Palm Desert council designates Marrakesh Country Club a historic district

The Palm Desert City Council on Oct. 23 adopted a resolution formally designating Marrakesh Country Club as a historic district, citing the complex’s intact mid‑century architecture and landscape features.

The designation covers the 155‑acre Marrakesh Country Club development, including the guardhouse, administrative building, clubhouse, golf course, common areas and all residential condominium parcels. Bobby Keating, associate planner in the city’s development services department, told the council staff found the property eligible under five of seven criteria in Chapter 29.5 of the Palm Desert Municipal Code.

Why it matters: Council members and preservation advocates said the district recognizes an unusually large, cohesive example of Hollywood Regency and mid‑century modern design in the Coachella Valley and will help ensure visible features remain intact.

Staff’s presentation said the development — built between 1967 and 1979 by developer Johnny Dawson with architects John Elgin Wolf and Richard Harrison and golf course architect Theodore Robinson — retains primary character‑defining elements despite some later, limited alterations. Keating told the council that the few inappropriate alterations observed, including some additions and window replacements, “would not be approved today under the HOA’s existing architectural standards.” He recommended adopting the resolution.

Representatives of Marrakesh, including project lead Eula Robertson, described the nomination as the product of a multi‑year effort that involved a historian’s application and HOA approval. Preservation consultant Steven Price, who served on Marrakesh committees and on local preservation boards, told the council the nomination was “unique in its importance” because of the district’s scale and quality.

Public hearing and vote: The council opened a public hearing, heard the applicant and two preservation supporters, and voted to adopt the resolution. The motion passed 4–0 with Council Member Perdido recused. Staff said public notification and an informational process preceded the hearing, including a unanimous Historic Preservation Committee recommendation on Aug. 27, 2025.

What the designation does and does not do: Staff said the action is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act under the general exemption rules because it will not cause direct or indirect changes to the environment; the designation formalizes preservation review criteria under local law but does not itself mandate immediate construction or restoration work.

Looking ahead: Staff and members of the Marrakesh community invited the public and council members to visit the property to see the clubhouse and other features. Council members praised the nomination as timely and appropriate.