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Desert Star

Post author By user
Post date September 28, 2020

Desert Star 1611 South Calle Palo Fierro, Palm Springs, CA 92264

In early 1955, a consortium of three married couples hired architectural designer Howard Lapham to design a small resort hotel. The hotel was built on a lot the couples owned together and was soon sold to the second owners, Anthony J. and Louise Sennes. The first newspaper mentions of the hotel refer to it as “Sennes Desert Star” so it is likely that the second owners chose the name. The Desert Star is an early and important work of Lapham’s, a pure modernist design featuring a “colliding flat and shed roof” and is still remarkably intact.

REFERENCES

Read the nomination

On October 5, 2016 the Palm Springs city council unanimously approved (4-0-1) the Class 1 Historic Site designation of the Desert Star. Both councilmember Geoff Kors and Mayor Robert Moon were effusive in their praise for the nomination with the mayor kindly commenting that he was “grateful to PSPF,” for the preservation work the foundation does for the city. PSPF board member Barbara Marshall made public comment in support of the nomination stating, “we hope that in some small measure this nomination bolsters…Howard [Lapham’s reputation]…[so he can be]…ranked among the architects and architectural designers that brought great modernist architecture to the city of Palm Springs.”

On September 13, 2016 the Desert Star Class 1 Historic Site nomination was reviewed by the city’s Historic Site Preservation Board. The HSPB unanimously approved sending the nomination forward to the city council. Notably, an HSPB member commented on the quality of the nomination and opined that the Desert Star was “deserving” of Class 1 designation.

On February 8, 2016 PSPF delivered the Desert Star Class 1 Historic Site nomination to the city of Palm Springs. The 44-page nomination was co-authored by PSPF board members Ron and Barbara Marshall.

Historic Sites

Dougherty Residence

Post author By user
Post date September 28, 2020

HISTORIC SITES

Paul Dougherty Residence 1860 North Vista Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92262

The Paul Dougherty Residence, first owned by famous seascape painter Paul Dougherty, was designed by Palm Springs architect John Porter Clark and constructed by local builder Alvah Hicks in 1942. The home was later owned by prominent Seattle businessman William Edris and thereafter by Senator Warren Magnuson of Washington state.

REFERENCES

Read the nomination

On May 7, 2014 the Palm Springs city council unanimously approved the Class 1 historic site designation of the Paul Dougherty Residence. PSPF president Erik Rosenow made public comment in support of the designation stating that “the house has known a number of notable personages,” and that “the deft and sure hand of architect John Porter Clark can be seen in the many architectural details.”

On April 8, 2014 the city’s Historic Site Preservation Board voted unanimously to recommend to city council approval of the Class 1 historic site designation of the Paul Dougherty Residence.

On February 10, 2014 the Palm Springs Preservation Foundation (acting as agent for the owner) submitted the Class 1 historic site nomination for the Paul Dougherty Residence to the city’s Historic Site Preservation Board. The 47-page nomination was prepared for PSPF by PSPF board members Ron and Barbara Marshall.

Courtesy John Lewis Marshall

Historic Sites

Douglas Estate

Post author By user
Post date September 28, 2020

HISTORIC SITES

Kirk Douglas Estate 515 West Via Lola, Palm Springs, CA 92262

Tucked behind stone walls and gates, the Kirk Douglas Estate centers on a low-slung main house originally designed by modernist architects Wexler & Harrison and built by master builder Bob Higgins in 1954. Though initially owned by Robert Howard and his screen actress wife, Andrea Leeds, the property was later home to actor Kirk Douglas and his family for 40 years. Although several modifications occurred during the ownership of the Douglas family, it maintains the vocabulary and overall design intent of Wexler & Harrison.

REFERENCES

Read the nomination

On January 9, 2020 the Palm Springs city council voted unanimously (5-0) to approve the Class 1 Historic Resource designation of the Kirk Douglas Estate. PSPF board advisor Susan Secoy Jensen (the author of the nomination) made public comment in support of the designation.

On September 10, 2019 the city’s Historic Site Preservation Board voted unanimously (7-0) to recommend to city council approval of the Class 1 Historic Resource designation of the Kirk Douglas Estate.

On March 14, 2019 the Palm Springs Preservation Foundation (acting as agent for the owners) submitted the 55-page Class 1 Historic Site nomination for the Kirk Douglas Estate to the Palm Springs Historic Site Preservation Board.

