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Home My WebLink AboutRes 2013-28 - Historic Dis. Designation-Sandpiper Condominiums CITY OF PALM DESERT BUILDING AND SAFETY DEPARTMENT STAFF REPORT REQUEST: APPROVE RESOLUTION N0.2013-28APPROVING HISTORIC DISTRICT DESIGNATION FOR SANDPIPER CONDOMINIUMS CIRCLES 11 & 12 LOCATED ON EL PASEO, AS A LOCAL HISTORIC DISTRICT SUBMITTED BY: Russell A. Grance, Director of Building and Safety CASE NOS: CRPC 13-01 DATE: May 23, 2013 CONTENTS: 1. Cultural Resources Preservation Committee, April 30, 2013 meeting DRAFT minutes 2. Resolution No. 2o�3-2a 3. Historic District Designation Application Recommendation: Waive further reading and adopt Resolution No. 2o13-2a , reaffirming the action of the Cultural Resources Preservation Committee, designating the Sandpiper Condominiums Circles 11 & 12, located on EI Paseo with historic district designation; in accordance with section 29.50.010 of the Palm Desert Municipal Code. Committee Recommendation: On April 30, 2013, the Cultural Resources Preservation Committee at its regular scheduled meeting conducted a public hearing as required per PDMC 29.40.070 and unanimously recommended nominating the Sandpiper Condominiums Circles 11 & 12, located on EI Paseo with historic district designation. Background: Sandpiper Condominiums Circles 11 and 12, completed in 1965 by the Los Angeles- based architectural firm of Palmer & Krisel, exhibit numerous stylistic markers that place them directly in the historic context of Palm Desert's Modern Period. Further, Circles 11 and 12 are an excellent example of multi-family residential development in Palm Desert in the mid-1960s. The 32 units and 16 buildings that comprise Circles 11 and 12 reflect a coherent vision of modernist architecture rarely found anywhere else in Resolution No. 2013-28 Staff Report Sandpiper Condominiums Circles 11 & 12 May 23, 2013 Page 2 of 2 the United States. The siting of the buildings in Circles 11 and 12, and the landscape architecture further reinforce a coherent modernist architectural vision that successfully created a leisure lifestyle of "carefree desert living." The property is eligible for designation as a City Historic District in accordance with section 29.50.010 Historic District Designation Criteria as it "exemplifies or reflects special elements of cultural, social, economic, political, aesthetic, engineering, architectural, or natural history; and reflects distinctive examples of community planning or significant development patterns, including those associated with different eras of settlement and growth, agriculture, or transportation." Fiscal Analysis: There is no fiscal impact associated with this action. Cf"TY COt1l�tCiL��Q�t . APPROVED DENiE1f Submitted By: RECEtYED OTHEA MEET G DA AYES � �� Russell A. Grance, Director of Building & �� NT: ABSTATN: VI:RIFiFD BY: � Approval: Original on File with City rk's Office Paul S. Gibson, Director of Finance �� Jo M. Wohlmuth, City Manager CITY OF PALM DESERT �-�-� � � CULTURAL RESOURCES PRESERVATION COMMITTEE DRAFTPreliminary Minutes Aprii 30, 2013 Administrative Conference Room 1. CALL TO ORDER Committee Chair Kim Housken called the meeting of the Cultural Resources Preservation Committee to order at 10:01 a.m. II. ROLL CALL Present: Absent: � Ricki Brodie Don Graybill Kim Housken Leslie Deane Roth K. Gary Olesen Bob Pitchford Also Present: Russell Grance, Director of Building and Safety Bernard and Barbara Cain, Sandpiper Condominiums James R. Harlan, Sandpiper Condominiums Elizabeth Gold, Center for Spiritual Living Palm Dese�t Richard and Lauren Weinstein, Sandpiper Condominiums Jackie Armstrong, Sandpiper Condominiums Barbara Sattley, Shadow Cliff Condominiums Suzanne Cicchini, Recording Secretary III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Note: Barbara Sattley of Shadow Cliff Homeowners Association commented during Section XII. Reports and Remarks, with Committee concurrence. No Committee action was taken. The item was not on the Agenda, and is noted below: Barbara Sattley of Shadow Cliff Homeowners Association is interested in pursuing a historic district designation for her community. She has a copy of the application and will find out whether the association has the authority to sign the application. Committee Chair Kim Housken encouraged her to visit the Historical Society of Palm Desert to �nd more information about Shadow Cliff. Ms. Sattley mentioned a civil matter with Shadow Cliff that the Committee could not assist her with. CULTURAL RESOURCES PRESERVATION COMMITTEE PRELIMINARY MINUTES APRIL 30 2013 IV. CONSENT CALENDAR A. MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF 01/31/12 Motion was made by Committee Vice Chair Ricki Brodie and seconded by Committee Member Bob Pitchford that the Minutes of the meeting of 1/31/12 be approved. Motion was unanimously approved. V. CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER None Vi. NEW BUSINESS A. ELECTION OF COMMITTEE CHAIR AND VICE CHAIR FOR 2013 Committee Chair Kim Housken recalled that in the past, the Vice Chair often ascends to the position of Chair, however, it is the Vice Chair's preference. Vice Chair Ricki Brodie cited personal reasons for not pursuing the position of Chair. Motion was made by Committee Member K. Gary Olesen that current Committee Chair Kim Housken remain Chair of this Committee. Committee Vice Chair Ricki Brodie seconded the motion. Motion passed 4-0. Committee Chair Kim Housken mentioned that she appreciated the vote of confidence. Committee Member Bob Pitchford commented that is was a good idea that Ms. Housken be the Chair of this Committee. Ms. Housken expressed her thanks. Motion was made by Committee Member Bob Pitchford that Committee Vice Chair Ricki Brodie remain as Vice Chair. Motion was seconded by Committee Member K. Gary Olesen. Motion passed unanimously. VII. CONTINUED BUSINESS None VIII. OLD BUSINESS None G:\BldgSfty\Suzanne Ciahini\Word Fles\Cultural Resources Preservatlon CommitteelMinutes 2013\0430-13 Preliminary AAinutes.docx Page 2 CULTURAL RESOURCES PRESERVATION COMMITTEE PRELIMINARY MINUTES APRIL 30, 2013 IX. PUBLtC HEARING — SANDPIPER CONDOMINIUMS CIRCLES 11 AND 12 Unit# Address L o t # A P N 1101 72487 EI Paseo 1 640 200 0 06 1102 72489 EI Paseo 2 640 200 005 1103 72491 EI Paseo 3 640 200 002 1104 72493 EI Paseo 4 640 200 0 01 1105 72495 EI Paseo 5 640 200 0 03 1106 72497 EI Paseo 6 640 200 004 1107 72499 EI Paseo 7 640 200 007 1108 72501 EI Paseo 8 640 200 008 1109 72471 EI Paseo 9 640 200 011 1110 72473 EI Paseo 10 640 200 012 1111 72475 EI Paseo 11 640 200 015 1112 72477 EI Paseo 12 640 200 016 1113 72479 EI Paseo 13 640 200 014 1114 72481 EI Paseo 14 640 200 013 1115 72483 EI Paseo 15 640 200 010 1116 72485 EI Paseo 16 640 200 009 Common 72485 EI Paseo 33 640 200 017 area 1201 72459 EI Paseo 17 640 210 001 1202 72461 EI Paseo 18 640 210 002 1203 72463 EI Paseo 19 640 210 003 1204 72465 EI Paseo 20 640 210 004 1205 72467 EI Paseo 21 640 210 0 05 1206 72469 EI Paseo 22 640 210 006 1207 72439 EI Paseo 23 640 210 007 1208 72441 EI Paseo 24 640 210 008 1209 72443 EI Paseo 25 640 210 009 1210 72445 EI Paseo 26 640 210 010 1211 72447 Willow St 27 640 210 011 1212 72449 Willow St 28 640 210 012 1213 72451 Willow St 29 640 210 013 1214 72453 Willow St 30 640 210 014 1215 72455 EI Paseo 31 640 210 015 1216 72457 EI Paseo 32 640 210 016 Common 72457 EI Paseo 34 640 210 017 area X. CONSIDER HISTORIC DISTRICT DESIGNATION FOR THE PROPERTIES LOCATED WITHIN SANDPIPER CONDOMINIUMS CIRCLES 11 AND 12 Committee Chair Kim Housken opened the Public Hearing to Consider Historic District Designation for the properties located within Sandpiper Circles 11 and 12. No other reports were submitted. Bernard Cain represented Sandpiper Condominiums, Circles 11 and 12. His only comment would be if there were any additional questions, he would be happy to address them. He met with the Committee three times during Work Shops. He introduced Jim Harlan, an architect from Palm Springs, and an active Board G:\BldgSfty\Suzanne Cicchini\Word Files\Cultural Resources Preservation Committee\Minutes 2013\0430-13 Preliminary Minutes.docx Page 3 CULTURAL RESOURCES PRESERVATION COMMITTEE PRELIMINARY MINUTES APRIL 30 2013 Member on the Palm Springs Preservation Foundation Board. He did a very good job of presenting Sandpiper Circles 11 and 12 for historic district