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HomeMy WebLinkAboutRes 2014-32 - CRPC 14-01 - 74135 Larrea St20. Photographs Circa 1954 6 Circa 1996 7 m Z y 0 0 O ; I r CD C) ■■■ o m C) (n 0 m w N n fa w o (0 W CD R. m , in CL 7 NSN111 CD0. a a 0 GOJgie earth feet, meters R. '-f Y ' te tr, arrea St Palo OIert,GA USA 100 500 4 CITY OF PALM DESERT BUILDING AND SAFETY DEPARTMENT STAFF REPORT REQUEST: APPROVE RESOLUTION NO. �ni�-�� APPROVING LANDMARK DESIGNATION OF 74-135 LARREA STREET, AS A LOCAL HISTORIC LANDMARK SUBMITTED BY: Russeil A. Grance, Director of Building and Safety CASE NOS: CRPC 14-01 DATE: April 24, 2014 CONTENTS: 1. Cultural Resources Preservation Committee, March 25, 2014 meeting draft minutes 2. Resolution No. 20�4-�2 3. Landmark Designation Application Recommendation: 2014-32 Waive further reading and adopt Resolution No. , reaffirming the action of the Cuttural Resources Preservation Committee, designating 74-135 Larrea Street, Assessor's Parcel No's. 625-132-022, with landmark designation; in accordance with section 29.40.010 of the Palm Desert Municipal Code. Committee Recommendation: On March 25, 2014, 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 74-135 Larrea Street with landmark designation. Background: The residence at 74-135 Larrea Street is significant as it was as the home of Randall Henderson, founder of Desert Magazine and early pioneer in the city of Palm Desert. It is further significant for its contribution to the development of the south side of Highway 111. The building is eligible for designation as a City Landmark in accordance with section 29.40.010 Landmark Designation Criteria as it is associated with the lives of persons significant in the past; reflects distinctive examples of community planning or significant development patterns, including those associated with different eras of settlement and growth, agriculture, or transportation. Resolution No. 2014-32 Staff Report 74-135 Larrea Street April 24, 2014 Page2of2 The owner of the property Mrs. Karen L. McCune has chosen to willingly seek historic landmark designation under the cultural resources nomination process (enclosed letter from owner). Fiscal Analysis: There is no fiscal impact associated with this action. Submitted By: Russell A. Grance, Director of Building & Safety Approv • . CITY COUNCIL�CTION '� � ' APPROVED '� DF,NtED R ENED OTHER � d� . � Pau S. Gibson, Director of Finance �7EET C�DATE � ' AYES: � � ^ ; ' /���� � �'' NOES: � ('iY�.� �,,�_�� ABSENT: ' ' �' f John M. Wohlmuth, City Manager �RSTAIN: VERIFICD BY � � Original on File with Ci erk's Office 4, CITY OF PALM DESERT �--�---� � � CULTURAL RESOURCES PRESERVATION COMMITTEE Draft Preliminary Minutes March 25, 2014 Administrative Conference Room I. CALL TO ORDER Committee Chair Kim Housken called the meeting of the Cultural Resources Preservation Committee to order at 10:00 a.m. II. ROLL CALL Present: Absent: Don Graybill Ricki Brodie Kim Housken K. Gary Olesen Bob Pitchford Leslie Deane Roth Also Present: Russell Grance, Director of Building and Safety Kay McCune, Palm Desert Resident Fred Montano, Palm Desert Resident Suzanne Cicchini, Recording Secretary III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS None IV. CONSENT CALENDAR A. MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF 10/29/13 Committee Chair Kim Housken requested that the record reflect that the Committee has met for study sessions (Work Shops) since October 29, 2013, but no Minutes are taken for those sessions. The Committee has been busy since October 29, 2013. Motion was made by Committee Member Leslie Deane Roth to accept the Minutes as presented. Motion was seconded by Committee Member pon Graybill. Motion carried by 5-0 vote with Roth, Olesen, Graybill, Pitchford and Housken voting AYE; none dissenting. V. CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER None CULTURALRESOURCES PRESERVATION COMMITTEE PRELIMINARY MINUTES MARCH 25, 2014 VI. NEW BUSINESS A. ELECTION OF COMMITTEE CHAIR AND VICE CHAIR FOR 2014 Committee Chair Kim Housken inquired if there are any nominations for Committee Chair. Committee Member K. Gary Olesen nominated current Committee Chair, Kim Housken. Committee Chair Kim Housken politely declined the kind nomination. Ms. Housken commented that often the Vice Chair ascends to the Chair position, but noted Committee Member Ricki Brodie was not present. There were no other nominations. Motion was made by Committee Member K. Gary Olesen to nominate Committee Member pon Graybill for Committee Chair. Mr. Graybill accepted the nomination. Committee Member Bob Pitchford seconded the Motion. Motion carried by 4-0 with Roth, Olesen, Graybill