HomeMy WebLinkAboutRes 2014-10 - Case CRPC 13-03 - D.KoppSout-111Wt.54- vivo -ere-- iclbo
lasia
1111*
mei NOM wm,
7
8
9
10
I
July 10, 2013
To whom it may concern at the City of Palm Desert,
I am the owner of the single family home at 44870 Cabrillo Ave, here in Palm Desert. I am willingly
seeking designation of my home as a historic landmark under the cultural resources nomination process.
diota:""1--DougKopp
11
CITY OF PALM DESERT
BUILDING AND SAFEN DEPARTMENT
STAFF REPORT
REQUEST: APPROVE RESOLUTION NO. Zoi4-io APPROVING LANDMARK
DESIGNATION OF 44-870 CABRILLO AVENUE, AS A LOCAL
HISTORIC LANDMARK
SUBMITTED BY: Russell A. Grance, Director of Building and Safety
CASE NOS: CRPC 13-03
DATE: February 13, 2014
CONTENTS:
1. Cultural Resources Preservation Committee, October 29, 2013 meeting draft
minutes
2. Resolution No. 2oi4-io
3. Landmark Designation Application
Recommendation:
Waive further reading and adopt Resolution Nozo14-lo reaffirming the action of
the Cultural Resources Preservation Committee, designating 44-870 Cabrillo
Avenue, Assessor's Parcel No's. 625-083-001, with landmark designation; in
accordance with section 29.40.010 of the Palm Desert Municipal Code.
Committee Recommendation:
On October 29, 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 44-870 Cabrillo Avenue with landmark
designation.
Background:
The building located at 44-874 Cabrillo Avenue is significant as it was designed by
seminal California architect Rudolph M. Schindler, and retains the integrity of his design.
It is further significant for its contribution as an early home built during the transition of
Palm Village from predominantly agriculture to early tourism. The building is eligible for
designation as a City Landmark in accordance with section 29.40.010 Landmark
Designation Criteria as it embodies distinctive characteristics, or is one of the few
remaining examples of a style, type, period or method of construction or possesses high
artistic value; and represents the work of a master builder, designer or architect; or
Resolution No. 2014-10
Staff Report
44-870 Cabrillo Avenue
February 13, 2014
Page 2 of 2
resource that has yielded or has the potential to yield important information in history or
prehistory; or reflects distinctive examples of community planning or significant
development patterns, including those associated with different eras of settlement and
growth, agriculture, or transportation.
The owner of the property Mr. Douglass Kopp 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
Approval: CITY CnUNCILA�TION
APPROVF.D � DFNiED
RE EIVED OTNER - ����_
' a -r
Paul S. Gibson, Director of Finance Md;ETi G DA � � ` ` ��
,,
�vrs: �/i
� NOES:
'` 1 � �1, ABStNT: � � -
A13STAIN:
V[;12IFIED BY: �
J M. WOhlmuth, City Manager Ori�;in�tl on File with City' rk's Office
�
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 44-870
Cabrillo Avenue Palm Desert, CA, Case No. CRPC 13-03.
Said Public Hearing will be held at 4:00 p.m. on February 13, 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
befinreen 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.
Date: January 23, 2014
RACHELLE D. KLASSEN, CITY CLERK
CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA
(760) 346-0611
Klassen, Rachelle
From: Cicchini, Suzanne
Sent: Wednesday, February 05, 2014 4:37 PM
To: Klassen, Rachelle
Subject: FW: Legal Notice- PH 02/13/2014-CRPC 13-03
Attachments: PH 02132014-CRPC 13-03.docx
Hi Rachelle,
I hope this is what you were looking for. Thanks!
Suzanne Cicchini
Administrative Secretary
Department of Building & Safety
City of Palm Desert
73-510 Fred Waring Drive
Palm Desert, California 92260
(760) 776-6420 Ext. 431
(760) 776-6392 Fax
EMAIL ADDRESS: scicchini@citvofpalmdesert.or�
From: Sanchez, Gloria
Sent: Thursday, ]anuary 23, 2014 10:50 AM
To: 'legals@thedesertsun.com'
Cc: Cicchini, Suzanne
Subject: Legal Notice - PH 02/13/2014 - CRPC 13-03
PLEASE PUBLISH THE FOLLOWING:
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
Public Hearing to Consider Historic Landmark Designation for the Property Located at 44-870 Cabrillo
Avenue, Palm Desert, California—Case No. CRPC 13-03
TWICE IN THE DESERT SUN
Thursday,January 30, 2014
Thursday, February 6, 2014
If you have any questions or require additional information, please call me.