designation and put the application package together. Committee Member Ricki Brodie commented that it was an incredibly professional job and they should be proud of themselves. Mr. Cain introduced two Board Members that were present at the meeting. Richard Weinstein and Jackie Armstrong. Laurel Weinstein is Richard's wife. They attended the meeting in support of the historic district designation. Mr. Cain thanked the Committee. Committee Chair Kim Housken closed the Public Hearing. She remarked that Mr. Harlan did a fantastic job. Ms. Housken noted that Mr. Harlan, absent from the last Work Shop, received effusive praise about the application. Her only comment was that she wanted the application corrected under Section 6, Period of Significance, Modern Period that the cabin owned by Paul and Betty Popenoe and designed by Rudolph Schindler was actually built in Coachella. It was not located in the City of Palm Desert. The cabin no longer exists. She also requested that on the same page of the application, that "Mountain Shadow Resort" should be corrected to read: Shadow Mountain Resort. Motion was made by Committee Vice Chair Ricki Brodie that staff prepare a resolution approving historic district designation for properties located within Sandpiper Condominiums Circles 11 and 12, for City Council consideration. Committee Member K. Gary Olesen seconded the motion. Committee Chair Kim Housken added that she wanted to state for the record that they are very happy that Sandpiper Condominium Homeowner Association for Circles 11 and 12 came forwa�d with this designation application and the Committee hopes your enthusiasm is contagious and will spread among the other units. She noted the fantastic job on the application and hoped other units can model it. The Motion passed unanimously in favor of advancing this application for historic district designation to City Council. XI. PUBLIC HEARING — PALM DESERT COMMUNITY CHURCH/1ST CHURCH CENTER FOR SPIRITUAL LIVING PALM DESERT AND CONSIDER HISTORIC LANDMARK DESIGNATION FOR PALM DESERT COMMUNITY CHURCH/CENTER FOR SPIRITUAL LIVING PALM DESERT LOCATED AT 45630 PORTOLA AVENUE, APN: 625-172-004 AS A LOCAL HISTORIC LANDMARK FOR CITY COUNCIL APPROVAL Committee Chair Kim Housken opened the Public Hearing. Elizabeth Gold, Director of Operations for the Center for Spiritual Living Palm Desert clarified that the correct current name for this landmark is Center for Spiritual Living Palm Desert It was listed as Center for Spiritual Living, but did not indicate Palm Desert. There is also a center in Palm Springs and she wanted to note the distinction between the finro. There were no comments or other reports submitted. Committee Chair Kim Housken closed the Public Hearing. Committee Member Bob Pitchford commented that the building was a historic site and it should be recognized. Committee Chair Kim Housken noted the accompanying history about the landmark that the Committee worked on during Work Shops will be a part of the packet. G:1&dgSfty\Suzanne CicchinilWord Filas\Cultural Resources Preserva6on Committeeltvfinutes 2 0 1 3104-30-1 3 Preliminary Minutes.docx Page 4 CULTURALRESOURCES PRESERVATION COMMITTEE PRELIMINARY MINUTES _ APRIL 30, 2013 Motion was made by Committee Member Bob Pitchford that staff prepare a resolutlon approving historic landmark designation for Palm Desert Community Church/Center for Spiritual Living Paim Desert located at 45630 Portola Avenue, APN: 625-172-004 as a locai historic landmark for City Council approvai. Committee Member Ricki Brodie seconded the Motion. All voted in favor, Motion carried 40. XII. REPORTS AND REMARKS Committee Chair Kim Housken recalled that Committee Member Ricki Brodie had been attending the Citizens Sustainability Committee Meetings. Committee Member Ricki Brodie commented that she did not see any reason to continue with those. Committee Chair Kim Housken suggested that she may want to follow the Agendas and Minutes online for that Committee and mention any relevant items to the Committee. Committee Chair Kim Housken noted that she follows the Agendas and Minutes of the Oversight Board of the Successor Agency to the Palm Desert Redevelopment Agency online for items she is interested in. She has been concemed about the Walter White House on Santa Rosa and she is keeping an eye out for further information about it. Committee Chair Kim Housken mentioned she received an email from Brett Romer of the Palm Desert Historical Society inquiring about a possible time capsule Iocated on a property on the south side of Highway 111. The building is a two story commercial building at Panorama Drive. A plaque notes the name of the building as the Kenneth B. Jacques building. In addition, Mr. Romer was seeking information on the Frank Sinatra house near Palm Desert in Mountain Center, CA. Committee Member Bob Pitchford recalled the architect and builder of the house was Ross Patton. XII1. ADJOURNMENT Committee Chair Kim Housken adjaumed the meeting at 10:40 a.m. �L�� Suzanne Cicchini, Recording Secretary G:\BldgSftylSuianne Cicchini\Word Fles\Cultural Resauces Preservatlon Committee\tuinutes 201310430-13 Preliminary l.inutes.docx Page 5 RESOLUTION NO. 2o�3-2s A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT APPROVING HISTORIC DISTRICT DESIGNATION FOR SANDPIPER CONDOMINIUMS CIRCLES 11 8� 12 LOCATED ON EL PASEO, AS A LOCAL HISTORIC DISTRICT WHEREAS, on April 30, 2013, the Cultural Resource Preservation Committee conducted a public hearing to consider initiation of Historic District Designation for Sandpiper Condominiums Circles 11 & 12 located on EI Paseo, Assessor's Parcel No's. 640-200-0 06, 640-200-0 05, 640-200-0 02, 640-200-0 01, 640-200-0 03, 640-200-0 04, 640-200-0 07, 640-200-0 08, 640-200-11, 640-200-012, 640-200- 015, 640-200-016, 640-200-014, 640-200-013, 640-200-010, 640-200-009, 640- 200-017, 640-210-0 01, 640-210-0 02, 640-210-0 03, 640-210-0 04, 640-210-0 05, 640-210-006, 640-210-007, 640-210-008, 640-210-009, 640-210-010, 640-210- 011, 640-210-012, 640-210-013, 640-210-014, 640-210-015, 640-210-016, 640- 210-017, 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 March 26, 2013 before the Cultural Resources Preservation Committee. 3. Staff presentation at a meeting and subsequent public hearing held on April 30, 2013 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 Sandpiper Condominiums Circles 11 & 12 located on EI Paseo was made on January 6, 2013, to designate the Sandpiper Condominiums Circles 11 & 12 as an historic district. 2. Notice of the April 30, 2013, Cultural Resources Preservation Committee meeting was posted in the Desert Sun and at City Hall. 3. Notice of the April 30, 2013 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). Resolution No. 2oi3-2s Page 2 of 3 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 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: Sandpiper Condominiums Circles 11 and 12, completed in 1965 by the Los Angeles- based architectural firm of Palmer & Krisel, exhibit numerous stylistic markers that place them directly in the historic context of Palm Desert's Modern Period. Further, Circles 11 and 12 are an excellent example of multi-family residential development in Palm Desert in the mid-1960s. The 32 units and 16 buildings that comprise Circles 11 and 12 reflect a coherent vision of modernist architecture rarely found anywhere else in the United States. The siting of the buildings in Circles 11 and 12, and the landscape architecture further reinforce a coherent modernist architectural vision that successfully created a leisure lifestyle of"carefree desert living." The site planning at Sandpiper is a pin- wheel configuration around a central hub (in this case the pool) and its greenbelt concept draws from 19th century British planner Ebenezer Howard's Garden City. Howard's concept envisioned a world where the best of city and rural life is combined to create a utopian environment. He espoused the need for green belts, in an effort to reduce congestion and to create a healthy environment in which to live. Palmer & Krisel expands Howard's tenet by creating an environment free from cars, a popular symbol of urban distress. Their site planning re-examines not only urban but suburban living. Palmer & Krisel deftly sited all vehicular roads and carports on the perimeter of each circle. Their buildings turn their "fronts" away from the street. The "front porch" no longer faces the street but is moved to look onto the green belt. In this, the pool becomes the "new streetscape": the new social gathering place for the complex. Palm Desert, along with neighboring Palm Springs and Rancho Mirage, are together internationally-known as a center of important midcentury architecture. The buildings and site that constitute Sandpiper Condominium Circles 11 and 12 represent an excellent intact example of American Modernist architecture. This midcentury architecture may therefore be viewed as an important component of the historic trend that has come to define the Coachella Valley and one that exemplifies a particular Page 2 of 3 Resolution No. ,n��_,R Page 3 of 3 period of the nation, state, or local history. The Sandpiper Condominiums Circles 11 & 12 located on EI Paseo, 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. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT DOES HEREBY DESIGNATE SANDPIPER CONDOMINIUMS CIRCLES 11 & 12, LOCATED ON EL PASEO AND WILLOW STREETS, 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 day of , 2013, by the following vote, to wit: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: ABSTAIN: JAN HARNIK, MAYOR ATTEST: RACHELLE D. KLASSEN, CITY CLERK CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA Page3of3 Sand i er �ondo� i n i u n�� pp . � rc es � n Historic District Nomination Prepared by James R. Harlan PALM SPRINGS � �' PRESERVATION . * �.. ° FOUNDATION Acknowledgements This nomination has been generously underwritten by the Palm Springs Preservation Foundation The author would like to recognize the help and contributions of the following individuals: Bernie Cain Jim West Patrick McGrew And to architect William Krisel, AIA Whose vision and hard work made Sandpiper a reality... 1 Table of Contents Acknowledgements...1 Table of Contents...2 Introduction...3 Historic District Designation Application....4-5 Boundary Description...6 Boundary Justification...6 Physical Description (and History)...7 Theme...8 Period of Significance...9 Narrative Statement of Significance...10 Additional Information...11 Photographs...11 Appendices Appendix I — Minutes of March 9, 2012 Meeting of Dunlin One Homeowners Association Board of Directors...12 Appendix II —Sandpiper Condominiums Circles 11 and 12 Assessor Parcel Numbers (APNs)...13 Appendix III - Site Plan of Sandpiper Condominiums Circles 11 and 12...14 Appendix IV- Floorplans of Sandpiper Condominiums Circles 11 and 12 - Models A, B, C and E...15 Appendix V- Floorplans of Sandpiper Condominiums Circles 11 and 12 - Model F...16 Appendix VI - Entryway Landscaping Plan for Sandpiper Condominiums— Floorplan C...17 Appendix VII — Model E Architectural Rendering...18 Appendix VIII - Integrity Analysis of Sandpiper Condominiums Circles 11 and 12...19 Appendix IX—Specific Responses to Historic District Designation Criteria (from Palm Desert Municipal Code Section 29.50.010)...23 Appendix X— Historical Photographs...25 2 Introduction The Palm Springs Preservation Foundation (PSPF) is a non-profit organization whose mission is "to educate and promote public awareness of the importance of preserving the historical resources and architecture of the city of Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley area." Starting in 2008, PSPF has actively lobbied local governments throughout the Coachella Valley to support the creation of historic districts in accordance with their local ordinances. However, due to our limited resources, PSPF will only support efforts to create historic districts if there is strong homeowner interest and enthusiasm for such an undertaking. On March 9, 2012 the board of directors of the Dunlin One Homeowners Association (HOA), which represents Sandpiper Condominiums Circles 11 and 12, voted unanimously to have board member Bernie Cain pursue the historic district designation of their circles (the minutes of the Dunlin One HOA meeting of March 9, 2012 are at Appendix I). Soon thereafter, the foundation was asked by Mr. Cain to assist in the preparation of the necessary application. At the April 13, 2012 PSPF board of directors meeting, the board discussed the Dunlin One HOA request and voted to devote the necessary resources to pursue such a designation. PSPF board member and architect James R. Harlan volunteered to author the historic district nomination. 3 � _ ._____ . � � � t � i A � �y��_. r��,�1 i��,a��Drer��y � -"`�s Q�6�pe_mrte�n��e,t��,. t:^ti�tg �r�d laartahf '�'�"'"' �`' ��-51�r r�y:f'1tit,ar�Gr �alm�1cs�crt G�►$�3�� r �'7'tiOJ ��E'i-�Ei4�1 � �•,;,,' t ax�"��@(5'I T�`��92 j � � i , _ � t i �t9�Q�1C �S��I:t Cut�pur�a� R�a�r�,rr+�es �a�rnirra�an hpp�ilc�ti�►n � �ae��per CoMdflrn* ..� � °�cles '' and '2 � �. C�rs�r�ci ttiiarr'�d. __..__ _. i 1 AP1P�_i�C:h�1"i�+IF{pRINATICaN �,,,��r��- IVI- Jamee�. H�rta��archibect , �p�c°r��cr�f�ngar za��on('�f arsyrj, P`'fi$�If�4��"�8U�t7�-aL^d8tMt3�'t �cidr�� 77�E'�sA Pw•rr Gs-��ry�-t �•aM� SsiDe °1D-�95 �'i1y �� '�,Df�'i�,$� 'q1F�&i �� `y '��?4:,}'� �h�'�a�P�it_. ��6�y�3 1 `"MP+I 6nF4�tfSP�`'�`:'°�r4vunc�trr�o � �=:�n�c�� c�,a;,�+��anz � ___ _ � __. � � _.F._ ._. �� _._ _ I __..w. _. ___ _._ _ _ � �lo��t�e �, �012 _ € , �et�r�,vr�p� e� 9 � � r _ � ;,'�Ic��h atfdits�ar;� x,f�� as ns�b�r�; �CSCFttP'TiOM Ac��nc�.,.:�r� :�:r'�tk�n Se�8tt,2�Ched ; � � Ha,�nc��7+.�`csz��s• '� �eC��#�E�� _ 4 Pt►yr.dr�l E�=�r��taca�-� SC��1k7d 91�iD�11FIG,�INC� � 1=,.�:m�• �v a�Hlached P�ri�;3 txf S�rc ficar'� ��'BC�� d�r�►;��t�rr;:�ir�,•,�r�cau� �e�attaehect w�air�a��i�,��s��a��or� � �r��•�� =,�taf�ra�t*� � � � I � ai 1 3 f 4 Historic District Cultural Resources Nomination Application Definition: Within the Sandpiper Condominium complex Circles 11 and 12 a "Circle" consists of a cluster (grouping) of 8 detached single-story buildings. These circles surround a communal swimming pool and landscape area, referred to in this nomination as a "courtyard." Two attached condominium units comprise a building, eight buildings comprise a Circle. The units are typically mirror images of each other joined at the common wall. Within the Sandpiper condominium complex the Circle numbers indicate the historic order in which the building clusters were built. For example, Circle 1 was built first, followed by Circle 2, followed by Circles 3 and 4. There are 17 Circles with the Sandpiper Condominium complex with 16 "full" Circles (each with a pool) and two "half' Circles (each with a pool). 2. Boundary Description: The Sandpiper Condominium complex is located south of EI Paseo, west of California Route 74, east of Edgehill Way and north of Pitahaya Street. The Sandpiper complex is bounded by EI Paseo to the north and a single family residential development off Pitahaya Street to the south. The complex is adjacent to EI Paseo, a retail and commercial strip. This application is to nominate what is historically known as Sandpiper Condominiums Circles 11 and 12. Circles 11 and 12 are located in the center of the complex, east of Circles 13, 14 and 15 and west of Circles 9 and 10. Private roads ("B" and "C" Avenues, respectively) run along the west and east sides of Circles 11 and 12, EI Paseo along the north and the community property line along the south, and serve as the boundaries for this historic district designation. The private roads are also the means of vehicular access for the units and the adjacent carports. The specific Assessor Parcel Numbers (APNs) contained within Circles 11 and 12 are cited in Appendix II and in total constitute a legal description of the proposed historic district and by extension the boundaries of the district. Appendix III provides the original site plan of Circles 11 and 12 prepared by the architectural firm of Palmer & Krisel. 