Racquet Club Cottages West

Racquet Club Cottages West Historic District 360 West Cabrillo Road, Palm Springs, CA 92262

Constructed on land adjacent to the world-famous Racquet Club, the Racquet Club Cottages West (RCCW) complex (today Racquet Club Garden Villas) is a group of 37 modernist condominiums designed by master architect William F. Cody, FAIA and built by developer Paul Trousdale. Constructed from 1959 through 1960, the RCCW complex features landscape architecture by the firm of Phil Shipley and Associates.

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On March 17, 2014 the city of Palm Springs installed the historic district plaque for Racquet Club Cottages West.

On November 20, 2013, amidst a sea of waving tennis racquets, the Palm Springs City Council voted unanimously (4-0 with one recusal for business reasons) to make Racquet Club Cottages West (today known as Racquet Club Garden Villas (RCGV)) the city’s third historic district. Enthusiastic and compelling public comment in support of the designation was made by PSPF president Erik Rosenow and RCGV Homeowners Association president Kim Zakowski. Both speakers noted the scholarly content of the nomination and the overwhelming owner support for the historic designation. Councilmember Ginny Foat commented that on a recent visit to the RCCW complex one could still “feel the history” of the property.

On November 12, 2013 the city of Palm Springs’ HSPB met and voted unanimously (4-0 with one recusal for business reasons) to forward a proposed resolution to the city council to create the RCCW historic district. The city council meeting to decide the matter is scheduled for November 20, 2013. On October 13, 2013 the city of Palm Springs’ Historic Site Preservation Board (HSPB) met to discuss the historic district nomination of the Racquet Club Cottages West. The HSPB voted unanimously (4-0 with one recusal for business reasons) to recommend the creation of the historic district to the city council. The HSPB also directed staff to prepare a resolution for the HSPB’s review at their November meeting.

On May 23, 2013 PSPF submitted the historic district nomination for the RCCW complex to the city of Palm Springs. The nomination was written by PSPF board member Ron Marshall.

The Racquet Club Garden Villas (RCGV) Homeowners Association (HOA), in partnership with PSPF, is pursuing historic district status and as of early May 2013 a majority of the RCGV homeowners have already signed a “document of support” for the effort.

Photo courtesy Racquet Club Garden Villas
Photo courtesy Racquet Club Garden Villas
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