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Council designates Edmund Goulding residence a Class I historic site
Summary
The council approved a Class I historic‑site designation for the Edmund Goulding residence at 1752 Ridge Road after staff and preservation advocates said the property meets multiple historic criteria and the owner pledged restoration consistent with historic‑resource guidelines.
The City Council voted to designate the Edmund Goulding residence (1752 Ridge Road; APN 513352002) as a Class I historic site after a public hearing and staff recommendation that the property meets multiple criteria in the Historic Preservation Ordinance.
Why it matters: The designation places the property under the city’s historic‑resource review rules for future alterations, makes it eligible for Mills Act contract consideration and reflects the city’s intent to preserve sites tied to Palm Springs’ early residential development and cultural history.
Staff presented the Historic Preservation Board’s findings that the site met Criteria 1, 2, 3 and 5 and that key aspects of its location, design and landscape integrity remain intact despite deferred maintenance. Owner Lucien Wolff and preservation consultant Steven Keelan spoke in favor of designation and outlined plans to restore and adaptively use the property for events while preserving original architectural features. Staff confirmed that any future alterations would have to comply with the city’s compatibility standards for designated resources.
During council discussion, Planning Director Chris Hadwen provided context on the Mills Act program: the city has 524 eligible historic properties, 177 with existing Mills Act contracts and about a dozen applications processed per year. Hadwen presented a back‑of‑envelope fiscal estimate for property‑tax rebates under Mills Act contracts and noted the program’s intent is to incentivize restoration and long‑term maintenance.
Decision: A motion to approve the historic‑site designation carried. Council moved and approved the designation following public comment and staff briefing.
