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HomeMy WebLinkAboutLandmark CR Application Landmark Designation Application Thank you for your interest in the City of Palm Desert’s cultural resources designation program. Cultural resources include buildings, structures, sites, signs, objects, and streets that are of historic or archaeological significance and help interpret the city’s rich history. To help preserve this past for the future, we encourage property owners to participate in the City’s stewardship efforts as led by the Cultural Resources Preservation Committee. This packet is designed to assist you in completing the cultural resources designation application. The Cultural Resources Preservation Committee and the Administrator are available to help you. If you have any questions, please contact the City of Palm Desert at (760) 776-6420. This application packet includes the following: ¾ Cultural Resources Nomination Application - Landmark ¾ Instructions for Completing the Landmark Cultural Resources Nomination Application ¾ Cultural Resources Ordinance Excerpts (Title 29 of the Palm Desert Municipal Code), including criteria for Landmark designation ¾ Researching a Historic Property ¾ How to Write an Architectural Description and Statement of Significance for Individual Properties ¾ How to Photograph Historic Buildings and Districts 1 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: 2. Historic Name: 3. Street address: City State Zip 4. Assessor Parcel number: 5. Legal Owner: City State Zip 6. Present Use: 7. Original Use: ______________________________________________________________________ Date form prepared: Preparer: Sponsoring Organization (if any): Address: City State Zip: Phone: 2 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 3 DESCRIPTION 8. Legal property description: Include approximate property size (in feet): Street Frontage Depth 9. Architectural Style: 10. Construction Date: Estimated Factual Source of Information:† Assessor's Records † Building Permit † Sanborn Map † Publications † Oral Interviews 11. Architect's Name: Builder's Name: 12. Condition: † Excellent † Good † Fair † Deteriorated † No longer in existence (for site of) 13. Alterations: 14. Use type: † 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: 17. Architectural Description 4 SIGNIFICANCE 18. Statement of Significance ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 19. References used 20. Photographs 21. Letter from property owner 5 Landmark Instructions for Completing the Cultural Resources Nomination Application 1. Use this space for the common name, or the name most people use to refer to the property, if there is one. 2. If there is a historic name for the property, note that here. 3. Please insert the street address, city, state and zip code here. 4. If you do not know the Assessor Parcel number, or APN, contact the Building Department at (760) 776-6420, and we will assist you. 5. Note the current legal owner of the property, and where they can be reached. 6. What is the property currently being used for? 7. What was the use for the property when it was built? Please fill out the bottom section of the form, noting who prepared the form, the date it was completed, what organization you represent (if any), and where to contact you by mail or telephone. 8. What is the legal property description? How many feet are along the street? How deep does the property go back from the street? 9. What is the architectural style? Refer to the books recommended in the Bibliography of Resources. 10. If you are estimating the construction date, put the year in the space after the word “Estimated.” If you know the actual construction date from documentation, use the “Factual” blank and note where you found your documentation. 11. If you know the architect and/or builder’s name, note that here. 12. What is the condition of the house? Excellent should be used for properties in perfect condition. Good refers to properties with a few flaws, but in generally good shape. A property that requires some work would be in fair condition. Deteriorated properties require a lot of work, or may be beyond repair. 13. This is the place where you should note the type and date of alterations that the building and property has undergone (such as additions or new construction). This information is generally available from City building permits. 14. Note the use of the building. 6 15. Has the property been moved? Do not check “Unknown” unless you have reason to suspect that the property may have been moved. 16. Aside from the main property, what other land features; fence, wells or outbuildings should be included in the nomination, such as a garage or a carriage house? 17. Refer to “How to Write an Architectural Description,” and describe the property on another sheet of paper. 18. On an additional sheet of paper, include a Statement of Significance, following the instructions in “How to Write a Statement of Significance.” 19. Make sure that you note all the sources you used in preparing this nomination. Include all books, articles, people you spoke with about the property and the date you spoke with them, and any other documentation. 20. Refer to “How to Take Photographs for a Historic Resource Designation,” and remember to include both current and historic photos, if available. Photographs can be in digital format submitted on disc. 21. You must include a letter from the property owner(s) indicating concurrence to the designation. Please note that a property cannot be designated without the approval of the property owner. 