�'rl'C�,o�"'a` '��,�
Records Technician
City of Palm Desert
73-510 Fred Waring Drive
Palm Desert, California 92260
(760) 346-0611 Ext. 354
�sanchez(«�citvofpalmdesert.or�
1
CITY OF PALM DESERT
�-�--�
� � CULTURAL RESOURCES PRESERVATION COMMITTEE
Draft Preliminary Minutes
October 29, 2013
Administrative Conference Room
I. CALL TO ORDER
Committee Chair Kim Housken called the meeting of the Cultural Resources
Preservation Committee to order at 10:06 a.m.
II. ROLL CALL
Present: Absent:
Ricki Brodie K. Gary Olesen
Don Graybill
Kim Housken
Bob Pitchford
Leslie Deane Roth
Also Present:
Russell Grance, Director of Building and Safety
Suzanne Cicchini, Recording Secretary
III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
None
IV. CONSENT CALENDAR
A. MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF 09/24/13
Committee Chair Kim Housken requested that on page three, fifth paragraph,
a sentence be added noting that Leslie Deane Roth and K. Gary Olesen would
work on a letter. The Minutes mentioned Committee Member Leslie Deane
Roth's suggestion that it would be helpful to have specific bullet points written
out to define what a designation entails and what the benefits of a cultural
resource designation would be and that Committee Member K. Gary Olesen
commented that it was a good idea; however, it should be noted that Leslie
Deane Roth and K. Gary Olesen will be working on a letter and they will bring
it back to the Committee.
Motion was made by Committee Vice Chair, Ricki Brodie to accept the
Minutes with the addition. Motion was seconded by Committee Member
Don Graybill, that the Minutes of the Meeting of September 24, 2013, be
CULTURALRESOURCES
PRESERVATION COMMITTEE
DRAFT PRELIMINARY MINUTES OCTOBER 29, 2013
approved with the addition. Motion carried by 5-0 vote with Brodie,
Graybill, Housken, Pitchford and Roth voting AYE; none dissenting.
V. CONSENT ITEMS HELD OVER
None
VI. NEW BUSINESS
A. DISCUSS: APPLICATION STATUS OF RANDALL HENDERSON HOUSE —
74134 LARREA STREET
Committee Member Kim Housken inquired if there was a report on this
application. Committee Member Graybill did not have one, but will contact the
property owner for an appointment to discuss the application.
VII. CONTINUED BUSINESS
None
VIII. OLD BUSINESS
None
IX. PUBLIC HEARING —44870 CABRILLO AVENUE
Committee Chair Kim Housken recused herself because the property owner of
44870 Cabrillo Avenue is her father. Committee Vice Chair Ricki Brodie opened
the Public Hearing to Consider Historic Landmark Designation for 44870 Cabrillo
Avenue. No reports were submitted. Russell Grance, Director of Building and
Safety Department stated, "We are considering the Maryon Toole House which is
located at 44870 Cabrillo Avenue just north of Highway 111 in the City of Palm
Desert. It is surrounded by low density residential on all four sides. The Maryon
Toole house was built around 1946-48 by Mr. Rudolph M. Schindler who is an
internationally known architect. This property has been surveyed in 1981 and it is
currently listed in the directory of the State of California Office of Historic
Preservation; additionally, the property meets the definition of landmark as defined
in the City of Palm Desert current Cultural Resources Ordinance 1168."
Committee Vice Chair Ricki Brodie thanked Mr. Grance. Committee Member
Leslie Deane Roth inquired what being listed meant. Mr. Grance responded that
the property is listed with the State of California Office of Historic Preservation and
it is listed in their directory. Vice Chair Ricki Brodie inquired if there were any other
comments or questions. Committee Member pon Graybill appreciated it that Ms.
