ATTACHMENT D
(HSPB Resolution, Report, Minutes)
HISTORIC SITE PRESERVATION BOARD
STAFF REPORT
DATE: July 7, 2026 PUBLIC HEARING
SUBJECT: APPLICATION BY PHILIP MONAGHAN , APPLICANT
REPRESENTATIVE, FOR HISTORIC SITE DESIGNATION OF THE
BURGESS RESIDENCE LOCATED AT 550 PALISADES DRIVE , (APN 513-110-043) CASE: HSPB #174 (SY)
FROM: Department of Planning Services
SUMMARY
This owner-initiated application requests a Class 1 historic designation of the residence at 550 Palisades Drive. This property was identified as a Class 3 site eligible for reclassification as a historic landmark based on its association with notable architects and its architectural significance. The site and the extant structures retain excellent design integrity with a period of significance spanning from 1957 to 1993.
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 #174, “A RESOLUTION OF
THE HISTORIC SITE PRESERVATION BOARD OF THE CITY OF PALM
SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA, RECOMMENDING THAT THE CITY COUNCIL DESIGNATE THE “BURGESS RESIDENCE” LOCATED AT 550 PALISADES DRIVE, AS A CLASS 1 (LANDMARK) HISTORIC RESOURCE, HSPB #174, (APN #513-110-043).”
BACKGROUND AND SETTING:
The Burgess Residence is located on Palisades Drive in the Historic Tennis Club neighborhood. An early tract map refers to this area as the Palm Springs Palisades. The original residence was designed by Hugh Kaptur and referred to as the “Cabana” by the owner William Burgess. In order to construct this home, the builders needed to blast into the mountainside to create a rock shelf for the building footprint and swimming pool. The residence currently consists of two separate parcels; however, the built structures are on
Historic Site Preservation Board Staff Report July 7, 2026 HSPB-174 – The Burgess Residence
the southern parcel. Subsequent additions to the site were designed by architect Albert Frey, who lived nearby in Frey House II located on the same street.
AERIAL VIEW OF THE SUBJECT PARCEL.
SOUTH ELEVATION OF PROPERTY, 2026.
Historic Site Preservation Board Staff Report July 7, 2026 HSPB-174 – The Burgess Residence
Related Relevant City Actions by HSPB, Planning, Fire, Building, etc.
July, 2026 Site inspection by members of the HSPB and City Staff.
Ownership Status
March, 2024 Purchased by the current owner.
Historic Context Statement “Post-World War II (1945-1969)”
During the post-war period, residential architecture in Palm Springs started to adopt an architectural style derived from a unique form of Modernism that adapted to the desert region. By the 1950s, a wide range of design ideas had emerged, and growing demand for housing led to the construction of both tract homes and custom-designed residences.
Architects like Hugh Kaptur and Albert Frey created distinctive, high -quality designs that reflected the principles of Desert Modernism. Excellent examples of this style of architecture clearly demonstrate the transition from indoor to outdoor living and the integration of the natural landscape with the homes.
Context: Post-World War II Palm Springs (1945-1969)
Theme: Post-World War II Single-Family Residential Development (1945-1969) Registration Requirements: To be eligible under this theme, a property must:
Date from the period of significance; and
Represent an excellent example of an architectural style 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.
Context: Architectural Styles & Local Practitioners
Theme: Modern Styles of the Post-World War II Era
Sub-theme: Mid-century Modern
Sub-theme: Expressionist
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:
A historic resources report (“the report”), a site visit, and city documents and forms are the basis of this staff report.
550 Palisades Drive is a custom designed single-family home on a 1-acre lot. In 1957 before he became a licensed architect, Hugh Kaptur designed the original home in the Historic Site Preservation Board Staff Report July 7, 2026 HSPB-174 – The Burgess Residence
Mid-century Modern style. Architect Albert Frey designed additions to the existing home and the terrace on the southeast corner in 1967, then from 1978 to 1993, he designed the detached carport and guesthouse. The site has been well maintained and certain features like the roofline fascia on the southern elevation w ere restored to its original design.
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:
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:
The following is an analysis of the Criterion and integrity findings for historic designation.
