ATTACHMENT C
(Application)
1 The Fallows-Cone Residence
765 Via Vadera
Palm Springs,
California
An Evaluation of Eligibility as a Designated Historic Resource
Prepared on behalf of the owners by Susan Secoy Jensen, AIA 160 South Cypress Street, Orange, CA 92866
[email protected]
August, 2025 Revised December, 2025
2 Acknowledgements
The author would like to thank the following individuals for either research or editing assistance:
Joan and Gary Gand
Tom Jakway
Adele Cygleman
Janice Feldman
Ronni Fallows
Fallows-Cone Residence –
Rear Elevation, looking
northwest. (Photo 2024)
Cover image: Fallows-Cone Residence
Front Elevation, looking southwest. (Photo 2024)
3 The Fallows-Cone Residence
CLASS 1 HISTORIC RESOURCE NOMINATION - TABLE of CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION: PAGE 4
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: PAGE 5
CLASS 1 HISTORIC RESOURCE DESIGNATION APPLICATION FORM: PAGE 6 STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: PAGE 11
EVALUATION FOR CLASS 1 RESOURCE DESIGNATION: PAGE 47
INTEGRITY ANALYSIS: PAGE 50
APPENDICES
I Owner's Letter of Support
II Assessor’s Map
III Grant Deed (which includes Legal Description)
IV Chain of Title
V Building Permits (copies of originals)
4 INTRODUCTION
The purpose of the Class 1 and Class 2 designation is to recognize community resources such as buildings, structures and sites within the City of Palm Springs which may be protected, enhanced, and perpetuated to promote public awareness, education, and enjoyment of historic resources within the City of Palm Springs. Identification of historically significant places and the reasons why they are important helps inform the City Council, the Planning Commission, and City staff in evaluating new development proposals and opportunities for enhancing the beauty and livability of Palm Springs through adaptive reuse, preservation, and integration of historic resources.
In November of 2024, the Property Owners, Joan and Gary Gand, assigned the task of writing the subject property’s Class 1 nomination to Architect and Preservation Consultant, Susan Secoy Jensen.
Entry doors (Photo 2025)
5 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Fallows-Cone Residence is located at 765 Via Vadera. It is a single-story residence designed by modernist architect Tom Jakway, completed in 1972. The Fallows Residence is an important example of a modernist structure, and it exhibits numerous character-defining features that place it within the historic context of the Palm Springs late modern period, and the early period of Jakway’s career.
The 1970’s are being realized as a significant period of late modernism. As with any decade, there is no hard start and stop when it comes to design evolution. There were divergent directions, movements, and “schools” in American architecture in the 1970’s. The architecture of this decade was laden with divergent reactions to Modernism. The decade was one of exploration, experimentation, and thinking, which would shape the directions of architecture through the remainder of the twentieth century. We face the new task of trying to comprehend and contextualize these buildings, sites, and landscapes to steward them into the future.
The location of the Fallows-Cone Residence is within a residential district of Palm Springs known as Vista Las Palmas. It is a neighborhood of an estimated 330 homes. The boundaries are W. Stephens Road and Camino Norte on the north, the west side of N. Via Monte Vista to the east, and T acheva Canyon on the south and the west.
Dr. Alan Fallows was a prominent optometrist in Palm Springs who worked with Tom Jakway, a budding architect to design the house. Fallows worked with Tom’s father, Jerry Jakway, to build the house. The property was owned by Dr. and Mrs. Fallows for approxi mately four years, then sold to Dr. Lawrence Cone, another prominent doctor in the Palm Springs area. The Cones maintained ownership for approximately 46 years. The property is currently under the stewardship of the third owner of the property, Joan and Gary Gand.
LOT 53 MB 032/045 VISTA LAS PALMAS 1 Lot 53 Subdivision Name VISTA LAS PALMAS 1 Book Map Plat B 032 Map Plat P 045
DESIGNATION CRITERIA:
The Fallows-Cone Residence has not previously been evaluated for Class 1 Historic Resource eligibility.
8.05.070 (C, 1,; i, ii, iii, iv, v, vi, vii) Findings 1 & 2: The Fallows-Cone Residence is eligible under Modern Architecture because it possesses numerous distinctive characteristics that make up the modernist style, including one-story configuration, flat roof with cantilevered canopies, unadorned wall surfaces, lack of ornamentation, and expansive amounts of glass. Although modifications occurred during the passage of time, it maintains the vocabulary and overall design intent of the original Designer. Therefore, due to its distinctive characteristics, the Fallows -Cone Residence qualifies as a Historic Resource under Criteria
8.05.070.
SUMMARY: This evaluation finds the Fallows -Cone Residence eligible for listing as a Palm Springs Historic Resource under 8.05.070 (C, 1; ii, iii, iv), Findings 1 & 2 of the local ordinance’s criteria.
Additionally, the Fallows -Cone Residence retains a reasonable degree of architectural integrity (see “Integrity Analysis”).
6 CITY OF PALM SPRINGS
Department of Planning Services
3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262 Phone 760 323 8245
Fax 760 322 8360
Historic Preservation Officer 760 322 8364 x8786
HISTORIC RESOURCE DESIGNATION (HRD)
WHEN TO USE THIS APPLICATION:
Use this application if you are seeking historic designation for a property, parcel or historic district.
For alterations to Class 1, Class 2, or contributing sites in a Historic District, use the CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS application. (C of A)
For alterations or demolition of Class 3, Class 4 or non-contributing sites in a Historic District use the MINOR ARCHITECTURAL APPLICATION (MAA).
(Contact the Planning Department if you are unsure of the classification of your property.) WHO MAY APPLY:
Any individual or organization may apply to the City for consideration of a request for historic designation, however applications must be signed and notarized by the owner(s) of record of the site, structure, building or object for which the designation is sought. For Historic Districts written signatures from at last 51% of the property owners in the proposed district must be included in the application.
PROCEDURE:
1. For proposed historic sites or resources: Refer to Palm Springs Municipal Code (“PSMC”) Section
8.05.070 for Procedures and Criteria for the Designation of Class 1 and Class 2 Historic Resources . (www.palmspringsca/gov / government / departments / planning / municipal code / title 8 / section 8.05 “Historic Preservation”).
2. For proposed historic districts: Refer to Municipal Code Section 8.05.090 for Procedures and Criteria for Designation of Historic Districts. (www.palmspringsca.gov / government / departments / planning / municipal code / title 8 / section
8.05 “Historic Preservation”).
3. Complete all parts of the application and include related reports, mailing labels and back up information in support of the application. Denote “NA” for any line item that is “not applicable”.
4. Prior to submittal of the application, contact the City’s Historic Preservation Officer (“HPO”) to review the application for conformance and completeness.
5. Submit the completed application and related materials to the Department of Planning Services. A Planning Department case number will be assigned to the application.
6. Applications for historic site / resource or historic district designation are evaluated by City staff who will prepare the application for consideration by the City’s Historic Site Preservation Board (“HSPB”) at a noticed public hearing.
Applicants should plan on attending the hearing. City staff will schedule site visits for members of the HSPB to become familiar with the site prior to the public hearing. (Exterior review only, interiors are not subject to HSPB review.)
7. At the public hearing, the HSPB will evaluate the application and make a recommendation for City Council action.
The City Council will consider the application and the HSPB’s recommendation at a second noticed public hearing.
The applicant should again attend that hearing.
8. The final action of the City Council to designate will be recorded on the property title with the County Recorder’s office.
7 FOR HISTORIC SITE / RESOURCE APPLICATIONS,
SEE PART 1 BELOW. FOR HISTORIC DISTRICT
APPLICATIONS, SEE PART 2 BELOW.
PART 1: REQUIRED MATERIALS FOR HISTORIC SITE / RESOURCE DESIGNATION APPLICATIONS (See PSMC 8.05.070(A,3):
An application for historic site / resource designation must include the following items. After preliminary review of the application by the HPO, provide twelve (12) hard copies and 1 electronic copy on disk or thumb drive of the following materials unless otherwise noted:
APPLICANT
CHECK
CITY
STAFF
CHECK
1 Original Completed Application (1 copy) X
2 Owner Consent Letter w/ notarized signature, (1 copy) 3 Ownership and address history; (“Chain of title”) (1 copy.) X 4 A report that describes how the proposed site(s), structures, buildings or objects are eligible and appropriate for designation under PSMC 8.05.070 for historic resources.
X
5 Photographs of the exterior of the proposed sites, structures, buildings or objects.
X
6 Aerial photo of the site / resource (from Google Maps or equal). X 7 Information about the architect(s), designer(s), planner(s), and/or developers of the proposed sites, structures, buildings or objects, if known.
X
8 Date and method of construction of any structure, building or object upon the proposed site or within the proposed district (provide copies of building permits where possible).
