CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
DATE: MARCH 25, 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: Scott C. Stiles, City Manager
BY: Department of Planning Services
SUMMARY:
The Edmund Goulding Residence at 1752 Ridge Road is a hillside property in the Mesa neighborhood dating back to 1928. The single-family lot contains a primary residence and a guest house designed in the Spanish Colonial Revival style, reflecting a significant association with the growing presence of the entertainment industry in Palm Springs. The period of significance for the property spans from 1928-1941, corresponding with its early development and historic associations. 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 a Resolution entitled, “A RESOLUTION OF
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA, DESIGNATING 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:
The attached historic resources report, prepared by the Palm Springs Preservation Foundation (“the report”) and site visits are the basis of this staff report.
City Council Staff Report
March 25, 2026 -- Page 2
Historic Designation – The Edmund Goulding Residence
Related Relevant City Actions by HSPB, Planning, Fire, Building, etc.
February 2, 2026 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
July, 2024 Purchased by current owners.
EAST (REAR) ELEVATION OF 1752 RIDGE ROAD, 2025
City Council Staff Report
March 25, 2026 -- Page 3
Historic Designation – The Edmund Goulding Residence
Following discussions about future alterations to this Class 3 site with city staff, the owner took initiative to commission a historic resources report and pursue designation. The application for historic designation was reviewed by the HSPB on February 3, 2026.
Based on the analysis provided in the report and a site visit, the Board 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:
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 i) The resource is associated with events that have made a meaningful contribution to the nation, state or community; (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 Edmund Goulding 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 and integrity findings with a 6-0 vote.
The Edmund Goulding Residence meets the definition of a historic resource based on Criterion 1, 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.
City Council Staff Report
March 25, 2026 -- Page 4
Historic Designation – The Edmund Goulding 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.
ALIGNMENT WITH STRATEGIC PLANNING:
This item aligns with the following City Council Strategic Plan Broad Goal: Economic Development.
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.