abstaining, Pitchford and Housken voting AYE; none dissenting. Committee Chair Kim Housken called for nominations for Vice Chair. Motion was made by Committee Member K. Gary Olesen to nominate Committee Member Leslie Deane Roth for Vice Chair. Ms. Roth accepted the nomination. Committee Member Kim Housken seconded the Motion. Motion carried by 4-0 with Roth abstaining, Olesen, Graybill, Pitchford and Housken voting AYE; none dissenting. Committee Chair Kim Housken congratulated Mr. Graybill and Ms. Roth and turned the meeting over to the new Committee Chair, Don Graybill. VII. CONTINUED BUSINESS None VIII. OLD BUSINESS A. UPDATE: STATUS OF LETTER OF INTEREST FROM COMMITTEE MEMBERS ROTH AND OLESEN Committee Vice Chair Leslee Deane Roth reported that they considered that a letter might not be as effective as a personal contact. Discussion commenced. K. Gary Olesen remembered that they were to write a letter and he apologized to the Committee that the letter was not ready yet. The letter should describe benefits of a designation with bullet points, simple and easy to read; not too lengthy. Committee Chair pon Graybill has had good success with his personal contacts with people. Russell Grance, Director of Building and Safety clarified that we have a letter now. It was general consensus when we developed the letter; the Committee Members gave their input and that letter is what came out of it. We were going to look at the letter again to see how it could be improved. The assignment was given to Committee Members Roth and Olesen. We do G:\BldgSfty\Suzanne Cicchini\Word Files\Cultural Resources Preservation CommitteeWlinutes 2014�2014 03 25 Drafl Preliminary Minutes.docx Page 2 CULTURALRESOURCES PRESERVATION COMMITTEE PRELIMINARY MINUTES MARCH 25, 2014 need the letter because it provides the consent of the property owner for us to legally move forward with a landmark designation. Committee Member K. Gary Olesen requested a copy of past letters and Suzanne Cicchini, Recording Secretary will provide those. Committee Chair pon Graybill was impressed and expressed his gratitude to Mr. Grance for updating the City of Palm Desert web page for Cultural Resource designations. There is a page for each of the six landmark designations. Mr. Graybill suggested that this information could be printed from the web site and shown to potential designation contacts. Mr. Grance recommended that a link to the site might be included in the letter. All the documents can then be viewed so that a person could see all the properties that are listed and learn about the benefits of a Cultural Resource designation. Committee Chair pon Graybill requested that discussion about the letter be continued to the next work shop. IX. PUBLIC HEARING — 74135 Larrea Street Committee Chair pon Graybill opened the Public Hearing for 74135 Larrea Street. Committee Vice Chair Leslie Deane Roth is pleased about the designation. Kay McCune, property owner of 74135 Larrea Street mentioned that the property is in a great location for people interested in knowing a little more about historical markers in Palm Desert. It's a wonderFul opportunity. She has always been a history buff and has been with the Historical Society of Palm Desert for a long time. She came to the Desert in 1962 and Palm Desert had a lot of the historical elements she loved. A & W Root Beer and Keedy's were here back then. Her children grew up here. At one point in her life, she moved to La Quinta and bought a 10 acre ranch. The house was built by the people who built the La Quinta Hotel. Bob Pitchford designed the kitchen. It was very historical. She purchased the house on Larrea Street close to 20 years ago. The day she found the house she was going to the Post Office on Martin Luther King Day. Her sister was with her and she suggested they turn around and drive down Larrea Street. She noticed the bushes and a little handmade For Sale sign. She suggested stopping to take a look at the house; her sister said, "Oh Gosh! What a mess!" There was a dirt road, the Greek Orthodox Church was not there back then. She took the liberty of looking in the windows and saw the heavy hand hewn beams and the rock fireplace. She did not care what the rest of the house looked like. It was pretty bad. She learned from the reluctant seller that the church wanted to tear it down for parking and a neighbor who had a triplex next door wanted to turn it into more units. She told him that she appreciated the art work of the building and wanted to know more about it. Ms. McCune's husband was one of the first dentists in Palm Desert. The seller and she were talking about the history of the desert and his wife popped up and mentioned that