3. Boundary Justification This nomination is specifically written to nominate an historic district that includes only Sandpiper Circles 11 and 12. While all the buildings in the Sandpiper Condominium complex were designed in the modernist architectural vernacular, because the complex was built over an extended period of time (1958-1969) by different builders, specific circles (and pairs of circles) have unique characteristics and histories. Unlike some historic districts, which can contain a variety of architectural styles built 6 over an extended period of time, Circles 11 and 12 of the Sandpiper Condominium complex represent a very clear architectural vision with the buildings constructed near simultaneously, of the same materials, deliberately sited in a coherent plan. Intentionally included in this historic district nomination is the common area, or courtyard, which is surrounded by the buildings of Circles 11 and 12. A pool is located in the center of the common area, adjacent to the pool is a putting green and a shuffleboard court. The pool is surrounded by a large open area of landscaping (grass), which serves as a buffer between the pool and the units. A fence enclosing the pool and shuffleboard area was added (at an unknown date) presumably due to safety requirements. Although detached, the buildings are arranged in a circle creating an enclosure for the common center courtyard (see the site plan at Appendix III). The detached carports, which serve the adjacent Circles, are original to the development and are also included in this nomination. 4. Physical Description (and History) The first Circles (1 through 4) were originally built as cooperatives by the construction company of George M. Holstein & Sons in conjunction with the Western Land and Capital Company. Later, the firm of George Osborn and William Kemp (operating as Sandpiper Builders, Inc.) built Circles 5 through 17 (entrepreneur builders Osborn and Kemp were original Sandpiper cooperative owners). The architectural firm of Palmer & Krisel was hired to design the initial phase (Circle 1) of Sandpiper Condominiums and construction was completed in 1958. Palmer & Krisel are directly responsible for the designs of Circles 1-14 (with characteristics and motifs from their original designs carried over into the remaining circles). Although frequently referred to in the singular, "Sandpiper" is actually comprised of nine separate real estate subdivisions representing eleven building stages that were completed from 1958 to 1969. Specific to this nomination, the construction of Circles 11 and 12 was completed in 1965. The series of 16 buildings (not including carports, etc.) that make up Circles 11 and 12 are not identical (due to the variation of the floor plans), but were designed and built in concert using the same architectural vernacular. Inspired by the International Style, the low-slung single-level buildings feature stucco, concrete block and full height glass walls which are capped by flat roofs. The geometry of each unit is rigorously orthogonal: there are no curves used in the layout of the units. Visual interest within the different facades is created by a variation of different architectural elements, such as the "sun flap", concrete block wall, etc. The concrete block pattern is changed from one building to another, the eave detail changes in response to the direction that the particular unit faces, and the massing varies in response to the different floor plans. (Note: Additional information about the importance of the use of concrete block is found in the paragraph 7 "Narrative Statement of Significance"). 7 Typical in both circles, the Living Room and its adjoining private covered patio are oriented towards the courtyard overlooking the pool and landscape area. This facade (referred to as the "front" of the unit) is primarily comprised of floor to ceiling glass with sliding glass door, in addition to a stucco wall. An open screen wall is located at one end of the front facade to provide privacy to the bedroom slider beyond. All units are entered via the "side" facade: that is perpendicular to the glass wall in the living room/bedroom. The side (entry) facade is composed of decorative concrete block (there are five different block pattern) which is punctuated by a pair of solid doors. The doors are roughly centered on the block wall and create a distinctive division in the massing. The block wall on the courtyard side of the entry doors is capped by clerestories on top of which a horizontal roof plane seemingly floats above. The wall on the opposite side of the doors is a lower but strikingly bare block wall and conceals the roof beyond. The third exterior wall or"back wall," which typically borders the access driveway, is a composition of block, stucco, glazing and void space. The side entry configuration mentioned above allows the courtyard facade to have a maximum of glass and allows for direct access from the "living areas". It should be noted that with the exception of Plan "B", the plans feature an interior atrium or courtyard space. Within Circles 11 and 12 are found five floorplans for Models A, B C, E and F. Diagrams of the floorplans for Models A, B, C and E can be found at Appendix IV. A diagram of the floorplan for Model F can be found at Appendix V. An entryway landscape plan for Model C is at Appendix VI and illustrates the commitment Palmer & Krisel had to creating a coherent design plan. An architectural rendering of Model E can be found at Appendix VII. A striking feature of the common area, also designed by Palmer& Krisel, is the series of wide concrete stairs. The existing sloping grade is gently modulated by these stairs, which in turn create level pads for the buildings and a large pad for outdoor activities. The exterior facades of the units are relatively intact and with little compromise. Windows on some units have been replaced or modified, and bars have been added on top of existing patio walls. Carports have been modified: walls and garage doors have been added to enclose existing carports, but the original structure remains. Yet despite these minor modifications the buildings and site of Circles 11 and 12 retain a high degree of integrity and remain largely intact. Appendix VIII is a detailed analysis of the integrity of Sandpiper Condominiums Circles 11 and 12 using U.S. Secretary of Interior standards. 5. Theme The concept of a condominium, where the ownership of a building or property is a shared entity is a relatively modern phenomenon, although communal living is not. The first "condominium" was built in the United States in 1960 in Salt Lake City, Utah. The 8 concept grew in popularity and by the end of the decade condominiums were present in all 50 states. The site planning at Sandpiper is a pin- wheel configuration around a central hub (in this case the pool) and its greenbelt concept draws from 19th century British planner Ebenezer Howard's Garden City. Howard's concept envisioned a world where the best of city and rural life is combined to create a utopian environment. He espoused the need for green belts, in an effort to reduce congestion and to create a healthy environment in which to live. Palmer & Krisel expands Howard's tenet by creating an environment free from cars, a popular symbol of urban distress. Their site planning re-examines not only urban but suburban living. Palmer & Krisel deftly sited all vehicular roads and carports on the perimeter of each circle. Their buildings turn their"fronts" away from the street. The "front porch" no longer faces the street but is moved to look onto the green belt. In this, the pool becomes the "new street scape": the new social gathering place for the complex. 6. Period of Significance The relatively short history of Palm Desert can be organized into three more or less distinct periods that include Prehistory, the Settlement Period, and the Modern Period. It is within the context of the last period that this building will be evaluated. Modern Period (1925-1960s): Located in the eastern portion of the Coachella Valley, Palm Desert was first developed as an agricultural area of date farms. The Modern Period can be considered to have begun with the construction of Coachella Valley's first "modern" structure, the Paul and Betty Popenoe Cabin designed in 1922 by the Austrian-born American modernist architect Rudolph Schindler(1887-1953). With this building, the area's then predominant architectural style based on Mexican and Spanish Colonial motifs began to change. The Historical Society of Palm Desert succinctly describes the pre-war and wartime history of the city as follows: In the 1930s a few homes were built and lots sold in a development north of Highway 111 called Palm Village.World War II brought General Patton to Portola Avenue and to the Colorado Desert to train for African warfare; but no one ever dreamed this would become a world-class destination resort. After the conclusion of World War II, tourist-based development began to replace the agriculture. The first large scale development was marked by the opening of Shadow Mountain Resort built by the Henderson brothers (Cliff, Randall, Phil, and Carl). This was followed by development of the "EI Paseo" commercial strip, which was a former army maintenance camp. Soon afterwards, Palm Desert quickly developed into a resort 9 destination in parallel with its neighbors Palm Springs and Rancho Mirage. Palm Desert, along with neighboring Palm Springs and Rancho Mirage, are together internationally-known as a center of important midcentury architecture. The buildings and site that constitute Sandpiper Condominium Circles 11 and 12 represent an excellent intact example of American Modernist architecture. This midcentury architecture may therefore be viewed as an important component of the historic trend that has come to define the Coachella Valley and one that exemplifies a particular period of the nation, state, or local history. 