Palm Springs board recommends Class 1 designation for former First Church of Christ Scientist

Staff told the Historic Site Preservation Board on March 3 that the former First Church of Christ Scientist, at 605 South Riverside Drive, meets the city’s criteria for Class 1 designation because its design and materials retain high integrity from the postwar period.

The staff presentation described the building as an excellent example of midcentury modern design attributed to the firm Clark, Frey and Chambers, with a period of significance running from 1956 through 1968. Staff noted later additions and rooftop equipment are non‑contributing elements that do not disqualify the site from designation. Staff recommended that the board adopt a draft resolution recommending Class 1 designation to City Council.

Board members discussed the building’s adaptive‑reuse potential and its retention of defining materials and forms. After discussion, a motion recommending the City Council designate the First Church of Christ Scientist (HSPB No. 170, APN 508‑191‑030) as a Class 1 resource was moved, seconded and approved. The vote was recorded as 4–0 with one board member recused from the item; the recusal was noted on the record prior to the hearing.

The staff report and the board’s recommendation emphasize the site’s intact massing, fenestration patterning and material use from the period cited, while acknowledging later, non‑historic rooftop equipment and HVAC additions. The recommendation will be forwarded to City Council for the next steps in the designation process.

The board returned the recused member to the room after the item concluded and moved on to the next agenda items.