Ms. McCune's husband was her dentist. That cinched it! Committee Member Kim Housken showed her the book that showed her property and the Desert Magazine article that was published about it. Committee Chair pon Graybill inquired if she purchased the home from Randall Henderson. She did not purchase the home from Randall Henderson, it was an older gentleman from Indian Wells. The house had the elements she wanted. The only thing that was modified was the kitchen. It was very small. Committee Chair pon Graybill wanted to know when Ms. McCune discovered her house used to belong to Randall Henderson. Ms. McCune G:\BldgSfty\Suzanne Cicchini\Word Files\Cultural Resources Preservation CommitteeVvtinutes 2014�2014 03 25 Draft Preliminary Minutes.docx Page 3 CULTURALRESOURCES PRESERVATION COMMITTEE PRELIMINARY MINUTES MARCH 25, 2014 noted that it was 5-6 years after she was in the home. She found out through conversations at the Palm Desert Historical Society. Committee Member K. Gary Olesen commented that Ms. McCune had remodeled it completely several years ago. Ms. McCune clarified that she kept the living rooms, the bedrooms and the main bathroom all the same. She added a Master Bedroom and a bathroom. She did not disrupt the old tile in the bathroom area. She added a new kitchen and turned the old kitchen into a pass through and a bar area that leads to the new kitchen. Everything else is the same. The porches and patios are the same. Mr. Olesen inquired if the footprint of the house was changed at all. Ms. McCune responded, "not at all." Ms. McCune got permits for the extensive add on. Fred Montano commented that one of the things he noticed in reading through the information, whether it is germane or not, is that there is no home of anyone who was instrumental in the development of Palm Desert designated, and he thought that was a very important factor. This is a place where someone who was important lived—it's a firstl Ms. McCune mentioned that when she lived on Joshua Tree she lived next door to Carl Henderson and indicated that it would be great to have that house (as a designated landmark.) Committee Chair pon Graybill mentioned to Ms. McCune that there was room on this Committee for additional members. Committee Member Kim Housken remarked that it was true and it was a good thought and idea. Committee Member K. Gary Olesen asked if the Committee would have an opportunity to look at the house. Committee Member Kim Housken replied that it is up to the homeowner; it is not a requirement. Ms. McCune has been very gracious about opening her home. Ms. McCune mentioned that when she proceeded with this landmark process she thought she might have a little open house. She noted when viewing the house that it doesn't occur to the viewer that this or that was the remodeled part. The home has kept the early California theme. Committee Vice Chair Leslie Roth inquired if it has the original bathtub. Ms. McCune mentioned that it did and it was long and beautiful. It has a rose colored sink and the tile is pink and green. The porcelain is still in good condition. Fred Montano noted that there is a storage room in the back where Randall's wife, Cyria Henderson, a sculptress used to work. The bust of President Eisenhower on Highway 74 was one of her projects. Committee Member K. Gary Olesen asked about the square footage of the home. Ms. McCune responded that it was about 1,300 square feet and then she added about 800 square feet, maybe a little more. Committee Vice Chair Leslie Deane Roth asked if she added a bathroom. She added a bedroom and bathroom and described how wonderful the bedroom was. It has French doors that open up to the back yard. About two years ago she and her family opened their home for dinner for 6 for a fundraiser drawing held by Palm Desert Historical Society. Discussion commenced. They had a wonderful evening. She was hoping to do it again, and still may. Committee Chair Don Graybill expressed his appreciation to Ms. McCune that she took a peek at what was inside that dirty window, and sought to preserve a home, realizing years later what significance it had to the history of Palm Desert! Ms. Housken commented that it is a wonderful location, close to the Post Office, up Portola Avenue. She noted that it was reflected in the application and acknowledges several reasons why the designation is important. It did belong to a founding father of the community and it's unique. Randall Henderson was years ahead of his time with all the thought he put into the home. He made everyone aware of what a G:\BldgSfty\Suzanne Cicchini\Word Files\Cultural Resources Preservation Committee\Minutes 2014�2014 03 25 Draft Preliminary