Housken had a personal history with this house. She grew up there. The heritage
is part of the reason she is on this Committee. She has an interest in architecture
because she grew up in a place that was significant and this house caught the
Committee's attention. Her leadership has spread this knowledge to others.
Committee Member Roth indicated that this was the first private residence to be
G:�BIdgSfty\Suzanne Cicchini\Word Files\Cullural Resources Preservation CommitteeWlinWes 2013N0-2�13 Drak Preliminary Minutes-Staff Report docu Page 2
CULTURALRESOURCES
PRESERVATION COMMITTEE
DRAFT PRELIMINARY MINUTES OCTOBER 29, 2013
considered for a landmark designation. Committee Member Graybill mentioned
that it is the first home to be recognized and it is in the old Palm Village which was
before Palm Desert, south of Highway 111, was even being thought of. Ms. Roth
inquired where in the process is this designation? Mr. Graybill responded that the
Committee is recommending it for landmark designation at this Committee Meeting
and this is a Public Hearing for anybody to voice their opinion whether they are for
it or against it. Mr. Grance stated that once we close the Public Hearing, then the
Committee will take a vote and that vote will be a recommendation to forward it to
the City Council for their determination. The Committee discussed seeing the
house during a tour. This tour took place before Committee Member Leslie Deane
Roth was a Committee Member, but Ms. Roth saw the house. Committee Member
Don Graybill mentioned that the property owner wanted to fix the house up and get
it ready for this day; now he is ready and things are moving forward. Committee
Member Bob Pitchford recalled that Architect, Charlie Martin designed the gate,
the guest house and other items on the house in more recent years. Mr. Pitchford
noted that Mr. Martin did a pretty good job of keeping the original look intact, but
that he was not noted in the architectural history. Mr. Grance indicated that the
application can be amended. An earlier draft Staff Report from July of 2006
mentioned that the current owner who purchased the house added some stone
walls, gates, landscaping and a garage structure in the adjacent lot to the south of
the property. They have beautifully incorporated the style and original vision of the
designer and made some improvements and have maintained the integrity of the
original house. This was mentioned in the Staff Report, but not in this application,
so we can modify the application to include those modifications. Mr. Pitchford
reiterated that he didn't know if it was important or not, but Charlie Martin was
involved and what he did was commendable. Mr. Grance mentioned that looking
at the aerial view the roof line looks like iYs followed the original structure and that
it was amazing; pretty nice. Mr. Pitchford commented that here is a historic house
and look at the great gate and the architect who designed the gate isn't even
mentioned. Ms. Roth concurred that it was a good point. Vice Chair Ricki Brodie
recommended that we bring this to Committee Chair Kim Housken's attention.
Motion was made by Committee Member Leslie Deane Roth to close the
Public Hearing. Committee Member Bob Pitchford seconded the Motion.
Motion carried by 4-0 vote with Housken absent; Brodie, Graybill, Pitchford
and Roth voting AYE; none dissenting.
X. CONSIDER HISTORIC LANDMARK DESIGNATION FOR
44870 CABRILLO LANDMARK FOR CITY COUNCIL APPROVAL.
Motion was made by Committee Member pon Graybill that the Committee
accept the proposal presented and recommend for landmark designation
said home to be approved by the Committee to be continued on to the City
Council as soon as possible. Committee Member Bob Pitchford seconded
the Motion. Motion carried by 4-0 vote with Housken absent; Brodie,
Graybill, Pitchford and Roth voting AYE; none dissenting.
G:�BIdgSfty\Suzanne Cicchini\Wad Files\Cultural Resources Preservation CommitteeVolinutes 2013\10-2113 Draft Preliminary Minutes-StaH Report.docx Page 3
CULTURALRESOURCES
PRESERVATION COMMITTEE
DRAFT PRELIMINARY MINUTES OCTOBER 29, 2013
Committee Chair Kim Housken apologized for the Applicant, Douglas Kopp. He
was sorry he could not be here; he is on a fishing trip off Baja right now that had
been scheduled for a year.