X
9 A detailed assessment of the character-defining features of the site, structure, building or object, (such as materials, architectural details or landscape elements, architectural style, and other relevant descriptors, etc.) X
10 Evaluation of the site, structure, building, or object relative to the Criteria and Findings for Designation of Class 1 and Class 2 Historic Resources. (PSMC
8.05.070 (C).*
X
11 Identify the source of the information provided in the application, such as building permit numbers, date and issue of publications, organizations or individuals.
X
12 Site Plan (8-1/2” x 11” or 11” x 17”) X
13 Any other documentation or research as may be deemed necessary by the HPO to determine the qualifications of the site, structure, building or object for historic designation.
14 Public Hearing Labels. The applicant shall submit public hearing mailing labels pursuant to Zoning Code Section 94.09.00.
*Applicants are encouraged to review the City’s Technical Assistance Bulletin titled “How to Apply the Palm Springs Eligibility Criteria for Historic Designation” available under “Historic Resources” of the Planning Home page of the City website ( www.palmspringsc.gov) and the bulletin from the U.S. Department of the Interior National Register Criteria for Evaluation” (National Register Bulletin 15 (http://www.nps.gov/history/nr/publications/bulletins/nrb15/).
8 (to be completed by Planning staff:)
CITY OF PALM SPRINGS
Department of Planning Services
HISTORIC RESOURCE DESIGNATION (HRD)
TO THE APPLICANT:
Complete all parts of this application. Denote “NA” for lines that are not applicable.
Submit the completed application with attachments to the Department of Planning Services at 3200 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262 Phone: 760-323-8245 Fax: 760-322-8380
This application is for a proposed: (Check one) X Historic Site/ Resource Historic District:
Applicant’s Name: Joan & Gary Gand
Please Print
X Owner Lessee Authorized Agent City Other
Applicant’s Address: 765 Via Vadera
Number and Street Name or P.O. Box
Palm Springs California 92262
City State ZIP
Telephone Nos: 847-370-4263
Residence Cell Work
E-M ail address:[email protected]
Note: For Historic District applications: On a separate page, provide a list all sites / parcels within the proposed historic district boundaries with the following information provided for each parcel / APN.
Site Address: 765 Via Vadera, Palm Springs
APN 505-093-005 Zone: R-1 Section:33/4S/4 Gen’l Plan Land Use Desig. SFR _ Is the project is located on the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians Reservation? no (Refer to the Land Status Map under Tribal Resources on the Planning Department home page.) Construction Date: 1971 Estimated X Actual (Building Permit)
Architect: Tom Jakway Builder: Jerry Jakway
Present Owner: Joan & Gary Gand
Date:
Case No.
HSPB No.
Planner:
9 Present Owner Address: 765 Via Vadera, Palm Springs, CA 92262
Original Owner: Dr. Alan Fallows & Mrs. Irene Fallows
Other notable past owners: Dr. Lawrence Cone & Mrs.Mary Cone
Other Historic Associations: NA
Attach to this application any information, photos, drawings, newspaper articles, reports, studies, or other materials to fully describe the characteristics or conditions that support this application for historic designation.
Architectural Style: Late Modern
(Refer to the Architectural Styles chapter of the Citywide Historic Context Statement, under Historic Resources on the Planning Home page (www.palmspringsca.gov).
Period of Significance: 1971-1976 (See
the Citywide Historic Context Statement Document.)
Please list any informational reference sources used to complete this application:
See nomination bibliography _
PSMC 8.05.070 (C,1): Criteria for the
Designation of Class 1 Historic
Resources.
A site, structure, building or object may be designated as a Class 1 historic resource or a Contributing Resource in a proposed historic district by the Palm Springs City Council, provided both of the following findings are met.
Provide a written description of how the site qualifies as historic resource under one or more of the following criterion:
FINDING 1: The site, structure, building or object exhibits exceptional historic significance and meets one or more of the criteria listed below:
i. The resource is associated with events that have made a meaningful contribution to the nation, state or community.1
ii. The resource is associated with the lives of persons who made a meaningful contribution to national, state or local history.
iii. The resource reflects or exemplifies a particular period of national, state or local history. iv. The resource embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type of construction, a period of construction or a method of construction.2
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. 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.
vii. The resource has yielded or may be likely to yield information important to national, state or local history or prehistory.
1 NOTE: Unlike the National Register criteria, The City’s criterion does not consider “patterns of events”. For consideration of “patterns of events”, use Criterion “iii”, reflecting a particular period. 2 Unlike the National Register criteria “type, period of method of construction relates to construction only’ For design theme or characteristics use Criterion “iii” (period) or Criterion v (high artistic value).
10 FINDING 2: The site, structure, building or object retains most if not all of the following aspects of Integrity, as established in the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards3: Design, Materials, Workmanship, Location, Setting, Feeling, Association.
PSMC 8.05.070 (C,2) Criteria for the
Designation of Class 2 Historic Resources.
A site, structure, building or object may be designated as a Class 2 historic resource, or a Contributing Resource to a proposed historic district by the Palm Springs City Council provided the site, structure, building or object exhibits exceptional histor ic significance and meets one or more of the criteria listed in Finding 1 above. A Class 2 historic resource is not required to meet the findings for integrity as described in Finding 2 (above).
PSMC 8.05.090 (C) Criteria and Findings for
Designation of Historic Districts.
In addition to the criteria listed in Finding 1, to be considered for designation as a Historic District, a defined area must:
a. Contain contributing resources on a majority of the sites within the proposed district which individually meet the criteria in Finding (1). The defined area may include other structures, buildings, or archaeological sites which contribute generally to the overall distinctive character of the area and are related historically or visually by plan or physical development.
(Identify list by address and APN number each site / parcel that meets the criteria outlined in Finding 1 above and document how each meets the criteria.
b. Identify non-contributing properties or vacant parcels to the extent necessary to establish appropriate, logical or convenient boundaries. (Identify list by address and APN number each site / parcel within the proposed historic district that is considered non-contributing to the overall historic significance of the historic district.)
Please attach any additional information related to the application as necessary.
Questions: Contact the Palm Springs Planning Department at 760 323 8245.
3 Refer to the U.S. Department of the Interior Bulletin for How to Evaluate the Integrity of a Property 11 Statement of Significance
Narrative Description
The Fallows-Cone Residence is in Vista Las Palmas Estates, Lot 53. The property is significant as an example of post-World-War II architecture of the desert modern style, Late Modern Period.
Site Description:
The Fallows-Cone Residence is located on a prominent corner lot, 13,068 S.F., in the Vista Las Palmas tract. The residence is bounded by Via Vadera to the north, N. Vista Vespero to the east , and two residential parcels to the south and west. The topography of the lot is relatively flat.
In Vista Las Palmas, the firm of Palmer and Krisel, as well as architect Charles Dubois, designed the majority of approximately 330 homes. Vista Las Palmas was developed by the Alexander Company in 1956. The Alexander Company was founded by George Alexander and later joined by his son, Robert.
During 1956, they were working on construction in another Palm Springs community, Twin Palms. The architecture firm of Palmer and Krisel were employed to design the homes in both communities. A 74-unit tract map which includes Vista Vespero and Via Vadera in the initial proposed construction in Vista Las Palmas is provided. (page 12) An effort was made for a significant design departure from the Twin Palms neighborhood to cater to a more upscale buyer by offering a choice of three different rectangular floor plans, which prevented the rotation of floor plans on the site. The plans offered three bedrooms plus a maid’s room. Also included in the plans was a service door off the carport conveniently located adjacent to the maid’s quarters and kitchen. Roof styles varied and included Bermuda and Hawaiian styles. William Krisel contributed his iconic “butterfly” roof houses, a folded plate roof design, and several others. From the onset Vista Las Palmas homes were designed to vary visually with various rooflines and façade treatments.
One of Alexander’s partners was Joe Dunas. Starting in 1962, he built out many of the remaining sites.
The 20 home Las Palmas Summit fronted on Los Robles Drive and extended to Friar Court and Capistrano Court. These homes were designed by architect Charles Dubois. Charles Dubois created the distinctive “Swiss Miss” A -frame, among others. The mix of designs creates one of the most varied, yet cohesive neighborhoods in Palm Springs.11
In 1959, Palmer & Krisel developed homes in the expanded areas of Vista Las Palmas called Las Palmas Estates and Golden Vista Estates. In 1961, the model home for Las Palmas Estates was located at the northwest corner of what is currently known as North Palm Canyon Drive and Tahquitz Canyon Way. That was part of the Historic Desert Inn property. In 1960, George Alexander and partners purchased the Historic Desert Inn from Marion Davies with the intent of someday developing the property. Davies felt that Alexander shared her zeal for the development of the Desert Inn and the entire desert area and ha d the experience and ability to carry it out. The model home was then moved to the corner of Anza Drive and Joshua Tree Place in the Twin Palms neighborhood. A second model home was located at 963 Via Monte Vista.