Minutes.docx Page 4 CULTURALRESOURCES PRESERVATION COMMITTEE PRELIMINARY MINUTES MARCH 25, 2014 special place the desert was and the idea that you don't have to fight with nature; you can live in harmony with it. He was not an architect, yet he incorporated many features in the home to make living there more comfortable and practical. Windows were positioned at a certain height to take advantage of the breeze coming through the windows at night. The home is a wonderFul piece of Palm Desert history. Ms. McCune added that colored concrete floors were in the home. Construction began on the home in 1949 and it was finished about 1952. Ms. Housken mentioned that so many people think because Palm Desert was incorporated in 1973 that we have no history, and they do not realize there was a lot here before 1973. She is thrilled with Ms. McCune's interest in the landmark designation. Ms. McCune thanked the Committee and mentioned she would love to share her home with the community. Committee Member Bob Pitchford noted that he was in agreement. Committee Chair pon Graybill inquired if there were any other comments; there were none. The public hearing was closed. X. CONSIDER HISTORIC LANDMARK DESIGNATION FOR 74135 LARREA STREET AS A LOCAL HISTORIC LANDMARK FOR CITY COUNCIL APPROVAL. Motion was made by Committee Member Kim Housken that staff be authorized to prepare the resolution approving historic landmark designation for 74135 Larrea Street for City Council consideration. K. Gary Olesen seconded the Motion. Motion carried by 5-0 with Roth, Olesen, Graybill, Pitchford and Housken voting AYE; none dissenting. XI. REPORTS AND REMARKS Committee Member Kim Housken mentioned that the Committee has been getting positive press lately. Thanks in part go to Leslie Deane Roth for working with the Desert Sun and thanks to the Desert Sun for that nice article that they published with photos of the Schindler house. Thanks to Brett Romer at the Historical Society for contacting the Desert Sun about the Plaque ceremony at Sandpiper Circles 11 and 12, held on March 2, 2014. They were there and it was a really nice event. Bernie Cain thanked Russell Grance, Director of Building and Safety and Suzanne Cicchini, Recording Secretary. Some units were open. They were very happy about the designation. Each circle had its own plaque. The homeowners association paid for the second plaque. Committee Chair pon Graybill noted the plaques were mounted on two huge boulders. It was very well done. Committee Chair pon Graybill mentioned the plaque for the First Church. Discussion commenced about when the plaque will be mounted and where. Mr. Grance conducted a field visit at the site. They came to a decision about where they would mount it and when it is mounted they will contact him. He would like to take pictures of it. Committee Chair pon Graybill took photos at the Sandpiper event. Committee Vice Chair Roth thought that a photo of the plaque could be included with the letter to prospective designation candidates. Discussion commenced about the potential for a commercial building landmark designation. The Committee is still hoping for a designation for the Desert G:\BldgSfty\Suzanne Cicchini\Word Files\Cultural Resources Preservation Committee\Minutes 2014�2014 03 25 Draft Preliminary Minutes.docx Page 5 CULTURALRESOURCES PRESERVATION COMMITTEE PRELIMINARY MINUTES MARCH 25, 2014 Magazine building. Keedy's, Gerry Malone's 76 Station, Twin Palms Lodge at Shadow Mountain, the Shadow Mountain pool, the Stanley Ring Building, the Mojave, the Casuelas Cafe building, and the Patio Shop were suggested also. Each prospect has special challenges such as one being in a Strip Center with more than one business. A stand alone business would be easier to designate. Committee Chair pon Graybill pointed out that there are only three more spots for the top ten and he hopes they will be symbolic. A good representation exists now. Russell Grance, Director of Building and Safety informed the Committee that he had been out to Shadow Mountain Golf Course to perForm an inspection for the Mills Act. The property tax bill had been reduced from about $29,626.20 in 2013 to about $15,281.64 in 2014, a 50% savings! Sandpiper Circles 11 and 12 are getting information and will hopefully move forward with the Mills Act also. Kay McCune inquired if she would be eligible to apply for the Mills Act if her landmark designation goes through. Mr. Grance responded that once her property has been designated she can apply for the Mills Act. The amount of savings is determined by the Riverside County Assessor's Office. The maximum is about 50%. It helps with upkeep of the home. It is up to City of Palm