Categories
Grants and Sponsorships

Palm Desert Cody-designed Sign

Categories
Grants and Sponsorships

Marvin Rand Archives

Marvin Rand Archives GRANT

On May 20, 2026, PSPF sent a grant letter to Ms. Shannon Jenkins (Sr. Director of Development, Cal Poly Pomona) outlining the various conditions of the $5,000 grant. The letter states, in part, that “…Mr. Rand’s archive is an important historical artifact that will aid students and researchers in continuing to document the rich architectural heritage of our region.” To read the grant letter click here.

On May 5, 2026, the PSPF board of directors unanimously voted to fund a $5,000 grant to support the Cal Poly Pomona Marvin Rand photography collection digitization project.

On April 11, 2026, PSPF board members Steve Treinen and Todd Hays attended “Rand Fest,” a celebration of architectural photographer Marvin Rand’s work hosted by Cal Poly Pomona. The goal of the event was to raise awareness and funds to support digitization of Rand’s archives which were recently donated to Cal Poly Pomona. The event included an exhibit of rare photographs and a sale of vintage images that were printed and signed by Rand with proceeds benefiting digitization efforts. The goal is to have the archive be accessible to students and researchers through the Online Archive of California.

Courtesy Gary Friedman, Los Angeles Times
Courtesy Gary Friedman, Los Angeles Times
Courtesy Cal Poly Pomona
Courtesy Cal Poly Pomona
Courtesy Cal Poly Pomona
Courtesy Cal Poly Pomona
Categories
Historic Sites

Morrill-Hearst Residence

Categories
Grants and Sponsorships

Arthur Elrod Film Project

Categories
Historic Sites Nominated

Lloyd and “Tootsie” Simon Residence

Lloyd and “Tootsie” Simon Residence 388 East Valmonte Norte, Palm Springs, CA 92262

Built in 1936 and designed by the architectural firm of Brewster & Benedict, the Lloyd and “Tootsie” Simon Residence marks a critical moment when Palm Springs was transforming from seasonal resort to permanent residential community, and when Spanish Colonial Revival architecture had evolved from ornamental historicism toward restrained, climate-responsive design.  Because the house remained in the Simon family from 1936 through 2021, it is largely unaltered making it an exceptional document of interwar domestic architecture.

REFERENCES

On February 7, 2026, the Palm Springs Preservation Foundation (acting as agent for the owners) submitted the 113-page Class 1 Historic Resource nomination for the Simon Residence to the city of Palm Springs.

In October of 2025, the Palm Springs Preservation Foundation board of directors assigned the task of writing the Class 1 Historic Resource nomination for the Lloyd and “Tootsie” Simon Residence to PSPF board member Steven Keylon.

The Simon Residence circa 1940. Courtesy Bryan Mayo
The Simon Residence circa 1940. Courtesy Bryan Mayo
Categories
Historic Sites Nominated

William and Margaret Siemon Residence

William and Margaret Siemon Residence 755 Camino Norte, Palm Springs, CA 92262

Conceived as a lightly-framed glass pavilion sheltered beneath a remarkably thin horizontal roof plane, the Siemon Residence represents a mature phase of Desert Modernism in which structure, enclosure, and landscape are reduced to their most essential elements.  Designed for William and Margaret Siemon by architect William F. Cody, the residence was built by Siemon in 1967.  Siemon was an established general contractor who developed custom homes, residential tracts, apartment buildings, and commercial properties, primarily in the South Bay and greater Los Angeles region.  The Siemons occupied the home until their deaths in 2001 and 2005, respectively.

REFERENCES

On March 11, 2026, the Palm Springs Preservation Foundation (acting as agent for the owners) submitted the 67-page Class 1 Historic Resource nomination for the Siemon Residence to the city of Palm Springs.

In August of 2025, the Palm Springs Preservation Foundation board of directors assigned the task of writing the Class 1 Historic Resource nomination for the William and Margaret Siemon Residence to PSPF board member Steven Keylon.

Courtesy Steven Keylon
Courtesy Steven Keylon
Categories
Grants and Sponsorships

Herbert W Burns

Herbert W. Burns, Star on the Palm Springs Walk of the Stars SPONSORSHIP

On October 17, 2025, the Palm Springs Preservation Foundation sponsored the 480th star on the Palm Springs Walk of the Stars for architectural designer Herbert W. Burns.  The star is sited on the north side of the Palm Springs Art Museum, Architecture and Design Center.

Herbert Burns had a distinctive “Late Moderne” architectural style and created modernist buildings with a true sense of place.  His buildings were appropriate to the desert surroundings, and perfect for the indoor–outdoor lifestyle people wanted to lead in Palm Springs.  Despite having no formal training, Burns received international press and recognition from the beginning of his career in 1947 with his very first project in Palm Springs, the Town & Desert Apartment Hotel (now “The Hideaway”).  Burns’ work has stood the test of time and many of his buildings have been designated Class 1 Historic Resources by the city of Palm Springs.  PSPF was honored to have many of Burns’ relatives attend the star dedication.  Speeches were made by Burns family members and residents who have the pleasure of owning a Burns-designed home. 

Click the image above to read the entire handout.
Categories
Historic Sites

Temple Isaiah

Temple Isaiah 332 West Alejo Road, Palm Springs, CA 92262

Temple Isaiah is a multi-phase religious complex representing three significant periods of mid-century and contemporary architecture. The original building was designed in 1949-1952 by E. Stewart Williams, expanded in 1960-1962 by Wexler & Harrison, and comprehensively redesigned in 1982-1987 by David Christian. The complex houses internationally significant artwork by kinetic artist Yaacov Agam and has served as the spiritual and cultural center for Palm Springs’ Jewish community for over 75 years, making it an exceptional example of evolving Reform Jewish sacred architecture in Southern California.

REFERENCES

On May 5, 2026, the city’s Historic Site Preservation Board voted unanimously to recommend to city council approval of the Class 1 Historic Resource designation of Temple Isaiah. Nomination author and PSPF board member Steven Keylon spoke in support of the nomination.

On November 28, 2025, the Palm Springs Preservation Foundation (acting as agent for the owners) submitted the 104-page Class 1 Historic Resource nomination for the Temple Isaiah to the city of Palm Springs.

In August of 2025, the Palm Springs Preservation Foundation board of directors assigned the task of writing the Class 1 Historic Resource nomination for the Temple Isaiah to PSPF board member Steven Keylon.

Palm Springs Art Museum, Architecture and Design Center Archives
Palm Springs Art Museum, Architecture and Design Center Archives

IN THE MEDIA

May 5, 2026, The Palm Springs Post (“Palm Springs preservation board recommends historic designation for Temple Isaiah”)

Categories
Grants and Sponsorships

First Church of Christ, Scientist Restoration (Now Dezart Playhouse)

Categories
Historic Sites

Goulding Estate