William Charles Tanner, Star on the Walk of the Stars Palm Springs 300 South Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92262SPONSORSHIP
On February 24, 2023, the Palm Springs Preservation Foundation sponsored the 456th Star on the Walk of the Stars Palm Springs for artist and architectural designer William Charles Tanner. The Star is sited on the north side of the Palm Springs Art Museum, Architecture and Design Center.
Tanner’s many contributions to the city’s built environment include the Desert Inn (since demolished), the O’Donnell House, Invernada, and the Community Church. PSPF board member Gary Johns led the charge to recognize the architect arguing that the city’s architectural heritage “stood on the shoulders” of Tanner’s Spanish Colonial Revival buildings of the 1920s and 1930s. PSPF was honored to have many of Tanner’s relatives attend the star dedication. The VIPs were regaled with speeches by former mayor and PSPF honorary board member Will Kleindienst, PSPF member Steve Scott, and others. As part of the ceremony, art collectors Mickey Welch and Lou Armentrout donated a painting by Tanner entitled “Near Lone Pine” (circa 1920s) to the Palm Springs Historical Society.