Desert to see to it that the property owner is in compliance with the contract. The calculations are determined by the Assessor's office, not City of Palm Desert. A Mills Act contract is a ten year contract. It does not automatically renew. The property owner has to renew it. It can be cancelled at any time, but there are penalties. There is no fee to renew. Committee Vice Chair Leslie Deane Roth inquired about what Ms. McCune could do or not do with her property. Mr. Grance responded that the determination is based upon her application for certificate of appropriateness based upon her alterations and modifications. It comes before this Committee. This Committee has the opportunity to guide the property owner and consider whether to approve or deny a modification. The whole premise is to maintain the integrity of the original building, but it doesn't prohibit an individual from expanding as long as it has the same character. The Committee has no control over the interior, only the exterior. Committee Chair pon Graybill mentioned the property owner on Shadow Lake is still very interested in a landmark designation. Timing is important because some residents are only here during the season. XII. ADJOURNMENT Motion was made by Committee Vice Chair Leslie Deane Roth to adjourn the meeting. Committee Member K. Gary Olesen seconded the Motion. Motion carried by 5-0 vote with Roth, Olesen, Graybill, Housken, Pitchford voting AYE; none dissenting. Committee Chair pon Graybill adjourned the meeting at 10:45 a.m. ,�c-t�p;�vvv�a.._ C.�.cc.`�w�.� Suzanne Cicchini, Recording Secretary G:\BldgSfty\Suzanne Cicchini\Word Files\Cultural Resources Preservation Committee\Minutes 2014�2014 03 25 Draft Preliminary Minutes.docx Page 6 RESOLUTION NO. 2014- A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT APPROVING LANDMARK DESIGNATION FOR 74-135 LARREA STREET, AS A LOCAL HISTORIC LANDMARK WHEREAS, on March 25, 2014, the Cultural Resource Preservation Committee conducted a public hearing to consider initiation of Landmark Designation for property located at 74-135 Larrea Street, Assessor's Parcel No. 625-132-022, as a historic landmark pursuant to Section 29.40 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 the meeting held on March 25, 2014 before the Cultural Resources Preservation Committee. 3. The City of Palm Desert, Cultural Resources Ordinance No. 1168, and all other applicable regulations and codes. 4. Public comments, both written and oral, received and/or submitted at or prior to the meeting, supporting and/or opposing the applicant's request. 5. 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. 6. 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 Landmark Designation for 74-135 Larrea Street, was made on February 18, 2014 to designate as an historical landmark. 2. Notice of the March 25, 2014, Cultural Resources Preservation Committee meeting was posted in the Desert Sun and at City Hall. 3. Notice of the March 25, 2014 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 determined it to be historically significant and could contribute to the economic and cultural revival of the City. Resolution No. 2014- Page 2 of 3 WHEREAS, in view of all the evidence and based on the forgoing designation criterion, the Cultural Resources Preservation Committee concludes as follows: The residence at 74-135 Larrea Street is significant as it was as the home of Randall Henderson, founder of Desert Magazine and early pioneer in the city of Palm Desert. It is further significant for its contribution to the development of the south side of Highway 111. The residence is eligible for designation as a City Landmark in accordance with the following Criteria: B. Is associated with the lives of persons significant in the past; F. Reflects distinctive examples of community planning or significant development patterns, including those associated with different eras of settlement and growth, agriculture, or transportation. Randall Henderson was born in lowa and came to California to attend college at USC where he was student body president and captain of the basketball team. Following World War I Henderson applied his writing skills as a reporter for various papers in the southwest. During this time he enjoyed exploring the desert and eventually decided to found a magazine dedicated to introducing people to the desert he loved. The first issue of Desert Magazine was released in November 1937, and was published in EI Centro. The magazine was popular for its eclectic articles ranging from rock hounding, to ghost town exploration to featured artists. After 10 years, Randall was concerned EI Centro was becoming too busy for him and sought