1 James R. Harlan. The Alexanders: A Desert Legacy. Palm Springs Preservation Foundation, 2011.
12 In the 1950’s celebrities from Los Angeles used Vista Las Palmas as their desert retreat from busy work schedules. Celebrities who once lived and played in Vista Las Palmas include Marilyn Monroe, Dean Martin, Peter Lawford, Colonel Tom Parker, Debbie Reynolds, Joan Collins, George Hamilton, Kirk Douglas, Dinah Shore, John Phillips of the Mama’s and Papa’s, and Trini Lopez.
George Alexander and his wife Mildred, along with their son Robert and his wife Helene, were killed on November 14, 1965, when their chartered plane flying from Palm Springs to Burbank crashed into the Little Chocolate Mountains near Indio, California. The majority of Vista Las Palmas was built out, yet several sites remained available. The subject property is presumed to be one of the properties that were in the Alexanders land bank, after their untimely death. There are at least 3 homes that are not Alexanders lined up along Vespero north of the subject property. The land likely sat in probate for several years before going back on the market and was eventually purchased by Dr. Alan Fallows.
Original Parcel Map, Vista Las Palmas No. 12
2 James R. Harlen, Palm Springs Preservation Foundation. The Alexanders, A Desert Legacy . 2011
13 Subject Property
3 Ibid.
14 City of Palm Springs Parcel Map 1968
Fallows Residence
15 Aerial photo – 1972 765 Via Vadera
16 Owner Builder – Dr. Alan Fallows, Jerry Jakway
Alan Fallows was a graduate of UCLA College of Optometry, Berkley. Fallows served in the Army Medical Corps in Asia during World War II. Following graduation from Optometry school, he developed an active practice in San Francisco, then moved to Palm Springs. Dr. Alan Fallows was a prominent optometrist in Palm Springs for most of his career. He shared an office with Dr. Mel Kranseler and maintained an office on Palm Canyon Drive for 17 years, from 1966 until 1983, located next to the upscale department stor e, Bullocks Wilshire.
In 1983, he joined the staff of well-known ophthalmologist Albert T. Milauskas, working in the office located at Las Palmas Medical Plaza. At that time, he had been practicing in Palm Springs for over 20 years. His practice included eye examinations, eyeglass dispensing and contact lens work. 4 He was engaged with the community and was friends with Jerry Jakway and his family. Jerry’s son, Thomas, was a patient of Fallows and saw him on a regular basis since he was 10 years old. Thomas became the designer of his home in Vista Las Palmas.
Dr. Alan Fallows and his wife, Irene, had purchased three lots in Palm Springs, two in the Indian Canyons neighborhood and one in the Vista Las Palmas neighborhood. The Indian Canyon lots were located on Caliente Drive. (2153 Caliente photos pages 26, 27) Tom Jakway designed homes for all three lots, with the Fallows choosing to live in the Vista Las Palmas property.
4 Desert Sun Newspaper. Advertisements & Announcements, 1964.
17 Jerry W. Jakway was born 1925 in Hollywood, California, and became a Navy pilot after the end of WWII.
He then went to USC where he received a degree in Education. He married Joanna Acosta in 1949 and in 1960 they moved to Palm Springs where they raised their 3 sons, James, Thomas, and John. His career was spent in construction where he rapidly progressed from carpenter, to superintendent of tract home projects, to having his own general contracting company.
Jerry Jakway was a prominent builder in Palm Springs. He was responsible for several noteworthy residential and commercial projects. He worked on the construction of the Tropic Hotel (1962). He also constructed the condominiums at the Tennis Club, facing B aristo Road, by William Cody, Architect. He was the builder of the Robert Meyer & Victor Koozin designed Villa Alejo, (1966). 5 He built many custom homes throughout Palm Springs, and he designed and built a home in the Mesa neighborhood in 1967 and resided there. He and his wife Patty were prominent residents for several years.
Jerry Jakway, taught a course and was involved with a program at the Palm Springs High School in the early 1970’s. The Palm Springs High School House Construction Technology Class was a unique opportunity for students to gain hands-on experience with design and construction. In March 1971, an auction was held for bidders to have the opportunity to own the home built by the students. It was located at the corner of Ramon Road and Cerritos Road and was open for inspection by potential bidders every afternoon, Monday through Friday.
5 Desert Sun, “Groundbreaking Ceremony”, May 8, 1968.
17 The wood frame house had resawn wood siding and a three-ply composition rock roof, 1,200 S.F. of living space contained a living room with dining area, kitchen with built-in’s, two bedrooms and two baths. Added features included an exposed beam cathedral ceiling in the living room and master bedroom. Two private patios were designed for desert living. Other features included an electric refrigerator, forced air heating and cooling, electric range, oven, dishwasher and garbage disposal, a walk -in closet in the master bedroom, and abundant closets and storage throughout.
The property was sold for cash with a minimum bid of $12,000. Another stipulation was the house needed to be moved from its temporary location by May 1, 1972. Estimated proposals for moving, concrete foundation, plumbing hook-up and permits amount to approximately $2,850.6
The designer of this house was a student that attended Palm Springs High School and the Construction Technology Class. Thomas Jakway, the son of Jerry Jakway, displayed design talent at an early age.
After retirement, Jerry Jakway relocated to Mexico, first in San Felipe then Mulege. He enjoyed fishing and the relaxing lifestyle of Baja California, but he also became the patron for many local children. He provided clothes and cooked a warm breakfast each morning for numerous children. He built a Kindergarten School which he donated to the town. He returned to the States in 2004 and lived in Morongo Valley until his death in 2009.
Jerry Jakway Family Home
6 Desert Sun newspaper. “Auction set for March 16 for house built by construction club”. March 7, 1972.
18 Jerry Jakway Family Home
19 20
21 Permit History (see appendix V for copies of originals)
March 14, 1971 – Permit No. B-3283. Plan check (Single Family Dwelling) Owner: Dr. Alan Fallows.
Contractor: Jerry Jakway.
September 14, 1971 – Permit No. B-3283. Plan check Single-Family Dwelling. Owner: Dr. Alan Fallows.
Contractor: Jerry Jakway.
September 27, 1971 – Permit No. B-3356. Construct 5 room dwelling and garage. Frame and stucco construction, composite roof. Owner: Alan Fallows. Contractor: Jerry Jakway.
October 1, 1971 – Permit No. P-1531. Plumbing Permit. Owner: Alan Fallows.
October 6, 1971 – Permit No. M-1295. Mechanical Permit. Owner: Dr. Fallows. Contractor: Thomas Air Conditioning.
October 13, 1971 – Permit No. A-4867. Electrical Permit. Owner: Alan Fallows. Contractor: Jerry Jakway.
October 17, 1971 – Permit No. B-3356. Temporary Electrical, Plumbing, Mechanical.
November 5, 1971 – Building Permit No. B-3517. Construct block retaining wall at rear of property. Owner:
Dr. Alan Fallows. Contractor: Jerry Jakway.
December 20, 1971 – Permit No. B3718. Owner: Dr. Alan Fallows. Swimming Pool Contractor: Palm Pools.
February 2, 1972 – Permit No. A-5137. Electrical Permit. Owner: Alan Fallows. Contractor: Thompson Electrical
.
February 28, 1972 – Permit No. B3977. Construct 200’ of wood fencing 6’ high. Owner: Dr. Alan Fallows. Contractor: Jerry Jakway.
February 28, 1972 – Permit P-1850. Plumbing Permit. Owner: Dr. Alan Fallows. Contractor: Jerry Jakway.
February 29, 1972 – Certificate of Occupancy. Owner: Alan Fallows.
March 18, 1972 – Permit No. A-6178. Sewer Permit. Owner: Alan Fallows.
March 15, 1978 – Permit No. A-6978. Owner: L. Cone. Contractor: Canyon Plumbing.
March 15, 1978 – Memorandum from Sidney F. Summers, Chief Building Inspector. The private sewage system tank and pit is exempted from the “pump-out and back-fill” requirement related to a connection in the City Sewer due to the tank and pit location being in a front setback.
June 17, 1980 – Building Permit No. B-3289. Relocation of Laundry Facilities. Owner: L. Cone, Contractor: F. Wiskowski.
22 October 24, 1989. Permit No. B-16646. Construct frame and stucco addition to dwelling to be a bar area, off dining room. 189 SF addition, 32 SF covered patio.
May 20, 1991. Permit No. B-20773. Remove existing roof and reroof with 4-ply built-up roof. Owner:
Lawrence Cone. Contractor: Denny and Assoc.
January 8, 1997. Building Permit No. B-31770. Construct 75 LF of 6’ high block wall per city specs.
Owner: Cone. Contractor: Robert Taylor.
March 26, 1999. Permit No. B-36996. Construct morning room addition on east side of dwelling, remodel kitchen, add sink in laundry room. New living area: 205 SF, Remodel: 238 SF. Owner: Dr. & Mrs.
Lawrence Cone. Contractor: Frank Wiskowski. Architect: Michael Kiner.
October 10, 2006. Permit No. C-17542. Install 36 solar panels 170 watts and one inverter 5200 one DC disconnect on existing roof. Owner: Lawrence Cone. Contractor: Sunbelt Solar Sys.