7. Narrative of Statement of Significance Sandpiper Condominiums Circles 11 and 12, completed in 1965 by the Los Angeles- based architectural firm of Palmer & Krisel, exhibit numerous stylistic markers that place them directly in the historic context of Palm Desert's Modern Period. Further, Circles 11 and 12 are an excellent example of multi-family residential development in Palm Desert in the mid-1960s. The 32 units and 16 buildings that comprise Circles 11 and 12 reflect a coherent vision of modernist architecture rarely found anywhere else in the United States. The siting of the buildings in Circles 11 and 12, and the landscape architecture (previously described in paragraphs 4 and 5 of this nomination) further reinforce a coherent modernist architectural vision that successfully created a leisure lifestyle of "carefree desert living." Sandpiper Condominiums Circles 11 and 12 are significant under the theme of Modern Architecture because they possesses distinctive characteristics that make up the many qualities of the style, such as overall horizontality, flat roofs, expansive amounts of glass, clerestory windows, use of inexpensive, machine-produced materials, masonry, etc. Together the structures and site are a superb specimen of its type or period of construction and an important example (within its context) of building practices in Palm Desert and the Coachella Valley at midcentury. From a building materials viewpoint, Circles 11 and 12 employ some of the most exuberant uses of concrete block found anywhere in the nation. Uses of (1) concrete feature block, commercially known as "Shadowal," (2) a pierced concrete screen block (including patterns known as "Venetian," "Empress" and "Maltese") and an extremely rare solid variation of screen block (effectively an un-pierced, version). While concrete Shadowal and screen block are occasionally combined as buildina materials, the further addition of solid screen block mav make the combination of buildina materials in Sandpiper Condominiums Circles 11 and 12 unique as part of a desiqn theme. Adding to the significance of the Sandpiper Condominium complex (and by extension Circles 11 and 12), in the late 1950s, and onward, the architectural firm of Palmer & Krisel was quickly recognized as a firm that paid careful attention to the requirements of builders. Specifically, they were very successful in solving the problem of producing 10 good design while still meeting tight project budgets. In the mid-1950s, Palmer & Krisel began to receive substantial professional recognition for their already burgeoning body of work. This recognition ranged from awards bestowed by the local Southern California chapter of the American Institute of Architects to recognition from the influential National Association of Homebuilders. The firm was also listed as one of the "top 100 firms in the nation" by the seminal Progressive Architecture magazine. The Los Angeles-based firm of Palmer & Krisel produced a large and diverse body of work including housing tracts, office high-rises and shopping centers. In all, 40,000 housing units were produced by the firm. Appendix IX describes in detail how Sandpiper Condominiums Circles 11 and 12 meet most of the "Historic District Designation Criteria" from Palm Desert Municipal Code Section 29.50.010 (specifically criteria A, B, C, D, E and F). 8. Additional information A. Bibliography Bogart, Frank. Palm Springs-First Hundred Years, Palm Springs Heritage Association, 1987 Concrete Masonry Age magazine, January 1958 Concrete Products magazine, April 1956 Harlan, James R. The Alexanders: A Desert Legacy, Palm Springs Preservation Foundation, March 2011 House +Home magazine, June 1957 Howard, Ebenezer. Garden Cities of Tomorrow, Swan Sonnenschein & Co., 1902 National Concrete Masonry Association Pictorial, Vol. 20, No. 10, 1964 Taschen, Benedikt. Julius Shulman: Modernism Rediscovered, 1958-1964 (Vol. 2), 2007 West, Jim. Sandpiper Chronology (unpublished), 2012 B. Other Sources City of Palm Desert website Palm Desert Historical Society Riverside County Assessor's Office William Krisel Archives, Getty Research Institute (Research library) 9 Photographs The required documentation photographs of each Sandpiper Condominium Circle 11 and 12 residential unit and associated carports, architectural details, etc., are contained on a separately provided compact disk. Miscellaneous historical photographs and advertisements are contained in Appendix X. 11 Appendix I Minutes of March 9, 2012 Meeting of Dunlin One Homeowners Association Board of Directors DUNLIN OV�MERS ASSOCIATION "ONE" BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING March 9,2012 I. The meeting was called to order by President Norm Rickard at 2:OOP.M.at the home of Norm Rickard,�207 Sandpiper u. ROLL CALL OF MEMBERS: Board members present were Norm Rickard,Piper Close, Richard Weinstein,.JackieArmstrong,and Bernie Cain_ .J &W Managementwas not represented. On a motion by Bernie Cain and seconded by Piper Close,the motion passedunanimouslyto give BernieCainauthority to pursue Historic District Designation for SandpiperCircles 1 1 and 12,Dunlin Onewith the Cityof Palm Desert. 11.ADJOURNMENT: Themeeting was adjournedat 3:45P.M. 12 Appendix 11 Sandpiper Condominiums Circle 11 APNs unit# address lot# A P N 1101 72487 EI Paseo 1 640 200 0 06 1102 72489 EI Paseo 2 640 200 005 1103 72491 EI Paseo 3 640 200 0 02 1104 72493 EI Paseo 4 640 200 0 01 1105 72495 EI Paseo 5 640 200 0 03 1106 72497 EI Paseo 6 640 200 004 1107 72499 EI Paseo 7 640 200 007 1108 72501 EI Paseo 8 640 200 008 1109 72471 EI Paseo 9 640 200 011 1110 72473 EI Paseo 10 640 200 012 1111 72475 EI Paseo 11 640 200 015 1112 72477 EI Paseo 12 640 200 016 1113 72479 EI Paseo 13 640 200 014 1114 72481 EI Paseo 14 640 200 013 1115 72483 EI Paseo 15 640 200 010 1116 72485 EI Paseo 16 640 200 0 09 Common area 72485 EI Paseo 33 640 200 017 Sandpiper Condominiums Circle 12 APNs unit# address lot# A P N 1201 72459 EI Paseo 17 640 210 0 01 1202 72461 EI Paseo 18 640 210 002 1203 72463 EI Paseo 19 640 210 0 03 1204 72465 EI Paseo 20 640 210 004 1205 72467 EI Paseo 21 640 210 005 1206 72469 EI Paseo 22 640 210 006 1207 72439 EI Paseo 23 640 210 007 1208 72441 EI Paseo 24 640 210 008 1209 72443 EI Paseo 25 640 210 009 1210 72445 EI Paseo 26 640 210 010 1211 72447 Willow St 27 640 210 011 1212 72449 Willow St 28 640 210 012 1213 72451 Willow St 29 640 210 013 1214 72453 Willow St 30 640 210 014 1215 72455 EI Paseo 31 640 210 015 1216 72457 EI Paseo 32 640 210 016 Common area 72457 EI Paseo 34 640 210 017 13 Appendix III Site plan of Sandpiper Condominiums Cirdes 11 and 12 (From the William Krisel Archives) — ----- - ,� + II R � � ..... , . � . . s.k=-; . . ia� w. . +� � ` ."� . ' I� ; � `s ,,,»,`� ' ,A k`�w-�� ,�^'''';�'y � �F � ,� �„�� e"i i-$j--`'z+r-'� ��` �" J; *�`��°'+�,»-"`G�- -�°'�� `� � �r �� `�. <� � I 11 j �`�"Ny, M�r�`' _ �.� �^,� � � � ..r� I_�� r.� �� .� •,, •,g��20' 9�� £'^�� `;� ' � � a.. °�.d� � ,f—wn�,,..� f�f (dd �, �nl'a'''�5r�i'`� h�� j. �..• _',� ,„k,* i �,' j j � � �'CJ �' ' �!4 � t� :.>. r ._E � [�kJ � v $� iv � ,��, � _ � ;�- �,� � ., �,� ,. ,, z. �.�� ; �, `4 �_ "� �,� � ,� k. '�� M �:�«. �.i'', ��.le��' �A .{ �y�� y�'� rM�"�, j�r r�� "'��r, ,� i � ��,� �' ... �� . � � � � y_ � "�"' ,., � , ,� �" s� ; a �� ° � z , „�� ' ' t ��{ + � � '��`yz.��" G.�'i�4�'� �.�� y"�� ^ "�,y'p• �t�"p �v �,��, ' �� w —'f. ,� 'L � � .� �s yq �� f r ., . .'" � " te .