out a more isolated desert area from which to publish his magazine. At the same time his brother Cliff was interested in developing a new desert community to provide recreational activities for not only southern California residents, but nationwide. The site chosen for this new desert community was just south of the small town of Palm Village, located between Palm Springs and Indio. Palm Village was evolving from early agricultural ranches to a small community of both full time and seasonal residents. Randall also contributed to the many of the street names south of Highway 111. While his brother Cliff and brother-in-law Tommy Tomson were involved in the laying out of the streets, it was Randall that provided the names of desert trees, plants and bushes that could be used as names. In fact his home is on Larrea, more commonly known as the creosote bush. It is the scent of the creosote bush that any desert resident would recognize to be the scent of the desert after rain. Construction on the home began in approximately 1950 and was completed in 1952. Henry Colglazier from Cathedral City was the contractor on the home and his son Walter also helped. A three foot wall, which remains today, was built south of the home to protect it from floods. Randall wrote an article documenting the thought that went in to his home that was published in the July 1954 edition of Desert Magazine. Additionally wife Cyria, a sculptress, had her art studio and kiln at the house. It was i��g� � ;:. .. Resolution No. 2014- Page 3 of 3 Cyria that did the bust of former president Dwight Eisenhower that can be seen outside the Palm Desert Community Presbyterian Church on Highway 74. The home Randall designed specifically for desert living was one of the early homes built south of Highway 111, as much of the earlier construction had been related to the Shadow Mountain Club, Desert Magazine building, early commercial buildings, and simple motels. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT DOES HEREBY DESIGNATE 74-135 LARREA STREET, AS A LOCAL HISTORIC LANDMARK PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Palm Desert, California at its regular meeting held this day of , 2014, by the following vote, to wit: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: ABSTAIN: VAN G. TANNER, MAYOR ATTEST: RACHELLE D. KLASSEN, CITY CLERK CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA i...1�i�::: .F ?.7'� .J City of Paim Desert � � Department of Building and Safety 73-510 Fred Waring Dr., Paim Desert, CA 92260 (760) 776-6420 Fax (760) 776-6392 . Landmark Cultural Resources Nomination Application IDENTIFICATION 1. Common name: 2. Historic Name: Randall Henderson House 3. Street address: 74-135 Larrea Street City Palm Desert State CA Zip 92260 4. Assessor Parcel number: 625-132-022 5. Legal Owner: Karen L. McCune City Palm Desert State CA Zip 92260 6. Present Use: Single Family Home 7. Original Use: Sinqle Familv Home Date form prepared: 2/18/14 Preparer: Karen L. McCune Sponsoring Organization (if any): N/A Address: 74-135 Larrea Street City Palm Desert State CA Zip: 92260 Phone: (760) 341-7868 1 DESCRIPTION 8. Legal property description: POR SW '/ OF SEC 21 T5S R6E include approximate property size (in feet): 13Q68 Street Frontage _ Depth 9. Architectural Style: California Ranch Style 10. Construction Date: Estimated 1952 Factual Source of Information: Q Assessor's Records ❑ Building Permit ❑ Sanborn Map Q Publications ❑ Oral Interviews 11. Architect's Name: Randall Henderson Builder's Name: Henry Colqlazier 12. Condition: ❑ Excellent Q Good ❑ Fair ❑ Deteriorated ❑ No Ionger in existence (for site of) 13. Alterations: 1996 added split rail fencinq 1997 landscapinq 1999 tile roof 2000 block wall & iron qate, 2001 bedroom/bathroom addition 2002 new kitchen 14. Use type: Q Residential ❑ Industrial ❑ Commercial ❑ Civic ❑ Other 15. Is the structure on its original site? Q Yes ❑ No ❑ Unknown If moved, approximate year 16. Related features and/or outbuildings: Three foot stone wall surrounds back of propertv to hold back flooding. 