June 7, 2012. Permit No. 2012-1459. 21 panel rooftop photovoltaic system. This system is being added to existing PV system. Owner: Mary O Cone. Contractor: Solar Energy Center.
December 9, 2015. Permit No.2015-4216. Install new gas pipe to FAU. Owner: Mary O Cone.
Contractor: Palm Springs Plumbing.
December 28, 2016, Permit No. 2016-4704. Remove all gravel, clean and prep roof. Re-roof with Urethane roofing system. Owner: Mary O Cone. Contractor: Valley Urethane. 23 The Architect
The Fallows-Cone Residence, built in 1972, was the first residential commission for Tom Jakway and it represents design at the onset of his practice. Built by the owner as a design-build project, the house had 2 bedrooms and a den, 4- 1/2 baths, several closets including a grand master closet, a modern kitchen and appliances, wet -bar, interior laundry room and a spacious lot in the prestigious Vista Las Palmas neighborhood. A pool was included as part of the project.
Tom Jakway was born in Los Angeles, California in 1952 and spent his early years in Southern California and Santa Fe, New Mexico. Tom moved to Palm Springs in 1960 and attended elementary school, Junior High, and Palm Springs High School. During his Junior and Senior years of High School he worked after school hours in the office of noted building designer Stan Sackley in Palm Springs, California.
Tom attended Architecture School at the University of Southern California and graduated in 1974 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Architecture. During the summer of his Junior and Senior years, Tom interned in the office of Architect Donald Wexler in Palm Springs, California. After graduation Tom enrolled in Stanford University and studied for one year at Stanford’s Overseas Studies Program in Florence, Italy.
In 1976 Tom began working full-time for Donald Wexler and worked for him for nearly 6 years, eventually rising to the position of Project Manager/Associate Architect. In 1980. Tom received his Architects License from the State of California. (C-10907)
In 1981 Tom moved to Northern California and became the staff Architect at Redwood Shores, a development of Mobil Land Development Corp (a subsidiary of Mobil-Oil). Tom’s duties were to create a set of Design and Development Guidelines for Shores Center Business Park and to oversee Design Regulations and Review for Residential Development in Redwood Shores. During the time that Tom was in college, and while he was working for Don Wexler and Mobil Land Development Company (from 1972 to 1984), Tom also had his own Design business designing custom homes that were built in Rancho Mirage and Palm Springs, California.
In 1984 Tom left Mobil Land Development and relocated to Southern California where he embarked on a solo career with his firm Thomas Jakway, Architect, which specializes in the design of Custom Homes. His projects have ranged in style from “Old World Mediterranean” drawing from the materials and influences of Italy, Southern France, Spain and Morocco, to “Modern Desert Contemporary” which highlights the style and forms of “Mid- Century Modern Design” updated to reflect the lifestyle, Technology and Energy Efficiency for the needs of today’s clients.
Tom has had projects published in Architectural Digest, Western Interiors, California Home, The Robb Report, Palm Springs Life, Colorado Homes, Luxe Interiors + Designs, and other Regional Publications. Tom has served on several Boards and Committees including, Board of Directors AIDS Assistance Program, Dinner at my Place Committee Desert AIDS Project, Board of Trustees and Board of Directors O’Donnell Golf Club, Board of Directors Palm Springs Cultural Center , and Chairman of The Architectural Review Committee for The City of Palm Springs.
Tom lives in Palm Springs, California and enjoys extensive travel throughout the world. His association with Dr. Fallows developed around the age of 10. Tom Jakway, Architect (1952-present) grew up in Palm Springs, California and his family enjoyed the cou ntry club lifestyle. Tom and his family knew Dr. Alan Fallows, and the parents were close friends. Tom’s father was a local builder, and Tom’s admiration for architecture developed at a young age. Dr. Fallows was Tom’s optometrist since the age of 10 years old.
This relationship indirectly led to the architectural commission of the Fallows-Cone Residence. 24 Tom attended Palm Springs High School which was unique in its curriculum consisting of drafting, architecture, and home building. Jakway participated in all these classes and excelled. His project was chosen as the best of the home building class, and his design was executed and built in the city of Palm Springs in the early 1970’s. Dr. Alan Fallows learned of Tom’s talent and enlisted him to design the house he planned to build at 765 Via Vadero. Dr. Fallows was extremely frugal, and this young, ambitious, high school student fit the bill. Jakway designed two other homes for Dr. Fallows located in Indian Canyons, built by Fallows as spec homes. They are located on Caliente Drive. 7 Stan Sackley:
During high school, Jakway worked for Stan Sackley, designer . Stan Alan Sackley (1937-2001) was the son of Robert Irving Sackley (1906- 1993) and Rose (Gould) Sackley who were New Yorkers of Polish descent. Little is known of his background, but the family relocated to California where he graduated with a Bachelor of Architecture from USC in1961. Although Sackley was never licensed in California, one source indicates that he, at least for a time, maintained a partnership called Sackley & Light. Fairly well - to-do, he maintained homes in Beverly Hills and Palm Springs. He appears to have been married three times and divorced twice. His third wife Carol Sackley is pictured on the cover of “Palm Springs Life” in July 1965. He was an avid classic car collector, ow ning Jaguars, a 1979 Ferrari , 308 GTS, and a 1937 Chrysler Coupe, which was sold at auction at Christie’s in August 2001. Upon his death, a scholarship fund was created to memorialize his parents, the purpose of which was to assist financially needy USC architecture students. An early project was a home for James Hollowell which was featured as a “Playboy Pad” in the April 1966 Playboy Magazine. In Palm Springs , he is best known for a series of homes he created in “the Canyons” neighborhood near the south end of town. Perhaps Sackley’s best home is located at 2550 Pequeno Circle (adjacent to Krisel’s pod house at 2587 S Pequeno Circle) and is considered a modernist masterpiece. Sackley bought numerous lots in the area along Caliente Drive and built a group of speculative homes. All are large, modernist, and flat roofed, similar to the Fallows Residence . A common characteristic is the unusual placement of the garage door perpendicular to the street; this provides a parking court in front of the homes.
8 Don Wexler:
During career day in high school, Jakway met Don Wexler, architect. Wexler studied architecture at the University of Minnesota. On a visit to California in 1950, Wexler accepted a job working for one of his design heroes, Richard Neutra, at the firm of Neutra and Alexander. In 1952, learning of Cody’s project at the Tamarisk Country Club, Wexler took a winter position in Cody’s office where he met Richard Harrison.
Not long afterward, the two young architects left to open their own practice in Palm Springs. Over the years, the office would design schools, offices, and homes. Wexler is best known for designing the small tract of Modern steel houses for the Alexander Company in the north end of Palm Springs in the early 1960s. According to author and critic Alan Hess, the steel houses “moved beyond a custom expression of the modern machine to actually incorporate the assembly line processes and mass production that were the essence of modern technology.” Wexler and Harrison teamed with William Cody in the design of the remarkable 1958 Palm Springs Spa Hotel. Wexler and Harrison also designed financial institutions, government buildings, and the dramatic open-air Palm Springs airport. Says Wexler, “We didn’t even think of it as Modern in terms of architecture for the desert,” it was a matter of designing “to live with the environment, a matter of balancing orientation and views.”
7 Interview with Tom Jakway Architect, February 3, 2025. 8 Steve Treinen. Canyon Country Club: History and Design of Palm Springs’ Garden of Eden . Palm Springs Preservation Foundation, 2025.
25 Donald Wexler (1926-2015) was educated at the University of Minnesota. Upon graduation he moved to Los Angeles where he worked for Richard Neutra, whose influence can be seen in Wexler’s work. He and his wife raised three children in their Palm Springs home, which he designed, on East Verbena Drive. He is known for pioneering the use of steel in residential design. Wexler’s designs for public buildings, including the dramatic Palm Springs Airport, served as models for other municipalities to emulate. Many structures designed by these Master Architects have been designated Class 1 Historic Resources, including the Steel Development Houses, the Kirk Douglas residence, the Sunmor Model Home, and the Royal Hawaiian Estates. Wexler’s Steel Development House Number 2 is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
Both Richard Harrison and Donald Wexler are the recipients of distinguished stars along Palm Canyon Drive, a Palm Springs honor of their achievements in Architecture. That is only one of many honors and awards received for their extraordinary work within the architectural profession.
The architect’s genius influenced their era, and the influence of their work continues today. Wexler and Harrison created designs that define the desert modern style. Donald Wexler’s expression of the ideals of Modernist architecture continues to influence architects, homeowners, developers, builders, and visitors to Palm Springs. In fact, the Palm Springs School of Architecture, often called Desert Modernism, is a recognized regional style of post -war architecture that emerged in Palm Springs, California. Many of the architects who pioneered this style have become world-renowned, including Donald Wexler.
