Architectural panel backs Broadway Cove design tweaks for 101-home Cathedral City development

The Cathedral City Architectural Review Committee on March 18 recommended that the Planning Commission approve a minor amendment to the Broadway Cove planned unit development, a 16.37‑acre project proposed for 101 single‑family homes on East Palm Canyon Drive.

Assistant Planner Manuel Roachcha, presenting the item on behalf of the city, said the amendment — filed after Shea Homes acquired the property in 2025 — adjusts lot sizes for six open‑space lots, reduces and relocates lot 97 with its area redistributed to other lots, and makes no change to the total number of lots. "The original PUD for Broadway Cove proposed the development of an approximately 16.37 acre site with 101 single family homes," Roachcha said during the presentation.

The revision package includes changes to elevations and exterior materials, a narrower color palette with bright accents concentrated on gates and entry doors, and the addition of two architectural styles (transitional and mid‑century) alongside the previously approved modern option. Designer Martin Real said the team intentionally lightened some massing and adjusted balcony locations after revising floor plans for narrow 29‑foot lots: "What appears to be understated on ours is actually a more intentional massing to complement all the homes in the street scene," he said.

Applicants also proposed changes to accessory dwelling unit (ADU) options (including a new Plan 4 with an ADU-over-garage), and a revised clubhouse design. Roachcha said the clubhouse would increase by roughly 100 square feet and rise to about 17 feet 11 inches — roughly 3 feet higher than previously approved — but would remain under the PUD height limit of 25 feet.

Landscaping revisions call for a desertscape palette of water‑efficient species (Texas ebony, desert ironwood, palo verde, date palms and shrubs) with gravel groundcover; the final landscape plan will require review by city staff and CVWD for water‑efficiency compliance. Amenities are being reprogrammed to retain the required usable open space; examples cited include repurposing a pickleball court area into a gazebo/picnic and putting green and adding dog stations in several pocket parks.

During questions, committee members pressed applicants on color choices and the apparent reduction in the visual "blockiness" of earlier elevations. Applicants and staff said color emphasis will be on gates and doors rather than on broad stucco fields, and that floor‑plan changes drove many elevational adjustments. Committee members also asked about visibility from East Palm Canyon Drive, window sizes on the street‑facing side and the timing of lot‑specific landscape exhibits; applicants offered to consider enhanced elevations for the most visible model home and said detailed landscape exhibits are a separate submittal.

Committee member Kefir moved "to approve with the plans we've seen," seconded by Committee member Hos; the motion passed with all present members recorded in favor, and the committee recommended the amendment to the Planning Commission.

Staff noted no ARC items are expected in the coming month but said several projects are in the pipeline, including Desert Bloom (final map under review with affordable housing covenants) and the stalled but active Cathedral Canyon property. The meeting adjourned with no additional action.

Next steps: the Planning Commission will receive the committee's recommendation when the item is scheduled for its review.