2 17. Architectural Description In a 1954 editorial in the Desert Magazine, Randall Henderson the owner/publisher of the magazine and one of the founders of the community of Palm Desert recounts the two years he and his wife spent planning their home. Randall's intimate knowledge of the desert and it's extreme sometimes hostile environmental conditions played an important role in the resulting design. The site, for example is protected by a low stone masonry wall to divert flash flooding, a onetime threat. As he described in his article, they selected a "Modified Ranch Style", designed for summer comfort. It featured a low pitched gable roof which provided a raised interior ceiling and included ample shade producing overhangs. All surfaces exposed to the sun were treated with reflective finishes with emphasis on the roof and e�cterior walls. Masonry was chosen for the exterior walls for its insulation value. Window openings were located for maximum natural air circulation and efficient exposure, although views were also considered. Subsequent additions to the original house have modified the architectural character somewhat but the integrity remains unblemished. SIGNIFICANCE 18. Statement of Significance The residence at 74-135 Larrea Street is significant as the home of Randall Henderson, founder of Desert Magazine and early pioneer in the city of Palm Desert. It is further significant for its contribution to the development of the south side of Highway 111. The residence is eligible for designation as a City Landmark in accordance with the following Criteria: B. Is associated with the lives of persons significant in the past; F. Reflects distinctive examples of community planning or significant development patterns, including those associated with different eras of settlement and growth, agriculture, or transportation. Randall Henderson was born in lowa and came to California to attend college at USC where he was student body president and captain of the basketball team. Following World War I Henderson applied his writing skills as a reporter for various papers in the southwest. During this time he enjoyed exploring the desert and eventually decided to found a magazine dedicated to introducing people to the desert he loved. The first issue of Desert Magazine was released in November 1937, and was published in EI Centro. The magazine was popular for its eclectic articles ranging from rock hounding, to ghost town exploration to featured artists. After 10 years, Randall was concerned EI Centro 3 was becoming too busy for him and sought out a more isolated desert area from which to publish his magazine. At the same time his brother Cliff was interested in developing a new desert community to provide recreational activities for not only southern California residents, but nationwide. The site chosen for this new desert community was just south of the small town of Palm Village, located between Palm Springs and Indio. Palm Village was evolving from early agricultural ranches to a small community of both full time and seasonal residents Randall Henderson hired local architect Harry Williams to design a southwest style building to be built in the vacant desert south of Highway 111. It was to house the publishing equipment needed to produce Desert Magazine and other printing projects, as well as an art gallery, gem shop and book store. The first issue published at the new site was in August 1948, and it was because of the number of mailings stemming from the business, that the government agreed to open a post office in Palm Desert. This building, though altered, is still located at 74-225 Highway 111. Additionally, Randall had Williams design a building to house apartments for the workers at the Desert Magazine building, as there was very little in the way of housing available at the time. Randall himself also lived in one of the apartments there. This building still exists at 74-155 EI Paseo and houses the restaurant Jillian's. Randall also contributed to the many of the street names south of Highway 111. While his brother Cliff and brother-in-law Tommy Tomson were involved in the laying out of the streets, it was Randall that provided the names of desert trees, plants and bushes that could be used as names. In fact his home is on Larrea, more commonly known as the creosote bush. It is the scent of the creosote bush that any desert resident would recognize to be the scent of the desert after rain. While living in the apartment, Randall began the planning needed to design his own home. He spent finro years noting the direction of the winds, sun location at varying times of the day, and recorded his observations on a drawing board. Over time he used this information to strategically place the bedrooms to take advantage of evening breezes out of the northeast in the summer while keeping the summer sun out. He also realized sand storms came out of the west, and thus sited the bedrooms on the east end of the house. Henderson went so far as to keep the windows lower on the wall than was standard at the time so that air flow was at bed level. He chose to use 4" x 8" x 16"pumice block for wall construction for its insulation properties, despite being more expensive. Construction on the home began in approximately 1950 and was completed in 1952. Henry Colglazier from Cathedral City was the contractor on the home and his son Walter also helped. A three foot wall, which remains today, was built south of the home to protect it from floods. Randall wrote an article documenting the thought that went in to his home that was published in the July 1954 edition of Desert Magazine. (attached) Additionally wife Cyria, a sculptress, had her art studio and kiln at the house. It was Cyria that did the bust of former president Dwight Eisenhower that can be seen outside the Palm Desert Community Presbyterian Church on Highway 74. 