XI. REPORTS AND REMARKS
Committee Member pon Graybill remarked that he would like to make sure that the
Committee get the Henderson homes as soon as possible because both Randall
and Cliff's homes are significant. It looks like the application for Randall's home is
being prepared now, but he has not been in touch with the owner. He stopped by
to talk with the owner of Cliff's house about a year ago. He did not want to bother
him. He reported that they have been working diligently on that place. The last
time he received a wonderful tour of the home. He would like to pursue this
designation, but it doesn't preclude other people coming in. Mr. Grance inquired if
it was the residence on Pinyon? Mr. Graybill confirmed that it was. The property
address is 73797 Pinyon Street. There was discussion about the packets sent out
for the residence on Pinyon, and the property on Larrea. No packets have been
returned yet for either residence. Committee Chair Kim Housken also noted that
there was a third brother's home on Joshua Tree. Committee Member pon
Graybill and Committee Member Bob Pitchford will be visiting the property owner
on Larrea. Committee Member Leslie Deane Roth thanked Suzanne Cicchini,
Recording Secretary for sending her the Committee's unofficial list. Committee
Chair Kim Housken inquired if Ms. Roth had a chance to look at the list. Ms. Roth
said that she did and that Committee Member Gary Olesen and she were going to
get together, but he had been out of town. She reported that this time of year is
very busy in her work, but in January when it slows down she would definitely like
to pursue it. A discussion commenced about letters. Ms. Housken relayed from
her experience that sending letters didn't do too much, but that Mr. Graybill has
been really great about approaching people and making personal contact. A
discussion commenced about process of deciding which properties to pursue and
how to best of encourage people through the process. Committee Chair Kim
Housken explained how the unofficial list came to be. It was started from scratch.
There was a lot of Committee research work that went into developing the
uno�cial list. Just because it is on the list doesn't mean it's historic. Committee
Member Leslie Deane Roth volunteered to contact the Desert Sun. Mr. Grance
suggested that this may be a way to get someone from the Desert Sun to come to
the meetings. We have a property that is moving to council for consideration for a
landmark designation. Ms. Housken noted that Blake Herzog, the reporter attends
the City Council Meetings. This designation will be going to City Council. Perhaps
that might be a good time to contact her. Ms Roth will email photos and
information regarding the first residence designated in Palm Desert to the
newspaper. Director of Building & Safety, Russell Grance will get the items
regarding the first residence to Ms. Cicchini and she will provide you the items
electronically so you can forward it to the Desert Sun. Committee Chair Kim
Housken exclaimed, "We have a PR person! I like this!" The Committee will be
notified when this landmark designation will be going to City Council.
G:\BldgSfty\Suzanne Cicchini\Word Files\Cullurel Resources Preservation CommirieeV�linutes 2013H0-29-13 Draft Preliminary MinutesStaH Report.docx Pape 4
CULTURALRESOURCES
PRESERVATION COMMITTEE
DRAFT PRELIMINARY MINUTES OCTOBER 29. 2013
A discussion commenced about upcoming plaque ceremonies. The plaques have
not been delivered to Sandpiper or the First Church yet. Mr. Grance will perform a
site visit to approve the location for the mounting of each plaque.
XII. ADJOURNMENT
Motion was made by Committee Vice Chair Ricki Brodie to adjourn the
meeting. Committee Member pon Graybill seconded the Motion. Motion
carried by 5-0 vote with Brodie, Graybill, Housken, Pitchford and Roth voting
AYE; none dissenting.
Committee Chair Kim Housken adjourned the meeting at 10:44 a.m.
,.� �cc,�.�-..�
,L-�� '
Suzanne Cicchini, Recording Secretary
G:�BIdgSfty�Suzanne CicchinlWord Files\Cullural Resources Preservatlon CommitteeUdinutes 2013\10-2113 Draft Preliminary MinutesStaff Report.docx Page 5
RESOLUTION NO. 2014-10
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM
DESERT APPROVING LANDMARK DESIGNATION FOR 44-870
CABRILLO AVE, AS A LOCAL HISTORIC LANDMARK
WHEREAS, on October 29, 2013, the Cultural Resource Preservation Committee
conducted a public hearing to consider initiation of Landmark Designation for property
located at 44-870 Cabrillo Ave, Assessor's Parcel No. 625-083-001, 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 October 29, 2013 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 applicanYs 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 44-870 Cabrillo Ave, was made on July
10, 2013 to designate as an historical landmark.
2. Notice of the October 29, 2013, Cuitural Resources Preservation Committee
meeting was posted in the Desert Sun and at City Hall.
3. Notice of the October 29, 2013 Cuftural 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 Cit�r.
Resolution No. 2014-10
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 44-870 Cabrillo Avenue is significant as it was designed by seminal
California architect Rudolph M. Schindler, and retains the integrity of his design. It is
further significant for its contribution as an early home built during the transition of Palm
Village from predominantly agriculture to early tourism. The residence is eligible for
designation as a city landmark in accordance with the following criteria:
C. Embodies distinctive characteristics, or is one of the few remaining examples
of a style, type, period or method of construction or possesses high artistic value;
or
D. Represents the work of a master builder, designer or architect; or resource
that has yielded or has the potential to yield important information in history or
prehistory; or
F. Reflects distinctive examples of community planning or significant
development patterns, including those associated with different eras of
settlement and growth, agriculture, or transportation.
Trained in Austria, architect Rudolph M. Schindler was working in Frank Lloyd Wright's
Chicago office while Wright went to Japan from 1917-1922 for the building of several
projects including the Imperial Hotel. Wright had Schindler come to California in 1920 to
oversee the construction of WrighYs Hollyhock House for Aline Barnsdall in Los
Angeles. Upon its completion Schindler decided to stay in California and set up his own
practice.
Schindler's first project was his own home on King's Road, started in 1921. With tilt up
concrete slabs, redwood beams and extensive use of glazing, the plan was initially
denied a building permit for the radical design. Schindler continued his use of concrete
in the Lovell beach house, built in 1926, and recognized on the National Register of
Historic Places.
Over the course of his career Schindler's design and use of material evolved. He sought
to design and build homes for $3.50 to $4.00 a square foot by using inexpensive
material like plywood for walls. He came to describe his style of architecture as "space
architecture" which focused on the design of interior spaces.
Schindler's first project in the Coachella Valley was in 1922 for Paul Popenoe. The
home, no longer is existence, was built in Coachella and is thought to be the first
modern structure in the valley.
From 1946-48 Schindler built the home for Maryon Toole in what was then known as
Palm Village. He apologized to her for the delays in construction due to the seasonality
of the labor in the desert. The home was built in the later years of Schindler's career,
Page 2 of 3
Resolution No. 2014-10
Page 3 of 3
which ended prematurely with his death in 1953 at the age of 65. In The Architecfure of
R. M. Schindler, Michael Darling of The Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles said
"The richness of the Toole house shows an architect in full command of his medium,
orchestrating a range of architectural concerns toward a fully integrated whole."
At the time of construction of the Toole house, Palm Village (the area north of Highway
111) was undergoing a transformation from an area dedicated to agriculture to a post
war destination where people could luxuriate in the sun poolside and take in all the early
desert had to offer.
Concurrently development was just beginning in the bare desert on the south side of
Highway 111 for the same reasons. In 1951 the two communities of Palm Village and
Palm Desert united and took the name of Palm Desert. The home pre-dates city
incorporation by 25 years.