7 Cultural Resources Ordinance (excerpt) Title 29 of the Palm Desert Municipal Code Criteria for the Designation of City Landmarks 29.40.010 Landmark designation criteria. A cultural resource may be designated as a landmark by the City Council if, with written consent of property owner, after completion of a certified survey and upon the recommendation of the Committee, it is determined that it retains integrity as defined in Chapter 29.20 and at a Local, State, Regional, or National level: A. Is associated with an event or events that have made a significant contribution to broad patterns of history; or B. Is associated with the lives of persons significant in the past; or 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 E. 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 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. 8 Researching a Historic Property Research will not only help you develop a narrative history of your property, but will also place the property within the appropriate historic context. In addition to completing building specific research, you should also read some general histories of the Palm Desert area to determine where your property fits into the city’s history. Visit the Historical Society of Palm Desert’s website @ (http://www.hspd.org/history_pd.html) and “Bibliography of Resources” for additional information. At the completion of your research, you should be able to answer the following questions: • What is the historic name of the property? • When was the property constructed (circa date is acceptable)? • Who designed the property? Who built it? Are they well known for their skill or expertise? • How many buildings, structures, and other resources make up the property? • What changes have been made over time and when? How have these affected its integrity? • How large is the property, where is it located, or what are its boundaries? • Was a landscape architect associated with the property? • What is the current condition of the property, including the exterior, grounds, setting, and interior? • How was the property used during its period of significance, and how is it used today? • Who occupied or used the property historically? Did they individually make any important contributions to history? • How does the property relate to Palm Desert’s history? • Were there any important events that occurred at the property? • Was there a community function or group associated with the property? • Is it a rare building or architectural type, or is it representative of many other properties in its vicinity? Is it a fine example of style, craftsmanship or details? There are many sources that can be used to research a historic property. The following is a list of the most common locations within the City of Palm Desert and Riverside County that may have information regarding your property: 1. Building permits are available at the City’s Building Department. Permits may indicate original construction date, owner, and architect or builder and provide information on additions and alterations. Building and Safety may also have information related to relocation or demolition of a building. 2. Historical Society of Palm Desert’s, 72-861 El Paseo Dr., (760) 346-6588 3. Riverside County Assessor’s Office, County Administrative Center, 4080 Lemon Street. Assessor’s records indicate ownership and construction dates. 9 How to Write an Architectural Description For Individual Historic Resources When you are writing an architectural description you are painting a word picture. This picture has to be clear enough for someone who has never seen the building to accurately envision it without looking at a picture. The first step to writing a good clear description is to train your eye to see clearly and notice details. The second is to organize your thoughts so that the reader gets a general impression first and then can mentally begin to add the details. Architectural descriptions should identify materials, construction details, alterations and workmanship. While it is true that there is a whole vocabulary of architectural terms and virtually every element has its own name, good clear language and every day words will serve you well. The bibliography included in this packet lists several good architectural guides. In general, approach the building from the street. Start with general issues like number of stories and shape or plan. Begin at the top and move to the ground. Next talk about materials and shapes. Always talk about larger features first then move to the details. After discussing the front or main facade, move to one side then compare the other to it and then describe the rear. Finally describe the setting, other buildings and features on the property, and landscaping. Your description should contain answers to the following questions: What is the architectural style? How many stories is it? What is the plan of the building? Is it square, rectangular, L-plan, or T-plan? What is its structure (wood frame, concrete block, etc.)? What is the siding of the building? What is the foundation made of? What type of roof does it have, and what materials are used on the roof? Does the building have dormers? What type of windows does the building have? Where are they located on the building? What type of trim (if any) was used around the windows? What kind of doors does the building have and where are they? What other kinds of features does the building have, such as porches or chimneys? Have any alterations or additions been made to the building? What is the general condition of the building? What is its setting like? What are the surroundings of the building and how do they compare to the surroundings at the time of the building’s construction? Are there any outbuildings? If so, what kind? What was their original use? 10 EXAMPLE: The Smith House: The house at 510 Orange Street is located in the original Mile Square area, and is a