� .__ '_—. � � � ,.,, i � �... i ti�� `' ♦ " � �'�'-_ t� f �, � �� , ; �,""�-=�-�--r�--._...,,c,- �, �_____ _ .. . �-�" �i :#� '�,�-'v' . . � � E �{ .. ._.._ , � r s:��# � _ , . �F� �»T_._. C,..,._..m..� 14 Appendix IV Floorplans of Sandpiper Condominiums Circles 11 and 12- Models A, B, C and E (From the William KriselArchives) � _ �..,�. �'�-� tl� � �..�i+.; K:` "�� _ �,� �., r'.1 kw—nu � �n � � t 1 a�l .+., a , �i �� .�� a,�;;�i i..r..�'""" - ,�, „ C— u... m.... ; ..... .... '.. , �nr.«.. . — . _�.. {. ��_..� 4..� ..... '��....rt ��. . . . M6di��....i motlltl A �lililEBtKRISEt 1.i,A. � . -• - - ; _ 'w�� "'a �.r t� ,• � � . ' _ �, � a A � �s...qt � vna�' i� `� � F ....., .. _.....�.- ,... _ 4wst ..y ��"M � xlxxe. USMa*xw +n�a.�8 Nr ^t' i �w� � � - .,, • . � ...,,. . .+.� � »N i � ,.,�. . � —— c .;.zs�. c��4e� E ►�k 1 M E I a 1 II i S t L A.1.�'T,�'".,,,, � ( i 4 Appendix V Floorplans of Sandpiper Condominiums Circles 11 and 12 (continued) Model F (From the William Krisel Archives) ::.�� :;. � ��.��.� � � _��_� � � �_... .,; ti � .,,r. .�.. -,��. -i�s s_ •, .��.�-� t_� '�:ti ,�..�, � ...� . �. .� ��_� ..� . . _ � � -- � . , ,; � = , • . � . __ y � _ .a � .a,-r. ...�F.� _. _-- � . ., � . __ , _ ' � �. , _ _ , i` -__ ,� r....�� ' � .. _ _ , � _ ... � ��- ; _; � �� , � ` . . $��r '� l::ttl r.�...,,. ..: _,...., ._. ._ ........ . 1 'I ..�i"4T ]+.. • ,�1.,. , .. � i.n.' c-_. .'1'rdi:� ); t. $� t ; i i ^ .s � � - � •.. �_._.____ � .`', k� J, F ♦ i-t � 4 � m.t._...�. ,.1�..:-�} eJl_.2, t � ��gg �� + i �' . ..y- , , � j � a. � � � ! �,�• { '} ._ . Y - i .... a�.,,, S � .o F � k ..} Y,...-+i f E 4 ; �t `. •Srt1� � � � ��1 _ .. .,... • .i`� . ' �� ` + ; 1� �l � . .� �° ,- ,� , i � 3 t. � �; E # ( t� 3 4 r �� - � � { I t � � .��.� � � � �� . , �� ; : ��+r�._. — ,:l:.w,�e{��s � � �� _ -� �� Ii1�.z�tlo��tt't."�s- � .' F�(h'1 te•. 5 Appendix VI Entryway Landscaping Plan for Sandpiper Condominiums — Model C (From the William Krisel Archives) � ___ �.., .� ��, � •=.,r.� ,�;. n,;.r�•. tI;4Y �''� M� M . "�- � f" a.,f, 's,, - • �P C . � , "y�,. p..p,' �,•yJ� ��.�.� .N�� 'Ft ` � � �� 4 ' 1 ••�.q� v�Mw� 1��.s+w, �.n�'N�r tNr�r tcitt r�i � , .,�!•�. ll�` =; ,� � . � � � r �$_.�__,��.�- � ��- �� w._ _ �. - . _Y`��' �,r�1 r � r.si �ir►� i�t .��o �csr.ic f + tlll/1! i R�ISlC tl.Li. f:.y•�11� aii�le�i «m�a�x�uY.r.a wrenw we�w.+�,..�ra��rr ;k+w. . r`�"'.;' 6 Appendix VII Model E Architectural Rendering (From the Wiliiam Krisel Archives) .. �r . ,.�.:._ .t . . �, � '.r,� .. .,,�'S�"% � � � - r } .. . . . , :... ,. ~��..� �� 1 . � *- ' �-�... . �--�-�r��` _ _ r----+----"� '"".�---- - -- ' r �,._ . --t . _ ,, .. _ . _ _._.. . . � .�..-�----- ��. � . ..___..-.._ . , . . . � -� • -� .. ...._. ..,�_ . ..^..._. __.._-,�._ _. ,� . _ , ' - .. .. .__.. . �' ._ .._.�. . ._._._. � ' . � „�..... . `E' � 18 Appendix VIII Integrity Analysis of Sandpiper Condominiums Circles 11 and 12 INTEGRITY This is the ability of a property to convey its significance. To be listed in the local registry, a property must not only be shown to be significant under the criteria, but it also must have integrity. The evaluation of integrity is sometimes a subjective judgment, but it must always be grounded in an understanding of a property's physical features and how they relate to its significance. Historic properties either retain integrity (that is, convey their significance) or they do not. The definition of integrity includes seven aspects or qualities. To retain historic integrity a property will always possess several, and usually most, of the aspects. The retention of specific aspects of integrity is paramount for a property to convey its significance. Determining which of these aspects are most important to a particular property requires knowing why, where, and when the property is significant. The following sections define the seven aspects and explain how they combine to produce integrity. LOCATION Location is the place where an historic property was constructed or the place where an historic event occurred. The relationship between the property and its location is often important to understanding why the property was created or why something happened. The actual location of a historic property, complemented by its setting, is particularly important in recapturing the sense of historic events and persons. Except in rare cases, the relationship between a property and its historic associations is destroyed if the property is moved. Sandpiper Condominiums Circles 11 and 12 remain in their origina/location and therefore qualify under this aspect. DESIGN Design is the combination of elements that create the form, plan, space, structure, and style of a property. It results from conscious decisions made during the original conception and planning of a property and applies to activities as diverse as community planning, engineering, architecture, and landscape architecture. Design includes such elements as organization of space, proportion, scale, technology, ornamentation, and materials. A property's design reflects historic functions and technologies as well as aesthetics. It includes such considerations as the structural system; massing; arrangement of spaces; pattern of fenestration; textures and colors of surface materials; type, amount, and style of ornamental detailing. Although the units and site of Sandpiper Condominiums Circ/es 11 and 12 have seen some minor a/terations, the essentia/ characteristics of form, p/an, space, structure, 19 and style have survived intact. Similar/y, the structural system; massing; arrangement of spaces;pattern of fenestration; and the type, amount, and style of detailing, has survived as well. Some exterior surface materials (concrete block and metal fascia) have been painted but this is a relatively insignificant and reversib/e change. Fortunate/y, there is extensive documentation in the form of plans and photographs (including many taken by architectural photographer Julius Shu/man) that clearly illustrate the original design intent of the architects. SETTING Setting is the physical environment of a historic property. Whereas location refers to the specific place where a property was built or an event occurred, setting refers to the character of the place in which the property played its historical role. It involves how, not just where, the property is situated and its relationship to surrounding features and open space. Setting often reflects the basic physical conditions under which a property was built and the functions it was intended to serve. In addition, the way in which a property is positioned in its environment can reflect the designer's concept of nature and aesthetic preferences. The setting of the Sandpiper Condominiums Circles 11 and 12 continues to ref/ect the architects' original design relationship of site and structure. MATERIALS Materials are the physical elements that were combined or deposited during a particular period of time and in a particular pattern or configuration to form a historic property. The choice and combination of materials reveals the preferences of those who created the property and indicate the availability of particular types of materials and technologies. As mentioned previously, while some of the Sandpiper Condominiums Circles 11 and 12 exterior surface materials have been painted, this change does not constitute a significant/oss of the physica/ e/ements that expressed the design during the building's period of significance; the particular pattern and configuration that today forms the buildings and site survives intact. WORKMANSHIP Workmanship is the physical evidence of the crafts of a particular culture or people during any given period in history or prehistory. It is the evidence of artisans' labor and skill in constructing or altering a building, structure, object, or site. Workmanship can apply to the property as a whole or to its individual components. It can be expressed in vernacular methods of construction and plain finishes or in highly sophisticated configurations and ornamental detailing. It can be based on common traditions or innovative period techniques. Workmanship is important because it can 20 furnish evidence of the technology of a craft, illustrate the aesthetic principles of a historic or prehistoric period, and reveal individual, local, regional, or national applications of both technological practices and aesthetic