ATTACHMENT E
(Public Comments)
03-004-2025-030
Dear Ms. Sarah Yoon,
The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians (ACBCI) appreciates your efforts to include the Tribal Historic Preservation Office (THPO) in the 765 Via Vadera project. We have reviewed the documents and have the following comments:
[VIA EMAIL TO:[email protected]]
City of Palm Springs
Ms. Sarah Yoon
3200 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way
Palm Springs, CA 92262
December 03, 2025
Re: 765 Via Vadera
Again, the Agua Caliente appreciates your interest in our cultural heritage. If you have questions or require additional information, please call me at (760) 883-1134. You may also email me at [email protected].
Cordially,
Claritsa Duarte
Cultural Resources Analyst
Tribal Historic Preservation Office
AGUA CALIENTE BAND
OF CAHUILLA INDIANS
# * The THPO concurs with the Class 1 Historic Resource nomination for the 765 Via Vadera, Palm Springs, CA property.
Dear City Council,
I am writing to you to fully support the historic designation of the Fallows Residence @ 765 Via Vadera in Vista Las Palmas (VLP).
I feel it is important for you all to fully understand my reasons for supporting this historic designation: quality of life, neighborhood characteristics, economic and safety.
I have been a part time resident of VLP for over 25 years. (I bought my home in 2000.) I have been coming to Palm Springs for almost 30 years. My initial trips always included excursions to Vista Las Palmas. Not only are the views mesmerizing, but so is its architecture. Over the years I have seen many homes remodeled. Fortunately, most remodels have maintained their mid century modern roots. I believe we can all agree that VLP is special.
You all know that Palm Springs is a mid century modern mecca. From an economic standpoint, the city benefits greatly from the many mid century modern events that take place like home tours.
VLP holds home tours to raise funds for the community. In the past our neighborhood has donated to the PS Fire and Police Departments, Palm Springs Unified, Palm Springs Animal Shelter and The Center Food Bank to name just a few. Shortly Vista Las Palmas will be awarded ONE-PS Neighborhood of Distinction. By granting the Fallows Residence historic designation you further cement VLP as a mid century modern home mecca. This designation helps elevate the entire neighborhood and helps aid the neighborhood's charitable endeavors.
Undoubtedly you all are aware of the recent devastating LA fires. Like Altadena, Vista Las Palmas is ensconced in undeveloped terrain. Our neighborhood directly abuts the mountains. Access is limited. During June 2024 a fire severely threatened our neighborhood. Although the Tuscany Fire did not originate in our neighborhood it quickly spread and accelerated down the mountain threatening our neighborhood. Similarly, during August 1980 a fire near Dry Falls burned for 2 weeks destroying over 28K acres. By limiting neighborhood housing density the risk associated with an evacuation is manageable. You are probably not aware of several state initiated legislation designed to densify neighborhoods. SB9, SB10 and SB79. Although only SB9 currently applies to Palm Springs that is no guarantee that future legislation will not attempt to increase housing density in Palm Springs as well as VLP. By granting the Fallows Residence historic designation you not only help preserve the character of the neighborhood, but you help limit neighborhood housing density thereby better ensuring the safety of its residents in the event an evacuation is ever necessary. (Note: SB9 does not apply to HOA's nor historically designated homes. Unfortunately recent housing legislation from Sacramento has overridden many local zoning ordinances.) I hope you see the bigger picture in granting the Fallows Residence historic designation. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Respectfully,
Gustav Swanson
981 N. Rose Ave.
From: Gustav Swanson
To: Sarah Yoon
Subject: Historic Designation for Fallows Residence - 765 Via Vadera Date: Wednesday, December 3, 2025 3:32:37 PM
NOTICE: This message originated outside of The City of Palm Springs -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe.
From: Gustav Swanson
To: Sarah Yoon
Subject: Fallows Residence @ 765 Via Vadera Historic Designation Date: Wednesday, December 3, 2025 11:40:51 AM
NOTICE: This message originated outside of The City of Palm Springs -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments unless you are sure the content is safe.
Dear Historic Board Members,
I am writing to you to fully support the historic designation of the Fallows Residence @ 765 Via Vadera in Vista Las Palmas (VLP).