Wexler’s advice to the young Jakway was to avoid attending USC. Well, not heeding that advice, Jakway was accepted to the school of architecture at USC and attended the university for 4 years, receiving his Bachelor of Architecture in 1974. During Summer break, Tom visited Don Wexler’s office and asked for an internship. Wexler was not impressed, so Jakway offered to intern for free until he could prove himself to be worthy of pay. In 1974 he received $1.65/hour during his employment with Wexler. After graduation Tom enrolled in Stanford University and studied for one year at Stanford’s Overseas Studies Program in Florence, Italy. In 1976 Tom began working full-time for Donald Wexler and worked for him for nearly 6 years, eventually rising to the position of Project Manager/Associate Architect. In 1980, Tom received his Architects License from the State of California. (C-10907)
Indian Canyon Spec houses owned by Dr. Fallows. Caliente Drive. Similarities include:
• Entry and front façade have different materials, yet massing and configuration are similar. • The garage is perpendicular to the street with a semi-circular driveway. • The floor plan is very similar.
• The sunken tub and atrium in the Master Suite.
• Fireplace and soffit in the Living Room.
• Same overall massing.
26 2153 Caliente: Entry and Front Façade is like the 765 Via Vadera Fallows Residence.
2153 Caliente: Fireplace, Floor Plan, Soffit, is like the 765 Via Vadera Fallows Residence.
27 2153 Caliente: Overall massing and pool location, is like the 765 Via Vadera Fallows Residence.
2255 Caliente Drive: Front elevation – Stan Sackley, designer.
28 The Gay Community and the Design Community of Palm Springs
During the 1960’s there was not an established “gay community” in Palm Springs. Through the 1970’s, the Palm Springs gay community was not organized and still didn’t realize its potential. Palm Springs began to develop boutique inns to provide spaces where individuals could embrace their authentic selves and enjoy a liberated environment. Initially, the city leaders were not in support of this movement, and they encouraged the gay community to open its resorts in Cathedral City. The most popular one was near the boundary of Palm Springs, in Cathedral City, The Villa Resort, now called the Paloma Resort. After Palm Springs went through a marked economic decline in the 70’s, the city’s leaders warmed up to the idea, especially as gay men brought money to renovate and revitalize a deteriorating neighborhood. They focused on the neighborhood of Warm Sands, creating a gay resort town within a town. El Mirasol Villas, opened in 1976, is believed to be Palm Springs’ first gay resort. Nearby is the Vista Grande, the first clothing-optional gay resort, which opened in 1984. The Desert Business Association (DBA), founded in the late 1970’s as a networking group of bar and hotel owners, began to assert itself politically.
Some of Palm Springs, and its adjacent communities, most prominent design talent was gay. Arthur Elrod was an interior designer and was a significant figure in mid-century modern design. He was known for his innovative use of space, bold colors, and blending of indoor and outdoor elements, which became a hallmark of the Palm Springs aesthetic. His most famous work includes designing interiors for celebrities and infl uential clients. His private residence, known as the Elrod House in the exclusive Southridge neighborhood of Palm Springs, was a collaboration with architect John Lautner, 1968.
Elrod lived openly as a gay man during a time when being gay was often stigmatized, especially in public and professional spheres. He was respected for his talent and visionary designs, contributing to the stylish and modern look for which Palm Springs has become famous. Elrod’s impact on the city’s design culture was significant, helping to solidify Palm Springs as a center of modernist design.
Tom Jakway, the designer of the Fallows -Cone Residence, was a young gay man who was becoming acquainted with some of the talented designers in the Palm Springs community. He learned of Elrod’s death while in college. Elrod’s work and zest for life had an influence on the young Jakway. There was a strong connection amongst the design community in Palm Springs, both straight and gay, which included Tom Jakway’s employer, Stan Sackley, and the designer Steve Chase.
Steve Chase was involved with the interior design of Fallows -Cone Residence. Many of his signature touches could be seen there, including the mylar wallpaper in the bathrooms. His elegant color palette was reflected throughout the house. Steve Chase was considered a brilliant visionary, a genius, with an incredible personality and sense of humor. When he wasn’t designing the interiors of some of the desert’s most famous homes, Chase donated time and money to the Palm Springs Desert Museum, the Living Desert, The McCallum Theatre, and perhaps most notably, The Desert Aids Project. He helped coordinate DAP’s first fundraiser. He contacted his clients to attend which included President and Mrs. Gerald Ford, Joan Kroc, and other major philanthropists. He started his career working with Elrod, ultimately becoming world renowned for his celebrity clientele including gossip columnist and businesswoman Rona Barrett, singer Johnny Mathis, and actors Dyan Cannon, Gene Hackman, Farrah Fawcett, and many more.
Despite his worldly career, Chase called the Coachella Valley “home” and would go on to become a benefactor for many community organizations and events. 29 Considered a local hero, Chase designed his personal elegant desert-style home at 40 Evening Star Drive in Rancho Mirage’s Thunderbird Cove. It is not located on the golf course since he wanted his privacy. It reflects his love of antiques and modern art. Built in 1981, Chase collaborated with architects Richard Holden and William Carl Johnson, on the resort style 8,700 SF home. Chase blurred the line between indoors and out with stuccoed interior walls and aggregate flooring for a seamless transition to the exterior.
As with other designers of the time, he drew his color palette from the surrounding landscape. The structure could easily blend into the adjacent hillside if not for its striking linear silhouette. He utilized a very neutral interior background because he wanted his artwork to pop. He used textures and materials like stone, granite, and wood since they are natural environmental materials and a good, natural palette.
Chase’s devotion to art and its acquisition was phenomenal. He helped his clients select art, and as he curated his own collection, he kept the Palm Springs Art Museum in mind, knowing he would bequeath the collection when he died.
Chase escalated the Palm Springs Desert Museum, now the Palm Springs Art Museum , to a different level due to his vision. The museum built the Steve Chase Art Wing and Education Center with his financial endowment and donation of nearly 135 works.
Chase’s contribution to the Coachella Valley, and the world, extends beyond his design prowess and art collection. When a group of volunteers founded DAP Health, then known as Desert AIDS Project, in 1984, Chase was instrumental. From the outset, he lent a hand with rallying contractors and local building partners to turn the industrial building that houses DAP Health offices into a comfortable space for patrons and workers. In that era, AIDS-related organizations carried a stigma that made fundraising a challenge.
With his acclaim, he contacted his A -list clients as the original donor database, resulting in the organization’s success. So many of his friends had been affected, and he believed they were all in it together.
It would be a short decade after Desert AIDS Project launched that Chase, 53 years old, would die from complications of the disease. When he was sick, the drugs available shortly thereafter were not available.
His humanitarian efforts have honored stars of HIV research and medicine, as well as activist stars of stage and screen, for their commitment in raising awareness and funding to continue the fight, in the name of Steve Chase.
He was a mentor for many people. He contributed not just money, but also his talent, knowledge, and friendship. He inspired many of the next generation of designers. He left not only a financial impact but also personal and inspirational influence. Tom Jak way experienced the strong personal relationships developed among friends, resulting in confidence to “come out” to an affluent community who appreciated design talent.
The second owner of the Fallows -Cone Residence, Dr. Lawrence Cone, was influential in the study of AIDS research. "He was the epitome of perseverance," says Eisenhower's Stuart Barton, M.D. "He was a fierce advocate for Eisenhower Medical Center, for his patients, and for the pursuit of knowledge. Larry 30 Cone had a passion for challenges, including AIDS at its onset and other exotic diseases. He never met a test he did not embrace."
The awareness of the “gay community” in Palm Springs during the 1970’s foreshadowed the forthcoming challenges for the community. Palm Springs has been pivotal regarding HIV research and medicine. The Desert AIDS Project (DAP Health) provides healthcare, support services, and advocacy for people living with HIV and AIDS in the Coachella Valley. DAP Health continues to provide critical services to the community and has grown into one of the largest and most respected HIV/AIDS organizations in the United States.
Local Architectural Context
The Fallows-Cone Residence should be viewed proceeding the context of the period Post World War II (1945- 1969) Late Modern, now of historic consideration. The population growth accelerated in the 1950s, bringing a demand for housing, which found a ready market in Palm Springs. Though Palm Springs was a smaller municipality, this economic climate provided many opportunities for locally based architects, as well as several Los Angeles architects, to explore and develop a wide range of architec tural types and ideas, sometimes influenced by sophisticated global design trends. These conditions and the architect ’s talents lead to the development of an exceptional group of Modern buildings which later came to be identified as "Palm Springs Modernism", “Desert Modernism” , or "The Palm Springs School”. The rise of celebrity status within Palm Springs continued during the 1950’s and 1960’s, with the proximity to Los Angeles and the movie studios. Many movie stars and influential people within the film industry could venture to Palm Springs for a relaxing weekend, then easily be back to Los Angeles to continue work on films. The trend to purchase a residence in Palm Springs was rapidly occurring. The selection of desert modernism strengthened the movement of this new, influential style of design, and its status was elevated beyond the middle-class.
9 Architecture faced a crossroads in the 1970’s. Many architects thought that the utopian promises of Modernism to build social change and a better new world through an architecture of functionalism, material honesty, and new technologies had failed, or at least been corrupted by commercial developers. The 1970’s resulted in varying trends, some that have had lasting legacies. The decade was one of exploration, experimentation, and reckoning that would shape the direction of architecture through the remainder of the twentieth century.