(Criterion i) The resource is associated with events that have made a meaningful contribution to the nation, state or community;
Historic Site Preservation Board Staff Report July 7, 2026 HSPB-174 – The Burgess Residence
The report did not find any events or series of meaningful events associated with this site, therefore, the property does not qualify 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;
The detailed chain of title for 55 0 Palisades Drive shows the Burgess Family owned the property for nearly 41 years before selling it to the Meyerman Family in 1998. The current owners acquired the property in 2024. William and Clara Burgess were active community members in both Palm Springs and Pasadena and were primarily responsible for the design and development of the site.
Following their retirement, t he Meyerman s moved to Palm Springs and became instrumental members on the Palm Springs Art Museum Board of Trustees. Their leadership and philanthropic endeavors played a significant role in growing the museum’s endowment. While both the Burgess and Meyerman families made meaningful contributions to the community, the research does not support a direct association between those contributions and the property itself. Criterion ii is not met.
(Criterion iii) The resource reflects or exemplifies a particular period of national, state or local history;
The Burgess Residence is a unique property that exhibits the progress of architecture and design in Palm Springs. Two highly notable architects who have influenced both local history and the field of architecture are represented on this site.
The initial design by Kaptur was a 1,200-square-foot home, post-and-beam style home with a low profile and simple tongue-and-groove cladding on the underside of the roof overhang. The site was also conducive for incorporating rock walls as part of the design.
The Burgess Residence is considered an early example of Kaptur’s residential work in the Mid-century Modern style. Albert Frey added to the existing home and continued to design additions to the site starting in 1968. Initially, additions were designed in the same style as the existing home, then Frey started to introduce design ideas associated with a more Expressionist form of design that used abstracted forms and innovative building materials. This is seen in his later contributions to the site such as the carport structure, sun shades, and the detached guest house.
Both architects reflect the post-war period with their innovative designs that build on the Modernist framework for spatial organization but forge their own path when it comes to site design and the integration of new materials. The Burgess Residence reflects the progression of design at the national and local level; thus, Criterion iii is met.
(Criterion iv) The resource embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period or method of construction;
Palm Springs evaluates criterion iv as a distinctive characteristic associated with construction type, construction period, and construction methods. The initial design of the Historic Site Preservation Board Staff Report July 7, 2026 HSPB-174 – The Burgess Residence
home appears to u se conventional post-and-beam methods of construction, but in the Frey designed portions of the home, particularly the guest house, a reflective mirror cladding is utilized. The report credits Kevin Roche for developing “mirrored glass” as a cladding material for buildings starting in the 1950s. Mirrored glass is seen prominently on the Frey additions, particularly the guest house which was completed in 1993. While the material itself is new to the site, this material would not be considered a distinctive material for that period since it has been around since the 1950s. Unlike the findings in the historic resources report, staff finds that the evidence provided in the report does not substantiate this criterion. 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;
550 Palisades Drive was designed by Hugh Kaptur near the start of his career in Palm Springs. Hired by builder Joseph Pawling, Kaptur completed the conceptual design of the home for William Burgess. Although his design was somewhat modified and expanded, the post-and-beam design and the use of glazing and the integration of the site are all qualities of his design that are seen throughout his body of work. His influence on the field of architecture includes commercial, civic , and various housing- related projects. The following are Kaptur projects that are currently listed on the local inventory of historic places: Tahquitz Creek Golf Course Clubhouse (HSPB #149) , Tahquitz Plaza (HSPB #97), and the Steve McQueen Residence (HSPB #108).
Architect Albert Frey began work on the Burgess Residence in 1967 by designing an expansion to the existing home. He continued the design language initiated by Kaptur, but some original features were removed. Frey studied under Le Corbusier in Europe before moving to the United States in 1928. He quickly found himself in Palm Springs and worked on numerous projects throughout the city including the Kocher -Samson building (HSPB # 79), Tramway Gas Station ( HSPB #37), Raymond Loewy Residence (HSPB #33C), and Palm Springs City Hall (HSPB #33D). The influence of his work is clearly visible in the built environment of Palm Springs and in the academic realms of architecture, internationally.
Both Kaptur and Frey are influential architects of this period, and the genius of their work continues to inspire generations of designers. The Burgess Residence is an expression of their high artistic value. 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.
