: 91249ti 04 L% 1� K6660-0113 11•21.09 ml;mg 1. Demolition Permits. Duct understands and acknowledges that proceeding with demolition after the Demolition Stay Period expires, but before the City Council can hold a hearing on the City Planning Case, may be detrimental to the City's interests. In consideration of the foregoing, Duct voluntarily agrees that Duet, its officers, agents, and employees shall not request a demolition pen-nit to demolish the Property's existing structures for the lesser of: (a) ninety(90) days after the Demolition Stay Period expires (the "90-Day Period"),- or (b) after valid City Council action on the City Planning Case, 2. City Council Hearing. The City understands and acknowledges that Duet intends to use the time from the Effective Date though the expiration of the 90-Day Period to obtain assessments, reports and studies (collectively, the "Data") to address issues related to the City Planning Case. City also understands and acknowledges that insufficient time to obtain the Data, may be detrimental to Duet's interests in the Properly. In consideration of the foregoing and Duet's retraining from applying for a demolition permit as set forth in Section 1, City agrees that the City Clerk, City Manger, City Planning Director and all other applicable City Staff shall not schedule or cause the scheduling of a City Council hearing on the City Planning Case until the regularly scheduled City Council hearing immediately preceding the 90-Day Period's expiration. 3. Additional Time Extensions. Duet intends to collect the Data within the 90-Day Period. Forces beyond Duet's control, however, may prevent Duet from obtaining the Data within the 90-Day Period. The Parties agree that if Duet requires additional time to collect the Data, Duet shall submit a written notice of such extension to the City; provided that such time extension shall not exceed sixty (60) days, and the written request shall be submitted at least seven (7) days prior the first to occur of: (a) the expiration of the 90-Day Period; of(b) the regularly scheduled City Council hearing immediately preceding the 90-Day Period's expiration. 4- No Admission of Any Issue. This Agreement does not constitute an admission of any issue whatsoever, including but not limited to the Property's status as Class 1 pursuant to the PSMC, or any issues raised in the City Plannning case. 5. Representation of the Parties. The Parties hereby represent and warrant as follows: a) The City hereby represents and warrants that the undersigned City Manager has the authority to bind the City, its relevant Departments and Staff to the terns of this Agreement- b) Duet hereby represents and warrants that the undersigned has the authority to bind Duet, its officers, employees, agents, successors and assigns to the terms of this Agreement. 6. Choice of Law. The laws of the State of California and any applicable federal laws shall govern this Agreement. 7. Counterparts and fax signatures. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts. Each counterpart, when executed and delivered, shall be deemed an original and, 812498.04 LA K6660-003,11-21-0&mp inj, when taken together, shall constitute one instrument. Fax signatures may serve as originals and the Parties agree that a fax signature of a Party is an acceptable form of execution hereof If fax signatures are exchanged, the Parities will attempt to follow up with the exchange of formal original signatures to this Agreement on one instrument or counterparts thereof $. Construction of Agreement. The Parties agree that each has cooperated in the negotiating, drafting and/or preparation of this Agreement, and, accordingly, in any construction or interpretation of this Agreement, the same shall not be construed against any party. 