contributing building to the Heritage Square Historic District. The two-story Neoclassical style building which faces east onto Orange Street and is rectangular in plan and has a wood-frame structure sheathed with clapboard siding and decorative shingles beneath the gable ends on the north and south elevations. The residence rests on a raised brick foundation. The cross-gable roof is sheathed with composition shingles. The full-width front porch is supported by six Roman style columns and is entered via concrete stairs that are centrally placed on the main façade. The front door is of the period and has a large beveled glass window, antique hardware, and an operable transom. A gable roof dormer is located above the entrance. The three dormer windows are framed with decorative pilasters. Fenestration includes double-hung and casement windows, with stained glass windows in the front parlor and dining room. Two sets of French doors are located at the rear (west) elevation and enter into the kitchen and family room. A brick chimney is located just behind the dormer. The interior of the residence has a fireplace located in the corner of the front parlor with an original fireplace mantle (found in the basement during the restoration) and tile hearth. The house has most of the original hardware and doors, including pocket doors to the back parlor. The staircase and moldings are also original to the house and are made of Douglas fir. There are two original built-in cabinets – one in the landing upstairs and the other in a walk-in closet. The light fixtures are all done of the period (gas and electric), and most are antiques. The bathrooms have antique claw foot tubs and pedestal sinks with matching hardware. The house went through many alterations since its construction in 1899. In 1912, a bedroom, bath, and hallway were added to the rear of the residence. In the 1920s more additions where made to the rear including a dining room, kitchen, service porch, hall and bedroom, (since removed during refurbishment of the house). In 1936 when the original owner’s daughter left the home it was turned into a fourplex rental, closing off doors and adding more bathrooms and kitchens. Additional doors and stairs were added to the exterior. In the 1950's the front porch was enclosed. In 1966 the home converted to a 10-room apartment house with more rooms and baths added to the interior and the rear porch enclosed. In 1985 the entire exterior of the residence was stuccoed. In 1999 the current owners purchased the home from the Redevelopment Agency and began its restoration. The rear was completely redone after removal of the 1920s addition. Many of the missing windows were replaced with old windows that matched the originals which remained in the house. The floor plan was kept original with the exception of the kitchen and what had been a downstairs bedroom. The Douglas fir floors, which are in most of the front and upstairs rooms, where refinished. The property is well maintained and landscaped. One older tree remains in the back yard – a beautiful Crepe myrtle which is estimated to be about 40 to 50 years old. The new landscaping includes white birch trees and many flowers and ferns. A walkway on the side yard was laid with some of the original old walkways and driveways added over 11 the years. A picket fence secures the front yard and a lattice style fence has been added at the left side yard. A new detached garage was built during the restoration and is compatible with the house in design and materials. It includes a cupola with an antique weather vane and antique window and door. 12 How to Write a Statement of Significance For Landmark Designations A statement of significance explains why a property is important and how it fits into a broader historic context. When writing this statement, please refer to the designation criteria from Title 29 of Palm Desert’s Municipal Code and explain how the property fits one or more of the applicable criteria. The statement should identify what it is about the property that makes it noteworthy. A well-done statement will incorporate the history of the property, the people who owned or built the property, and/or events that occurred at the property. A brief summary of background information should be included, but more importantly it must be explained why the property is meaningful to Palm Desert. EXAMPLE: The Smith House The residence at 510 Orange Street is significant as the home of the Adam S. Smith family, who lived there from its construction in 1899 until 1935. It is further significant for its contribution to the history, development, and architectural diversity of the Mile Square area of the City. 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; or E. 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 prehistory; or The residence at 510 Orange Street was built by Adam S. Smith. Born in Pickaway County, Ohio in 1837, Adam was a descendant of an old colonial family of Virginia. He was a veteran of the Civil War and became sergeant of his company before his honorable discharge in March 1865. After the war, Adam worked as a druggist, merchant, farmer, painter and photographer. He and his wife Rebecca resided in Chicago from 1866 until 1882, when the couple and their two children, Carrie C. and Charles O., decided to relocate to Riverside. Adam’s brother, James Smith, had moved to Riverside in November of 1875, and was already an established citizen and well- known owner of a 10-acre orange grove. Adam was featured among the biographical sketches of the area’s prominent residents in the 1890 publication An Illustrated History of Southern California. He was elected City Clerk and Assessor of Riverside in 1886 and again in 1888. He was also a member of the Riverside Post No.118 Grand Army of the Republic (GAR). His son Charles was elected Deputy County Recorder of San Bernardino County and worked as the Deputy City Clerk and Assessor of Riverside following his father’s retirement. He held the high office of Chancellor Commander in the Knights of Pythias Lodge. Charles was profiled in the 1893-94 History and Directory of Riverside County, where he was characterized as “a man the county may well be proud of.” Adam’s daughter Carrie C. was employed as a clerk for the G. Rouse Department Store, located in downtown Riverside on Main 13 Street, until she retired in 1932 as assistant manager. Following his retirement in 1890, Adam Smith purchased land in the Mile Square area (the original town plat) between 2nd and 3rd Streets, north of Orange Street. He built the first residence there on the corner of Third and Orange Street in 1892 (since demolished), which his family lived in for a short time. Adam subdivided and sold off other Orange Street lots; the first went to Marta Mitchell. In 1899, Adam decided to build a newer home for his family with electric and gas lighting and he chose the property three lots to the north at 73-310 Orange Street. Charles lived in the home until 1904, when he decided to move to Los Angeles to pursue a career in politics. Adam lived in the residence until his death in 1913; his wife Rebecca lived there until her death in 1925. The house then went to their daughter Carrie, who lived there until 1935. From the late 1930s to the mid 1960s the house functioned as a four-plex apartment building. ln 1966, J.G. Muirhead purchased the building, added more rooms, baths and kitchens, and turned it into a 10-room apartment house. In 1991, this residence and four others in the area were purchased by the Redevelopment Agency as part of the “Heritage Square Homes Project,” for the purpose of returning them to owner occupancy. By that time the house had been extensively altered including stuccoing of the entire exterior. The current owners have restored the building to a single-family residence. It is now a good example of a Neoclassical residence in the downtown area and contributes to an understanding of the history and development of the area. 14 How to Photograph Historic Buildings Photographs are required as part of the Cultural Resources designation application. These photographs will be used to document the appearance and condition of the property. Since the photographs will remain in the Building Department files as part of the permanent record of a property, it is important that some consideration be made to their quality and permanency. Camera: For quality photos, a 35mm camera should be used. A simple point and shoot is sufficient; however, a manual-focus stabilized with a tripod will produce better photos. Be aware of the lighting, and make sure that features are not obscured by dark shadows. Digital Photos are now acceptable for designation applications. Please submit on a CD and label all views. What to Photograph: Photograph each elevation of the building at least once, and photograph architectural details. Make sure that what you describe in the architectural description is shown in the photographs. Step back and take a few broader view photos to show the property’s setting and surroundings. Photograph interior features that you feel are significant. For historic districts and neighborhood conservation areas context views showing streetscapes help give a feel for the overall character of a neighborhood. Include features such as setbacks, street trees, streetlights and other defining features such as retaining walls, fencing. etc. District photos should also show examples of representative buildings and various architectural styles that contribute to the district’s significance. Labeling: Label each hard copy print in pencil with the address of the property, the date the photograph was taken, and the view. Attach them to the nomination in an envelope. Do not staple, clip or glue the photographs to your application. Historic Photographs: Include copies of historic photographs if any are available. Please date them as best as you can. If you cannot date them, mark them “date unknown.” These will help illustrate changes, if any, that the building has undergone. For more detailed information on architectural documentation photography please see “How to Improve the Quality of Photographs for National Register Nominations,” a National Register Bulletin available from the U.S. Department of the Interior. 15 Historic Contexts of the City of Palm Desert The City of Palm Desert was founded on the south side of Highway 111 in 1945-1946. It was founded by four brothers, Randall, Carl, Clifford, and Phil Henderson, who hoped to follow in the footsteps of neighboring communities, such as La Quinta, Rancho Mirage and Palm Springs, and establish a winter resort for Hollywood celebrities. The Henderson brothers were involved in early development, and organized the Palm Desert Corporation to promote their new desert town, and by 1947, the population was sufficient to establish a post office. Randall donated land for the community’s first library on Portola Avenue. Clifford donated the land for the first fire station on El Paseo, which currently (2009) serves as the home of the Historical Society of Palm Desert. Clifford was also the developer of the Shadow Mountain Club on San Luis Rey, which attracted movie stars and tennis pros. In 1951, Palm Village and Palm Desert merged into a single community, forming the present urban core of the city. Around that time, the community of Cahuilla Hills emerged on the west side of Highway 74, just southwest of Palm Desert. In addition, several tracts of land south of the railroad and in the area between the Little San Bernardino Mountains and the Indio Hills were settled. After four unsuccessful attempts, the City of Palm Desert was incorporated in 1973 and became the 17th incorporated city in Riverside County. Historic Sites in the Planning Area Analysis of previous cultural resources studies indicates that, of the 138 archaeological sites recorded in the planning area, 13 are historic-era sites. These are primarily comprised of trash scatters, although structural foundations, a road, and a water conveyance system have also been recorded. Among the historic sites are the Southern Pacific Railroad and other nearby features associated with the railroad. Several sites associated with the construction of the Colorado River Aqueduct in the 1930s have been recorded in the vicinity of the Little San Bernardino Mountains. From 1981 to 1983, the Riverside County Historical Commission coordinated a countywide historical resources reconnaissance, which led to the recordation of 30 historic sites in the planning area. These include a well site that dates back to 1912, the Cavanagh Adobe building that was built in the 1920s, and single-family residences constructed in the 1930s and 1940s. Most of these sites are located near the city center of Palm Desert, although several are located outside the present day city limits. Although the City of Palm Desert does not maintain a list of officially recognized or designated local historical landmarks, the Historical Society of Palm Desert has compiled a list of 21 sites of local historical significance. The list includes sites ranging from early homesteads to mid-twentieth century urban development. They are concentrated in the central urban core of the City, and only a few are located in outlying areas. The majority of the sites were recorded on the California Historical Resource Information System during the countywide survey in the 1980s. 16 Bibliography of Resources Guinn, James M. Historical and Biographical Record of Southern California. Chicago, Illinois: Chapman Publishing Co., 1902. Jennings, Bill, et al. Guide to the Historic Landmarks of Riverside County California. Riverside: Riverside County Historic Commission Press, 1993. Lech, Steve. A Compendium of References on the History of Riverside County, California. Unpublished, available at the Riverside Local History Resource Center. Robinson, W. W. The Story of Riverside County. Los Angeles: Title Insurance Company, 1957. Architectural Guides Blumenson, John J.-G. Identifying American Architecture: A Pictorial Guide for Styles and Terms, 1600-1945.Nashville: American Association for State and Local History, 1981. Carley, Rachel. The Visual Dictionary of American Domestic Architecture. New York: Genry Hotl and Company, 1994. Fleming, John, et al. The Penguin Dictionary of Architecture. Great Britain: Penguin Books, Ltd., 1966. Foley, Mary Mix. The American House. New York: Harper & Row, 1980. Harris, Cyril M. American Architecture: An Illustrated Encyclopedia. New York: W.W. Norton & Company,1998. Harris, Cyril M. Illustrated Dictionary of Historic Architecture. New York: McGraw-Hill Book Company,1977. Harris, Cyril M., ed. Historic Architecture Sourcebook. New York: McGraw-Hill Book Company, 1977. McAlester, Virginia and Lee. A Field Guide to American Houses. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1984. Pevsner, Nicholas et al. A Dictionary of Architecture. New York: Overlook Press, 1976. Phillips. Steven J. Old House Dictionary. Washington, D.C.: The Preservation Press, 1994. Poppeliers, John C.S., et al. What Style Is It? A Guide to American Architecture. Washington, D.C.: The Preservation Press, 1983. 17 Rifkind, Carole. A Field Guide to American Architecture. New York: New American Library, 1980. Whiffen, Marcus. American Architecture Since 1780: A Guide to the Styles. Cambridge: MIT Press, 1992. General Sources Bucher, Ward, ed. Dictionary of Building Preservation. New York: John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 1996. Burns, John A., ed. Recording Historic Structures. Washington, D.C.: The AIA Press, 1989. Washington, D.C.: The National Archives and Records Service, 1964. Gebhard, David and Robert Winter. A Guide to Architecture in Los Angeles and Southern California. Santa Barbara: 1977. Hale, R.W., Jr. Methods of Research for the Amateur Historian. Nashville, TN: American Association for State and Local History, 1969. Harris, Cyril M. Illustrated Dictionary of Historic Architecture. New York: Dover Publications, Inc., 1977. Hart, David M. “How To Date an Old House.” Handout distributed by Old House Journal, Brooklyn, NY, October 1976. Howe, Barbara, et al. House Histories. Nashville: American Association for State and Local History, 1986. Kyvig, David E. and Myron A. Marty. Nearby History: Exploring the Past Around You. Nashville: American Association for State and Local History, 1982. Maddex, Diane, ed. All About Old Buildings: The Whole Preservation Catalog. Washington, DC: The Preservation Press, 1985. McKee, Harley J. Amateur’s Guide to Terms Commonly Used in Describing Historic Buildings. Rochester, NY: Landmarks Society of Western New York, 1970. McKee, Harley J. Recording Historic Buildings. Washington, DC: US Government Printing Office, 1970. National Register of Historic Places Bulletins. The National Park Service publishes a number of bulletins designed to assist people in writing nominations for the National Register of Historic Places. Many of these are available by writing to the National Register of Historic Places, National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, P.O. Box 37127, Washington, DC 20013-7127. Weitze, Karen J. California’s Mission Revival. Los Angeles, Hennessey & Ingalls, Inc., 1984