ATTACHMENT D
(HSPB Resolution, Report, Minutes)
HISTORIC SITE PRESERVATION BOARD
STAFF REPORT
DATE: December 2, 2025 PUBLIC HEARING
SUBJECT: APPLICATION BY JOAN AND GARY GAND FOR HISTORIC SITE DESIGNATION OF “THE FALLOWS RESIDENCE” LOCATED AT 765 VIA VADERA, (APN 505-093-005) CASE: HSPB #168 (SY)
FROM: Department of Planning Services
SUMMARY
The current propert y owners, Joan and Gary Gand, are seeking Class 1 historic designation of the home located at 765 Via Vadera. This single-family home in the Vista Las Palmas neighborhood was a custom-designed home by local architect Tom Jakway.
The period of significance for this site is its completion date of 1972.
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 #168, “A RESOLUTION OF
THE HISTORIC SITE PRESERVATION BOARD OF THE CITY OF PALM
SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA, RECOMMENDING THAT THE CITY COUNCIL DESIGNATE “THE FALLOWS RESIDENCE” LOCATED AT 765 VIA VADERA, AS A CLASS 2 (HISTORIC MERIT ) HISTORIC RESOURCE, HSPB #16 8, (APN #505-093-005).”
BACKGROUND AND SETTING:
Identified in the report as “The Fallows Residence”, it has been 53 years since this home was completed. This single -story structure represents residential architecture in the 1970s during the Late Modern period. After purchasing the home in 2021, Joan and Gary Gand restored it to its original state with the goal of preserving and acknowledging the significance of 1970s architecture as it comes of age. Currently, the City ’s context statement ends in 1969.
During the last inventory update, this home was not identified as a Class 3 site, therefore, maintains its Class 4 status due to its construction date.
Historic Site Preservation Board Staff Report December 2, 2025 HSPB-168 – The Fallows Residence
AERIAL VIEW OF THE SUBJECT PARCEL.
NORTH (FRONT) ELEVATION FROM VIA VADERA, 2025.
Related Relevant City Actions by HSPB, Planning, Fire, Building, etc.
December, 2025 Site inspection by members of the HSPB and City Staff.
Ownership Status
April, 2021 Purchased by the current owner.
Historic Site Preservation Board Staff Report December 2, 2025 HSPB-168 – The Fallows Residence
Historic Context Statement “Post-World War II (1945-1969)”
After the wars, Palm Springs entered a period of economic vitality which fueled the housing industry. Since the 1930s, Palm Springs has always attracted creatives, artists, and entrepreneurs to the area. The dry climate became ideal conditions for experimenting with new building materials and techniques, and designers were constantly implementing new ideas that would be rapidly adopted into common practice.
During this period, some of the most influential architects and designers like Donald Wexler, William Cody, E. Steward Williams, Herbert Burns, Stan Sackley, and Arthur Elrod were working in Palm Springs . Concentration of this type of genius in the desert has recently been recognized as a school of thought known as The Palm Springs School of Desert Modernism (1934-1975).
1 The impact of this movement was profound at th at
time and continues to influence the design community today.
Context: Post-World War II Palm Springs (1945-1969)
Theme: Post World War II Single-Family Residential (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: Desert Modernism
Sub-theme: Late Moderne
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.
765 Via Vadera is a single-family home on a 0.30-acre corner lot in the residential R-1-C zone district. The home is situated closer to the south portion of the lot and the front is hardscaped with pavers for easy vehicular access to the side-loading garage. The
1 Alan Hess, The Palm Springs School: Desert Modernism 1934-1975, (Rizzoli, 2025).
Historic Site Preservation Board Staff Report December 2, 2025 HSPB-168 – The Fallows Residence
landscaping in front of the home appears to be drought tolerant material mixed in with the mature trees. As part of the restoration efforts, the non-original wall that was in front of the main entrance into the home was removed and the exterior was repainted.
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
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:
765 Via Vadera was specifically designed for the Fallows in the Late Modern style.
According to the permit history, additions to the home were added in the 80s and 90s but designed to try and relate to the original design. 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; Historic Site Preservation Board Staff Report December 2, 2025 HSPB-168 – The Fallows Residence
No information was found indicating any significant events occurred on this site. The site 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;
The Fallows lived in the home for 4 years and then sold the property to the Cone family in 1975. They lived in the home for the next 46 years before selling to the current owners.
Based on the information in the report, the homeowners do not qualify for criterion ii.
(Criterion iii) The resource reflects or exemplifies a particular period of national, state or local history;
The Late Modern style extends into the 1970s where building forms are expressive or slightly exaggerated and the use of ornamentation is discouraged. Volumes are bold, and exterior surfaces are uniform .
