CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
DATE: SEPTEMBER 30, 2026 PUBLIC HEARING
SUBJECT: APPLICATION BY THE RHONDA SASSOON REVOCABLE TRUST FOR HISTORIC SITE DESIGNATION OF “THE BURGESS RESIDENCE”
LOCATED AT 550 PALISADES DRIVE, (APN 513-110-043) CASE: HSPB #174
FROM: Scott C. Stiles, City Manager
BY: Department of Planning Services
SUMMARY:
The Burgess Residence is a single-family home located in the Historic Tennis Club neighborhood. Originally designed by architect Hugh Kaptur for William Burgess, the property was later expanded through various additions designed by Albert Frey. This home is an exceptional representation of Desert Modernism that demonstrates the integration of the natural landscape with the home. 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 Resolution No. _____, “A RESOLUTION OF
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA, DESIGNATING THE BURGESS RESIDENCE AS A CLASS 1 (LANDMARK) HISTORIC RESOURCE HSPB #174, SUBJECT TO CONDITIONS (APN 513-110- 043).”
BACKGROUND:
The attached historic resources report, prepared by Philip Monaghan (“the report”), and site visits are the basis of this staff report.
City Council Staff Report
September 30, 2026 -- Page 2
Historic Designation – The Burgess Residence
Related Relevant City Actions by HSPB, Planning, Fire, Building, etc.
July 6, 2026 Site inspection by members of the HSPB and City Staff.
July 7, 2026 HSPB considered the application for designation at a public hearing recommending Class 1 designation.
Ownership Status
March, 2024 Purchased by current owners.
OVERVIEW OF PROPERTY, 2026.
SOUTH ELEVATION OF 550 PALISADES DRIVE, 2025.
City Council Staff Report
September 30, 2026 -- Page 3
Historic Designation – The Burgess Residence
The owner of 550 Palisades Drive initiated the historic research for this site and restored key features of the home. The application for historic designation was reviewed by the HSPB on July 7, 2026. Based on the analysis provided in the report and in 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 July 7, 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 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 Burgess Residence possesses sufficient historic integrity to qualify as a Class 1 (Landmark) historic site.
During the public hearing, the Board expressed their support of the application for Class 1 designation based on the criteria and integrity findings with a 7-0 vote.
The Burgess Residence meets the definition of a historic resource based on Criterion 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) (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.
City Council Staff Report
September 30, 2026 -- Page 4
Historic Designation – The Burgess Residence
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 Riverside County Tax Assessor 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. Council would evaluate the merits of any Mills Act contract application at such time that one is sought.
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.
E. Public Comments.