CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
DATE: JULY 8, 2026 PUBLIC HEARING
SUBJECT: APPLICATION BY ROBERT WEINSTEIN FOR HISTORIC SITE DESIGNATION OF TEMPLE ISAIAH LOCATED AT 332 WEST ALEJO
ROAD, (APN 505-313-007) CASE: HSPB #173
FROM: Scott C. Stiles, City Manager
BY: Department of Planning Services
SUMMARY:
Temple Isaiah was originally constructed in 1952 and subsequently underwent several architectural transformations resulting in its present configuration completed in 1987 by architect David Christian. Identified as a significant religious and cultural institution within the community, the site exemplifies both social and architectural history that is significant to Palm Springs. 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 TEMPLE ISAIAH AS A CLASS 1 (LANDMARK) HISTORIC RESOURCE HSPB #173, SUBJECT TO CONDITIONS (APN 505-313-007).” 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 – Temple Isaiah
Related Relevant City Actions by HSPB, Planning, Fire, Building, etc.
May 4, 2026 Site inspection by members of the HSPB and City Staff.
May 5, 2026 HSPB considered the application for designation at a public hearing recommending Class 1 designation.
Ownership Status
1951 Purchased by current owners.
SOUTH ELEVATION FROM WEST ALEJO ROAD, 2025.
SANCTUARY SPACE (LIBERMAN CHAPEL) DESIGNED BY E. STEWART WILLIAMS, 2025.
City Council Staff Report
July 8, 2026 - Page 3
Historic Designation – Temple Isaiah
The application for designation was submitted by the Board President of Temple Isaiah and the historic resources report was reviewed by the HSPB on May 5, 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 May 5, 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 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 Temple Isaiah 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.
Temple Isaiah meets the definition of a historic resource based on Criterion 1, 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 – Temple Isaiah
(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.