CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
DATE: January 28, 2026 PUBLIC HEARING SUBJECT: AN APPLICATION BY JOAN AND GARY GAND FOR HISTORIC SITE DESIGNATION OF “THE FALLOWS-CONE RESIDENCE” LOCATED AT
765 VIA VADERA (APN 505-093-005), CASE HSPB #168 (SY)
FROM: Scott C. Stiles, City Manager
BY: Department of Planning Services
SUMMARY:
765 Via Vadera is a single-family residence completed in 1972, designed by local architect Tom Jakway in the Las Palmas neighborhood. Representative of the Late Modernist period of the 1970s, this home is associated with local individuals that are recognized for their contributions to the community in their professional roles, particularly Dr. Lawrence Cone. The current owners are pursuing historic designation to recognize the historical significance of the 1970s in Palm Springs. The period of significance for this home is 1971-1976. If designated as a historic resource, the property would be subject to the regulations outlined in Section 8.05 of the Palm Springs Municipal Code (PSMC).
The Historic Site Preservation Board (HSPB) and staff evaluated the application in accordance with the historic designation ordinance and applicable state/federal regulations and determined it qualifies as a Class 1 (Landmark) historic site.
RECOMMENDATION:
1. Open the public hearing and receive public testimony.
2. Close the public hearing and adopt Resolution entitled, “A RESOLUTION OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA,
DESIGNATING THE FALLOWS-CONE RESIDENCE LOCATED AT 765 VIA VADERA, AS A CLASS 1 (LANDMARK) HISTORIC RESOURCE HSPB #168, SUBJECT TO CONDITIONS (APN 505-093-005)”.
BACKGROUND AND SETTING:
The attached historic resources report, prepared by Susan Secoy Jensen (“the report”), and site visits are the basis of this staff report.
City Council Staff Report
January 28, 2026 – Page 2
Historic Designation – The Fallows-Cone Residence
Related Relevant City Actions by HSPB, Planning, Fire, Building, etc.
December, 2025 Site inspection by members of the HSPB and City Staff.
December 2, 2025 HSPB considered the application for designation at a public hearing recommending Class 1 designation.
Ownership Status
April, 2021 Purchased by current owners.
SOUTH FACING ELEVATION (REAR OF THE HOME) VIEWED FROM THE BACKYARD, 2025.
SUNFLAP, EXPOSED I-BEAM AND EXPANSIVE GLASS DETAILS OF THE HOME, 2025.
City Council Staff Report
January 28, 2026 – Page 3
Historic Designation – The Fallows-Cone Residence
The historic site designation request is an owner-initiated request. During the HSPB review of the application on December 2, 2025, the current owners, the architect, and members of the community provided public comment in support of the designation request by offering local historical context related to the former owners of the property.
While staff initially recommended Class 2 designation, the HSPB made the findings based on the historic resources report and public testimony that the property also met criterion 2, thus, recommends Class 1 (Landmark) designation.
ANALYSIS AND FINDINGS:
The analysis of the application relative to the criteria for the designation of historic resources is detailed in the attached HSPB resolution and staff report dated December 2, 2025. Following the HSPB meeting, the applicant made relevant revisions to the Historic Resources Report. In order to be designated a historic landmark, a resource must exhibit exceptional historic significance and meet one or more of the criteria listed in PSMC Section 8.05.070.C.1.a. The Board made findings in support of Class 1 (Landmark) designation based on the following criteria:
PSMC 8.05.070, (C,1,Part a). The site, structure, building, or object exhibits exceptional historic significance and meets one or more of the criteria listed below:
(Criterion ii) The resource is associated with the lives of persons who made a meaningful contribution to national, state, or local history; (Criterion iii) The resource reflects or exemplifies a particular period of national, state, or local history;
Pursuant to PSMC 8.05.070, (5,C,1,Part b); “Historic Integrity” the HSPB made findings that the Fallows-Cone Residence possesses sufficient historic integrity to qualify as a Class 1 (Landmark) historic site.
During the December 2, 2025 HSPB meeting, the Board expressed their support of the application for Class 1 designation based on the criteria with a 5-0 vote.
CONCLUSION:
The Fallows-Cone Residence meets the definition of a historic resource based on Criterion 2 and 3 of the Palm Springs Historic Preservation Ordinance and possesses integrity to qualify as a Class 1 (Landmark) site. The HSPB recommendation to the City Council reflects these findings which are outlined in the attached draft City Council resolution.
City Council Staff Report
January 28, 2026 – Page 3
Historic Designation – The Fallows-Cone Residence
City Council Staff Report
January 28, 2026 – Page 4
Historic Designation – The Fallows-Cone 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 94.09.00 (Public Hearing) of the Palm Springs Zoning Code, notice has been mailed to all property owners and residents within five hundred (500) feet of the subject property and notice was published in a newspaper of general circulation.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None.
REVIEWED BY:
Department Director: Christopher Hadwin
Assistant City Manager: Flinn Fagg
City Manager: Scott Stiles
ATTACHMENTS:
A. Vicinity Map.
B. Draft Resolution.
C. Application, related background materials, photos.
D. HSPB resolution, staff report, minute excerpt.
E. Public Comments