ATTACHMENT B
(Draft Resolution)
RESOLUTION NO._____
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM
SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA, DESIGNATING TEMPLE ISAIAH ,
LOCATED AT 332 WEST ALEJO ROAD , AS A CLASS 1
(LANDMARK) HISTORIC RESOURCE HSPB #1 73, SUBJECT TO
CONDITIONS (APN 505-313-007).
THE CITY COUNCIL FINDS AND DETERMINES AS FOLLOWS:
A. WHEREAS, Chapter 8.05 of the Palm Springs Municipal Code allows for the designation of historic sites and districts; and
B. WHEREAS, The applicant Robert Weinstein, President of Temple Isaiah, submitted an application seeking historic site designation of Temple Isaiah located at 332 W. Alejo Road; and
C. WHEREAS, on May 4, 2026, members of the Historic Site Preservation Board (HSPB) and City staff conducted site inspections of the proposed historic resource; and
D. WHEREAS, on May 5, 2026, a noticed public hearing of the Palm Springs Historic S ite Preservation Board to consider Case HSPB #173 was held in accordance with applicable law; and
E. WHEREAS, at said hearing, the HSPB carefully reviewed and considered all the evidence presented in connection with the hearing on the project, including, but not limited to, the staff report and all written and oral testimony and voted 4-0 to recommend that the Council designate Temple Isaiah a Class 1 (Landmark) historic resource; and
F. WHEREAS, on July 8, 2026, a noticed public hearing of the Palm Springs City Council to consider Case HSPB #173 was held in accordance with applicable law; and
G. WHEREAS, at the said hearing, the City Council carefully reviewed and considered all the evidence presented in connection with the hearing on the project, including, but not limited to the staff report and all written and oral testimony.
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS RESOLVES:
SECTION 1: FINDINGS – PART “A”, CRITERIA FOR HISTORIC RESOURCES.
Evaluation of the Application. Pursuant to Municipal Code Section 8.05.070. C.1.a, the City Council shall evaluate the application and make findings in conformance with the following criteria:
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:
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(Criterion i) The resource is associated with events that have made a meaningful contribution to the nation, state, or community;
Constructed as a place of worship for the Jewish community in Palm Springs, Temple Isaiah has long served as a center for religious events, ceremonies, and activities. While the report specifically identifies a fundraising concert featuring Frank Sinatra t hat generated $4 million for the 1980s expansion, this event alone does not independently satisfy this Criterion.
Beyond its religious function, Temple Isaiah developed into an important cultural center within the community by opening its doors as a venue for concerts, community events, and early education initiatives. The temple also demonstrated an early commitment to the arts through the commissioning and display of art throughout the site.
For more than seventy -five years, Temple Isaiah has maintained a continuous presence as a religious, social, educational, and cultural center for Palm Springs. Its longstanding commitment to the local community as a gathering place reflects a broader pattern of events that has contributed in a meaningful manner to the cultural identity of the city. The site qualifies under Criterion i.
(Criterion ii) The resource is associated with the lives of persons who made a meaningful contribution to national, state or local history;
Temple Isaiah contains several notable works of art that were commissioned specifically for this site, including pieces by Yaacov Agam, Erik Ray, and Victor Ries. While Frank Sinatra’s fundraising efforts and Rabbi Joseph Hurwitz’s leadership were important to the temple’s development, they do not meet Criterion ii because there is no evidence demonstrating a direct association with the property during their most productive periods nor is the site where they lived or made their most important contributions. Criterion ii is not met.
(Criterion iii) The resource reflects or exemplifies a particular period of national, state, or local history;
Constructed and re-envisioned during the post-war period, Temple Isaiah is a distinctive resource that captures multiple periods of religious architectural development. The original 1950-1952 design reflects the postwar adoption of Modernist design principles in Palm Springs, where civic and religious buildings emphasized simple forms, minimal ornamentation, and the use of utilitarian materials. As the congregation grew, the site adapted to the changing community needs. The addition of six classrooms in the 1960s reflects the integration of educational facilities onsite.
By the 1980s, the demand for a larger space resulted in a major expansion project to accommodate larger gatherings. Rather than removing or significantly altering the configuration of the original sanctuary, a new auditorium space was constructed, and the exterior appearance of the building adopted a contemporary design expression that reflected Late Modern/Brutalist design.
While the site embodies many significant iterations of design history, the original 1950s design of the Temple is no longer visible from the exterior . Its current appearance is a Resolution No.____
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significant and distinctive example of architect David Christian’s work which exemplifies the architectural movement of the 1980s in Palm Springs. Criterion iii is met.
(Criterion iv) The resource embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, or method of construction;
In Palm Springs, Criterion iv evaluates whether a resource embodies distinctive characteristics associated with construction type, construction period, and construction methods. The construction of the temple appears to utilize conventional methods and materials. In contrast to the report’s analysis, 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;
Temple Isaiah reflects three distinct periods of architectural development in Palm Springs.
