ATTACHMENT D
(HSPB Resolution, Report, Minutes)
HISTORIC SITE PRESERVATION BOARD
STAFF REPORT
DATE: February 3, 2026 PUBLIC HEARING
SUBJECT: APPLICATION BY THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS FOR HISTORIC SITE DESIGNATION OF “THE HAL FORREST RESIDENCE” LOCATED AT 608 SOUTH INDIAN TRAIL, (APN 508-152-001) CASE: HSPB #175 (SY)
FROM: Department of Planning Services
SUMMARY
The owners of the property submitted a proposal for major alteration of a Class 3 site which was reviewed by the Historic Site Preservation Board (HSPB) on November 5, 2025, pursuant to Section 8.05.130 (Demolition or Alteration to a Class 3 and 4 sites). At this meeting, the HSPB stayed the request and initiated the designation proceedings.
Based on the report findings, the property at 608 S. Indian Trail meets the necessary criteria and integrity findings to be reclassified as a historic landmark site, and the period of significance is 1937-1943.
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 #175, “A RESOLUTION OF
THE HISTORIC SITE PRESERVATION BOARD OF THE CITY OF PALM
SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA, RECOMMENDING THAT THE CITY COUNCIL DESIGNATE “THE HAL FORREST RESIDENCE” LOCATED AT 608 S. INDIAN TRAIL, AS A CLASS 1 (LANDMARK) HISTORIC RESOURCE, HSPB #1 75, SUBJECT TO CONDITIONS (APN #508-152-001).”
BACKGROUND AND SETTING:
City records indicate this property was part of a tract subdivided by Pearl McManus in 1933. The home was constructed for the artist Hal Forrest in 1935. Designed in the Spanish Colonial Revival style by Brewster & Benedict, the home has an irregular plan, asymmetrical elevations and a combination of different roof forms. The building is oriented towards the northwest corner with deep porch overhangs facing the internal courtyard. The exterior walls are finished in adobe/stucco with steel casement windows.
Historic Site Preservation Board Staff Report February 3, 2026 HSPB-175 – The Hal Forrest Residence
AERIAL VIEW OF THE SUBJECT PROPERTY.
MAIN ENTRANCE FACING THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF THE PROPERTY, 2025.
Historic Site Preservation Board Staff Report February 3, 2026 HSPB-175 – The Hal Forrest Residence
Related Relevant City Actions by HSPB, Planning, Fire, Building, etc.
November, 2025 Site inspection by members of the HSPB and City Staff.
Ownership Status
June, 2024 Purchased by the current owner.
Historic Context Statement “Between the Wars (1919-1941)” Unlike other cities in the United States, Palm Springs maintained economic stability in real estate during the Great Depression, but the development tracts were smaller in size compared to the 1920s . 1 A simplified version of Spanish Colonial Revival and Mediterranean Revival was the trend up until after World War II. Buildings were often one to two stories with terra cotta roof tiles and steel casement windows. This style was deemed appropriate for the warm desert conditions of southern California during this period.
2 It was also during this period when the movie industry was gaining influence in the region.
Context: Single-family Residential Development (1919-1941) Theme: Single-Family Residential Development (1919-1941) Sub-theme: Depression-Era SF Residential Development (1930-1941) Registration Requirements: To be eligible under this theme, a property must:
Date from the period of significance; and
Represent important patterns and trends in residential development from this period, including representing 1920s and 1930s development and settlement patterns; an association with an important developer; an association with Palm Springs as an artists’ enclave; an association with tourism in Palm Springs; or
Represent an excellent, rare, or influential example of an architectural style, property type, 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
Theme: The Influence of the Entertainment Industry (1919-1941) Registration Requirements: To be eligible under this theme, a property must:
Date from the period of significance; and
Represent a known association with an important person or persons in the entertainment industry; because Palm Springs is a resort destination, eligible properties associated with people in the entertainment industry in the city will likely be second homes; for commercial properties, represent a known association with the Hollywood social scene in Palm Springs; a film location must represent an early or iconic location; and Display most of the character-defining features of the property type or style; and
Retain the essential aspects of historic integrity
1 City of Palm Springs Citywide Historic Context Statement “Palm Springs between the Wars (1919-1941)”, 77. 2 City of Palm Springs Citywide Historic Context Statement “Architectural Styles”, 344.
Historic Site Preservation Board Staff Report February 3, 2026 HSPB-175 – The Hal Forrest Residence
Context: Architectural Styles & Local Practitioners
Theme: Single-family Residential Development between the Wars Sub-theme: Spanish Colonial Revival
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:
The historic resources report (“the report”), site visit, and city documents and forms are the basis of this staff report. The report calls attention to the character-defining features of the property and provides detailed background information regarding the developing cultural trends in the area during the period of significance.
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:
Historic Site Preservation Board Staff Report February 3, 2026 HSPB-175 – The Hal Forrest Residence
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:
608 S. Indian Trail is a single-family residential property in the Indian Trail Tract which was subdivided in 1933 during the Depression- era. While the building is on a single parcel, the property is made up of three individual lots. The following is an analysis of the criteria and integrity findings to determine if the site meets the qualifications for historic site designation.
(Criterion i) The resource is associated with events that have made a meaningful contribution to the nation, state or community;
Based on the research provided in the report, no meaningful or significant event s that made a contribution to the nation, state or local community occurred at this site, thus, this criterion is not met.
(Criterion ii) The resource is associated with the lives of persons who made a meaningful contribution to national, state or local history;
Harry Paul Forrest , also known as Hal Forrest , was an influential and well -known American comic strip artist who was best known for Tailspin Tommy (1928-1942). The aviation-themed comic strip was first published in 1928 and soon featured in the Sunday newspaper. Due to its popularity, this comic series inspired books, radio series and feature-length films. His home on Indian Trail was the family vacation home during his active years as an artist. In fact, the report reveals a second-story studio was specifically designed for his use when staying at this residence. As an individual whose career left a meaningful contribution to his field of work, this criterion is met.
(Criterion iii) The resource reflects or exemplifies a particular period of national, state or local history;
Completed in 1937, this home is an example of residential development in the Depression-era of Palm Springs. The wealthy and Hollywood elite came to the desert as a vacation destination despite the national economic downturn. 608 S. Indian Trail represents the design style that was favored during this period. Spanish Colonial Revival had distinct characteristics when applied to residential development , particularly in the desert region . The plan and elevations for these homes were often irregular and asymmetrical, and site planning was a major focus . The Hal Forrest Residence exemplifies residential development patterns , architectural style before the rise of Mid- century Modernism, and the influence of the entertainment industry in Palm Springs during the 1930s. Criterion iii is met.
Historic Site Preservation Board Staff Report February 3, 2026 HSPB-175 – The Hal Forrest Residence
(Criterion iv) The resource embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period or method of construction;
Unlike the National Register criterion concerning construction, the Palm Springs evaluation of construction addresses the type (of construction), the period (of construction) and the method (of construction). The structures on the site were constructed using conventional methods of construction and materials that were available during the period. 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;
The firm Brewster & Benedict was locally recognized for their commercial and residential projects that were typically designed in the Spanish Colonial Revival style. Hal Forrest commissioned this firm to design his home in 1936. This Brewster & Benedict partnership only lasted three years but during this time, the firm completed several high-profile projects within the city such as the Pacific Building (HSPB #13), the Cork ‘n Bottle Building (HSPB #31) and an exhibition house for the Bullocks Department Store (1752 N. Tuscan Road). The influence of their work as master architects is represented through a variety of projects and 608 S. Indian Trail embodies their design aesthetic and influence, therefore, Criterion v for historic significance is met.
(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 Hal Forrest Residence is evaluated based on the following topics of integrity based on the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards:
Location.
The single-family home is sited on the lot in its original location; therefore, the integrity of location is met.
Historic Site Preservation Board Staff Report February 3, 2026 HSPB-175 – The Hal Forrest Residence
Design.
The home has an irregular floor plan with the main entry feature facing the northwest corner of the lot. The layout of the home creates a protective alcove around the main courtyard and swimming pool area preserving privacy on the lot . The varying heights create articulation of building mass and the distinctive rock wall around the perimeter of the property is a character -defining feature from that period. The deep overhangs , exposed rafter tails, and low-slung roofs are design elements associated with the Spanish Colonial Revival style. The design integrity remains intact.
Setting.
The surrounding area maintains residential zoning but most of the open space has been infilled with new development . The original center median lined with palm trees along street remains in place, and the four homes at the corner of East Camino Parocela and South Indian Trail maintain their respective orientations on the site as seen in the 1939 aerial photograph in the report. Some changes to the setting are observed.
Materials.
The home is constructed with conventional materials from that period. Adobe/stucco finished walls, steel casement windows, wood framed fenestration, terra cotta tiles on the roof, exposed wooden beams and rafters and the stone perimeter walls remain consistent throughout the home. Although replacement of some exterior materials may have taken place, there is a consistency to the design, and many original elements appear intact.
Workmanship.
Exterior maintenance and general upkeep of the site reveal the design details of the home. The stone walls and the intricate wood details and overhangs appear to be in good condition and demonstrate skilled workmanship from that period.
Feeling.
The layout and orientation of the home , the openness of the site, and the retention of original building materials contribute to the overall feeling of the site remaining intact. The integrity of feeling is met.
Association.
The design of the home maintains its original association with the Spanish Colonial Revival style of architecture and reflects the residential development patterns of the 1930s. The integrity of association with the period of style is intact.
DEFINING HISTORIC CHARACTERISTICS:
When evaluating a property for historic designation, it is important to identify the original elements that contribute to its historic significance from later additions or alterations.
While these changes may be sympathetic to the original design, it can c reate a false sense of historicity. Distinguishing original character -defining features from non- original elements will aid the HSPB when it is tasked with evaluating future alterations to the historic resource.
Historic Site Preservation Board Staff Report February 3, 2026 HSPB-175 – The Hal Forrest Residence
Character-defining features on page 29 of the historic resources report and the staff analysis of important features are listed as follows:
• Site design and building orientation to the northwest corner • Irregular-shaped plan
• One-story building layout with two-story sections on the north and south side of the home
• Horizontal massing
• Circular towers with conical roofs
• Low-pitched, hipped and cross-gable roofs
• Open eaves with exposed rafter tails
• Asymmetrically arranged elevations
• Front and rear porch colonnades
• Hand-troweled, lightly textured stucco cladding
• Red terra cotta barrel roofing tiles
• Rock-faced fireplace and brick chimney under the rear porch • Second-floor balconies and roof decks
• Wood rafter tails, post and beam construction, and wooden trim • Original window and door openings
• Multi-light steel casement windows
• Wood plank main entrance door
• Single and multi-light wood doors
• Stone walls around the property and wrought iron pedestrian entrance gate
Non-contributing elements:
• Single-light wood windows
• Scored concrete front porch flooring
• Concrete slab (hardscape) driveway and rear patio
• Concrete walkways
• Exterior light fixtures
• In-ground swimming pool and concrete pool decking
• Iron-fencing above the perimeter stone walls
• Enclosed garage area for additional living space on the west elevation of the home where the curb cut exists
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.
Historic Site Preservation Board Staff Report February 3, 2026 HSPB-175 – The Hal Forrest Residence
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 Hal Forrest Residence meets the definition of a historic resource based on Criterion 2, 3 and 5 of the Palm Springs Historic Preservation Ordinance and meets the necessary integrity findings to support its historic significance; therefore, staff recommends Class 1 Designation as a historic landmark property.
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. Application, related background materials, photos.
EXCERPTS OF MINUTES
At the Historic Site Preservation Board meeting of the City of Palm Springs, held February 3, 2026, the Historic Site Preservation Board took the following action:
2.C. APPLICATION BY THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS FOR HISTORIC SITE DESIGNATION OF “THE HAL FORREST RESIDENCE” LOCATED AT
608 SOUTH INDIAN TRAIL, (APN 508-152-001) CASE: HSPB #175 (SY)
Historic Preservation Officer Yoon presented the staff report and answered questions of the board.
Anthony Stark (applicant representative) answered questions of the board.
Motion by Member Herr, seconded by Member Paonessa recommending that the City Council designate “The Hal Forrest Residence” (HSPB 175) a Class 1 historic site. This action is not a project pursuant to CEQA.
AYES:
Hansen, Bachman, Herr, Paonessa, Maschka Hitchcock, McCready.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: Moruzzi.