The Palm Springs School of Architecture is characterized by its adaptation to the desert's climate. Block walls, clerestory windows, long, low rooflines, and the inclusion of the desert itself in the design, highlight the common elements of the Palm Springs School. The many talented architects working in this small town responded to a unique combination of conditions through a shared commitment to Modernism.10
9 Alan Hess. The Palm Springs School: Desert Modernism 1934-1975. 2025 10 Ibid.
31 First Owners, Dr. Alan Fallows and Mrs. Irene Fallows
Dr. Alan Fallows and his wife, Irene, were active in the cultural activities of Palm Springs. The two were co-founders of the Palm Springs Opera Guild of the Desert and Tri-Arts, now the Village Center for the Arts. Dr. Fallows and his wife, Irene, moved into the house located at 765 Via Vadera in 1972. Irene established and managed an optical boutique, which was a unique type of retail establishment at the time. She searched the world for the most stunning and glamorous eyeglass frames. This chic entrepreneur complimented her husband’s business, selling upscale eyeglasses to Palm Springs notable residents and guests. She also sold beautiful eyeglass cases imported from the orient.
Irene Fallows was a great cook, and they loved to entertain. They hosted many dinner parties at their home, which included like-minded people, belonging to the same organizations, and often participated in “traveling dinners”, successive courses in different homes.
They had beautiful and meaningful art, and their furnishings exemplified the glamourous Palm Springs lifestyle of the 1970’s. The outdoor furniture was original Richard Schultz, 1966 Collection, patio furniture. The tabletops were yellow enamel, and the chaises and dining chairs were white mesh with putty colored side trim.
11 11 Email interview with Janice Feldman, niece of Dr. Alan Fallows and Irene Fallows.
32 Mrs. Irene Fallows (upper left) & Dr. Alan Fallows (upper center)
33 The Second Owners, Dr. Lawrence and Mrs. Mary Cone
The Cones bought the property from Fallows in 1975 and owned it for approximately 46 years. They played a significant role in stewardship of the property. In 1989, they added a room for a bar, which was a sensitive addition to the house which responds to the original design and vocabulary of the architecture.
In 1999, they constructed a morning room addition on the east side of the dwelling which also responds to the established vocabulary of the original design of the house. Both additions are harmonious w ith the original design and respond to the Secretary of the Interior’s Guidelines for Historic Preservation. The guidelines specifically state that new additions, exterior alterations, or related new construction will not destroy historic materials, features, and spatial relationships that characterize the property. The new work will be differentiated from the old and will be compatible with the historic materials, features, size, scale and proportion, and massing to protect the integrity of the property and its environment . 12 The garden of
varied and unusual desert plants was also created by the Cones.
Lawrence Arthur Cone, M.D. (1928-2009) was Board Certified in Internal Medicine with subspecialties in Oncology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases. An esteemed researcher and clinical diagnostician, Lawrence Cone's research in the etiology of disease was extensive and far -reaching including diseases from asthma, hepatitis and endocarditis to multiple sclerosis, pneumonia and sepsis to prostate cancer, Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, breast cancer and lung cancer. Dr. Cone published hundreds of clinical abstracts, research papers and medical texts. He was a sought -after speaker, presenting his research abroad in England, Germany, Australia, Malaysia, Spain, France, Austria, Italy, Argentina, Turkey, Japan and South Africa. He also conducted research for numerous pharmaceutical companies.
He was a physician for 55 years.
He graduated from James Monroe High School in Bronx, NY which he attended from 1943 to 1945. Three years later he received his BA degree from New York University, College of Arts and Pure Science, University Heights, NYC. In 1953 Lawrence A. Cone received his medical degree from the University of Berne, Faculty of Medicine, Berne, Switzerland. He interned at Dallas Methodist Hospital in 1954- 1955 and was a Resident in Medicine at both Flower Hospital and Metropolitan Hospital in New York City through 1960. From 1955-1957 Dr. Cone served his country. He was a first Lieutenant in the Medical Corps at Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio, Texas and then Captain and Commanding Officer of the 269th Medical Detachment, Wertheim, Germany. He married Mary Osborne on August 20, 1960, in Olive bridge, NY.
Dr. Lawrence Cone came to Eisenhower Medical Center in 1972 and served as President of the Eisenhower Medical Center from 1986 to 1988. He was considered a genius and the epitome of perseverance. He was a fierce advocate for Eisenhower Medical Center, for his patients, and for the pursuit of knowledge. Dr. Lawrence Cone had a passion for challenges, including AIDS at its onset and other exotic diseases.
Lawrence Cone's interests were as diverse as his talents. They ranged from American Indian to western art to nature and to science. As a physician, passion ignited intensity; and Dr. Cone was known for his energetic intervention and staunch advocacy on beh alf of his patients. His research brought numerous clinical trials to Eisenhower providing other critical medical resources for patients of Eisenhower Medical Center. He was also devoted to education and was a strong proponent of establishing an academic affiliation for Eisenhower Medical Center. Rocky Mountain College honored him in 1993 with a Doctor of Science, Honoris Causa Degree, where he also gave the commencement address. In September 2007 he dedicated the Lawrence A. Cone, MD Medical Library, St. Luke's Wood River Valley Medical Center, Ketchum, Idaho. He epitomized academic excellence and practiced at a community hospital.
12 The Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties. Revised by Anne E. Grimmer, 2017. 35 In 2000, Dr. Cone established the Genetic Research Institute of the Desert, merging his keen interest in infectious diseases and medical oncology with the field of genetics. The first molecular biology research lab in Coachella Valley, Genetic Research Institute of the Desert conducts research on the potential of an individual to develop cancer, or other diseases, and develops preventative and therapeutic strategies to an individual's unique genome.
Environmentally aware, Dr. Cone was also a supporter of the Living Desert and the Bighorn Institute. He conducted research on the endangered Bighorn Sheep, identifying a type of pneumonia that was threatening the Bighorn population and a treatment and vaccination protocol for the sheep. Dr. Cone was a member of the Tamarisk Country Club, the O’Donnell Golf Club, and the Lotos Club, one of the oldest literary clubs in the United States.
Architecture
The Fallows -Cone Residence is a single- family residence, zoned R -1-C, originally consisting of an approximately 3,180 square foot house and 462 square foot attached garage. High ceilings, a spacious floor plan, stunning desert gardens and walls of floor -to-ceiling glass bring the outdoors inside. The gardens were originally designed by Randall Lewis of Xerophyte Garden Design during the residency of the second owners of the home, Dr. Lawrence and Mary Cone. The spectacular gardens can be seen from most rooms in the house. The current owners of the home commissioned Randall Lewis for the preservation and restoration of the original garden design.
The period of significance relative to this historic property is 1971-1976, as originally designed and constructed by the masterful team of homeowner, contractor, and designer. The property was owned by Dr. Fallows for four years, then purchased by Dr. Cone. The period of significance is established by the ownership of the property by Dr. Fallows, then by Dr. Cone. Per Historic Resources Group, City of Palm Springs Citywide Historic Context Statement; Survey Findings. (Final Draft, December 2018) the style of the home is most likely categorized as Late Modern, 1970+. The categories conclude with Post World War II Palm Springs (1945-1969).
Late Modern is a blanket term used to describe the evolution of Modern architecture from the mid 1950s through the 1970s. It is typically applied to commercial and institutional buildings. Unlike the straightforward, functionalist simplicity of International Style and Midcentury Modernism, Late Modern buildings exhibit a more deliberate sculptural quality with bold geometric volumes, uniform surfaces such as glass skin or concrete, and a sometimes-exaggerated expression of structure and systems.
Significant architects who produced works in the style include Marcel Breuer, Philip Johnson, Cesar Pelli, Piano and Rogers, and John Portman. A Palm Springs example from the late 1960s is the Alan Ladd building at 500 S. Palm Canyon Drive, designed by Kaptur and Lapham. Character-defining features include bold geometric volumes, large expanses of unrelieved wall surfaces, uniform use of cladding materials including glass, concrete, or masonry veneer, exaggerated expression of structure and systems, hooded or deeply set windows, and little or no applied ornament.
An argument to include residential architecture within this category can be substantiated. The house reflects elements of Modernism which include a mix of forms and materials. Earth tones and traditional materials like rock and wood were used as veneers to balance and soften spaces. Designers were experimenting with various continuations and divergences from Modernism, and developing the material, formal, and linguistic framework that would shape the profession through the remainder of the twentieth century. The buildings of the 1960’s had some inadequacies in terms of weatherability, with thin, uninsulated roofs and glass walls. In the 1970’s the shapes tended to get thicker and 36 heavier. Architecture began to respond to the energy crisis of the 1970’s and various economic factors. During the 1970’s, we often see architects’ flirtation with brutalism and post modernism.
Character-defining features include:
• Original horizontal fascia.
