Palm Springs board recommends Class 1 designation for Howell Forest Residence at 608 South Indian Trail

The Palm Springs Historic Site Preservation Board voted unanimously Feb. 3 to recommend that the City Council designate the Howell Forest Residence at 608 South Indian Trail as a Class 1 historic site.

Staff presented a city-initiated nomination and a Historic Resources Report prepared by Galvin Preservation Associates that identified the property’s period of significance as 1937–1943 and described the house as an intact example of Spanish Colonial Revival architecture designed by the locally recognized firm Brewster & Benedict. Staff said key character-defining features — including asymmetrical massing, original stone perimeter walls and window locations — remain despite some later alterations, and recommended reclassification to expand the city’s inventory of resources from that era.

“Based on the findings of the report and the integrity assessment of the home, 608 South Indian Trail meets the requirements to be reclassified as a Class 1 site,” staff said during the presentation. The staff report also included a CEQA determination that the action is not a project.

The board discussed parcel boundaries and the effect a lot merger would have on the designation and on future permit reviews; staff clarified that any subsequent exterior work for a designated Class 1 site would require a Certificate of Appropriateness and could return to the board for review. No members of the public spoke during the hearing.

Board Member Hare moved to adopt Resolution HSPB No. 175 recommending Class 1 designation; the motion was seconded by Board Member Payanesa and passed 6-0.

The recommendation will be transmitted to the City Council for a public hearing and final action. If the City Council approves designation, owners may later apply for a Certificate of Appropriateness for any proposed exterior changes under the city’s historic-alteration standards.