CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
DATE: November 12, 2025 PUBLIC HEARING
SUBJECT: AN APPLICATION BY JONATHAN WURTZEL FOR HISTORIC SITE DESIGNATION OF “THE CULLERTON-CHADDICK RESIDENCE”
LOCATED AT 572 WEST SANTA ELENA ROAD (APN 504-282-012), CASE HSPB #165
FROM: Scott C. Stiles, City Manager
BY: Department of Planning Services
SUMMARY:
A single-family home at 572 W. Santa Elena Road was first constructed in the vernacular ranch-style of architecture in 1948. After the property was purchased by Cullerton and Chaddick, the home was completely redesigned by William F. Cody in 1965. Today, the restored home is a distinct example of Cody’s work that combines his understanding of the vernacular style with Modernist principles. The current owners of the home are requesting historic designation of this site.
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 (PSMC).
The Historic Site Preservation Board (HSPB) and staff evaluated the application in accordance with the historic designation ordinance and applicable state/federal regulations and determined it qualifies as a Class 1 (Landmark) historic site.
RECOMMENDATION:
1) Open the public hearing and receive public testimony. 2) Close the public hearing and adopt Resolution entitled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA,
DESIGNATING THE CULLERTON-CHADDICK RESIDENCE LOCATED AT 572 W. SANTA ELENA ROAD, AS A CLASS 1 (LANDMARK) HISTORIC RESOURCE HSPB #165, SUBJECT TO CONDITIONS (APN 504-282-012).”
City Council Staff Report
November 12, 2025 – Page 2
Historic Designation – The Cullerton-Chaddick Residence BACKGROUND AND SETTING:
The attached historic resources report, prepared by the Palm Springs Preservation Foundation (“the report”) and site visits are the basis of this staff report.
Related Relevant City Actions by HSPB, Planning, Fire, Building, etc.
October, 2025 Site inspection by members of the HSPB and City Staff.
October 7, 2025 HSPB considered the application for designation at a public hearing recommending Class 1 designation.
Ownership Status
February, 2024 Purchased by current owners.
EAST ELEVATION OF 572 W. SANTA ELENA ROAD, 2025.
The historic designation request was submitted by the owners, and the historic resources report supports the reclassification of the site as a Class 1 landmark. Staff and the HSPB made the findings to recommend Class 1 designation.
ANALYSIS AND FINDINGS:
The analysis of the application relative to the criteria for the designation of historic resources is detailed in the attached HSPB resolution and staff report dated October 7, 2025. In order to be designated a historic landmark, a resource must exhibit exceptional historic significance and meet one or more of the criteria listed in PSMC Section
8.05.070.C.1.a. The Board made findings in support of Class 1 (Landmark) designation based on the following criteria:
PSMC 8.05.070, (C,1,Part a). The site, structure, building, or object exhibits exceptional historic significance and meets one or more of the criteria listed below:
City Council Staff Report
November 12, 2025 – Page 3
Historic Designation – The Cullerton-Chaddick Residence (Criterion iii) The resource reflects or exemplifies a particular period of national, state, or local history;
(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;
Pursuant to PSMC 8.05.070, (5,C,1,Part b); “Historic Integrity” the HSPB made findings that the Cullerton-Chaddick Residence possesses sufficient historic integrity to qualify as a Class 1 (Landmark) historic site.
During the October 7, 2025 HSPB meeting, the Board expressed their unanimous support of the application for Class 1 designation based on the William F. Cody re-design of the residence that exhibits historical significance and design integrity.
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. The property possesses integrity to qualify as a Class 1 (Landmark) site. The HSPB recommendation to the City Council reflects these findings which are outlined in the attached draft City Council resolution.
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 not 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 94.09.00 (Public Hearing) of the Palm Springs Zoning Code, notice has been mailed to all property owners and residents within five hundred (500) feet of the subject property and notice was published in a newspaper of general circulation.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None.
City Council Staff Report
November 12, 2025 – Page 3
Historic Designation – The Cullerton-Chaddick Residence City Council Staff Report
November 12, 2025 – Page 4
Historic Designation – The Cullerton-Chaddick Residence REVIEWED BY:
Department Director: Christopher Hadwin
Assistant City Manager: Flinn Fagg
City Manager: Scott Stiles
ATTACHMENTS:
A. Vicinity Map.
B. Draft Resolution.
C. Application, related background materials, photos.
D. HSPB resolution, staff report, minute excerpt.