I feel it is important for you all to fully understand my reasons for supporting this historic designation: quality of life, neighborhood characteristics, economic and safety.
I have been a part time resident of VLP for over 25 years. (I bought my home in 2000.) I have been coming to Palm Springs for almost 30 years. My initial trips always included excursions
to Vista Las Palmas. Not only are the views mesmerizing, but so is its architecture. Over the years I have seen many homes remodeled. Fortunately, most remodels have maintained their mid century modern roots. I believe we can all agree that VLP is special.
You all know that Palm Springs is a mid century modern mecca. From an economic standpoint, the city benefits greatly from the many mid century modern events that take place like home tours. VLP holds home tours to raise funds for the community. In the past
our neighborhood has donated to the PS Fire and Police Departments, Palm Springs Unified, Palm Springs Animal Shelter and The Center Food Bank to name just a few. Shortly Vista Las Palmas will be awarded ONE-PS Neighborhood of Distinction. By granting the Fallows Residence historic designation you further cement VLP as a mid century modern home mecca.
This designation helps elevate the entire neighborhood and helps aid the neighborhood's charitable endeavors.
Undoubtedly you all are aware of the recent devastating LA fires. Like Altadena, Vista Las Palmas is ensconced in undeveloped terrain. Our neighborhood directly abuts the mountains.
Access is limited. During June 2024 a fire severely threatened our neighborhood. Although the Tuscany Fire did not originate in our neighborhood it quickly spread and accelerated down the mountain threatening our neighborhood. Similarly, during August 1980 a fire near Dry Falls burned for 2 weeks destroying over 28K acres. By limiting neighborhood housing density the risk associated with an evacuation is manageable. You are probably not aware of several state initiated legislation designed to densify neighborhoods. SB9, SB10 and SB79. Although only SB9 currently applies to Palm Springs that is no guarantee that future legislation will not attempt to increase housing density in Palm Springs as well as VLP. By granting the Fallows Residence historic designation you not only help preserve the character of the neighborhood, but you help limit neighborhood housing density thereby better ensuring the safety of its residents in the event an evacuation is ever necessary. (Note: SB9 does not apply to HOA's nor historically designated homes. Unfortunately recent housing legislation from Sacramento has overridden many local zoning ordinances.)
I hope you see the bigger picture in granting the Fallows Residence historic designation.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Respectfully,
Gustav Swanson
981 N. Rose Ave.
August 28, 2025
Joan and Gary Gand
765 Via Vadera
Palm Springs, CA 92262
City of Palm Springs Historic Site Preservation Board
3200 Tahquitz Canyon Way
Palm Springs, CA 92262
Dear Honorable Preservation Board,
We respectfully request Class 1 Historic Site designation for our home at 765 Via Vadera, designed in 1971 by architect Tom Jakway. The house represents an important transition from the experimental designs of the 1950s and 1960s to the more spacious and refined late modernist style of the 1970s. Key features include its flat roof, walls of glass, full-height 10’ doors, sunken poolside bar, and expansive interior volumes—all hallmarks of Mid-Century Late Modernism.
Remarkably, our home was Jakway’s first design, completed when he was only 17. He went on to a distinguished architectural career, working with Stan Sackley, Arthur Elrod, Steve Chase, and Don Wexler before expanding his practice nationally.
The 1970s are a significant period in Palm Springs’ architectural story, continuing the legacy of the Alexanders and other mid-century masters. Built on a parcel originally slated for an Alexander home, 765 Via Vadera (completed in 1972) embodies this continuity.
We acquired the home from its second owner, restored it to its original appearance, and preserved its architectural integrity. As longtime preservation advocates, we previously restored and secured historic designation for the Morse House, the first designated property in Vista Las Palmas.
With many late-modernist homes now threatened by redevelopment, recognition of their 50-year significance is urgent. We are honored to steward this property and ask that it be recognized for its place in Palm Springs’ architectural history.
We have engaged Susan Secoy Jensen, AIA, to assist with the nomination process.
Sincerely,
Joan Gand 847-270-4263
Gary Gand 847-380-3560