George F. & Marcia Barrett Residence (aka William Holden Estate) Class 1 Historic Site 1323 South Driftwood Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92264
The Barrett Residence was constructed in 1955 by master builder Joe Pawling. Pawling later gained local prominence by designing the 1956 “House of Tomorrow” at 295 Hermosa Place (demolished in 2000). The Barretts, a prominent Illinois family, were philanthropists and socialites known for their lavish Oriental-themed parties. Internationally-renowned film actor William Holden owned the Barrett Residence from September of 1966 to March of 1977. The modernist Barrett Residence, located in Deep Well Estates, is notable for its one-acre “through-lot,” its walls of glass, and its strong post-and-beam construction.
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On March 21, 2018 the Palm Springs city council unanimously approved (5-0) the Class 1 Historic Site designation of the Barrett Residence (popularly known as the “William Holden Estate”). PSPF board member Barbara Marshall made public comment stating that, “One of the reasons for pursuing this designation is to help ensure this impressive lot remains intact and does not fall victim to future speculative development. I’m sure you’d agree that a stunning residence should stay connected to its stunning site.”
On November 2, 2017 the Palm Springs Preservation Foundation (acting as agent for the owners) submitted the 43-page Class 1 Historic Site nomination for the Barrett Residence to the Palm Springs Historic Site Preservation Board.
In April of 2017, the Palm Springs Preservation Foundation board of directors assigned the task of writing the Class 1 Historic Site nomination of the Barrett Residence (1955, master builder Joe Pawling) to board members Ron and Barbara Marshall.