In July of 2017, the Palm Springs Preservation Foundation board of directors assigned the task of writing the Class 1 Historic Site nomination of the Kirk Douglas Estate to board advisor Susan Secoy Jensen.

Courtesy Lance Gerber

IN THE MEDIA

January 3, 2021, Palm Springs Life (Kirk Douglas Estate)

Historic Sites

Field Cabin Ruins

Post author By user
Post date September 28, 2020

HISTORIC SITES

Avery Edwin Field Cabin Ruins West Santa Rosa Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92262

The ruins of the Avery Edwin Field Cabin located at the head of West Santa Rosa Drive in the Historic Tennis Club neighborhood are a rare, unique and significant surviving representative from the Early Development of Palm Springs (1884-1918). The Field Cabin is associated with the “Creative Brotherhood,” whose members included artist Carl Eytel, author J. Smeaton Chase, and naturalist Edmund C. Jaeger, figures of influence in the history and development of Palm Springs.

REFERENCES

Read the nomination

On June 19, 2019 the Palm Springs city council unanimously approved (4-0) the Class 1 Historic Site designation of the Avery Edwin Field Cabin Ruins. The property owner’s representative made public comment in support of the PSPF nomination.

On April 9, 2019 the city’s Historic Site Preservation Board voted unanimously (7-0) to recommend to city council approval of the Class 1 Historic Site designation of the Avery Field Cabin. PSPF board member Jan Harper and nomination author Steve Vaught made public comment in support of the nomination.

On November 26, 2018, PSPF submitted the 72-page Class 1 Historic Site nomination for the Avery Edwin Field Cabin Ruins to the city of Palm Springs’ Historic Site Preservation Board.

In July of 2018, the PSPF board of directors assigned the task of writing the Field Cabin’s Class 1 Historic Site nomination to Steve Vaught.

Courtesy Steve Vaught

Historic Sites

Franz Alexander Residence

Post author By user
Post date September 28, 2020

HISTORIC SITES

Dr. Franz Alexander Residence 1011 West Cielo Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92262

The Dr. Franz Alexander Residence was designed by famous modernist architect Walter S. White in 1956. Built by Rooth & Carr with structural engineering by Stanley E. Malora of Los Angeles, the house was designed as a desert retreat for internationally renowned psychoanalyst Dr. Franz Alexander and his wife, artist Anita Venier Alexander. White, who was also an industrial designer, inventor and builder, returned to the house almost thirty years later to design a sympathetic addition in 1984. In 2016, the home was added to the National Register of Historic Places whose application reads in part “designed in the Modern Style….the curling gesture of its roof, peeling away from the building’s boxy envelope, and the unusual steel framework that supports the roof and overall structure, are the dwelling’s primary and highly visible character defining features.”

REFERENCES

Read the nomination

On November 12, 2020, the Palm Springs city council unanimously (5-0) approved the Class 1 Historic Resource designation of the Alexander Residence. PSPF board advisor and nomination author Steve Vaught made compelling public comment in support of the designation and Palm Springs mayor Geoff Kors complimented PSPF’s scholarly research.

On September 1, 2020 the city’s Historic Site Preservation Board voted unanimously (4-0) to recommend to city council approval of the Class 1 Historic Site designation of the Dr. Franz Alexander Residence. PSPF board advisor and nomination author Steve Vaught made public comment in support of the nomination.

On July 2, 2020 the Palm Springs Preservation Foundation (acting as agent for the owner) submitted the 70-page Class 1 Historic Resource nomination for the Dr. Franz Alexander Residence to the Palm Springs Historic Site Preservation Board.

In September of 2019, the Palm Springs Preservation Foundation board of directors assigned the task of writing the Class 1 Historic Resource nomination of the Dr. Franz Alexander Residence to PSPF board advisor Steve Vaught.

Historic Sites

Haymond Residence

Post author By user
Post date September 28, 2020

HISTORIC SITES

Mr. & Mrs. Carl E. Haymond Residence 1415 North Camino Centro, Palm Springs, CA 92262

The Mr. & Mrs. Carl E. Haymond Residence was constructed in 1964 and designed by the architectural firm of Frey & Chambers. Carl Haymond was a prominent TV and radio station owner in the Pacific northwest, who fell in love with Palm Springs and eventually built his dream home in the Las Palmas Estates tract. The home’s most notable architectural feature is the use of cast aluminum grille units to screen out the desert sun. Designed by architect John deKoven Hill, over 170 of these decorative, but functional, grille units are used throughout the residence.

