ATTACHMENT D
HISTORIC SITE PRESERVATION BOARD
STAFF REPORT
DATE: October 7, 2025 PUBLIC HEARING
SUBJECT: APPLICATION BY JONATHAN H. WURTZEL FOR HISTORIC SITE DESIGNATION OF “ THE CULLERTON-CHADDICK RESIDENCE”
LOCATED AT 572 WEST SANTA ELENA ROAD , (APN 504 -282-012) CASE: HSPB #165 (SY)
FROM: Department of Planning Services
SUMMARY
This request for Class 1 historic designation was submitted by the current owner , Jonathan Wurtzel. 572 W. Santa Elena Road is a single-family home in the Little Tuscany neighborhood. The original ranch-style home that was on this lot was completed in 1948, but the home was completely rebuilt by architect William F. Cody in 1965. The period of significance for this site is 1965.
If designated as a historic resource, the property would be subject to the regulations outlined in Section 8.05 of the Palm Springs Municipal Code.
RECOMMENDATION:
1. Open the public hearing and receive public testimony.
2. Close the public hearing and adopt Resolution HSPB #165, “A RESOLUTION OF
THE HISTORIC SITE PRESERVATION BOARD OF THE CITY OF PALM
SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA, RECOMMENDING THAT THE CITY COUNCIL DESIGNATE “THE CULLERTON-CHADDICK RESIDENCE” LOCATED AT 572 WEST SANTA ELENA ROAD , AS A CLASS 1 (LANDMARK) HISTORIC RESOURCE, HSPB #165, SUBJECT TO CONDITIONS (APN #504-282-012).”
BACKGROUND AND SETTING:
The parcels in Chino Mesa Estates were marketed as exclusive residential development where each lot is approximately half an acre in size. The first owner, Alice Meyer, developed the lot with a modest ranch- style home in 1947 but after it was purchased by Cullerton and Chaddick in 1961, the home was completely redesigned by William F. Cody with only the original foundation and chimney remaining from the previous home. The house seen on the site today exemplifies the work of Cody and his use of natural materials, geometric forms and large expanses of fenestration. Since 2010, the various owners of the property have remodeled the interior and restored exterior features.
Historic Site Preservation Board Staff Report October 7, 2025 HSPB-165 – The Cullerton-Chaddick Residence
AERIAL VIEW OF THE SUBJECT PARCEL.
EAST ELEVATION OF 572 W. SANTA ELENA, 2025.
Related Relevant City Actions by HSPB, Planning, Fire, Building, etc.
October, 2025 Site inspection by members of the HSPB and City Staff.
Ownership Status
February, 2024 Purchased by the current owner.
Historic Site Preservation Board Staff Report October 7, 2025 HSPB-165 – The Cullerton-Chaddick Residence
Historic Context Statement “Post-World War II (1945-1969)”
During the postwar period, middle- class prosperity brought significant changes to the housing industry in Palm Springs. From 1945 through the late 1960s, expansive and ambitious residential subdivisions and tract development began to take shape. The pattern of development from this era was less concentrated and more scattered, and Chino Mesa Estates was one of the first to be recorded during this time. 1 Context: Post-World War II Palm Springs (1945-1969)
Theme: Post World War II Single-Family Residential Development (1945-1969) Registration Requirements: To be eligible under this theme, a property must:
Date from the period of significance; and
Represent an excellent example of an architectural style or method of construction; or be associated with a significant architect or designer; and Display most of the character-defining features of the property type or style; and
Retain the essential aspects of historic integrity.
Context: Architectural Styles & Local Practitioners
Theme: Modern Styles of the Post-World War II Era
Sub-theme: Mid-century Modern
Registration Requirements: To be eligible under this theme as an excellent example of its architectural style, a property must:
Retain most – though not necessarily all – of the character-defining features of the style, and continue to exhibit its historic appearance If important for illustrating a particular architectural style or construction technique, must retain most of the physical features that constitute that style or technique.