2 The Fallows Residence utilizes simple forms with
exaggerated openings spanning from the floor to the ceiling and the use of ornamentation was limited to light fixtures. If design associated with the Late Modern style is considered a national or international movement, the principles of Desert Modernism were a localized aesthetic that took the desert environment into account. Deep overhangs are commonly utilized to protect the indoor/ outdoor spaces and desert landscaping was often incorporated into the overall experience of the site . During this time , thick and heavy geometric forms were used in response to the energy crisis of the 1970s . Additionally, Palm Springs began to experience a shift in its cultural identity with the emerging LGBTQ community. The Fallows Residence was designed and constructed during this period in Palm Springs history. Staff finds criterion iii is met.
(Criterion iv) The resource embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period or method of construction;
Palm Springs evaluates criterion i v as a distinctive characterist ic associated with construction type, construction period, and construction methods. This residential home appears to have been constructed with conventional methods and materials. 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;
According to the historic resources report, this home was local architect Tom Jakway ’s first residential commission. While Jakeway remains an active member of the community, this fact alone does not recognize you as a master architect. Criteria v is not met.
2 City of Palms Springs Citywide Historic Context Statement & Survey Findings “Architectural Styles”, pg. 371.
Historic Site Preservation Board Staff Report December 2, 2025 HSPB-168 – The Fallows Residence
(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.
(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 Fallows Residence is evaluated based on the following topics of integrity based on the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards:
Location.
The building is in its original location on the lot; therefore, the integrity of location is met.
Design.
The design of this home uses simple, yet bold geometric volumes and deeply recessed openings at the front entry and rear porch feat ure. The lines on the building and the overhangs utilize a consistent scale, and exterior surfaces are smooth and flush with little to no applied ornamentation. Landscape design is used to soften any harsh edges while bringing the natural desert environment into the design. The later additions try to be sympathetic to these pre-existing design principles. The integrity of design is respected.
Setting.
The natural landscape beyond the single-family subdivision has a visual presence. When this home was completed in 1972, the Vista Las Palmas neighborhood was nearly complete and remains in that condition. The integrity of setting is intact.
Materials.
The exterior of the home has smooth stucco walls, wood, glass and Fleetwood windows and doors. The materials remain consistent with the original design.
Workmanship.
The exterior details are clean, simple, and well-maintained. The edges of the stucco walls are crisp, and the smooth operation of the sliders and windows indicate good workmanship and constant maintenance.
Historic Site Preservation Board Staff Report December 2, 2025 HSPB-168 – The Fallows Residence
Feeling.
The single-family home is in a residential neighborhood with homes of similar scale. The integrity of feeling remains intact.
Association.
The property is associated with the Desert Modernist movement and the Late Modern style as defined in the context statement for Palm Springs. The integrity of association remains visible.
DEFINING HISTORIC CHARACTERISTICS:
In considering a recommendation for historic resource designation it is important to distinguish those physical elements that are original or from the period of significance from alterations, additions or features that were added later . Distinguishing original character-defining features from non-original elements assists the HSPB when it is tasked with evaluating future alterations to the historic resource.
Character-defining features on page 36 of the historic resources report and the staff analysis of important features are listed as follows:
• Site design.
• Circular driveway.
• Main entry soffit penetrations.
• Recessed front entrance with deep rectilinear overhangs. • Original horizontal fascia.
• Large overhangs surrounding the perimeter of the home. • Flat roof, one-story structure.
• Walls of g lass; large, fixed panels, sliding glass doors, frameless clerestory windows.
• Original black anodized aluminum Fleetwood doors and windows. • Pecky cypress wood wall panels (interior).
• Original travertine sunken bathroom in master suite (interior). • Original atrium in master suite.
• Original footprint of the home, without future additions. • Interior ceiling soffits with uplighting (interior).
• Marble clad fireplace in living room (interior).
• Swimming pool.
• Interior skylights.
Non-contributing elements:
• Bar area addition off dining room (1989)
• Morning room addition on east side of home
• Replacement pavers for driveway
• Solar panels on roof
Historic Site Preservation Board Staff Report December 2, 2025 HSPB-168 – The Fallows Residence
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 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 Fallows Residence i s a resource that clearly reflects the period in which it was constructed by meeting criteri on iii and possess es a leve l of integrity but is short of demonstrating exceptional significance; therefore, staff recommends Class 2 designation which recognizes the site for its historic merit.
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 December 2, 2025, the Historic Site Preservation Board took the following action:
2.C. APPLICATION BY JOAN AND GARY GAND FOR HISTORIC SITE DESIGNATION OF “THE FALLOWS RESIDENCE” LOCATED AT 765
VIA VADERA, (APN 505-093-005) CASE: HSPB #168, (SY).
Historic Preservation Officer Yoon presented the staff report and answered questions of the board.
Joan Gand (applicant) spoke in favor of having a historic designation application.
Public Comment:
Jade Nelson, Susan Secoy-Jensen and William Grimm spoke in support of the historic designation application.
Motion by Chair Hansen, seconded by Member Paonessa to adopt the amended findings by including criterion 2 and recommending that the City Council designate “The Fallows-Cone Residence” (HSPB 168) as a Class 1 historic site. This action is not a project pursuant to CEQA>
AYES: Hansen, Bachman, Moruzzi, Paonessa, Herr.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: Maschka Hitchcock, McCready.