The earliest phase, designed by E. Stewar t Williams between 1950 -1952, exemplifies Mid-Century Modern architecture for a religious building. In the 1960s, the addition by Wexler and Harrison complemented the original design using similar materials and compatible massing. All three architects associated with the site are recognized as master architects whose work has had a profound impact on the field.
Today, much of the earlier design is primarily experienced from the interior. The Liberman Chapel, with the reinforced concrete beams and white oak woodwork reflects the design aesthetic of E. Stewart Williams, and the use of utilitarian materials to creat e spatial organization represents the work of Wexler and Harrison. In the 1980s, architect David Christian re -envisioned the temple with a major expansion characterized by bold geometry, sweeping curves, and a sense of monumentality. Although the stucco exterior encapsulates the original building, the report indicates the earlier structure remains intact within the new building envelope.
Christian’s redesign of Temple Isaiah represents a dramatic design shift. The building now has a sculptural quality that is associated with the Late Modern and Brutalist - influenced architecture. While the individual contributions of earlier architects are less visible externally, the overall design of the building demonstrates a high level of artistic value, and the site collectively reflects the work of master architects. Criterion v 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 has been provided on any pre-historic significance of the site.
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SECTION 2: PART “B” ANALYSIS OF HISTORIC INTEGRITY.
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 report provides an evaluation of the site relative to the seven aspects or qualities of historic integrity, as recognized by the National Register of Historic Places. The seven aspects or qualities include location, design, setting, materials, workmanship, feeling, and association. The report concludes that the site retains a high degree of integrity and is further analyzed below:
1. Location:
The Temple Isaiah at 332 West Alejo Road was constructed in the 1950s. The original building appears to still occupy the same location on site, but it is now covered by the exterior stucco finish. The site maintains its historic relationship with the surrounding landscape and context; thus, integrity of location is met.
2. Design:
The strongest design integrity is associated with the Late Modern/Brutalist period, as the original design by E. Stewart Williams and the Wexler/Harrison additions have been encapsulated and are no longer visible on the exterior. Although the interior features are not protected under the local preservation ordinance, the original sanctuary space remains largely intact and c ontinues to exemplify the design principles of its period. The later expansion, significant in its own right, is highly representative of Late Modern design. Its bold geometric forms, sculptural massing, and dramatic rooflines clearly convey the design intent of the 1980s. While the Mid- Century Modern phase has been substantially diminished externally, the property as a whole retains sufficient design integrity across multiple periods to communicate its design significance.
3. Setting:
The temple structure is surrounded by residential development to the north and east, Welwood Murray Cemetery is to the west and the O’Donnell Golf Course to the south. Based on the permit history, some stand-alone structures to the north were demolished but the overall character of the setting around the site remains similar to the conditions when it was first developed. The integrity of setting remains intact.
4. Materials:
The building materials from 1950- 1952 consists of exposed concrete blocks, steel casement windows and precast concrete slabs. Most of this material remains encapsulated except for the north elevation and the interior space that remains extant. The materials from David Christian’s design includes exterior stucco cladding, stained glass windows and clerestory glazing remain and visually unify the exterior design of the building. The integrity of material from all periods survives with an emphasis on the 1980s expansion.
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5. Workmanship:
Although the material evidence of the earlier period is largely concealed, the high quality of workmanship is evident in the interior spaces. The craft and workmanship of the 1980s period of significance dominates the exterior and shows clean finishes and well- maintained features.
The integrity of workmanship is present.
6. Feeling:
The overall scale of the building underwent a significant transformation in the 1980s, and the design went from a simple rectilinear massing to an arced volume with a dramatic roofline. The use and function of the site as a community gathering space remains the key function and identity. While the appearance of the building has changed, the integrity of feeling of the site remains intact.
7. Association:
The original purpose of the site as a space for the Jewish community of Palm Springs remains unchanged. Its evolving architectural identity also is a testament to the community it serves. The integrity of association to the community remains strong and continues to be an architectural statement.
SECTION 3: DEFINING HISTORIC CHARACTERISTICS
In considering a recommendation for historic resource designation it is important to distinguish those physical elements that are original or from the period of significance that contribute to the resource’s historic significance from alterations, additions or features that were added at a later time that may be sympathetic to the original character, but which may create a false sense of historicity. Distinguishing original character-defining features from non-original elements aids the HSPB when it is tasked with evaluating future alterations to the historic resource.
The following is a list of character-defining features identified by the City Council:
Character-defining features of the resource are as follows:
Overall Massing and Form
• Composition of canted geometric forms dominated by upswept main sanctuary volume • Two-level structure integrating basement and main level functions • Dramatically curved, upswept roofline rising toward Mt. San Jacinto • Heavy geometric massing with sloping profiles referencing Pueblo architectural traditions • Long horizontal volumes punctuated by vertical elements • Integration of sculptural roof forms with functional spatial organization
Exterior Materials and Finishes
• White stucco facade on metal studs encapsulating original Williams building • Consistent white finish unifying multiple building phases Resolution No.____
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• Long series of louvered stucco vertical fins on side elevations • Textural variation through angular planes and shadow lines • Desert-appropriate material palette emphasizing permanence and solidity
Rooflines and Roof Forms
• Dramatically curved west elevation roofline creating sculptural silhouette suggesting spiritual uplift
• Sawtooth roofline composed of triangular clerestory elements providing rhythmic modulation
• Sweeping curved roof over sanctuary as dominant architectural element • Angular fascia wrapping and integrating earlier Williams structure • Complex interplay of flat, sloped, and curved roof planes
Fenestration and Glazing
• Eighteen angular windows punctuating façades on two sides (The word chai means "life" in Hebrew, making the number 18 a powerful symbol of good luck and well-being). • Panoramic window above Bimah with 12 panes of glass representing 12 tribes of Israel • Fixed glass panels facing west in vertical fins
• Continuous band of dark-tinted recessed glazing wrapping sanctuary volume • Clerestory windows creating sophisticated natural light choreography • Strategic window placement balancing light, views, and privacy • Deep reveals and recessed glazing creating pronounced shadow lines
Landscape Integration
• White terraced retaining walls defining circulation and grade changes
Interior Spatial Organization - Main Level
• Large south lobby (Vener Reception Hall) running length of new wing • Bochner Sanctuary seating 500, expandable to 700 with adjacent Levy Hall • Levy Hall with dramatic clerestory windows framing mountain and palm tree views • Long north lobby for secondary circulation
• East lobby with adjacent professional kitchen
• Warsaw Ballroom for social and event space
• Conference room, library, and administrative offices
• Non-traditional sanctuary orientation facing west toward mountains rather than east toward Jerusalem
Interior Spatial Organization - Basement Level
• Large central multi-purpose/classroom space
• Mechanical rooms, storage rooms, warming kitchen
• Support facilities including bathrooms, janitor's room, bride's room • Efficient circulation connecting functional spaces
Interior Finishes and Details
• Color-graduated upholstery on the pews coordinated with Agam ark: muted blue at front (near bimah) transitioning through pinkish hue to red at back • Interior design by Cathleen Jones in collaboration with Yaacov Agam Resolution No.____
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• Integration of artistic elements with architectural design
Site Features and Context
• Alejo Road frontage establishing primary public identity • Service areas discreetly located
• Integration with surrounding residential neighborhood scale • Dramatic San Jacinto Mountains backdrop as designed visual element
Surviving Williams Elements (1949-1952)
Exterior:
• North elevation brick construction (now painted white) retaining textural variation • Original steel casement windows with slender Mid-Century profiles • Foundation and structural elements incorporated into Christian expansion • Precast concrete panels embedded with pink granite chips (Mo-Sai panels) with the Star of David pattern inscribed on the surface.
Interior:
• Exposed reinforced concrete beams (bents) left unpainted on ceiling and walls • Naturally finished white oak woodwork with clear lacquer on altar, choir screen, Ark, and trim
• Sandblasted and stained ceiling in soft mulberry color • Cantilevered stairs
• Small choir enclosure (seating 12) with small organ console below high windows • Single eternal light hanging from ceiling
Non-contributing elements:
• Modern mechanical equipment and rooftop installations • Updated life and safety systems (fire alarm, sprinkler, emergency lighting) • Contemporary signage not part of original Christian design • Parking lot configuration
SECTION 4: 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.
SECTION 5: CONDITIONS THAT APPLY TO HISTORIC SITES:
According to Section 8.05 of the Municipal Code, the following shall apply to a Class 1 Historic Resource:
1. It shall meet the definition of a Class 1 historic site as outlined in Municipal Code Section
8.05.020.
2. An archival file on the property shall be maintained by the City.
3. It may be qualified as ‘historic’ at the federal, state, and/or county level.
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4. The structure/site may not be modified, nor objects removed without following the procedures outlined in Municipal Code Section 8.05.110 “Demolition or Alteration of Class 1 and Class 2 Historic Resources – Certificate of Appropriateness”.
5. A marker explaining the historic nature of the site may be installed at the site in a location viewable from the public way.
6. Compliance with all rules and regulations for Historic Sites and Historic Districts under Chapter 8.05 of the Municipal Code shall be required.
7. The site shall not be further subdivided.
8. The City Clerk shall submit the Council Resolution to the County recorder for recordation within 90 days of the effective date of the Council’s resolution.
Based upon the foregoing, the City Council hereby designates Temple Isaiah located at 332 W.
Alejo Road, a Class 1 (Landmark) Historic Resource (Case HSPB #173).
ADOPTED THIS EIGHTH DAY OF JULY, 2026.
SCOTT STILES
CITY MANAGER
CITY OF PALM SPRINGS
ATTEST:
BRENDA PREE, MMC
CITY CLERK
CITY OF PALM SPRINGS
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CERTIFICATION
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE ) ss.
CITY OF PALM SPRINGS )
I, BRENDA PREE, City Clerk of the City of Palm Springs, hereby certify that Resolution No. ____ is a full, true, and correct copy, and was duly adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Palm Springs on _______________________, by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the official seal of the City of Palm Springs, California, this ______ day of ______________, _________.
BRENDA PREE, MMC
CITY CLERK
CITY OF PALM SPRINGS