ATTACHMENT D
(HSPB Resolution, Report, Minutes)
HISTORIC SITE PRESERVATION BOARD
STAFF REPORT
DATE: February 3, 2026 PUBLIC HEARING
SUBJECT: APPLICATION BY LUCIEN WOLFF FOR HISTORIC SITE DESIGNATION OF “THE EDMUND GOULDING RESIDENCE” LOCATED AT 1752 RIDGE ROAD, (APN 513-352-002) CASE: HSPB #171 (SY)
FROM: Department of Planning Services
SUMMARY
This request for Class 1 historic designation i s an application submitted by the current owner of the property following detailed discussions about future alterations to the existing site addressed 1752 Ridge Road. The property is identified as a Class 3 site eligible for designation due to its association with individuals and periods of significance. The report provides a comprehensive overview of three individual parcels, but the designation request is for 1752 Ridge Road which contains the primary residence and adjacent guest house. The period of significance from this site is 1928-1941.
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 #171, “A RESOLUTION OF
THE HISTORIC SITE PRESERVATION BOARD OF THE CITY OF PALM
SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA, RECOMMENDING THAT THE CITY COUNCIL DESIGNATE “THE EDMUND GOULDING RESIDENCE” LOCATED AT 1752 RIDGE ROAD, AS A CLASS 1 (LANDMARK) HISTORIC RESOURCE, HSPB #171, SUBJECT TO CONDITIONS (APN #513-352-002).”
BACKGROUND AND SETTING:
The Edmund Goulding Residence is in the Mesa neighborhood on a hillside lot that is approximately 0.58 acres in size. Developed by Edmon d Fulford in the 1920s, this subdivision was intended to be a high-end residential community in the Spanish Colonial Revival style of architecture that i ntegrates the natural desert landscape while providing a high level of privacy . After renting from Fulford for a few years , film director Edmund Goulding purchases several lots in the vicinity , including 1725 Ridge Road, and transforms the area into a compound by constructing more structures and enhanc ing
Historic Site Preservation Board Staff Report February 3, 2026 HSPB-171 – The Edmund Goulding Residence
landscape design. The growing influence of the entertainment industry in Palm Springs is evident as more permanent retreats and accommodations for Hollywood stars begin to emerge during this period.
AERIAL VIEW OF THE SUBJECT PARCEL.
EAST (REAR) ELEVATION OF 1752 RIDGE ROAD, 2025.
Historic Site Preservation Board Staff Report February 3, 2026 HSPB-171 – The Edmund Goulding Residence
Related Relevant City Actions by HSPB, Planning, Fire, Building, etc.
February, 2026 Site inspection by members of the HSPB and City Staff.
Ownership Status
July, 2024 Purchased by the current owner.
Historic Context Statement “Between the Wars (1919-1941)” As the industrialists, wealthy businessmen and the Hollywood elite began to vacation in the region, Palm Springs entered a transformative phase where resort development became a driving force of the local economy. The city was incorporated in 1936 with a permanent population of 5,336 but the first residential subdivisions date back to the early 1920s.
1 The architectural style of choice for residential and commercial buildings during this time was Spanish Colonial Revival and Mediterranean Revival . It was seen as an attempt to adopt traditional styles from Spain and the region of Andalusia 2 with the conditions of California.
Context: Single-family Residential Development (1919-1941) Theme: Single-Family Residential Development (1919-1941) 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)”, 144. 2 City of Palm Springs Citywide Historic Context Statement “Architectural Styles”, 344.
Historic Site Preservation Board Staff Report February 3, 2026 HSPB-171 – The Edmund Goulding Residence
Context: Architectural Styles & Local Practitioners
Theme: Single-family Residential Development between the Wars Sub-theme: Single-family Residential Development (1919-1929) 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-171 – The Edmund Goulding 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:
1752 Ridge Road is a single-family residential property located in the Mesa subdivision.
The primary residence, guest house and associated landscape features were built on this hillside lot with corresponding changes to the site grading. After completion, little to no changes were made to the site. 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;
Following the completion of the compound by Goulding, the site was known as the “Little White House” where Hollywood stars and prominent members of European nobility would stay and hold events. The report provided detail ed information on social events hosted on the premises, but these isolated events alone would not qualify for this criteri on. As one of the earliest examples of a site utilized as a destination for the LGBTQ+ community contributes to setting a pattern of events that now defines Palm Springs as a cultural destination for the LGBTQ+ community. Based on this pattern of events, criterion i is met.
(Criterion ii) The resource is associated with the lives of persons who made a meaningful contribution to national, state or local history;
The site became a retreat for prominent Hollywood figures, but the most prominent individual directly associated with this resource is the screenwriter and director Edmund Goulding. In 1934, Goulding rented the Fulford house and then purchased the home in 1936 and immediately began constructing the rest of the residential compound. When the property was under his ownership, he was at the height of his career in Hollywood, directing several major films and working with Oscar nominated actors. (See report for more details on his major contributions .) Goulding’s contributions as a director are recognized as meaningful contributions to the entertainment industry from the 1920s to the 1940s. This criterion is met.
