HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Historic Preservation Committee NOVEMBER 4, 2005CITY OF PALM DESERT
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMITTEE
MINUTES — SPECIAL MEETING
NOVEMBER 4, 2005
Administrative Conference Room
I. CALL TO ORDER
Chair Kent Routh called the meeting of the Historic Preservation Committee to
order at 10:00 a.m.
II. ROLL CALL
Present: Absent:
Jan Holmlund Jim West
Kent Routh
Bonnie Bowie
Kim Housken
Bob Pitchford
Also Present:
Amir Hamidzadeh, Director of Building and Safety
Richard Twedt, Public Arts Manager
Hal Rover, President Historical Society
Mary Clark, Recording Secretary
K. Kaufman, Reporter, Desert Sun
III. PALM DESERT LODGE — 74527 Highway 111, Palm Desert, California
1. Presentation by Evergreen Development — The following owner's
representatives were in attendance: Tyler Carlson, Project Manager,
Evergreen Real Estate Development; Emily Hemphill, Attorney At Law,
representing Evergreen Real Estate Development; and Chris Bergren,
Evergreen Real Estate Development.
Emily Hemphill, Attomey, thanked the Historic Preservation Committee for
meeting with them and provided information about Evergreen Real Estate
Development's past and current projects in other cities in the desert. Ms.
Hemphill indicated that they understand that the Historic Preservation
Committee's role is to look at whether or not the building should receive some
kind of historic designation. She indicated that they believe that the building
does not rise to the level of eligibility for national registration, and that
consideration needs to be made whether the building is nostalgic or historic.
Ms. Hemphill pointed out that the architecture seems to be boxy mid -Century
modern, which is very much in vogue these days. Ms. Hemphill said that the
owner indicated that the business is simply not viable anymore because
people coming to the Coachella Valley are looking for a more upscale
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experience and as a result this particular building does not serve that
function. She said that as a result the owner indicated that he has a lot of
problems with folks staying there causing problems for the property owner.
The owner has been contacted several times by the City regarding problems
with individuals staying there and the building itself, and he has indicated that
the property has become more of a burden rather than a benefit and is no
longer economically viable. Ms. Hemphill pointed out that she has asked
around about the year the building was built, and heard it may be early fifties,
which puts it on the cusp of being 50 years old, and if it is not already 50
years old the national registry requires something really exceptional. She
does not believe this building will rise to that level.
Ms. Emily Hemphill, Attorney, said that Evergreen Real Estate Development
is at the beginning stages of the project and had a preliminary meeting with
the Planning Department. Ms. Hemphill pointed out that they would be open
to perhaps a subcommittee of the Historic Preservation Committee to provide
ideas in order to utilize some of the mid-century modern elements of
architecture.
Ms. Hemphill asked that the Historic Preservation Committee find that the
current structure does not rise to the level of being of national distinction.
Committee Questions and Answers:
Committee Member Jan Holmlund asked if the proposed building would be
similar to other Walgreen's on corner lots with extensive parking around them.
Chris Bergen, Evergreen Real Estate Development, said that from a safety
standpoint they are proposing a similar design because Walgreen's wants to
provide convenient and safe parking. They will use the existing right turn
access off of Highway 111 and also access off Shadow Hills, and the drive up
pharmacy would be in the back of the building.
Committee Member Jan Holmlund pointed out that the Committee has
currently undertaken a cultural survey of the City where they are visiting
existing sites, recording architecture, and are also noting what has been
taken away. She said that the Committee is working under the current City of
Palm Desert Ordinance No. 401. Ms. Holmlund pointed out that when a
decision is made by the Historic Preservation Committee it is referred to the
Palm Desert City Council. Ms. Holmlund commented that the following
sections of Ordinance No. 401, could possibly be considered when the
Committee meets to review this item: Section 29.05.125—Created by Council,
Class 5; Section 29.05.180—Approval required under Item #3; Section
29.05.190—Factors to be considered upon application, and Section 29.05.210
— Special considerations, Items C and D.
Committee Member Jan Holmlund asked if an economic study was
undertaken for this Walgreen's and what were the results of the study. Chris
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Bregren, Evergreen Real Estate Development, indicated that it was a
favorable corner with a trade radius of one mile. Ms. Holmlund asked if the
entire property was going to be used. Tyler Carlson, Evergreen Real Estate
Development, indicated that the entire Palm Desert Lodge and the property to
the east was also being considered.
Committee Member Jan Holmlund asked if they could expand on the current
business no longer being viable. Emily Hemphill, Attorney, commented that
she had not looked at the owner's books but the owner's have told them it is
not possible to compete in today's market with a less desirable traveler and
that that has caused problems. She said that she thinks that the owner has a
representative at the meeting but was not sure if they wanted to comment.
Dan Brush, the owner's CPA, said that he has been their CPA for
approximately eight years and every year the revenue goes down because of
the competition in the area.
Committee Member Jan Holmlund commented that the mid-century type is
lasting because it does represent the culture of that period, and it can't be
recreated. In addition, she pointed out that structures can be rebuilt and
recreated that are typical of that period but are not of a past cultural time
period. She said it is the original authentic feature that the Committee is
interested in.
Committee Member Kim Housken asked if they were planning on demolishing
the whole site including the block buildings. Emily Hemphill, Attorney, said
the building will need to be taken down as a whole, otherwise the site would
not work. She indicated that with respect to things that are of local
significance that the most that the City can require is documentation, and
would not have a problem doing that voluntarily. Ms. Hemphill said they are
open to any suggestions from the Committee regarding design elements so
they can echo the mid-century modern architecture and welcome that
opportunity.
Public Comment
Barry Curtis representing Aztec Rent-A-Car said they have been doing
business in the hotel for 12 years and wondered if a new Walgreen's came in
what provisions would be provided for this business in that area. Emily
Hemphill, Attorney, indicated that Mr. Curtis should speak with them after the
meeting since this is not an issue for this meeting.
Jim Collings, property owner on Deep Canyon, has relatives who have
enjoyed staying at the lodge and the lodge's setting. Mr. Collings wondered if
another operator has been considered for that hotel or a boutique style hotel
similar to other valley cities. In addition, he wanted to know how many hotels
of this type are left in Palm Desert.
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