9. Additional Actions and Documents. The Parties shall execute and deliver such other additional documents and instruments, and shall take such other and further actions as may be reasonably required or appropriate to carry out the intended purpose of this Agreement. [SIGNATURE PAGE TO FOLLOW] 612499 04/LA K6660-003,11-21-061msimg -3. DUET REAL ,ESTATE LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, a Delaware limited partnership By: Pumpkin, LLC, lifornia]i Hired liability compan s ar atiner 13y: Name; nna Title: CITY OF PALM SPRINGS By: Name: Title: APPROVED FO -kaRAM Al BY. t Title: hl�i�N.WM KL(6U-003l11-21.OA/mrJmg -�. 1 CITY OF PALM SPRINGS PUBLIC HEARING NOTIFICATION a CITY CLERK'S DEPARTMENT James Thompson, City Clerk Meeting Date: December 17, 2008 Subject: HSPB 69 — 339 South Belardo Road AFFIDAVIT OF MAILING I, Kathie Hart, CMC, Chief Deputy City Clerk, of the City of Palm Springs, California, do hereby certify that a copy of the attached Notice of Public Hearing was mailed to each and every person on the attached list on December 3, 2008, in a sealed envelope, with postage prepaid, and depositing same in the U.S. Mail at Palm Springs, California. (72 notices) I declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct. Kathie Hart, CMC Chief Deputy City Clerk AFFIDAVIT OF PUBLICATION I, Kathie Hart, Chief Deputy City Clerk, of the City of Palm Springs, California, do hereby certify that a copy of the attached Notice of Public Hearing will be published in the Desert Sun on December 6, 2008. 1 declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct. Kathie — Chief Deputy City Clerk AFFIDAVIT OF POSTING I, Dolores Strickstein, Secretary, of the City of Palm Springs, California, do hereby certify that a copy of the attached Notice of Public Hearing was posted at City Hall, 3200 E. Tahquitz Canyon Drive, on the exterior legal notice posting board and in the Office of the City Clerk on December 5, 2008. 1 declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct. X� _ r Dolores Stricksteinr Secretary xiJL PROOF OF PUBLICATION This is space for County Clerk's Filing Scamp (2015.5.C.C.P) No 43oo NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING STATE OF CALIFORNIA CITY of PALM SPRINGS County of Riverside PROPOSED DESIGNATION OF "LA SERENA VILLAS" AS CLASS 1 HISTORIC SITE 69 NOTICE OF EXEMPTION FROM CEQA 339 SOUTH BELARDO ROAD APPLICANT- CITY OF PALM SPRINGS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that ilia CIN I am a citizen of the United States and a resident of Council of the City of Palm Springs,California,will hold a ppuhllc hearin .at its meeting of December the County aforesaid;I am over the age of eighteen -17, 200a. The-C ry Councit meeting begins at 6 00 p m.,in the Council Cl1amWe,al City Hall, years,and not a party to or int'ercated in the 320o East Tahqultz Canyon Way,Palm Springs. above-entitled matter.I am the principal cleric of a The pufpD.,a hearing Is the h Is to consider deSlg- printer of the,DESERT SUN PUBLISHING nating 329 South Belardo Road(La Sumna Villas) 3,Cisrs 1 HLtorle Site 69. COMPANY a newspaper of general circulation, printed and published in the city of Palm Springs, o Pnnsmn•neaT r�nnrlrirr e•rylm• County of Riverside,and which newspaper has been 9C N"""Ya" .*. adjudged a newspaper of general circulation by the ICI -- Superior Court of the County of Riverside,State ofI California under the date of March 24,1988.Case Number 191236;that the notice,of which the annexed is a printed copy(set in type not smaller than non pariel,has been published in each regular I �J and entire issue of said newspaper and not in any supplement thereof on the following dates,to wit: -- I �i ill I December 60',200$ cin•or rura srnwc - � ' -�--�--�----_--_---_--�--�---....-�--....._..,................... ENVIRONMENTAL i.�Nl^ryDETER. .n., n.w. W-.._......�......—,�—_-- _— MINATION: Tlvo spout,(I,calogonedlly onumpt from review All in the year 2008 pursuant to Section 15331 (Historical Resource Ile.,torallonlRehahildallon)of the California Env, mnmcnlal Quality Act(Cil whereas the pro- f I certify(or declare)under penalty of designatlon meets the conditions outlined of perjury that the Tor pieeuvatlon oI a IlStogc rn,ourca The api foregoing is true and correct. calion is available for public review in the Planningq B S Servwcec Department, Clty Hall, 31 Ea,1 Tahgtlitz Canyon Way,Palm Springs Dated at Palm Springs,California this--9`h,—day REVIEW Or PROJECT INFORMATION' The stair report and other suppodlnpp document, witnotriq'his prS act arc All ovada6lo for public ot------- DQCC a ----- ----,200$ -raview al City Hall between the hours of 8:0 a.m. and 500 p.m. Monday through Friday Please contact the OI6ce of the City Clerk at(760)323- 8204 if you would like to schedule an appointment to review These documents. ssCppOMMENT ON THIS APPLICATION: Re- [ PWile Hea lrngn3neiorninyw iing m verbally the at htlhe ah Y ( M n0 Written comment,n iy be made to the City T re Council b letter for mail or hand delivery)to: Jame*Thompson,City Clerk 3200 East Tehqulp Ca nyyon Way Palm Springs CA92262 'T_t'"' W Any ChaOonge of the proposed project in court - �'- may be limited to raising only those issues raised ;� et am puhllc hearing described In this notice or In P :I C> L i wol ton ConoSpondonee d(bverod to the Oily Clerk at,or prior to,the CW Council hearing (Govem- ^. o'r ment Code Seddon 65o09[b]II2]). An oppohunity, •N=_ 4 . J_ r l , 1 Will de gwen at Said nearing!or all inlorustcd per- "„Lc, U �' sons To be heard. Questions regarding this case c+�n C U t may be directed to Oland Bullock,Associate Plum ncr,Planning Services Department at(760)323- !! 82a5. p1 ] Si necu,da eyuda con dataggcaynap,,podavor]lama a Is`fi r NaCl Ciudad lelalanD de Palm pr7Bl7)323•e245 halite'con James Thoml ity Clerk Published:1216M NEIGHBORHOOD COALITION REPS Case HSPB 69 MR PETE MORUZZI LA SERENA VILLAS MODCOM AND PALM SPRINGS MODERN COMMITTEE PHN for CC Meeting on 12.17.08 HISTORIC SITE REP 1 I I PO BOX 4738 PALM SPRINGS CA 92263-4738 CITY OF PALM SPRINGS PLANNING SERVICES DEPARTMENT CASE HSPB 69 VERIFICATION NOTICE 1 I I ATTN SECRETARY MRS.JOANNE BRUGGEMANS PO BOX 2743 506 W. SANTA CATALINA ROAD PALM SPRINGS, CA 92263-2743 PALM SPRINGS, CA 92262 MS MARGARET PARK AGUA CALIENTE BAND OF CAHUILLA AGUA CALIENTE BAND OF CAHUILLA INDIANS INDIANS I I I I 1 1 777 E.TAHQUITZ CANYON WAY,#301 PALM SPRINGS, CA 92262 MR JEFF SMITH MR CHRIS BLAZE DUET REAL ESTATE, LP KOR HOTEL GROUP SPONSORS A 1212 S. FLOWER STREET, STE.500 415 SOUTH BELARDO ROAD LOS ANGELES. CA 90014 PALM SPRINGS, CA 92262 MS. KARA ALTICE-MONIES, GENERAL MANAGER INTERESTED PERSONS! MS ROXANNE PLOSS VICEROY HOTEL 930 EAST CHIA ROAD 415 S. BELARDO ROAD PALM SPRINGS, CA 92262 PALM SPRINGS, CA 92262 ell MR FRANK TYSEN& (J MS THERESE HAYES 175 SOUTH CAHUILLA ROAD y°y PALM SPRINGS, CA 92262 �4 513151028 513151029 513151036 BARISTO GROUP ST BARISTO CONDOMINIUM ST BARISTO CONDOMINIUM 300 S PALM CANYON DR OWNERS ASSN OWNERS ASSN PALM SPRINGS,CA 92262 300 S PALM CANYON DR 300 S PALM CANYON DR PALM SPRINGS,CA 92262 PALM SPRINGS,CA 92262 513151037 513151042 513153029 WLSSMAN,JOHN PALI,PALM SPRINGS DBA ORCIIID REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY CITY OF 300 S PALM CANYON DR TREE INN PALM SPRTNGS PALM SPRINGS,CA 92262 212 MARINE ST 100 PO BOX 2743 SANTA MONICA,CA 90405 PALM SPRINGS, CA 92263 513153034 513155002 513155004 LARRY KARMER VINEYARD PROP ARRACHE,RONALD B &NANCY A BARISTO GROUP 1909 EL CAMINO REAL PO BOX 2468 300 S PALM CANYON DR REDWOOD CITY, CA 94063 LANCASTER,CA 93539 PALM SPRINGS, CA 92262 513155010 513155012 51315501 ICONING, TIAAN HANS& WACI-IS,BRIAN LINDSAY& CART CHARLFS F BAST I-IILDA o ! 