• Large overhangs surrounding the perimeter of the house. • Flat roofed one-story structure.
• Walls of glass; large, fixed panels, sliding glass doors, frameless clerestory windows. • Original black anodized aluminum Fleetwood doors and windows. • Flexible interior spaces.
• Pecky cypress wood paneling at interior walls.
• Original travertine sunken bathtub in Master Suite.
• Original atrium in Master Suite.
• Large, spacious closets in private quarters.
• Original footprint of the house, without future additions. • Interior ceiling soffits with uplighting.
• Marble clad fireplace in Living Room.
• Swimming pool.
• Skylights.
• Prominent main entry with full height double doors.
37 Main entry showing soffit penetrations
(Photo 2025)
Main entry showing fenced addition
(Photo 2020)
38 Front façade with replacement doors responding to original design and circular driveway (Photo 2024) Original black aluminum sliding doors (Photo 2025)
39 38
Original sunken tub in Master Suite
(Photo 2025)
Original kitchen skylight (photos 2025) Original skylights
39 living room with original floating soffit and textured walls (photo 2025) original pecky cypress wall (photo 2025)
40 original dining room looking towards bar addition (1989) (Photo 2025)
41 Chronology of Ownership
• Dr. Alan and Mrs. Fallows (January 1971-1975) 4 years • Dr. Lawrence Cone and Mrs. Cone (1975 - April 2021) 46 years • Joan and Gary Gand (April 2021 – present)
Changes and Additions.
The following additions and modifications have been made to the residence since it was originally constructed:
• June 1980 – Relocation of Laundry Facilities.
• October 1989 – Construction of addition to the dwelling to be a bar area, off dining room. • May 1991 – re-roof – built up composition roof.
• March 1999 - Construction of morning room addition on east side of dwelling, remodel kitchen and add sink in laundry room.
• Replacement of concrete driveway with pavers.
• October 2006 – solar panel installation on roof.
• June 2012 – add additional solar panels on roof.
• December 2016 – re-roof – urethane roof.
Addition (1989) (Photo 2025)
42 Addition – office, aka morning room (1999) (Photo 2025)
43 Original Site Plan (1971, Thomas Jakway)
44 Original Floor Plan (1971, Thomas Jakway)
45 Original Elevations (1971, Thomas Jakway)
46 Original Interior Elevations & Sections (1971, Thomas Jakway)
47 Background / Historic Context
The relatively short history of Palm Springs can be organized into several distinct periods, as defined by the Historic Resources Group’s Citywide Historic Context Statement & Survey Findings. These include the following:
• Native American Settlement to 1969
• Early Development (1884-1918)
• Palm Springs between the Wars (1919-1941)
• Palm Springs during World War II (1939-1945)
• Post-World War II Palm Springs (1945-1969)
• Palm Springs (1970+) (not included in HRG Survey)
It is within the context of the period “Palm Springs 1970+” the Fallows Residence will be evaluated.
Evaluation:
Finding 1: Eligibility Criteria | Palm Springs Class 1 Historic Resource
A site, structure, building or object exhibits exceptional historic significance and meets one or more of the criteria listed below, may be found eligible for designation as a historic resource. (PSMC
8.05.070.C.1.a)
Criterion i: The resource is associated with events that have made a meaningful contribution to the nation, state or community.
While the development of the Vista Las Palmas neighborhood is certainly notable in respect to the social and architectural heritage of Palm Springs, no evidence has been found to support that any exceptional events are associated with the subject property that made a meaningful contribution to national, state or local history. As such, the property does not appear to have historical significance 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.
The subject property is associated with the life of Dr. Alan Fallows and Dr. Lawrence Cone. Dr. Fallows’ notoriety was due to his occupation as an optometrist. Alan Fallows and his wife, Irene, were active members of Palm Springs high-society. The property was sold to Dr. Lawrence Cone. Dr. Cone and his wife, Mary, were instrumental in the medical profession. Dr. Lawrence Cone was an esteemed researcher and diagnostician. He was acclaimed within the Palm Springs community for his extraordinary work, including AIDs research and treatment. The property has historical significance under Criterion ii.
48 Criterion iii: The resource reflects or exemplifies a particular period of national, state, or local history.
The Fallows-Cone Residence was designed by a young man who eventually became a locally prominent architect. The stylistic markers of the building place it directly in the historic context of Palm Springs ‘Late Modern Period’. The Fallows Residence represents a prime and intact example of the significant modernist architecture for which Palm Springs is internationally known. Walls of glass, whether fixed or sliding, and frameless clerestory windows, contribute to the overall successful indoor/outdoor relationship. As such, the Fallows residence may be viewed as an important component of the historic trends that have come to defining Palm Springs image as a center of important Modern architecture, i.e. an historic trend that exemplifies a particular period of national, state, or local history. The Palm Springs School of Architecture defines this period as a local movement with broad influence. This historic trend exemplifies a particular period of the national, state, or local history.
The Fallows-Cone Residence qualifies for listing as a Class 1 Historic Site on the local registry under Criterion iii.
Criterion iv: The resource embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period or method of construction.
"Type, period, or method of construction" refers to the way certain properties are related to one another by cultural tradition or function, by dates of construction or style, or by choice or availability of materials and technology. To be eligible under t his Criterion, a property must clearly illustrate, through "distinctive characteristics" a pattern of features common to a particular class of resources. "Distinctive characteristics" are the physical features or traits that commonly recur in individual ty pes, periods, or methods of construction. To be eligible, a property must clearly contain enough of those characteristics to be considered a true representative of a particular type, period, or method of construction. Characteristics can be expressed in terms such as form, proportion, structure, plan, style, or materials.
The Fallows-Cone Residence (1972) is eligible under the Late Modern Architecture Period because it possesses distinctive characteristics that embody the Modern expression of structure by its form, structure, plan, style, and materials. The Fallows Residence, built in 1972, was one of Tom Jakway’s first residential commissions. Although several modifications occurred during the occupancy of the Fallows and the Cones, sensitive design retained character defining features of Jakway’s desert modern aesthetic.
The current condition of the house maintains the design attributed to the period of the Fallows’ residency.
The Fallows Residence exemplifies Jakway’s early residential work. The architect explored and embraced new materials that came out of innovation during the 1970’s. The concepts of integrating natural materials, i.e. wood, an open floor plan, and the use of large glass areas that face away from public view while providing outlooks to private gardens throughout the private site, are displayed here. Outdoor spaces contribute as much to the design as indoor spaces, and projecting overhangs for shade are evidence of the Architect’s guiding principles that have been retained throughout the years , initially inspired by Don Wexler, a master architect of the former generation, and remains timeless design.
The Fallows-Cone Residence qualifies for listing as a Class 1 Historic Site on the local registry under Criterion iv.
49 Criterion v: The resource: represents the work of a master builder, designer, artist, or architect whose individual genius influenced his age; or that possesses high artistic value.
A master is a figure of generally recognized greatness in a field, a known craftsman of consummate skill. The property must express a particular phase in the development of the master's career, an aspect of his work, or a particular idea or theme in his craft. The property is not eligible as the work of a master, however, simply because it was designed by a prominent architect. For example, not every building designed by Frank Lloyd Wright is eligible under this portion of Criterion v, although it might meet other Criteria.
The Fallows-Cone Residence does not qualify for listing as a Class 1 Historic Site on the local registry under Criterion v.
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.
The Fallows-Cone Residence historic significance does not rely on other properties or associated development and does not appear to have historical significance under Criterion vi.
Criterion vii: The resource has yielded or may be likely to yield information important to national, state, or local history or prehistory.
No evidence has been found to support the fact that the property has yielded or is likely to yield information important to national, state, or local history or prehistory, and as such, the Fallows-Cone Residence does not appear to have historical significance under Criterion vii. 50 7. Integrity Analysis (using U.S. Secretary of Interior Standards) INTEGRITY: The property’s significance in terms of its historic integrity pursuant to PSMC Section
8.05.070 C.1.b, and is evaluated as follows:
Integrity is the ability of a property to convey its significance. To be listed in the local registry, a property must not only be shown to be significant under the criteria, but it also must have integrity. The evaluation of integrity is sometimes a subjective judgment, but it must always be grounded in an understanding of a property's physical features and how they relate to its significance. Historic properties either retain integrity (that is, convey their significance) or they do not. The definition of integrity includes seven aspects or qualities. To retain historic integrity a property will always possess several, and usually most, aspects.
The retention of specific aspects of integrity is paramount for a property to convey its significance.
Determining which of these aspects are most important to a particular property requires knowing why, where, and when the property is significant. The following sections define the seven aspects and explain how they combine to produce integrity.
LOCATION
Location is the place where a historic property was constructed or the place where an historic event occurred. The relationship between the property and its location is often important to understanding why the property was created or why something happened. The actual location of a historic property, complemented by its setting, is particularly important in recapturing the sense of historic events and people. Except in rare cases, the relationship between a property and its historic associations is destroyed if the property is moved.