(Criterion iii) The resource reflects or exemplifies a particular period of national, state or local history;
The property was developed during a period identified as between the Wars when Palm Springs was shifting into a tourism-based economy. The layout of the residential tracts and the design of the buildings were a result of new marketing strategies that responded to the times. Developers identified Spanish Colonial Revival as the style of architecture for the desert climate, and new structures were to be integrated with the desert landscape.
Terra cotta roof tiles, wooden windows rafter tails, asymmetrical building mass and simple Historic Site Preservation Board Staff Report February 3, 2026 HSPB-171 – The Edmund Goulding Residence
material palettes were all part of the design aesthetic. In addition to the planning and architectural changes, there were cultural shifts that became associated with specific sites like 1725 Ridge Road. As a discreet retreat for LGBTQ+ figures in Hollywood during the 1930s, the Goulding Estate contributed to Palm Springs’ early identity as a destination of privacy and refuge for the LGBTQ+ community. Criterion iii is met.
(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. The terracing of the site to create a flat surface for the base of the home required additional engineering but it does not appear that new advancements in technology or materials were used to achieve this task. 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;
As the original developer of the Mesa tract, Edmond Fulford is locally recognized as an early pioneer of Palm Springs whose vision for residential development played a significant role in attracting elite residents to the city. His understanding and desire to preserve the natural desert beauty was applied directly to how parcels were organized and roadways were designed.
The architect or designer of the structures at 1752 Ridge Road was not disclosed but the report identified Paul H. Avery as the landscape designer for the site. Avery is also given credit for the biomorphic swimming pool , the waterfall feature, and the stone terrace system. While his design achievements on the site are quite remarkable, more information about his other works would be necessary to assess his individual influence and genius to meet this criterion.
Tom Douglas was hired by Goulding to design and decorate the guest cottages and is given credit for designing the V-shaped pool pavilion at the base of the property . His reputation as a renown interior designer is affirmed by his distinguished clientele and the wide publication of his work in numerous magazines and articles.
Fulford and Douglas’ influence is reflected in the design of the buildings and the site, 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
Historic Site Preservation Board Staff Report February 3, 2026 HSPB-171 – The Edmund Goulding Residence
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 Edmund Goulding Residence is evaluated based on the following topics of integrity based on the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards:
Location.
The primary home and the guest house are in their original locations on the lot; therefore, the integrity of location is met.
Design.
The Edmund Goulding Residence at 1725 Ridge Road is a hillside lot with steep grades.
The primary home and guest house were constructed by the original developer in 1928 in the Spanish Colonial Revival style. At the street level , both buildings have the appearance of a one- story structure. The primary façade of the main house has an asymmetrical elevation with two projecting gable ends and an attached carport at the far south end of the home. The front elevation of the guest house has a shed roof and small porch overhang that faces the street. Both structures have concrete brick walls that are painted white and terra cotta roof tiles. The rear elevation shows the true scale of the buildings as a two-story structure with recessed covered patios and projecting balconies that are oriented to capture the sweeping views . The fenestration on each structure is simple, and the openings are symmetrical and framed with wood. The gable ends of the main house are clearly visible and the pool and pavilion are located at the lowest point of the property. The site has been landscaped with desert appropriate plantings, and the complex stone terraced garden integrates circulation paths that follows the natural grade of the site from the buildings to the pool area.
The mass, scale , and materials of the buildings have not changed from the original design, and the landscape features appear original . The pool has a unique shape and pool pavilion is nested in the naturals features of the site. Based on the information provided, the integrity of design remains extant.
Setting.
The hillside setting of the development and the sweeping views to the east are largely preserved due to the natural conditions of the site. R esidential infill development in the surrounding areas no longer ascribe to a uniform style of architecture but the overall features of the natural setting remain intact. The base of the structures, particularly the Historic Site Preservation Board Staff Report February 3, 2026 HSPB-171 – The Edmund Goulding Residence
main home, meets the flat grade at the top of the terraced garden system. The location of all built structures, including the swimming pool and the pool pavilion, remain in their original setting. The integrity of setting is intact.
Materials.
Although some of the stones in the terraced garden need to be repaired, the walls retain the grade, as designed. The walls of the buildings are hollow block concrete bricks painted white, and wood framed windows and balcony details are seen throughout . The roof is covered with terra cotta barrel tiles that give the buildings a cohesive look. Most of the materials seen on site appear to be original to the home. The integrity of materials is met.
Workmanship.
As intended by Fulford, all of the homes in the Mesa were intended to be custom-built in the Spanish Colonial Style with the highest standards for workmanship. While the deferred maintenance on site shows areas where repairs and replacement of material may be necessary, the level of decorative detail found on the balconies and rafters shows a high level of workmanship and craft. The integrity of workmanship remains intact.
Feeling.
The surrounding context remains a residential neighborhood within the desert hillside.