ANALYSIS:
A historic resources report (“the report”), site visit, and city documents and forms are the basis of this staff report. The existing home was designed by architect William Cody in the Mid-century Modern style of architecture as a custom home. The report clarifies that the only remaining features from the original 1948 home were the foundation and chimney. Since the Cody redesign in 1965, changes made to the site and home have been identified in the report.
Historic Preservation activities in Palm Springs are regulated under Municipal Code Section 8.05 (“ Historic Preservation” ). The purpose of the Historic Preservation Ordinance is:
“…to stabilize and improve buildings, structures or areas which are considered to be of historical, architectural, archaeological or ecological
1 City of Palm Springs Citywide Historic Context Statement “Post-World War II Palm Springs (1945-1969)”, 185.
Historic Site Preservation Board Staff Report October 7, 2025 HSPB-165 – The Cullerton-Chaddick Residence
value, to foster civic beauty, to strengthen the local economy and to promote the use of historic resources for the education and welfare of the citizens.”
Conditions that apply to Class 1 historic sites or resources:
1. It shall meet the definition of a historic site as outlined in Municipal Code Section
8.05.020.
2. An archival file shall be maintained on the property by the City.
3. It may be qualified as ‘historic’ at the federal, state, and/or county level.
4. A marker explaining the historic nature of the site may be installed in a location viewable from the public way.
5. Compliance with all rules and regulations for Historic Resources and Historic Districts under Chapter 8.05 of the Municipal Code.
6. If designated, the findings in support of designation shall be stated in a resolution of the City Council that shall be recorded with the County Recorders’ office within 90 days of the effective date of the Council’s resolution.
Evaluation of the Application. Pursuant to Municipal Code Section 8.05.070 (C,1,a), the HSPB shall evaluate the application and make findings in conformance with the following criteria:
Criteria for the Designation of Class 1 Historic Resources. A site, structure, building or object may be designated as a Class 1 historic resource, provided both of the following findings (“a” and “b”) are met:
a. The site, structure, building or object exhibits exceptional historic significance and meets one or more of the criteria listed below:
572 W. Santa Elena Drive is a single-family home designed by architect William F. Cody.
The site placement of the home responds to the surrounding views while ensuring privacy, and the swimming pool and spa were also done by Cody. In a recent remodel of the home, the roof was replaced with shake shingles , the exterior was painted in a pink buff color, and the existing carport structure was removed. The following is an analysis of the criterion and integrity findings for historic designation.
(Criterion i) The resource is associated with events that have made a meaningful contribution to the nation, state or community;
No meaningful event is associated with this site, thus does not qualify under Criterion i.
(Criterion ii) The resource is associated with the lives of persons who made a meaningful contribution to national, state or local history;
Based on the information provided in the report, the Cody remodel of the home was associated with Patrick Sullerton and Harry Chaddick. While it is unclear why the property was co-owned by both i ndividuals, address information reveals that they each had separate homes in the area. Chaddick was a prominent local developer that worked with Historic Site Preservation Board Staff Report October 7, 2025 HSPB-165 – The Cullerton-Chaddick Residence
Cody extensively throughout the 1960s and 1970s in Palm Springs, and it was likely this relationship that connected Cody to this project . Since the home was not a permanent address for either individual, this criterion is not met.
(Criterion iii) The resource reflects or exemplifies a particular period of national, state or local history;
Early on, Cody was influenced by the works of Cliff May that exposed him to vernacular architecture of California. H e tried to cr eate a c onvenient and comfortable design incorporating views, light and nature. Cody also explored simple forms and gentle sloping roofs to minimize the appearance of the structure.
2 This home exemplifies the intersection
between the vernacular style of architecture and the progressive ideas of Modernism.
Staff finds Criterion iii is met.