Little is known of Maryon Toole, but during World War II she served in the Women's
Army Corp. She was also the postmistress for Indian Wells, operating out of the EI
Dorado Date Gardens on Highway 111.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM
DESERT DOES HEREBY DESIGNATE 44-870 CABRILLO AVE, 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:
QBSENT:
ABSTAIN:
VAN TANNER, MAYOR
ATTEST:
RACHELLE D. KLASSEN, CITY CLERK
CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA
Page 3 of 3
City of Palm Desert
Department of Building and Safety
73-510 Fred Waring Dr., Palm Desert, CA 92260
(760) 776-6420
Fax (760) 776-6392
Landmark
Cultural Resources Nomination Application
IDENTIFICATION
1. Common name: Schindler House for Marvon Toole
2. Historic Name: The Toole House
3. Street address: 44-870 Cabrillo Ave
City Palm Desert State CA Zip 92260
4. Assessor Parcel number: 625-083-001
5. Legal Owner: Kopq, Douqlass William
City Tinnie State NM Zip 88351-0321
6. Present Use: Sinqle Familv House
7. Original Use: Sinqle Family House
Date form prepared: July 10, 2013
Preparer: Douglass Kopp
Sponsoring Organization (if any):
Address: 44-870 Cabrillo Ave
City Palm Desert State CA Zip: 92260
Phone: 760.674.3027
1
DESCRIPTION
8. Legal property description:
LOTS 4 & 5 BLK F MB 020/081 PALMA VILLAGE UNIT 6
Include approximate property size (in feet): 16,553 Street Frontage Depth
9. Architectural Style:
10. Construction Date: Estimated Factual 1946 - 1948
Source of Information: ❑ Assessor's Records ❑ Building Permit ❑ Sanborn Map
Q Publications ❑ Oral Interviews
11. Architect's Name: Rudolph M. Schindler Builder's Name: Rudolph M. Schindler
12. Condition: Q Excellent ❑ Good ❑ Fair ❑ Deteriorated
❑ No longer in existence (for site ofl
13. Alterations: Metal roof installed over composite roof. Drive throuqh carport enclosed.
14. Use type:
Q Residential � Industrial ❑ Commercial ❑ Civic ❑ Other
15. Is the structure on its original site?
� Yes ❑ No ❑ Unknown If moved, approximate year
16. Related features and/or outbuildings: None
2
17. Architectural Description
Schindler's Toole house is a one bedroom, one bathroom, single story home with loft
and approximately 1150 square feet in size.
The home rests on a concrete slab, and the interior floor is also concrete.
The peak of the standing seam metal roof runs perpendicular to the street and forms the
upper axis point that defines the shape of the home. On the west elevation the
ridgeline of the roof extends beyond the large upper windows, similar to the bow of a
ship.
The front entrance area of the home features a six foot high stone wall that provides
privacy from the street and is protected by the overhanging roof. The front door is
adjacent to the wall and provides entrance into the dining space, while a small window
at the entrance looks into the kitchen.
Walking around the home to the south affords views of a half wall that has mainly glass
panes over it. Continuing on to the east side there are window doors that open onto the
original patio, which is covered with an open wood beam trellis. On the north side of the
home the half wall with windows resumes until reaching the northwest side of the home,
where one encounters another six foot wall that provides privacy to the bedroom.
Continuing around the home one circles an additional room with a flat roof. This space
was originally a drive through carport that was enclosed by the original owner prior to
1968.
From the back of the home (east side) the multiple tiers of the gable roof, which are
separated by clerestory windows, are visible. Schindler described the home as "shaded
by an ample but lightly poised roof reminiscent of a giant oak leaf."
Upon entering into the home the kitchen, enclosed by a swinging door, is to the left,
while the dining area is to the right. A half wall sets off the kitchen from the rest of the
living and dining space, and the only full wall in the home is that of the bedroom.
Continuing inside, the original rock covered fireplace extends from floor to ceiling with
the venting ducfinrork enclosed by the original expanded metal.
The living space is open with the roof beams soaring over the area befinreen 8 and 16
feet high. The single bathroom of the home is reached by a short hallway, with a closet
to the left. The space above the closet is a walkway that leads to a small loft that
overlooks the kitchen. The loft area is reached by climbing four "steps" that extend into
the closet where they act as shelves. Originally a window door opened from the loft out
onto the flat roof of the original carport and a sunbather could see from the mountains of
Santa Rosa to San Gorgonio.
The bedroom retains the original cedar stripped door, built in shelves, desk with drawer
and storage closet with fold out ironing board. A small sliding glass door allows access
from the bedroom outside to the east. While a seven foot wall separates the bedroom
from the hallway/living space, the wall is topped with a large trapezoidal shaped glass
pane. This allows a continued feeling of openness when one is in the bedroom.
3
Additionally a large glass pane tops the six foot high wall on the west side, allowing in
more light.