principles. Examples of workmanship in historic buildings include tooling, carving, painting, graining, turning, and joinery. Within the buildings of Sandpiper Condominiums Circles 11 and 12, the workmanship is comprised of integra/ ornamental detailing reflected in concrete block, g/ass and aluminum. The property continues to express a high degree of contemporary period workmanship. FEELING Feeling is a property's expression of the aesthetic or historic sense of a particular period of time. It results from the presence of physical features that, taken together, convey the property's historic character. For example, a rural historic district retaining original design, materials, workmanship, and setting will relate the feeling of agricultural life in the 19th century. When constructed, Sandpiper Condominiums Circles 11 and 12 unapologetically catered to the aspiring upper midd/e c/ass. As such the "feeling" of fhe buildings necessarily had to exude urbanity albeit it in a more informal resort/ocation. The/ate 1950s were a sophisticated, open and optimistic time, a feeling still expressed by the design of this building. Accordingly, Sandpiper Condominiums Circ/es 11 and 12 retain the integrity of feeling. ASSOCIATION Association is the direct link between an important historic event or person and a historic property. A property retains association if it is the place where the event or activity occurred and is sufficientty intact to convey that relationship to an observer. Like feeling, association requires the presence of physical features that convey a property's historic character. For example, a Revolutionary War battlefield whose natural and man-made elements have remained intact since the 18th century will retain its quality of association with the battle. Because feeling and association depend on individual perceptions, their retention alone is never sufficient to support eligibility of a property for the National Register. As previously stated in this nomination, Sandpiper Condominiums Circles 11 and 12 are an important example of midcentury residential development in Pa/m Desert. The buildings and site represent the city's overal/residential developmenf from the 1950s to the 1960s. Accordingly, it continues its association with a pattern of events that have made a meaningful contribution to the community. INTEGRITY SUMMARY: Sandpiper Condominiums Circles 11 and 12 appear to be in excellent condition due largely to the use of construction materials suitable for the harsh desert environment. This integrity analysis confirms that the buildings and site 21 of Circles 11 and 12 still possess all seven aspects of integrity. While the buildings have undergone numerous minor alterations since construction, virtually all of the character-defining features survive. The buildings and site retain a high degree of integrity sufficient to qualify them for designation as an historic district. 22 Appendix IX Specific Responses to Historic District Designation Criteria (from Palm Desert Municipal Code Section 29.50.010) A. "Exemplifies or reflects special elements of cultural, social, economic, political, aesthetic, engineering, architectural, or natural history." Sandpiper Condominiums complex Circles 11 and 12 are an excellent example of a specific type of architecture (modernist), built during the midcentury period and with modern methods of construction. The subject buildings are the work of master architects Palmer & Krisel. The architects successful site planning, landscape and architectural design create not only a unique but an early example of a multi-unit residential condominium project. Palmer & Krisel's strong and deft use of the modernist architectural vernacular adds to the significance of the project. Additionally, Circles 11 and 12 are a singularly intact example of the significant modernist architecture for which the Coachella Valley is internationally known. As such, it should be viewed as an important component of the historic trends that have come to define the Coachella Valley's image as a center of important midcentury architecture (i.e., an historic trend that exemplifies "a particular period of the national, state or local history"). B. "Is identified with persons or events significant in history." This criterion recognizes properties associated with persons or events in history but is typically interpreted as including ,patterns of events or historic trends. For the purposes of this nomination, the gradual rise of the Coachella Valley's prominence in midcentury architectural excellence is viewed as a pattern of events. The Sandpiper Condominium complex is an outstanding example of residential design and construction of buildings within the context of midcentury desert modernism. The nominated historical district is associated with this pattern of events for its ability to exemplify the Modern Period of the national, state and local history. C. "Embodies distinctive characteristics of a style, type, period, or method of construction, or is a valuable example of the use of indigenous materials or craftsmanship." Sandpiper Condominiums Circles 11 and 12 are eligible under the theme of Modernist Architecture because they possess numerous distinctive characteristics that make up the modernist style, including flat roofs, clerestory windows, expansive amounts of glass, novel use of new materials, idiosyncratic use of concrete masonry, etc. D. "Represents the work of master builders, designers, or architects." A master is a figure of generally recognized greatness in a field or a known craftsman of consummate skill. The property must express a particular phase in the development of the master's career, an aspect of his work, or a particular idea or theme in his craft. 23 A property is not eligible as the work of a master, however, simply because it was designed by a prominent architect. For example, not every building designed by Frank Lloyd Wright is eligible under this criterion although it might meet the other criteria. Both Daniel Palmer and William Krisel are important as nationally-prominent practitioners of modernist architecture. The firm of Palmer& Krisel has long been recognized as a leading firm of the modernist movement and documentation on the firm is extensive. Further, the Sandpiper Condominium complex was immediately recognized by the architectural press and peers in the profession as an extraordinary effort that combined a sense of proportion, massing, refinement and use of modern materials and technology. In short, the Sandpiper Condominium complex (including Circles 11 and 12) exemplifies all of the stylistic markers of the maturing Modernist movement in the late 1950s. E. "Reflects distinctive examples of community planning or significant development patterns, including those associated with different eras of settlement and growth, agricultural, or transportation." The phenomenon of residential condominium construction in the United States is discussed in paragraph 5 of the nomination ("Theme"). Sandpiper Condominiums Circles 11 and 12 are also an excellent example of the Modern Period in Palm Desert's history as expressed through both the architecture and site. Circles 11 and 12 also represent a full expression of a resort community's "leisure lifestyle." F. "Conveys a sense of historic and architectural cohesiveness through its design, setting, materials, workmanship or associations." Architect William Krisel of the firm of Palmer & Krisel, has long been given credit for the design and much of the on-site supervision of the Sandpiper Condominium complex. Krisel viewed the architect's job as being that of the "master designer" responsible for designing projects that were comfortable, cost-effective and memorable. Krisel also believed that architects should have respect for the modernist masters and the principles they espoused. (See paragraph 5 of this nomination entitled "Theme" for an explanation of how Krisel's Sandpiper Condominium building design and site plan that created a "built- environment" that attempted to combine the best of city and rural life in a utopian environment). G. "Is an archaeological, paleontological, botanical, geological, topographical, ecological, or geographical resource that has yielded or has the potential to yield important information in history or pre-history." This criterion does not apply to this nomination. DESIGNATION CRITERIA SUMMARY: The foregoing evaluation finds Sandpiper Condominiums Circles 11 and 12 (both the buildings and site) eligible for listing as a Historic District under Palm Desert Municipal Code Section 29.50.010 paragraphs A, B, C, D, E and F. Additionally, the buildings and site retain a high degree of integrity. 