(Criterion iv) The resource embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period or method of construction;
Unlike the National Register criterion concerning construction, the Palm Springs evaluation of construction addresses the type (of construction), the period (of construction) and the method (of construction). The home was constructed using conventional methods and no new building materials or technology was specifically identified in the report. Criterion iv is not met.
(Criterion v) The resource presents the work of a master builder, designer, artist, or architect whose individual genius influenced his age, or that possesses high artistic value;
Architect William F. Cody arrived in Palm Springs in 1942 and became one of the key figures for the Palm Springs School of Desert Modernism . Some of his more seminal works in the desert include the Del Marcos Hotel (HSPB #78) on West Baristo Road, the Abernathy Residence (HSPB #86) on North Phillips Road, and the Goldberg Residence on Southridge Drive (HSPB #135). Cody’s genius and influence, when it comes to design, is that it continually evolves. This home, for example, demonstrates layering of textures, geometries and natural materials which is completely different from the E uclidean approach used at the Goldberg Residence. This resource is a good representation of the architect’s versatility during his years of prominenc e, thus Criterion v for historic significance is met.
(Criterion vi) The resource represents a significant and distinguishable entity whose components may lack individual distinction, as used in evaluating applications for designation of historic districts, for parcels on which more than one entity exists; or
The resource is not within a historic district and does not qualify under Criterion vi.
2 City of Palm Springs Citywide Historic Context Statement “Post-World War II Palm Springs (1945-1969)”, 169.
Historic Site Preservation Board Staff Report October 7, 2025 HSPB-165 – The Cullerton-Chaddick Residence
(Criterion vii) The resource has yielded or may be likely to yield information important to national, state or local history or prehistory.
No information is available on any pre-historic significance of the site.
Analysis of Integrity. (PSMC 8.05.070 (C,1,b). The site, structure, building or object retains one or more of the following aspects of integrity, as established in the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards: integrity of design, materials, workmanship, location, setting, feeling, or association.
The Cullerton-Chaddick Residence is evaluated based on the following topics of integrity based on the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards:
Location.
The home designed by William Cody is in its original location on the lot; therefore, the integrity of location is met.
Design.
The original residence was designed as a ranch- style home that was expanded by 800 square feet and completely remodeled. The report describes the design by Cody as a seamless integration of contemporary design with Palm Springs vernacular traditions.
The home uses building materials like masonry blocks, rough-hewn board- and-batten siding and wood shake shingles, similar characteristic found in the vernacular architecture of California, but also in integration of white terrazzo flooring, floor-to-ceiling glass doors, and concrete screen blocks. The home is elevated on a plinth with asymmetrical columns supporting a deep overhang. The openings on the walls are large expanses of glass, but the pitched roof has shake shingles. Pathways and entrances have geometric shapes, and texture is created from the stucco surfaces, stacked concrete blocks and extruded wooden beams. Cody uses vernacular building materials in a modernist way that creates architectural interest. One element that was removed is a pergola structure in the parking area in 2020. Based on the report findings, s taff finds the home retains its integrity of design by Cody.
Setting.
The setting of the home in the Chino Mesa Estates tract is surrounded by ample open space, and the neighborhood context consists o f similar sized lots for single -family residential development. To the west of the lot is the land owned by the Desert Water Agency. The home retains its original setting.
Materials.
The home was built with materials that were commonly used during this period. The integrity of the slump stone walls, exterior stucco, floor to ceiling glazing, wooden beams and terrazzo are intact.
Workmanship.
While conventional methods of construction are utilized, the attention to detail allows for Historic Site Preservation Board Staff Report October 7, 2025 HSPB-165 – The Cullerton-Chaddick Residence
seamless transition of materials from the interior to the exterior. Staff finds the integrity of workmanship remains intact.
Feeling.
The home’s modest scale to the surrounding context and use of materials represents the architect’s original design response to the Modern Movement in the desert. The integrity of feeling remains strong.
Association.
The property is associated with architect William Cody, as well as the Mid-century Modern Movement of the post -World War II period. The integrity of association remains unchanged.