With only minimal alterations to the buildings and the overall site, the property continues to exhibit the defining characteristic of the Spanish Colonial Revival style and the terraced retaining walls that follow the natural contours of the site. The integrity of feeing is preserved.
Association.
The modest street-view of the buildings appear utilitarian, but the materials and form of the buildings and the landscape design all reflect the uniqueness of the 1920s and 1930s.
The integrity of association with the period is retained.
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.
Character-defining features on page 70 of the historic resources report and the staff analysis of important features are listed as follows:
Primary Residence Architecture
• Construction Materials: Hollow block, concrete brick, painted white, with whitewashed red terra cotta barrel tile roof, also painted white.
Historic Site Preservation Board Staff Report February 3, 2026 HSPB-171 – The Edmund Goulding Residence
• Asymmetrical Composition: Three- dimensional facade with central recessed volume flanked by two forward-projecting gabled brick volumes • Distinctive Window Treatment: Original wooden casement windows and French doors painted in signature light turquoise color
• Dramatic Rear Elevation: Two- story canyon -facing facade with covered patio featuring deep overhang and distinctive wooden posts with horizontal notched capitals
• Indoor-Outdoor Integration: Large arched picture window and multiple French doors connecting interior spaces to covered patio and views • Rustic Detailing: Tapered wooden handrail supports with decorative waists and small notches, open rafter ceiling construction
• Massive Brick Fireplace: Arched opening that creates axial relationship with the picture window across living room
• Spatial Organization: Open-plan living room with gabled beam ceiling, connected dining room, and bedroom wing arrangement taking advantage of sloping site
Guest House Architecture
• Consistent Material Palette: Same hollow block concrete brick construction and whitewashed tile roof as main residence
• Restrained Street Facade: Simple tripartite composition with central door flanked by wooden casement windows
• Two-Story Canyon Elevation: Substantial second- floor balcony with three tall wooden posts creating colonnade effect
• Structural Expression: Distinctive "Y"-shaped angled supports for balcony floor as original design elements
• Connecting Elements: Hollow block concrete brick wall with arched opening linking guest house to main residence
Landscape Design
• Biomorphic Swimming Pool: One of the first naturalistic pools designed to resemble a pond, with giant weathered granite boulders integrated into coping • Hardscape Materials: Pool deck paved with irregular Arizona sandstone, deep coppery brown tile scum gutter coordinating with granite • Pool Pavilion: Flattened "V"-shaped structure with four wooden posts, open beam ceiling, and central fireplace with splaying brick walls • Terraced Garden System: Series of granite boulder retaining walls creating flat areas cascading down hillside
• Varied Paving Hierarchy: Terra cotta Mission tile patio nearest house, Arizona sandstone with grass panels below, sandstone steps throughout terracing • Water Feature System: Originally included bridge traversing canyon with waterfall flowing to swimming pool below
• Specimen Olive Trees: Large multi-trunk olive trees strategically placed for shade and "instant effect," including original tree north of guest house • Mediterranean Plant Palette: Italian cypress row along carport, star jasmine groundcover around pool area
• Unifying Oleander Masses: Extensive white oleander plantings throughout the Historic Site Preservation Board Staff Report February 3, 2026 HSPB-171 – The Edmund Goulding Residence
property and terraced slopes
• Oasis Effect: Strategic placement of palm trees and flowering shrubs on rocky mountain slopes adjacent to structures
• Integrated Grass Panels: Areas for lounging and recreation
Planning and Privacy Features
• Gated Estate: Formidable brick pillars at two Ridge Road entrances with gates ensuring complete privacy
• Natural Topography Integration: Buildings and terracing following natural desert contours rather than imposing geometric patterns
• Strategic Siting: Northernmost corner of Palm Canyon Mesa, providing commanding desert valley views with natural canyon protection
Non-contributing elements:
• Funicular added in the early 1960s
• Array of solar panels on the roof
• Ground-mounted mechanical equipment
• Curving pony walls along the street-facing façade of the buildings • Extended roof overhang above the street-facing entrance to the main home
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 Edmund Goulding R esidence meets the definition of a historic resource based on Criterion 1, 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.
Historic Site Preservation Board Staff Report February 3, 2026 HSPB-171 – The Edmund Goulding Residence
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. AN APPLICATION BY LUCIEN WOLFF FOR HISTORIC SITE
DESIGNATION OF THE EDMUND GOULDING RESIDENCE LOCATED
AT 1752 RIDGE ROAD, (APN 513-352-002) CASE: HSPB #171, (SY).
Historic Preservation Officer Yoon presented the staff report and answered questions of the board.
Lucien Wolff (owner) spoke in favor of having a historic designation application.
Motion by Member Maschka Hitchcock, seconded by Member McCready to recommend a resolution for HSPB #171, that the City Council designate The Edmund Goulding Residence as a historic Class 1 site. This action is not a project pursuant to CEQA.
AYES: Hansen, Bachman, Herr, Paonessa, McCready, Maschka Hitchcock.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: Moruzzi.