Historic Site Preservation Board Staff Report July 7, 2026 HSPB-174 – The Burgess Residence
No information is available on any pre-historic significance of the site. Criterion vii is not met.
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 Burgess Residence is evaluated based on the following topics of integrity based on the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards:
Location.
The original home and all subsequent additions are in the same location from when they were first constructed. Integrity of location is met.
Design.
Hugh Kaptur designed a simple building with a V-shaped footprint that tucked into the mountains and was accessed by a stone staircase with 50 steps up the side of the mountain. The natural rocks were stacked on two walls, which were later removed and replaced with glazing, and the fenestration was organized in 8’ x 8’ modules. The 15’ x 30’ swimming pool was located to the south of the home, and deep cantilevered overhangs ran along the south elevation. The low-profile post-and-beam design of the home was a clear representation of Mid- century Moder n design using conventional construction methods and materials.
William Burgess worked with Albert Frey on subsequent additions to the residence by expanding the floor area and replacing the original glazing with a more reflective glass .
Similar to Frey House II, existing rock formations were included in the interior spaces, and an arched balustrade was built out of rocks to create new patios and pathways on the site. In 1978, Frey began designing sunshades, gazebos, a garage, and a detached guesthouse using a different style of design. These features departed from the Mid- century Modern design of the original home and reflected a more Expressionist approach.
Arched roof supports, black steel beams and stretched canvas material were used to create these forms and the fenestration on the structures were mirrored glass. Rocks from the site are still incorporated into the design but this period of design expression by Frey is considered more stylistic and expressive. The overall design integrity spanning two different architects remains intact.
Setting.
The Palm Springs Palisades Tract was intended to develop single- family homes with nearly panoramic views of Palm Springs. The home was designed to fit into the mountainside and incorporate natural elements of the desert setting into the home. The landscape features and the carved cliffside remain key features of the home. The integrity of setting is retained.
Historic Site Preservation Board Staff Report July 7, 2026 HSPB-174 – The Burgess Residence
Materials.
The home was built using conventional post -and-beam construction. Steel, wood, clear glazing and mirrored glazing are utilized. Simple c oncrete decking and arched rock balustrades are seen from a distance. The Frey designed sunshades use stretched canvas and square steel posts. The property retains integrity of materials.
Workmanship.
As a custom -designed residence on a steep site, the property required specialized site preparation, engineering, and skilled craftsmanship. The materials used for the home are fabricated and assembled to express their natural qualities, and the clean lines require precision in execution during construction. The stonework was completed by a well- known stone mason, and the thoughtful integration of all site elements including the stone pathways, outdoor seating areas, and shade structures demonstrate exceptional workmanship and attention to detail. The integrity of workmanship is intact.
Feeling.
The integrity of feeling is retained on the site because the integrity of design, setting, and materials reflect the architectural features of the post-war period in Palm Springs, and the surrounding natural landscape remains intact.
Association.
The Burgess Residence retains its association with architect Hugh Kaptur while also strongly reflecting the contributions of architect Albert Frey. Frey’s additions complement Kaptur’s original design and add to the property’s architectural significance by incorporating his distinctive approach. The property retains integrity of association.
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 from alterations, additions or features that were added later . Distinguishing original character-defining features from non-original elements assists the HSPB when it is tasked with evaluating future alterations to the historic resource.
