HomeMy WebLinkAboutRes 2025-038RESOLUTION NO. 2025-038
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM
DESERT, CALIFORNIA, DESIGNATING AN EXISTING SINGLE FAMILY
HOUSE AT 73411 WILLOW STREET AS A HISTORIC LANDMARK
PURSUANT TO CRITERIA C AND F IN PALM DESERT MUNICIPAL
CODE SECTION 29.40.010 (ASSESSOR’S PARCEL NUMBERS 630-082-
007)
CASE NO. CRPC25-0001
WHEREAS, Chapter 29.40 of the Palm Desert Municipal Code (PDMC) allows for
the designation of historic landmarks by the City Council; and
WHEREAS, Todd Blake Verwers, AIA (“Owner/Applicant) filed an application,
including a statement of significance, with the City pursuant to the requirements of Title
29 of the PDMC to designate an existing single family house property site located at
73411 Willow Street (Assessor’s Parcel Number 630-082-007) (“Property”) as a local
historic landmark; and
WHEREAS, the historic landmark designation request is not subject to the
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15060(c)(2), the general
exemption rule, of the CEQA Guidelines as the proposed project will not result in any
foreseeable indirect change in the environment and Section 15060(c)(3) the activity is not
considered as a project as it has no potential for resulting in any indirect or direct physical
changes to the environment; and
WHEREAS, on April 23, 2025, a noticed public hearing of the Palm Desert Cultural
Resource Preservation Committee (CRPC) was held to consider the Historic Designation
under case CRPC25-0001; and
WHEREAS, the CRPC reviewed the application materials and considered all
public testimony and comments provided prior to and during the meeting , and made the
following findings pursuant to PDMC Section 29.40.010:
1. Criteria C: Embodies distinctive characteristics or is one of the few remaining
examples of a style, type, period or method of construction or possesses high
artistic value.
The House “is a distinctive example of a unique, custom home in the desert ranch
style, and an unique house from the portfolio of Patten & Wild’s early projects in
Palm Desert. Further, as mentioned above, this home exhibits features which
foreshadowed the Desert Modern movement of the decade af ter its erection, and
in this respect this residence was a transitional project for both Patten & Wild and
the evolving architectural aesthetic of Palm Desert. While the Asian-inspired
detailing and furnishings are arguably largely superficial, even “gimmicky”, they
reflect Californians’ post-war interest in The Orient, not unlike the Polynesian -
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Resolution No. 2025-038 Page 2
themed Tiki movement as a subculture and form -driver for midcentury Desert
Modern architecture. The pagoda-like corners of the low-slung ranch style roof of
the house are clearly a distinctive architectural characteristic, which can only be
found on one other house in the neighborhood.”
2. Criteria F: Reflects distinctive examples of community planning or significant
development patterns, including those associated with different eras of settlement
and growth, agriculture, or transportation.
The House “epitomizes the community planning of south Palm Desert, and
moreover its tradition for impressive single family architecture. The Palm Desert
Corporation and Shadow Mountain Park Inc. sought out well-designed homes in
their subdivisions and the excellence of the Gracious Oriental house reflects this
focus. Houses of this era in this neighborhood were generally custom or semi -
custom modern designs with considered landscaping and grounds, centered
around poolside leisure in close proximity to the historic Shadow Mountain Club,
and signaled the trendsetting nature of these neighborhoods. The Gracious
Oriental house was and is all of those things.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Palm
Desert, California, as follows:
SECTION 1. Recitals. The City Council hereby finds that the foregoing recitals are
true and correct and are incorporated herein as substantive findings of this Resolution.
SECTION 2. That Section 29.40.090 of the PDMC requires that the City Council
adopt a resolution designating a historic district based upon facts and findings on the criteria
outlined in Chapter 29.40 Landmarks.
SECTION 3. Based upon the foregoing findings and facts incorporated herein, the
Property, located at 73411 Willow Street, is hereby designated as a local historic district.
ADOPTED ON JUNE 12, 2025.
JAN C. HARNIK
MAYOR
ATTEST:
ANTHONY J. MEJIA
CITY CLERK
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Resolution No. 2025-038 Page 3
I, Anthony J. Mejia, City Clerk of the City of Palm Desert, hereby certify that
Resolution No. 2025-038 is a full, true, and correct copy, and was duly adopted at a
regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Palm Desert on June 12, 2025, by the
following vote:
AYES: NESTANDE, PRADETTO, QUINTANILLA, TRUBEE, AND HARNIK
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
RECUSED: NONE
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the official seal of the
City of Palm Desert, California, on ______________.
ANTHONY J. MEJIA
CITY CLERK
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6/17/2025