DEFINING HISTORIC CHARACTERISTICS:
When evaluating a property for historic designation, it is important to identify the original elements that contribute to its historic si gnificance from later additions or alterations.
While these changes may be sympathetic to the original design, it can create a false sense of historicity. Distinguishing original character -defining features from non- original elements will aid the HSPB when it is tasked with evaluating future alterations to the historic resource.
Character-defining features on page 3 5 of the historic resources report and the staff analysis of important features are listed as follows:
• Site placement of the home on an elevated plinth
• Low slung pitched roofs clad in split wood shakes
• Rectangular stucco columns throughout
• Massive, angled wood beams connecting entry columns
• Screen block elements made of rectangular concrete bricks in varied orientations • Vertical rough- hewn board -and-batten siding with alternating narrow and wide battens
• Cruciform-shaped swimming pool and matching cruciform spa (original to Cody's 1965 design)
• White terrazzo pool deck mirroring the cruciform layout • Slumpstone retaining walls throughout property
• Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors and fixed-pane windows throughout • Floor-to-ceiling folding wood doors with piano hinges, concealing wet bar (interior) • Ceiling sections of rough-sawn wood with translucent white stain • Mirrored panels above doors
• Matching fireplace designs in living room and den (interior) • Seamless transitions between interior and exterior spaces • Strategic window placement framing garden views
• Extension of materials (particularly terrazzo) from inside to outside • Multiple access points to outdoor spaces from nearly every room Historic Site Preservation Board Staff Report October 7, 2025 HSPB-165 – The Cullerton-Chaddick Residence
Non-contributing elements:
• Entry gate and matching gate outside of the den’s sliding doors • Sliding glass doors at rear of the garage
• Firepit and waterfall area
• Exposed aggregate motor court paving and paving inside garden areas
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT:
The proposed historic resource designation is not subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Sections 15060(c)(2) (the activity will not result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment) and 15060(c)(3) (the activity is no t a project as defined in Section 15378) of the CEQA Guidelines, California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Chapter 3, because it has no potential for resulting in physical changes to the environment, directly or indirectly.
NOTIFICATION:
Pursuant to section 8.05.140 of the Municipal Code of Palm Springs, all residents within five hundred (500) feet of the subject property have been notified and notice was published in a newspaper of general circulation.
CONCLUSION:
The Cullerton-Chaddick Residence meets the definition of a historic resource based on Criterion 3 and 5 of the Palm Springs Historic Preservation Ordinance and meets the necessary integrity fin dings to support its historic significance; therefore, staff recommends Class 1 Designation as a historic landmark property.
PREPARED BY: Sarah Yoon, Associate Planner/Historic Preservation Officer REVIEWED BY: Anthony Riederer, Assistant Director of Planning Services
Attachments:
A. Vicinity Map
B. Draft Resolution
C. A pplication, related background materials, photos.
EXCERPTS OF MINUTES
At the Historic Site Preservation Board meeting of the City of Palm Springs, held October 7, 2025, the Historic Site Preservation Board took the following action:
2.A. AN APPLICATION BY JONATHAN H. WURTZEL FOR HISTORIC SITE DESIGNATION OF “THE CULLERTON-CHADDICK RESIDENCE”
LOCATED AT 572 W. SANTA ELENA ROAD, (APN 504-282-012)
CASE: HSPB #165, (SY).
Historic Preservation Officer Yoon presented the staff report and answered questions of the board.
Steven Keylon, applicant representative, commented on the request for historic designation application on behalf of the applicant.
Motion by Member Moruzzi, seconded by Member McCready to adopt the findings with amendments made to the list of character-defining features and recommend that the City Council designate The Cullerton-Chaddick Residence (HSPB 165) as a Class 1 historic site. This action is not a project.
AYES: Hansen, Bachman, Maschka Hitchcock, Moruzzi, McCready, Paonessa.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: Herr.