Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Historic Designation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Palm Springs board denies designation for Hill Residence and removes it from Class 3 list
Summary
The Historic Site Preservation Board voted unanimously June 2 to recommend denial of city‑initiated designation for the Hill Residence at 877 West Panorama Road (HSPB181) and to remove the property from the Class 3 list, finding the structure’s material alterations undermine its historic integrity.
The Palm Springs Historic Site Preservation Board voted unanimously June 2 to recommend denial of the city‑initiated request to designate the Hill Residence at 877 West Panorama Road (HSPB No. 181, APN 504‑201‑026) and to remove the property from the Class 3 list.
Staff presented a historic resources report (prepared for the city and cited as drafted by GPA Consulting) that found the house, attributed to architect John Porter Clark (c. 1940), no longer retains the material integrity or the original site relationship required for reclassification. Staff noted changes including painted masonry, reconfigured landscaping and removal of natural site features that together diminish the property’s ability to convey its original design intent.
Applicant representatives and the property’s attorney, Sherry Bonsell of Greenberg Glusker, told the board they agreed with the staff report and prior analyses that the house does not retain the high degree of integrity or rarity required for Class 1 or 2 designation. “While we understand how important John Porter Clark was to Palm Springs, the report found this particular building didn’t retain this high degree of architectural integrity,” Bonsell said.
A member of the public and report preparer, Jade Nelson, asked whether permits had been pulled for the work and urged improved outreach so realtors and owners are aware of the Class 3 list. Staff said the report and submitted materials document the permitting history; no enforcement action was taken during the hearing.
Board member Peyenasa moved that the board adopt a resolution recommending denial of the designation and removal from the Class 3 list; the motion was seconded and passed unanimously, recorded as 4‑0. Staff confirmed the recommendation includes removal from the Class 3 list, per the draft resolution and staff report.
The board’s recommendation will be forwarded to City Council; removal from the Class 3 list is an administrative recommendation that affects future outreach and notification but does not itself impose development restrictions.
