Historic Site Preservation Board recommends Burgess residence on Palisades Drive for Class 1 landmark

The Palm Springs Historic Site Preservation Board voted unanimously on July 7 to recommend that the City Council designate the Burgess residence at 550 Palisades Drive as a Class 1 landmark.

City historic preservation officer Sarah Yoon told the board that staff finds the owner-initiated application meets the criteria in the local historic preservation ordinance, noting the house shows design work by Hugh Kaptur and later additions by Albert Frey and retains a high degree of integrity. "Staff recommends that HSPB adopt the draft resolution for designating the site a class 1 historic site, and to be listed on the local register of Palm Springs," Yoon said.

Owners James Crump and Ronnie Sassoon told the board they completed a careful renovation after acquiring the property in 2024 and submitted a 90-page report supporting the nomination. "We set out to undertake a very comprehensive but very, very sensitive, renovation that we think maintains the original visions of the two architects," Crump said.

Former board member Brad Dunning and neighbors also spoke in support, with Dunning calling the property "one of the top 10 best and most significant houses and sites in Palm Springs." The board’s discussion praised the combined presence of Kaptur’s and Frey’s work on a single property and the owners’ restorative actions.

Member Haire moved that the board recommend adoption of Resolution HSPB-174 (APN 513-110-043) designating the Burgess residence as a Class 1 landmark; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote with seven ayes and no opposition. The board’s recommendation will be forwarded to the City Council for final action.

The board concluded public comment by noting the owners have already opened the house for some public events and that staff documentation is part of the designation record. The matter will next proceed to the City Council for consideration.