Character-defining features on page 47 of the historic resources report and the staff analysis of important features are listed as follows:
Hugh Kaptur – Original design of home (1957) and Albert Frey – Additions (1967-1974) • Flat roofline with 8’ ceilings throughout
• Square steel post-and-beam construction
• Floor-to-ceiling fixed glass and aluminum frame sliding doors • Minimalism as expressed through clean lines and the geometry of the 8’ x 8’ bays • Lack of ornamentation
• A swimming pool sited in front of the house as a central feature • Site integration as expressed by the stone masonry that surrounds the house as Historic Site Preservation Board Staff Report July 7, 2026 HSPB-174 – The Burgess Residence
well as its close proximity to the hillside
• Building around boulders that function as room dividers, as in Frey II • Glazing that is cut around interior/exterior boulders, as in Frey II • Indoor-outdoor living spaces through the extensive use of glass sliding doors and exterior features such as patios and dining areas
• Open floor plan that allows the kitchen and living areas to flow through glass sliding doors to the exterior patios
• 8’ deep cantilevered overhangs to provide shade from the sun • Simple tongue-and-groove board clad under the overhangs • The house’s orientation towards the south and the east and the use of glass capitalizes on the views of the valley
• V-shaped floorplan of the original floorplan of the home
Albert Frey Additions (1978-1993)
• The black steel framework with its repetitive pattern is present in the sunshades, the carport, garage and guest house, creating further repetition • The use of white in the enamel steel structures and canvas coverings provides contrast with the black steel frameworks, which in turn, amplifies the patterns • The exterior use of mirror cladding and reflective glass glazing conceals where the windows are actually located, creating a paradox of ambiguity • The sunshades, carport and garage are symmetrical in plan, in a departure from the plan of the original house, which is asymmetrical
• The rooflines are all arched in a rolling barrel vault arrangement, rather than the flat Mid-century Modern style
• The ceiling heights are taller than 8’ and vary due to the arched rooflines • The effect is Late Modern Expressionist, rather than the rational Mid- century Modern International Style
• The roofline’s curved shapes in the guest house and garage are exaggerated gestures that increase the perceived size of the structure • The roof overhang framework is reflected in the mirrored wall surfaces, further blurring the distinctions between walls, windows and rooflines • Arched rock balustrades built by Olaf Engum.
• Stone paved pathways, stairs and built-in exterior furniture designed by Frey
Non-contributing elements:
• The 1957 Hugh Kaptur design incorporated rock walls that were replaced by fixed glass panels in the 1967 Albert Frey alterations
• The roofline fascia on the southern elevation of the house, designed by Hugh Kaptur, was a simple painted wood trim board; at some point, this was replaced with an arched motif with a black painted design; no drawings exist for this change in the Albert Fr ey archives; it is assumed that the owner, William Burgess made this change. (The current owners removed this detail to restore the fascia to the Kaptur design and wrapped it around the roofline on three elevations.) • A spa was added to the pool deck in front of the house at some point; no permit or drawing can be found for this addition
Historic Site Preservation Board Staff Report July 7, 2026 HSPB-174 – The Burgess Residence
• The “Grandchildren’s Room” and an extension of the living room do not have plans, but do have permits; they are thought to have been built by the owner and a contractor in 1974, therefore not the work of Frey
• Rooftop mounted HVAC equipment and spray foam finish
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 Burgess Residence i s a resource in excellent condition that is associated with significant individuals and reflects its period of significance and meets Criteria iii and v; therefore, staff recommends Class 1 d esignation which recognizes the site as a local historic landmark.
PREPARED BY: Sarah Yoon, Associate Planner/Historic Preservation Officer REVIEWED BY: Christopher Hadwin, Director of Planning Services
Attachments:
A. Vicinity Map.
B. Draft Resolution.
C. A pplication.
D. Public Comment.
EXCERPTS OF MINUTES
At the Historic Site Preservation Board meeting of the City of Palm Springs, held July 7, 2026, the Historic Site Preservation Board took the following action:
2A. AN APPLICATION BY PHILIP MONAGHAN, APPLICANT
REPRESENTATIVE, FOR HISTORIC SITE DESIGNATION OF THE
BURGESS RESIDENCE LOCATED AT 550 PALISADES DRIVE, (APN# 513-110-043) CASE: HSPB #174, (SY).
Historic Preservation Officer Yoon presented the staff report and answered questions of the board.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
James Crump (owner) provided details about the property and expressed his support in requesting historic status for the site.
Brad Dunning described his interactions with Albert Frey and the original owners of the home with his support to designate the stie a historic site.
Mark Ostoich spoke in support of the nomination.
Motion by Member Herr, seconded by Member Hyams to adopt the draft resolution HSPB #174, that the City Council designate the Burgess Residence as a historic Class 1 historic landmark site. This action is not a project pursuant to CEQA.
AYES: Bachman, Herr, Paonessa, McCready, Yarchever, Hyams, Maschka Hitchcock.
NOES: None.