1 JACQUELINE CAMPAGNE 267 CAHUILLA RD 249 CAIIUILLA RD M 265 S CAIIUILLA RD LM SPRTNGS, CA 92262 LM SPRINGS,CA 92262 PALM SPRINGS,CA 92262 513155015 513155D1h 513155016 BRADLEY,EARL T& MARIA AGINS ICI-IABL PHILIP MCDGNALD MULLIGAN,TERRY JAMES 188 1N PALM SPRINGS, CAA 92262 NA S'P1'33A 287 S CAIUILLA RD N FRANCISCO, CA 94105 285 5 CAHUILLA PALM SPRINGS, CA 92262 513153017 513155018 513155026 GARCIA,COLSON L JOANE BARISTO GROUP DAVIS,DANIEL V 288 CALLE LA SOLEDAD 300 S PALM CANYON DR 288 S LUGO RD PALM SPRINGS, CA 92262 PALM SPRINGS,CA 92262 PALM SPRINGS, CA 92262 513155027 513155028 513155029 BARISTO GROUP SCHULTZ,STEPHEN R&EILEEN B IIURD,BRIAN J 300 S PALM CANYON DR 360 W BARISTO RD 115 E 51ST ST PALM SPRINGS, CA 92262 PALM SPRINGS,CA 92262 MINNEAPOLIS, MN 55419 513155030 513155031 1 513182W BARISTO GROUP BARISTO GROUP JON' PAMELA K f 300 S PALM CANYON DR 300 S PALM CANYON DR P BOX 8720 PALM SPRINGS, CA 92262 PALM SPRINGS, CA 92262 ALM SPRINGS, CA 92263 513IS2006 FULL 004 513132005 TRUST PALM D&TOMMY B FULLER,LEO J PFISTERER,LILLIAN ANNE'1RUST UST 377 W BARISTO RD 618 ARCHWOOD AVE TR W PABLO DR PALM SPRINGS,CA 92262 BREA,CA 92821 340 PALM SPRTNGS, CA 92262 513182015 513182016 113182017 KIRK,RONALD&MICHELLE STEANE,ROBERT A ENSLL:Y,BLNI PO BOX 5566 N/AVAIL 374 S PABLO DR SAN JOSE,CA 95150 PALM SPRINGS, CA 92262 513187020 513182018 513182019 JARVIS,WILLIAM R&GERALDINE SCHLFSINGTZPF,ROBER'f A&VIOLET M SAL(3ADO,ROBERT P RUTH 390 S PABLO DR 373 S MONTE VISTA DR 11920 100TH AVE 1203 PALM,,5PRINGS,CA 92262 ! PALM SPRINGS, CA 92262 E'DMONTON AL CANADA T5KOK, 00000 513182021 513201001 513202002 , TUTTOBE CI-IRISTOPI-ILR A&GINA HOLM,SVFN N &PAMELA K TRUST CHAGIN,STEPHEN&NELDA M 345 S NONTE VISTA DR 6103 153RD AVE E TRUST PALX SPRINGS, CA 92262 SUMNER, WA 98390 303 W BARTSTO RD PALM SPRINGS, CA 92262 51320IQ03 513201004 513201005 VANDYCK,CRISTINA VLTTERLI,E MICHAEL HOWLAND,CHARLL^"^"S P PO BOX 582 31S W PABLO DR PO BOX 1707 INCLINE VILLAGE,NV 89450 PALM SPRINGS,CA 92262 PALM SPRINGS, CA 92263 513201006 513201007 513201008 R;157NP06RTbl.A L MRY SUE DLWILEWSKI,DANIEL R& BARROW,JAMES R&MARJORIE A 8A CIR GEORGETTE M TRUST I , CA 92201 5575 LADYBIRD LN PO BOX 7129 LA JOLLA, CA 92037 MENLO PARK,CA 94026 513201009 513201010 513201011 BARROW,JAMES R&MARJORIE A WOODS,WILLTAM WEST.F..Y MCLOUGIILIN,KERRY SlAN TRUST 372 S MONTE VISTA DR PO BOX 14610 PO BOX 7129 PALM SPRINGS,CA 92262 SAN FRANCISCO,CA 94114 MENLO PARK,CA 94026 5132010)2 513202001 513202002 LLOYD,ROBERT T TRUST PALM SPRINGS WOMANS CLUB MARTINI MADNESS 324 S MONTE VISTA DR PO BOX 5017 151 W ROSECRANS AVE PALM SPRINGS, CA 92262 PALM SPRINGS, CA 92263 GARDENA, CA 90248 513202005 513202009 513202010 CASA REAL ESTATE LTD DUET REAL ESTATE LTD DUET REAL ESTATE LTD PARTNERSHIP PARTNERSHIP PARTNERSHIP 415 S BELARDO RD 415 S BELARDO RD 415 S BELARDO RD PALM SPRINGS,CA 92262 PALM SPRINGS,CA 92262 PALM SPRINGS,CA 92262 513203006 513203007 513203012 LWSC DFL NORTE INV SAN GATIANO CO 4221 WILSHIRE BLVD 430 4641 LEAHY ST 1874 S PAC COAST HWY 201 LOS ANGLLL'S,CA 90010 CULVER CITY,CA 90232 REDONDO BEACII, CA 90277 513203013 513203016 513203017 MAREK FAMILY LTD PARTNERSHIP CURRI- ,LLSLIE / NELSON,ROBERT A&HELGA L 72240 HIGIIWAY 111 1449A ALTA VISTA BLVD /" 35339 ROSEMONT DR PALM DESERT,CA 92260 L S ANGELES,CA 90046 PALM DESERT, CA 92211 513204003 513204005 513211001 PALM,SPRINGS ORANGE LAND WESSMAN HOLDINGS BENAT,SERGE MAX 4221 WILSHIRE BLVD 430 300 S PALM CANYON DR 200 S LA PL^LR DR LOS ANGELES,CA 90010 PALM SPRINGS, CA 92262 BEVERLY HILLS, CA 90211 D1 " 513212004 513213001 513211O L CASA RE ALESTATE LTD DEL NOR TE TNVVANC RGL PARTNERSHIP DBA VICEROY PALM PO X 8480 4115 S BBLARDO RD 4641 LEAHY ST PALM SPRINGS, CA 92263 PALM SPRINGS, CA 92262 CULVER CTTY, CA 90232 513182018 RETURNED MAIL: SCHLESINGER, ROBERT A PO BOX 2269 PALM SPRINGS, CA 92263 NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING CITY COUNCIL CITY OF PALM SPRINGS PROPOSED DESIGNATION OF "LA SERENA VILLAS" AS CLASS 1 HISTORIC SITE 69 NOTICE OF EXEMPTION FROM CEQA 339 SOUTH BELARDO ROAD APPLICANT: CITY OF PALM SPRINGS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council of the City of Palm Springs, California, will hold a public hearing at its meeting of December 17, 2008. The City Council meeting begins at 6:00 p.m., in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs. The purpose of the hearing is to consider designating 339 South Belardo Road (La Serena Villas) as Class 1 Historic Site 69. ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION: This request is categorically exempt from review pursuant to Section 15331 (Historical Resource Restoration/Rehabilitation) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), whereas the proposed designation meets the conditions outlined for preservation of a historic resource. The application is available for public review in the Planning Services Department, City Hall, 3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs. REVIEW OF PROJECT INFORMATION: The staff report and other supporting documents regarding this project are also available for public review at City Hall between the hours of 8.-00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. -Please contact the Office of the City Clerk at (760) 323-8204 if you would like to schedule an appointment to review these documents. COMMENT ON THIS APPLICATION: Response to this notice may be made verbally at the Public Hearing and/or in writing before the hearing. Written comments may be made to the City Council by letter (for mail or hand delivery) to: James Thompson, City Clerk 3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way Palm Springs, CA 92262 Any challenge of the proposed project in court may be limited to raising only those issues raised at the public hearing described in this notice or in written correspondence delivered to the City Clerk at, or prior to, the City Council hearing. (Government Code Section 65009[b][21)- An opportunity will be given at said hearing for all interested persons to be heard- Questions regarding this case may be directed to Diane Bullock, Associate Planner, Planning Services Department at (760) 323-8245. Si necesita ayuda can esta carta, porfavor flame a la Ciudad de Palm Springs y puede hablar con Nadine Fieger tefefono (760) 323-8245- ?Jmes Thompson, City Clerk - ill Department of Planning Services W N E Vicinity Map S 5 4 ' J I � I --- rc I o II BARISTO RD I 11i I I � I I I i li 0 F g O Y a - 10 s 3 I,0 5ANTAROSADR ' ••^' - __... a ----- --- - Le ePoectSite R - I 400 Foot Radius -- - L� Surrounding Parcels T I— i, I� T 1 CITY OF PALM SPRINGS CASE NO: HSPB - 69 DESCRIPTION: To consider designating 339 South 3.2130 MAA Belardo Road (La Serena Villas) as Class 1 Historic Site 69, Zone R-3, Section 15. APPLICANT: City of Palm Springs Dee 09 09 09: 22a Sven Holm 2069401556 P_2 Historic Tennis Club Neighborhood Organization December 8,2008 Dear Honorable Mayor and Council members RE. Proposed Designation of"La Serena Villas"as Class I Historic Site 469 Our board has unanimously voted to strongly support the Class I Fhstoric Designation for"La Serena Villas"located in our neighborhood at 339 South Belardo. We have been deeply concerned about the loss of several historic inns. In a little more than one decade out of a total of 21 historic inns we have lost one third, 7 to be exact. They have been lost to conversions to condominiums,apartments,substance abuse centers and private compounds. Some unfortunately have been changed beyond recognition. Of course both La Serena and the Orchid Tree are languishing in half demolished states. We are pleased to know that after a long hiatus the owners of La Serena,the Kor Group and the interested buyers,namely the owners of the Vineyard,Larry and Sharon Kramer, are in serious negotiations. You are in receipt of an email sent several months ago by Mr.Kramer stating his intent. We are hopeful that these dealings will be successful but regardless, La Serena must ultimately be restored- La Serena is essential to the viability of our historic neighborhood and the boutique hotel community,both of which contribute substantially to the character, uniqueness and economic viability of our city. Once La Serena is gone it can never be restored. Thus a Class I designation is crucial and we urge you to bestow this Class I designation. Sincerely Sven Holm ,Acting President HTCNO 611 South Palm Canyon Drive#7220 Palm Springs,CA 92264.7453 www.htcno.org •—� lid G� l-ujP I ?