4 While there were some homes built on the north side of Highway 111 in what was at the time called Palm Village, as discussed above, the whole area south of Highway 111 was open desert. Prior to the homes in Palm Village the north area was used for agriculture. The south side never had these types of ranches and remained open desert until developed by the Henderson brothers. It was in 1951 that the communities of Palm Village and Palm Desert united as just Palm Desert. The home Randall designed specifically for desert living was one of the early homes built south of Highway 111, as much of the earlier construction had been related to the Shadow Mountain Club, Desert Magazine building, early commercial buildings, and simple motels. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 19. References used: • Brigandi, Phil. Barnstorming the Desert. The Life of Randall Henderson. Henderson, Nevada: Howard Cannon Aviation Museum, 2004 • Henderson, Randall. Desert Magazine. Palm Desert, CA, July 1954. • Historical Society of Palm Desert. lmages of America Palm Desert. U.S.A.: Arcadia Publishing, 2009. 5 21. Letter from property owner: 21. Lea:ar fr,,n�Pr��•er,"s'{7�.�:�er FnGraar}`1t3,2C���4 I ari see4irgd=_sigraticnf•ar m+j?inrne��e:.=C��T7�li�`�Ldii'`�i• :4�F f8r,n�;it:iF•��a��C.!'.t����a; ('�cse�.r�t�lr�:�ten���k ir ttt�,:ir�•�or�alr��'_7zsF�. -h�h�rnne v_3s designed bv Ra+ivai!Heicde��or.,�ri e�r'•�pi��nea���f th e cit+l,t�h�I•'s'-arne Find vnr:l+�•:'r.[!lnt,��t�;s!ir.aii�si. Fe:elfr:,,�:o ra�)-rc t;:rr.ar���1u2Siic:�:5. r �.eSr4!c�tr J!y� � � � J� r,�' - � . ^_CC'��: :.i_ `'fJ'r � `, . `y:h�r'}'?.. •--•....___�._-_- �' , L k.=rron�41r.C:s�n� 8 Office Use Only Date Application received: February 18, 2014 Application complete and accepted: Q Yes ❑ No Case File Number: CRPC 14-01 Date of Public Hearing before the CRPC: March 25. 2014 9 CITY OF PALM DESERT NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Public Hearing will be held before the Palm Desert City Council to consider historic landmark designation for the property located at 74-135 Larrea Street, Palm Desert, CA, Case No. CRPC 14-01. Said Public Hearing will be held at 4:00 p.m. on April 24, 2014, in the City 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 someone else raised at the hearing described in this notice, as in written compliance delivered to the Cultural Resources Preservation Committee, or prior to, the public hearing. Dated: April 7, 2014 RA HELLE D. KLAS EN, CITY CLE K CITY (JF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA (760) 346-0611 Sanchez, Gloria From: Moeller, Charlene <CMOELLER@palmspri.gannett.com> Sent: Tuesday,April 08, 2014 9:00 AM To: Sanchez, Gloria Subject: RE: Legal Notice - PH 04/24/2014 - Case CRPC 14-01 -74135 Larrea St Ad rec�ivE�d and will�publisl� on �ia���(s)1�eque�st��d. Charlene Moeller � Media Sales Lega! Notice Coordinator The Desert Sun Media Group 750 N. Gene Autry Trail, Palm Springs, CA 92262 t 760.778.4578 � f 760.778.4731 leqals(a7thedesertsun.com /dpwlegals@thedesertsun.com The Coact�ella Vatley's#i Source in News&AdveRising! www.DesertSun.com � twitter ������yt� 4�.;t ! facebook�t���:l � �:�.�;n This email and any �iles transmitted wfth �t are confidentiai and intended for the individual ko whom they are addressed. If you have received this email in errar, please notify the sender and delete the n�essage from your system From:�sanchez@citvofpalmdesert.org (mailto:�sanchez@citvofpalmdesert.or�] Sent:Tuesday,April 08, 2014 8:22 AM To:tds-legals Cc:scicchini@cityafpalmdesert.or� Subject: Legal Notice- PH 04/24/2014-Case CRPC 14-01-74135 Larrea St PLEASE PUBLISH THE FOLLOWING: NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEAR/NG Notice of Public Hearing to Consider Historic Landmark Designation for the Property Located at 74135 Larrea Street, Palm Desert, California , Case No. CRPC 14-01. TWICE IN THE DESERT SUN Thursday, April 10, 2014 Thursday, April 17, 2014 If you have any questions or require additional information, please call me. Thank you, Charlene! M. Gl.o-�i.a� Sa+��l�z Records Technician 735)0 Fred Waring Drive 1