HomeMy WebLinkAboutRestoration - Miles Bates House 73697 Santa Rosa WayCITY OF PALM DESERT
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
STAFF REPORT
REQUEST: AUTHORIZE A RESTORATION INCENTIVE IN AN AMOUNT NOT
TO EXCEED $50,000 IN MATCHING FUNDS FOR THE
RESTORATION OF THE MILES BATES HOUSE LOCATED AT
73697 SANTA ROSA WAY
SUBMITTED BY: Mark Greenwood, P.E., Director of Public Works
DATE: September 7, 2017
CONTENTS: Vicinity Map
Recommendation
By Minute Motion:
1. Authorize an amount not to exceed $50,000 in matching funds for the
restoration of the Miles Bates House located at 73697 Santa Rosa
Way; and
2. Appropriate $50,000 for the matching funds from unobligated Fund 400
to an account to be created.
Strategic Plan Objective
Approval of this action does not directly impact the goals of the Strategic Plan.
However, this renovation incentive will assist in the preservation of the Miles Bates
House, and will further Priorities 2 and 4 of the Tourism and Marketing sections of the
Strategic Plan.
Background
This property is owned by the Successor Agency to the Palm Desert Redevelopment
Agency, and is slated for disposition on the Long Range Property Management Plan
approved by the California Department of Finance as part of the dissolution of the Palm
Desert Redevelopment Agency.
The Miles Bates House is a one -of -a -kind example of the architecture of Walter S.
White. While many of his works are located in Palm Desert, this is the only known
example of his unique "wave" roof. On June 22, 2017, the City Council authorized staff
to commence the process of obtaining local historic designation for the property. The
Staff Report
Authorize $50,000 for Miles Bates House Renovation Incentive
Page 2 of 3
September 7, 2015
City of Palm Desert Historic Preservation Committee is moving forward with this
process.
Given the property's historical significance, it will be featured during Modernism Week
Fall Preview, which occurs October 19 through 22, 2017. An open house, hosted by the
Historic Society of Palm Desert, will take place on October 21 and 22; and a lecture by
Professor Volker M. Welter, Department of the History of Art and Architecture,
University of California at Santa Barbara, will be held at the adjacent Joslyn Center on
October 21. Modernism Week Fall Preview attracts many modernism enthusiasts, both
nationally and internationally. Featuring the property during this event will be beneficial
in marketing the property to an avid audience. It is the intent to offer the property for
sale during Modernism Week 2018, which is being held February 15 through 25, 2018.
Because the Bates House is in an unrestored condition, staff recommends that the City
Council authorize a restoration incentive that would be available to the purchaser of the
property to incentivize purchasers who would restore, rather than demolish, the
structure; and to assist in what is expected to be an extensive restoration process.
Restoration would need to adhere to standards imposed by the City, as well as those
imposed by any historic designation that may be placed on the property. Staff is
recommending authorization of matching funds in an amount not to exceed $50,000.
The new owner would be required to substantiate eligible restoration costs, and the City
would reimburse 50 percent of those costs up to a maximum of $50,000.
Fiscal Analysis
The only fiscal impact is the $50,000 being offered as a restoration incentive. However,
this incentive may be enticing to potential purchasers of the property.
Prepyred By: Dep e t ad:
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Cora L. Gaugush 0 Mark G e wood, P.E.
Capital Improvements Program Technician Directo Public Works
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(t M. Moore, Director f Finance
Approval:
`Lauri Aylaian, City Manager
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- LOCATION OF PROPERTY
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VICINITY MAP - MILES BATES HOUSE
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CITY OF PALM DESERT
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS