CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
DATE: MARCH 11, 2026 PUBLIC HEARING
SUBJECT: AN APPLICATION BY 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
FROM: Scott C. Stiles, City Manager
BY: Department of Planning Services
SUMMARY:
The Hal Forrest Residence at 608 S. Indian Trail is a single-family home designed in the Spanish Colonial Revival style of architecture by Brewster & Benedict. Constructed during the Depression era, this home represents residential development of the 1930’s and is associated with the entertainment industry of that period. This designation request is a City-initiated application. The period of significance for this home 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 (PSMC).
The 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 HAL FORREST RESIDENCE, LOCATED AT 608 SOUTH INDIAN TRAIL, AS A CLASS 1 (LANDMARK) HISTORIC RESOURCE HSPB #175, SUBJECT TO CONDITIONS (APN 508-152-001).”
BACKGROUND:
The attached historic resources report, prepared by GPA Consulting (“the report”) and site visits are the basis of this staff report.
City Council Staff Report
March 11, 2026 -- Page 2
Historic Designation – 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.
February 3, 2026 HSPB considered the application for designation at a public hearing recommending Class 1 designation.
Ownership Status
June 2024 Purchased by current owners.
MAIN ENTRANCE FACING THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF THE PROPERTY, 2025.
The Historic Site Preservation Board (HSPB) reviewed an application requesting major alteration of a Class 3 site on November 5, 2025, pursuant to Section 8.05.130 (Demolition or Alteration of a Class 3 and 4 sites), and determined to stay the request and initiate the designation proceedings.
The City commissioned a historic resources report and HSPB reviewed the report during the February 3, 2026 meeting. Based on the analysis provided in the report and a site visit, HSPB made the findings to recommend Class 1 (Landmark) designation.
STAFF ANALYSIS:
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 February 3, 2026. 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:
City Council Staff Report
March 11, 2026 -- Page 3
Historic Designation – The Hal Forrest Residence
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;
(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;
Pursuant to PSMC 8.05.070, (5,C,1,Part b); “Historic Integrity” the HSPB made findings that the Hal Forrest Residence possesses sufficient historic integrity to qualify as a Class 1 (Landmark) historic site.
During the February 3, 2026 HSPB meeting, the Board expressed their support of the application for Class 1 designation based on the criteria with a 6-0 vote.
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 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.
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.
ALIGNMENT WITH STRATEGIC PLANNING:
This item aligns with the following City Council Strategic Plan Broad Goal: Economic Development.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None.
City Council Staff Report
March 11, 2026 -- Page 4
Historic Designation – The Hal Forrest Residence
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.