REFERENCES

Read the nomination

On October 4, 2017 the Palm Springs city council unanimously approved (5-0) the Class 1 Historic Site designation of the Haymond residence. PSPF president Erik Rosenow made public comment in support of the nomination and the city’s mayor kindly lauded PSPF for yet another well-researched and interesting nomination.

On June 13, 2017 the city’s Historic Site Preservation Board voted unanimously to recommend to city council approval of the Class 1 Historic Site designation of the Haymond Residence.

On April 5, 2017, PSPF (acting as agent for the owner) submitted the 44-page Class 1 Historic Site nomination for the Mr. & Mrs. Carl E. Haymond Residence to the city’s Historic Site Preservation Board.

In March of 2017, the Palm Springs Preservation Foundation board of directors assigned the task of writing the Class 1 Historic Site nomination of the Mr. & Mrs. Carl E. Haymond Residence (1964, Frey & Chambers) to board members Ron & Barbara Marshall.

Historic Sites

Inspiration Point

Post author By user
Post date September 28, 2020

HISTORIC SITES

Inspiration Point (aka The Promontory) West Chino Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92262

Inspiration Point, also known as The Promontory, is one of the Coachella Valley’s most visible landmarks. Located on the lower slopes of Mount San Jacinto above the O’Donnell Golf Course, Inspiration Point was constructed between 1934-1935 and is a physical manifestation of the legacy of Thomas A. O’Donnell, one of the most significant figures in the history and development of Palm Springs.

REFERENCES

Read the nomination

Read the PSPF letter

On December 19, 2019 the Palm Springs city council voted unanimously (3-0) to approve the Class 1 Historic Resource designation of Inspiration Point. PSPF member Steven Vaught (the author of the nomination), PSPF board member Jan Harper, and PSPF honorary board member Hugh Kaptur, made public comment in support of the designation. A notable condition attached to the designation is that “the flat open space of the Promontory” is not included as a defining characteristic.

On December 16, 2019 PSPF sent a letter to the Palm Springs city council stating that, “It is our strong opinion that including the promontory platform in the designation is most beneficial to the community and the city. This opinion is consistent with the Historic Site Preservation Board’s recommendation.”

On April 9, 2019 the city’s Historic Site Preservation Board voted (4-2) to recommend to city council approval of the Class 1 Historic Site designation of Inspiration Point. PSPF board member Jan Harper and nomination author Steve Vaught made public comment in support of the nomination.

On December 13, 2018, PSPF submitted the 64-page Class 1 Historic Site nomination for Inspiration Point to the city of Palm Springs’ Historic Site Preservation Board.

In July of 2018, the PSPF board of directors assigned the task of writing Inspiration Point’s Class 1 Historic Site nomination to Steve Vaught.

Photo courtesy Steve Vaught

IN THE MEDIA

December 15, 2019, Desert Sun (Inspiration Point)

Historic Sites

J. Cheney Wells Residence

Post author By user
Post date September 28, 2020

HISTORIC SITES

J. Cheney Wells Residence 1850 Smoke Tree Lane, Palm Springs, CA 92264

The J. Cheney Wells Residence was designed by Albert Frey and built by well-known desert contractors Wilson & Sorum. Completed in 1942, the residence is an important example of a custom traditional ranch structure as interpreted by a modernist master (traditional “ranch” style architecture was a pre-existing design condition imposed by the covenants of Smoke Tree Ranch). J. Cheney Wells and brothers Channing and Albert were the heads of the American Optical Company, the largest optical manufacturing enterprise of its kind in the world. Cheney and Albert were also the founders and developers of Old Sturbridge Village in Massachusetts, the biggest living history museum in New England.

REFERENCES

Read the nomination

On January 30, 2020 the Palm Springs city council voted unanimously (5-0) to approve the Class 1 Historic Resource designation of the J. Cheney Wells Residence. Steve Vaught (PSPF member and author of the nomination) spoke on behalf of the nomination.

On November 12, 2019 the city’s Historic Site Preservation Board voted unanimously (7-0) to recommend to city council approval of the Class 1 Historic Resource designation of the J. Cheney Wells Residence. Tracy Conrad, CEO of Smoke Tree Ranch, spoke on behalf of the owners. PSPF member and nomination author Steve Vaught made public comment in support of the nomination.