The Fallows -Cone Residence is located prominently in Vista Las Palmas Estates. The residence is bounded north by Via Vadera and east by Vista Vespero. The site and scenic views remain intact . The Fallows Residence remains in its original location and therefore qualifies under this aspect of integrity.
SETTING
Setting is the physical environment of a historic property. Whereas location refers to the specific place where a property was built or an event occurred, setting refers to the character of the place in which the property played its historical role. It involves how, not just where the property is situated, and its relationship to surrounding features and open space. Setting often reflects the basic physical conditions under which a property was built and the functions it was intended to serve. In addition, the way in which a property is positioned in its environment can reflect the designer’s concept of nature and aesthetic preferences
.
At the Fallows -Cone Residence, the views of the mountains remain as stunning as originally designed.
The landscape organically engages with the interiors of the structure, as originally intended. The setting of The Fallows Residence continues to reflect the architect’s original design relationship of site and structure. It is a one-story, horizontal, modern single-family home. The integrity of setting has not been lost with the complete building out of the subdivision and the street configurations. The desert that was prevalent in the area during the resource’s period of significance remains. Vista Las Palmas was built out, nearly in completion, by 1972. (See aerial photo, page 15) 51 DESIGN
Design is the combination of elements that create the form, plan, space, structure, and style of a property.
It results from conscious decisions made during the original conception and planning of a property and applies to activities as diverse as communit y planning, engineering, architecture, and landscape architecture. Design includes such elements as organization of space, proportion, scale, technology, ornamentation, and materials. A property’s design reflects historic functions and technologies as well as aesthetics. It includes such considerations as the structural system; massing; arrangement of spaces; pattern of fenestration; textures and colors of surface materials; and type, amount, and style of ornamental detailing.
The Fallows-Cone Residence essential characteristics of form, plan, space, structure, configuration, and style retain integrity of design. Similarly, the structural system, massing, arrangement of spaces, pattern of fenestration, and the type, amount, and style of detaili ng remain. These character defining features remain intact. The garage remains as originally designed. The garage is a signature element of the turning point from mid-century carport design in residential architecture in the desert.
Though changes to the property have occurred since construction in 1972, the changes were made following the modernist concept that the home was designed for flexible spaces, as dictated by the needs of the occupants. Most of the finishes, that are not original, are reversible.
MATERIALS
Materials are the physical elements that were combined or deposited during a particular period, and in a particular pattern or configuration , to form a historic property. The choice and combination of materials reveals the preferences of those who created the property and indicates the availability of types of materials and technologies.
The Fallows-Cone Residence materials successfully represent typical 1970’s modern design, with stucco, wood and glass. Fenestration patterns remain, and original black aluminum doors and windows remain.
The manufacturer is Fleetwood Windows & Doors, founded in 1961, drawing inspiration from the Fleetwood Brougham Cadillac and Fleetwood 60 Special, epitomes of modern era luxury that represented style, craftsmanship, and innovation. Anodizing dates to 1923, and black anodized aluminum emerged commercially in the late 1930’s, early 1940’s.
WORKMANSHIP
Workmanship is the physical evidence of the crafts of a particular culture or people during any given period in history or prehistory. It is evidence of artisan’ s labor and skill in constructing or altering a building, structure, object, or site. Workmanship can apply to the property as a whole or to its individual components.
It can be expressed in vernacular methods of construction and plain finishes or in highl y sophisticated configurations and ornamental detailing. It can be based on common traditions or innovative period techniques. Workmanship is important because it can furnish evidence of the technology of a craft, illustrate the aesthetic principles of a historic or prehistoric period, and reveal individual, local, regional, or national applications of both technological practices and aesthetic principles.
The Fallows -Cone Residence was designed and built using straight -forward materials and modes of workmanship. The plans and elevations reflect the modern period of architecture in which often it was the rational application of a structural module that informs the size, scale, volume, massing and layout of a building which is typical of workmanship found in the Late Modern period of Palm Springs. 52 FEELING
Feeling is a property’s expression of the aesthetic or historic sense of a particular period. It results from the presence of physical features that, taken together, convey the property’s historic character. For example, a rural historic district retaining original design, materials, workmanship, and setting will relate to the feeling of agricultural life in the 19th century.
The Fallows-Cone Residence is sited on a lot which takes advantage of panoramic mountain views to the west and south. The single-family home conveys the feeling of the desert modernist period for which Palm Springs is internationally known. The original driveway design and approach to the entry of the home retains integrity of feeling.
ASSOCIATION
Association is the direct link between an important historic event or person and a historic property. A property retains association if it is the place where the event or activity occurred and is sufficiently intact to convey that relationship to an observer. Like feeling, association requires the presence of physical features that convey a property’s historic character. For example, a Revolutionary War battlefield whose natural and man-made elements have remained intact since the 18th century will retain its quality of association with the battle. Because feeling and association depend on individual perceptions, their retention alone is never sufficient to support eligibility of a property for the designation of a historic resource.
The Fallows-Cone Residence displays architectural signatures of the desert Late Modern period, including deep overhangs, incorporating desert landscape, and large expanses of glass. It is easily recognized as an example of the modernist movement of architecture for which Palm Springs is internationally recognized.
INTEGRITY SUMMARY:
The Fallows-Cone Residence appears to be in excellent condition partially due to the use of construction materials suitable for the harsh desert environment and its overall design. This analysis confirms that the building and site of The Fallows Residence still possesses several aspects of integrity. In summary, the site exhibits sufficient integrity to qualify for designation as an Historic Site. 52 Bibliography
Attached is a list of books, articles, and other sources cited or used in preparing this application and other documentation that may be relevant.
Books
Bogert, Frank. Palm Springs First Hundred Years. Palm Springs Heritage Associates, 1987.
Cygleman, Adele. Palm Springs Modern: Houses in the California Desert. New York, NY: Rizzoli International Publications Inc., 1999.
Harlan, James R. The Alexanders: A Desert Legacy. Palm Springs: Palm Springs Preservation Foundation, 2011.
Hess, Alan. The Desert Modernists: The Architects Who Envisioned Midcentury Modern Palm Springs.
Palm Springs: Modernism Weekend Desert Publications, 2015: pp. 119-121.
Hess, Alan. The Palm Springs School: Desert Modernism 1934-1975. New York, NY: Rizzoli International Publications, Inc., 2025.
McGrew, Patrick. Donald Wexler: Architect. Palm Springs: Palm Springs Preservation Foundation, 2009.
Niemann, Greg (2006). Palm Springs Legends: creation of a desert oasis. San Diego, CA: Sunbelt Publications, 2005.
Street-Porter, Tim. Palm Springs: A Modernist Paradise. New York, NY: Rizzoli International Publications, Inc., 2018.
Treinen, Steve. Canyon Country Club: History and Design of Palm Springs Garden of Eden. Palm Springs Preservation Foundation, 2025.
Wiener, Stewart. Desert Modernists: The Architects Who Envisioned Midcentury Modern Palm Springs. Palm Springs, CA: Modernism Week and Desert Publications Inc., 2015.
Other Documentary Sources
Desert Sun newspaper:
“New Faces”, photo, November 23, 1962.
Advertisement, February 3, 1964.
“Happy birthday at Raquet Club”, photo, November 16, 1966. “Groundbreaking ceremony”, photo, May 8,1968.
“Palm Springs construction club”, photo, May 15, 1971.
“Auction set for March 16 for house built by construction club”, March 7, 1972. “EMC sets seminar on disease”, November 29, 1975.
“WAIF Prexies Honored at Ball”, April 9, 1976.
53 Announcement, December 20, 1977.
Announcement, May 7, 1979.
“Opera guild names officers”, June 19, 1979.
“Opera brunch planned”, October 28, 1980, p. B6.
“Palm Springs Opera Guild draws curtain for Ball”, March 10, 1980, p. B7. “Optical Service Expands”, June 11, 1983, p. D19.
“Dr. Cone’s name always comes up”, April 30, 1993.
https://vistalaspalmas.org/history
https://www.palmspringsca.gov/government/departments/planning/historic -resources/citywide-historic- survey
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#inbox/FMfcgzQZTVvxSjBDGqFlzwsMSxWlWTMV
https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/thedesertsun/name/lawrence-cone-obituary?id=7294741
Historic Resources Group. City of Palm Springs Citywide Historic Context Statement; Survey Findings. (Final Draft, December 2018). 765 Via Vadera is not included in the Citywide Historic Resource Inventory as a Contributor.
City of Palm Springs Building Permits, as listed in nomination.
The Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties with Guidelines for Preserving, Rehabilitating, Restoring & Reconstructing Historic Properties. U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service, Technical Preservation Services, Washington, D.C. Revised by Anne E.
Grimmer, 2017.
Other Sources Consulted
City of Palm Springs (Planning and Building Departments)
Palm Springs Historical Society
Interview with Tom Jakway, Architect. February 3, 2025.
Email correspondence with Adele Cygleman, Janice Feldman, Ronnie Farrows (June 16-26, 2025).