The bathroom is small with a single tilting window that allows in ventilation and light. It
is believed that the sink, counter area, and linen drawers are original to the house. The
door is stripped with cedar planks, and is original to the home.
The lighting for the home is mounted above the windows on the exterior of the home in
both the living area and the bedroom, and provides a warm glow in the home when
used at night.
Local stone is used on the walls with a dark desert varnish visible on the exterior of the
rock that contrasts the light cement mortar.
The current owner purchased the home from the original owner Maryon Toole in 1968.
The detached garage is not original to the home, having been added in the early 1980s.
Both the garage and metal entrance gate were designed by local architect Charles
Martin.
SIGNIFICANCE
18. Statement of Significance
The residence at 44870 Cabrillo Avenue is significant as it was designed by seminal
California architect Rudolph M. Schindler, and retains the integrity of his design. It is
further significant for its contribution as an early home built during the transition of Palm
Village from predominantly agriculture to early tourism. The residence is eligible for
designation as a city landmark in accordance with the following criteria:
C. Embodies distinctive characteristics, or is one of the few remaining examples of a
style, type, period or method of construction or possesses high artistic value; or
D. Represents the work of a master builder, designer or architect; or
F. Reflects distinctive examples of community planning or significant development
patterns, including those associated with different eras of settlement and growth,
agriculture, or transportation.
Trained in Austria, architect Rudolph M. Schindler was working in Frank Lloyd Wright's
Chicago office while Wright went to Japan from 1917-1922 for the building of several
projects including the Imperial Hotel. Wright had Schindler come to California in 1920 to
oversee the construction of WrighYs Hollyhock House for Aline Barnsdall in Los
Angeles. Upon its completion Schindler decided to stay in California and set up his own
practice.
Schindler's first project was his own home on King's Road, started in 1921. With tilt up
concrete slabs, redwood beams and extensive use of glazing, the plan was initially
denied a building permit for the radical design. Schindler continued his use of concrete
4
in the Lovell beach house, built in 1926, and recognized on the National Register of
Historic Places.
Over the course of his career Schindler's design and use of material evolved. He
sought to design and build homes for $3.50 to $4.00 a square foot by using inexpensive
material like plywood for walls. He came to describe his style of architecture as "space
architecture" which focused on the design of interior spaces.
Schindler's first project in the Coachella Valley was in 1922 for Paul Popenoe. The
home, no longer is existence, was built in Coachella and is thought to be the first
modern structure in the valley.
From 1946-48 Schindler built the home for Maryon Toole in what was then known as
Palm Village. He apologized to her for the de(ays in construction due to the seasonality
of the labor in the desert. The home was built in the later years of Schindler's career,
which ended prematurely with his death in 9953 at the age of 65. In The Architecture of
R. M. Schindler, Michael Darling of The Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles said
"The richness of the Toole house shows an architect in full command of his medium,
orchestrating a range of architectural concerns toward a fully integrated whole."
At the time of construction of the Toole house, Palm Village (the area north of Highway
111) was undergoing a transformation from an area dedicated to agriculture to a post
war destination where people could luxuriate in the sun poolside and take in all the early
desert had to offer.
Concurrently development was just beginning in the bare desert on the south side of
Highway 111 for the same reasons. In 1951 the finro communities of Palm Village and
Palm Desert united and took the name of Palm Desert. The home pre-dates city
incorporation by 25 years.
Little is known of Maryon Toole, but during World War II she served in the Women's
Army Corp. She was also the postmistress for Indian Wells, operating out of the EI
Dorado Date Gardens on Highway 111.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
19. References used
McCoy, Esther. Five Califomia Architects, Praeger Publishers, 1975
Smith, Elizabeth and Darling, Michael. The Architecfure of R. M. Schindler,
Harry Abrams Inc Publishers, 2001
Birmingham, Lucy. Wall Street Joumal, May 27, 2010
20. Photographs See Attached
5
21. Letter from property owner See Attached
Office Use Only
Date Appfication received: September 24, 2013
Application complete and accepted: C�1 Yes ❑ No
Case File Number: CRPC-13-03
Date of Public Hearing before the CRPC: October 29, 2013
6 I