On September 19, 2019 the Palm Springs Preservation Foundation (acting as agent for the owner) submitted the 75-page Class 1 Historic Resource nomination for the J. Cheney Wells Residence to the Palm Springs Historic Site Preservation Board.

In January of 2019, the Palm Springs Preservation Foundation board of directors assigned the task of writing the Class 1 Historic Resource nomination of the J. Cheney Wells Residence to Steve Vaught.

Courtesy Steve Vaught

Julius Shulman © J. Paul Getty Trust. Getty Research Institute, Los Angeles (2004.R.10)

Historic Sites

J.W. Robinson

Post author By user
Post date September 28, 2020

HISTORIC SITES

J.W. Robinson Department Store Building 333-343 South Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92262

Constructed from 1957-1958 at a cost of $280,000 on land purchased from Palm Springs pioneer Pearl McManus, the J.W. Robinson Department Store Building was designed by the Los Angeles-based architectural firm of Charles Luckman Associates and William L. Pereira. Located on the southwest corner of South Palm Canyon Drive and West Baristo Avenue, the pavilion-style modernist building is dramatically elevated from the street level by four long horizontal concrete steps that create both a sense of arrival and impart a sense importance to the building. The building (currently The Alley) won the AIA’s “First Honor Award” for 1958.

REFERENCES

Read the nomination

On January 16, 2013 the Palm Springs city council voted unanimously (5-0) to designate the J.W. Robinson Department Store building (Luckman & Pereira, 1958) a Class 1 Historic Site. While the council noted the owner’s opposition to the historic designation, the council ultimately determined that the designation was just “too important” to the citizens of the city. The pro bono nomination, written by PSPF board member Ron Marshall, was lauded by council as well-researched and convincing. Making compelling public comment in support of the nomination were PSPF board members Patrick McGrew and Erik Rosenow, and PSModCom president Chris Menrad.

On November 13, 2012 the city’s Historic Site Preservation Board voted 4-1 to recommend the Class 1 historic site nomination of the J.W. Robinson Department Store Building to the city council. PSPF board member Gary Johns made compelling public comment in support of the nomination.

On July 10, 2012 the Historic Site Preservation Board voted (4-1) to “initiate” the Class 1 Historic Site designation of the J.W. Robinson Department Store Building under the provisions of Chapter 8.05 of the Palm Springs Municipal Code.

At the June 12, 2012 meeting of the city’s Historic Site Preservation Board (HSPB), PSPF board member Ron Marshall provided members of the HSPB with copies of the historic site nomination of the J.W. Robinson Department Store Building (Luckman & Pereira, 1958) and asked that it be considered at the next HSPB meeting.

In 2012, as part of an initiative to energize the city’s historic resources program, PSPF board members committed to authoring Class 1 Historic Site nominations for various important residential and commercial buildings throughout Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley.

Courtesy Palm Springs Historical Society

IN THE MEDIA

November 14, 2012, Desert Sun (J. W. Robinson Department Store)

Historic Sites

Kirschner Residence

Post author By user
Post date September 28, 2020

HISTORIC SITES

Walter Kirschner Residence 417 Hermosa Place, Palm Springs, CA 92262

Built in 1937 and designed by the architectural firm of Brewster & Benedict, the Walter Kirschner Residence is an important example of custom Spanish-Colonial Revival architecture. Kirschner was the wealthy co-owner of the nationwide Grayson’s chain of ladies’ apparel shops and was a friend and advisor to President’s Roosevelt, Truman and Eisenhower. Kirschner named the property “Casa Adaire” after his daughter.

REFERENCES

Read the nomination

On April 3, 2019 the Palm Springs city council unanimously approved (5-0) the Class 1 Historic Site designation of the Walter Kirschner Residence. PSPF board member Steven Keylon made public comment in support of the nomination.

On March 12, 2019 the city’s Historic Site Preservation Board voted unanimously (7-0) to recommend to city council approval of the Class 1 Historic Site designation of the Walter Kirschner Residence.

On September 19, 2018, PSPF (acting as agent for the owner) submitted the 121-page Class 1 Historic Site nomination for the Walter Kirschner “Casa Adaire” Residence to the city of Palm Springs’ Historic Site Preservation Board.

In April of 2018, the Palm Springs Preservation Foundation board of directors assigned the task of writing the Class 1 Historic Site nomination of the Walter Kirschner “Casa Adaire” Residence (1937, Brewster & Benedict) to board member Steven Keylon.

Courtesy Palm Springs Historical Society