HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC RES 2010-67RESOLUTION NO. 2010-67
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM
DESERT APPROVING HISTORIC DISTRIC DESIGNATION FOR
SHADOW MOUNTAIN GOLF CLUB LOCATED AT 73-800 IRONWOOD
STREET, AS A LOCAL HISTORIC DISTRICT
WHEREAS, on June 29, 2010, the Cultural Resource Preservation Committee
conducted a public hearing to consider initiation of Historic District Designation for
Shadow Mountain Golf Club located at 73-800 Ironwood Street , Assessor's Parcel
No's. 627-370-002, 630-120-008, 630-141-011, 630-141-001, 630-120-007, 630-120-
006, 630-120-003, 627-370-003, 630-120-004, 630,050-027, as a historic district
pursuant to Section 29.50 of the Palm Desert Municipal Code; and
WHEREAS, the Cultural Resources Preservation Committee has considered all of the
evidence submitted into the administrative record which includes, but not limited to:
1. Agenda reports were prepared by the Department of Building and Safety.
2. Staff presentation at a workshop held on June 15, 2010 before the Cultural
Resources Preservation Committee.
3. Staff presentation at a meeting held on June 29, 2010 before the Cultural
Resources Preservation Committee.
4. The City of Palm Desert, Cultural Resources Ordinance No. 1168, and all other
applicable regulations and codes.
5. Public comments, both written and oral, received and/or submitted at or prior to the
meeting, supporting and/or opposing the applicant's request.
6. Testimony and/or comments from the applicant and its representatives submitted to
the City in both written and oral form at or prior to the meeting.
7. All related documents received and/or submitted at or prior to the meeting.
WHEREAS, based on the forgoing evidence, the Cultural Resources Preservation
Committee finds that:
1. A request for Historic District Designation for the Shadow Mountain Golf Club
located at 73-800 Ironwood Street, was made on May 4, 2010, to designate the
Shadow Mountain Golf Club as an historic district.
2. Notice of the June 29, 2010, Cultural Resources Preservation Committee meeting
was posted in the Desert Sun and at City Hall.
3. Notice of the June 29, 2010 Cultural Resources Preservation Committee was
provided to the affected property owner as shown on the latest Riverside County
assessment role. Owner was notified by telephone and by first class mail.
4. Notice of the Cultural Resources Preservation Committee meeting included the
notice requirements set forth in California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
WHEREAS, based on the Cultural Resources Ordinance 1168, the Cultural Resources
Preservation Committee concludes the following:
1. Palm Deserts' character and history are reflected in its cultural, historical, and
architectural heritage, and
2. Palm Deserts' historical foundations should be preserved as living parts of the
community life and development in order to foster an understanding of the City's
past so that future generations may have a genuine opportunity to appreciate,
enjoy, and understand Palm Deserts' heritage, and
3. The Cultural Resources Preservation Committee has reviewed this site and
Resolution No. 2010-67
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determined it to be historically significant and could contribute to the economic and
cultural revival of the City.
WHEREAS, in view of all the evidence and based on the forgoing designation criterion,
the Cultural Resources Preservation Committee concludes as follows:
The Shadow Mountain Golf Club located at 73-800 Ironwood Street, meets the following
designation criterion as contained in the City's Cultural Resources Ordinance, and is
hereby worthy of preservation and designation as a Local Historic District.
A. Exemplifies or reflects special elements of cultural, social, economic,
political, aesthetic, engineering, architectural, or natural history;
E. Reflects distinctive examples of community planning or significant
development patterns, including those associated with different eras of
settlement and growth, agriculture, or transportation.
The Shadow Mountain Golf Club is located in the heart of the Coachella Valley
surrounded by the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains; Shadow Mountain Golf
Course was incorporated on January 24, 1958. The course was designed by the famed
and legendary golfer, Gene Sarazen. It was the first golf course in Palm Desert.
Originally the golf club was affiliated with the adjacent Shadow Mountain Tennis Resort;
it is now privately owned and run by its equity members.
Shadow Mountain was a dream of Mon Walgreen, the retired Governor of the State of
Washington. Through his and others efforts the dream became a reality. They founded
a challenging par 70 course, one of the few in the desert that can still be walked.
Gene Sarazen envisioned Shadow Mountain to be the design of the future. He and
George Von Elm designed a short course built to test but not overtax golfers. It has
challenges for golfers of all abilities and rewards golfers who shapes their shots and
uses their head more than their driver. With over 700 mature palm trees, the fairways
are well defined and the small greens are protected by well placed glistening white sand
bunkers. With its location at the foothills of the Santa Rosa Mountains, Shadow
Mountain is well protected from the winds that plague many desert courses.
In October 1968 the resort and golf course were split and members had a choice to
belong to one or the other. Upon separation the golf club received part of the structure
to provide a clubhouse, pro -shop, and enough land for a parking lot and access to
Ironwood St. In the early 1960's the Shadow Mountain Fairway Cottages were built
between the 11th and 18th fairways. They are a great example of mid-century desert
architecture. In the early 1970's the perimeter of the course was developed to its
present look. An eclectic assortment of private homes, cottages and apartments, giving
each hole a personality not found on newer "cookie cutter" developments.
In the late 1960's the two nines were switched. A new irrigation system was installed
and protective screens were added around many greens and tee boxes.
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In the early 1970's the clubhouse was redecorated and a small kitchen which was called
the "Pantry Kitchen" was added to provide short order lunches.
In 1976 heavy rain broke a dam support at the top of Highway 74 tons of sand, rock and
debris raged across the course. It took a concerted effort of the member's labor and
dollar donations to restore the course to a playable condition.
In 1987 the last big change to the course was completed with the purchase of the Filmer
mansion that occupied a large piece of property in the middle of the course. Purchase of
this property allowed lengthening of the 15th 17th and 18th holes.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM
DESERT DOES HEREBY DESIGNATE SHADOW MOUNTAIN GOLF CLUB,
LOCATED AT 73-800 IRONWOOD STREET, AS A LOCAL HISTORIC DISTRICT
PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Palm Desert,
California at its regular meeting held this 26th day ofAugust , 2010, by the following vote,
to wit:
AYES: BENSON, FERGUSON, SPIEGEL, and FINERTY
NOES: NONE.
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
wily/
INDY FltigRIY, MAYOR/
ATTEST:
RA HELLE D. .SSECITY CLERII
CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA