CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
DATE: JULY 8, 2026 PUBLIC HEARING
SUBJECT: APPLICATION BY CHRIS KELLER, APPLICANT REPRESENTATIVE,
FOR HISTORIC SITE DESIGNATION OF THE LAURENCE HARVEY
RESIDENCE LOCATED AT 300 WEST MERITO PLACE, (APN 505-293- 005) CASE: HSPB #180 (SY)
FROM: Scott C. Stiles, City Manager
BY: Department of Planning Services
SUMMARY:
The Laurence Harvey Residence is a single-family home designed in 1964 by the architectural firm Buff and Hensman. The home is in the Old Las Palmas neighborhood but reflects Late Modern and Mid-century Modern design characteristics. Restoration work was completed in 2017 that reinstated many design elements that were previously altered. If designated as a local 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 LAURENCE HARVEY RESIDENCE AS A CLASS 1 (LANDMARK) HISTORIC RESOURCE HSPB #180, SUBJECT TO CONDITIONS (APN 505-293-005).”
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
July 8, 2026 - Page 2
Historic Designation – The Laurence Harvey Residence
Related Relevant City Actions by HSPB, Planning, Fire, Building, etc.
June 1, 2026 Site inspection by members of the HSPB and City Staff.
June 2, 2026 HSPB considered the application for designation at a public hearing recommending Class 1 designation.
Ownership Status
January, 2019 Purchased by current owners.
NORTH (FRONT) ELEVATION OF THE RESIDENCE, 2026.
WEST (REAR) ELEVATION AND SWIMMING POOL, 2026.
City Council Staff Report
July 8, 2026 - Page 3
Historic Designation – The Laurence Harvey Residence
The owners of 300 W. Merito Place commissioned a historic research report which was reviewed by the HSPB on June 2, 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 for the designation is detailed in the attached HSPB resolution and staff report dated June 2, 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 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 Harvey Residence possesses sufficient historic integrity to qualify as a Class 1 (Landmark) historic site.
During the public hearing, the Board supported the application for Class 1 Historic Site designation, based on its findings that the property met the required criteria and integrity standards. The motion carried on a 4-0 vote, with two members absent.
The Laurence Harvey 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) City Council Staff Report
July 8, 2026 - Page 4
Historic Designation – The Laurence Harvey Residence
(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:
While this action would have no direct fiscal impact, it would make the property eligible for a Mills Act contract in the future. That could reduce property tax revenue at that time, if authorized by Council. The rebate can range from 40 to 70% and that amount is based upon several factors including length of ownership, annual income of property, annual operating expenses, capitalization rate, etc. It should be noted that the Mills Act contract is one of few tools available to incentivize reinvestment into restoration and ongoing maintenance of historic resources, and that properly maintained Mills Act properties likely have a net positive effect on surrounding property values that may offset the loss in direct revenue over time.
REVIEWED BY:
Department Director: Christopher Hadwin
Assistant City Manager: Flinn Fagg
City Manager: Teresa Gallavan for Scott Stiles
ATTACHMENTS:
A. Vicinity Map.
B. Draft Resolution.
C. Application, related background materials, photos.
D. HSPB resolution, staff report, minute excerpt.