24 Appendix X Historical Photographs and Advertisements � �� . � ; � �� . i �` # ` �� r� .x: ¢��'` #� � �� .- " . �,,�� >�ti= ��r,, �:�, � �ey�, »�[ iic � � �`. � ry ki ,w> y�' � 4� �,� y .�F � r, . � � '.-at...: �a;,,�.� �"�,... � � ��t � ,�� .�� 3 • � ,,...a. . :..• ` � , '-�° _ «�n _. • ;:� _ . �-zr� �� x�.. � ��; �r� � w �;:� � . �� I�. �y� � ` - '�", �� '�'� � �.� ��,E�� ;,.� .� ,'a�, . ��. , w . � „�� . _ , .:: n. ,�, - � , _ _� �� W,.,k _� Bing Cl'osby (1�ight) Palm Desert's farr�ed Hhono?'a?y 1 nayol-" puts the finishing touches on a giant HSanclpipel•" as buildel• Geol-ge M. Hol- stein III (center) and William J. 0'BTyon of the WesteTn Land and Capital Co. look on with a?JP?'oval. Occasion was the c0?npletion of the first unit and the OlJening of the second at the Highway 111 ancl Palnts to Pines Highlvay ::n•te �'Cl Palm Desert. Second unit is now colnplete with occupancy for the seaBon. Figure 1. Actor/singer Bing Crosby visits Sandpiper Condominiums. 25 Y 'I'� a new concept in carefree deseH (iving � � �� .� n..t � � �� _ ` �II , ,.� ._ ;� - t�.�� „ i- �' P, 'y �, ^^�..„, _ 5 #� �5 � -�. � ..r °� `. � �1ym� . _ ,. � � , � ..:: �-' �,+s��4 �" ��°�=�s . o,se'3:�"' ._._.. . . � _ � � �� r�� ,�OWN YOUR 4WN APARTMEHT3 � in Palm tletert—�us! tnMutes ihrcu�h Palm Spr3nQs—Mfsme ntl the 4a�p�sStaedorr ML Cfub' Nnr�. u.��i�a�s I�ulr.g ai �is deser� 1.:ca,� F.r:rl� SancS�.iper ap��rx�w� � CItv�Lalt�Oreni�r[I n��aand pa�i �ea .�ardr� ur+�i� nrn�.dz an oc59! na rrop�eoi fonelS�atn3G @n;r�y paol.yaur vn•ri�c��p01'�;5 or�ol§ing pusting gteen—ali w��finui rion'.�ci��pxea�.it�s qocr gardgrt t+�arfRcot wit� mn�d, ti�cn. am� otanr �.cort hntnl sorv'ces at +at�r t��{*'Tps: `srue tvxurr+iiv»g w�IhoW �Ca�� . . on��esl inreY�me�7e t�RurSvrsiPy taa. ir�fFis en:Plonting re!a'�r.ily. aam� �RFl� r b�droans--2 kaulha • i3u,dl-v,W�s3;nghev3e K;tchr,r, Lcrr�a Civing �are❑ • F+�+ft l#e�ngerc�f��n ■ Exce��eRt T4rms Fu!! price S2',500 ��c�sez plso ays.i�c�t�te;� �....a.re rr=,s.e�.-.-.,I..�4^.��{r..SA�:.^.a+.M�.:�u Figure 2. A Sandpiper Condominium advertsement (circa 1960) marketing "carefree desert living" 26 • � ' ' � AnxcouncLng concrete masonry the block with 1000 faces � �.� ll . � � .. ,. i Y:'.��.� '�y � , � ! l � ` � ��.,..r..: . � � , � ; , ,.' ! � t1 � ,; t` ,� , '_� , ' . .'� ��---�.-�:..�..,.� �: - -- . 1 ��, „ 'y� � �.�. � � . ._ -. . . ... ��r,�Y�:�+s� ".;:-^y�'h:'°'.�` ...:. . _ ��. Shadowsl btxk tor tha hom��dd� new dimandon u�d Shadowal biock[or the�mart�hop can be uwd wiih equsl eharacter W a room.'llie sfandnrd modular 8's 16' face distinctan for intvfor and e:tarfor�vaUe-6lendi porf�ctlY m�kes it ee�y W lay-up 1�th�wall. w�th other 6uilding meterialr . , _.:.ma, � "i., '- 'T � 9R) \1 . . . _ - '�� 1 . - �\� '� + �� •'��; '- � � y w:_ . ; I � � 4. i `�' '�i $badowd blocic for the e:urior of indwtrialT buildinge Sh�dowal block for�choule bFewkn up larQe wd)e=psars �irn the eNect o!espe�v�epecisl�hnpd at only d�Rhtly w�th�tueetive pattc+w.Shadowel awonry's�Lo 6�asf°• more thro the 8':8� :16'unib wund ehsorbin6,requirea no&�iah�^B• Shadorual block available from N C M A members National Concrete Masonry Association •38 South pearbom•Chicago ��P�� _.. Figure 3. A National Concrete Masanry Association (NCMA) advertisement from the June 1957 isstae of House +Home magazine showing the variety of Shadowal patterns. 27 ��€-�`� �� `� ''� �., _ ��-� _�- . , � � �• � _,. �:,� � .__ . .�.:., ,�,,. �....,��; - �- .,� . . -_ , �.':!:;�,� � �� '�.�- �.,..�` ��.. �,,,�•••,�+ -� =�;,;;�,r,�- ,�..:.:.' � S. �� , 1 � � r,� �,.• ��`��• r�r • ► � � f`►�1�,�� ►�t rts � �r, ' r ,• �'� �� •�*`�-�. �� `� � � � � � ;t�'� • �'� ��r r�� •�_, :� � ��' '�� l i`�" � * � s � � .. �?� � � � �� i�f 1� � �_�- r ]�/�;:_ I'/�.au•E r.�r ,�� '. � ,!, � , r �� ,�.�'' �R i- � � : _.— � . �' . . ��r rf�� r r r . ; - �'�� r �; �� _ ,. ,..� r�� ` �i� . � . . . ' L� 4 ��'�. � ' �� = k. W:�,� �_ is something to screen about . .' :� S� -�- 8� s re t�� i sn� ai�e atieriel undar t'+o ean. Figure 4. An NCMA advertisement featuring the"Venetian" screen block pattem. �I 28 i � �' , r. t � / I ' �� , � � i I � ' � i � F , � THE BLOCK WITH 1000 FACES . . . ,. ._ . --�— �,:....:�,.�... ,'°,, _ �,. p R _ � w'"'�.��`�,. � E ,.,,� � �z �.< t,,,=' � .» �'x � {� N� � a��ga^!+G'If"8"'�7" � —__�... � � ' .,� � � ��; � �`t-�: _ � �� , — — �'i�'i�+��'�:.� T.�r� � ,��,,,�` _ . � � 5� J��',� �..E•. �• ��r . e ^ . � ' � � ��• ��:�. �/ ^s� �. � . - �.. � . { t 1 � : . .:y y�,y��„Y • „ ' ,- •'r.� . .,� -�.�-: 4�S .,.. .h, ' '' & • qw -0a.�.ni� �.y. � . � ' r.. ". } � �.,�_.�-_ � _��l�` .. ..— ei � � � _ . ,�a � - _ � �.� . .��,..�`�' _ ��,. � �� ;, __ P � �; �, ;�� ,. . � � . -� ;�t�� . , � _ � i . � ��:.. ``,. 9 a � �w� � t w, r ......, '1 , � ; - ��: - 1 t , _ / J � I•�J Y 1 f��a`1 .�J � f � • • \ '.. � Figure 5. An advertising pamphlet for Shadowal block (marketed elsewhere in the country as "Hi-Lite" Block) featuring Sandpiper Condominium. 29 ; CITY OF PALM DESERT NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a public hearing wili be held before the Paim Desert City Council to consider historic district designation for Sandpiper Condominiums, Circles 11 & 12, located on EI Pasea, Palm Desert, California, Case No. CRPC 13-01. Said hearing wilt be held at 4:00 p.m. an May 23, 2013, in the Council Chambers at the Palm Desert Civic Center, 73-510 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert, California, at which time and place all interested persons are invited to attend and be heard. Written consent concerning all items covered by this notice shall be accepted up to the date and time of the hearing. Information concerning the proposed designation is available for review in the Building and Safety Department at the above address between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. If you challenge the proposed action in Court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or sorneone else raised at the hearing described in this notice, as in written compliance delivered to the City Council, or prior to, the public hearing. �"`.�.�. - RA HELLE D. KLASSE , ITY CLERK CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA (760) 346-0611 Date: May 7, 2013 Mendoza, Grace Subject: FW: Legal Notice-Public Hearings-Case Nos. CRPC 13-01 and CRPC 13-02 From: Moeiler, Charlene Sent: Wednesday, May 08, 2013 8:32 AM Ta: 'gsanchez@cityofpalmdesert.org' Subject: RE: Legal Notice - Public Hearings - Case Nos. CRPC 13-01 and CRPC 13-02 ._._._�...�.......�.......�,� ._.. -- ..�.._..._,.._...._.� AclS rcaceivcci atid wi1�I pul�iish on aatE�(s) rc�que�stc�d. Charlene Moeiler� Media Sales Legal IUotice Coordinator The Desert Sun Media Group 750 N. Gene Autry Trail, Palm Springs, CA 92262 t 760.77$.4578 � f 760.778,4731 lepais(c�thedesertsun.com J dpwlegatsCc�thedesertsun.com The Coachella Vailey's#1 Source+n Mews 8 Advertisiny! www.mvdesert.com � twitter��t✓�y��-��„�,t � facebook+�� : .�;�� cc.�;;�� This email and any files transmitted with it are confidential and intended for the individuai to wham they are addressed. If you have received this emaii in error, please notify the sender and delete the message from your system From: gsanchezCa�cilyofpalrrrdesert.ora [n�ailto:asanchez�eityafpalmdesert.ar4] Sent: Tuesday, May 07, 2013 11:23 AM To: tds-legals Ce: scicchiniCa�cityofpalmdesert.org; QmendozaCc�cityofpalmdesert.org; rgriffinCc�cityofpalmdesert.org Subject: Legal Notice - Public Hearings - Case Nos. CRPC 13-01 and CRPC 13-02 PLEASE PUBLISH THE FOLLOWING: NOTICES OF PUBLtC HEARING 1) Case No. CRPC 13-01—Consider Historic District Designation for Sandpiper Condominiums, Circles 11 and 12, Located on EI Paseo, Palm Desert, California. 2) Case No. CRPC 13-02—Consider Historic Landmark Designation for the Property Located at 45-630 Portola Avenue (Center for Spiritual living Palm Desert), Palm Desert, California. TWICE EACH IN THE DESERT SUN Thursday, May 9, 2013 Thursday, May 16, 2013 If you have any questions or require additional information, please call me. Thank you, Charlene!!! i