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40267 Club View Drive
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ATTACHMENT 1
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Planning Division
69-825 Highway 111
Rancho Mirage, CA 92270
Phone 760/328-2266
P U B L I C H E A R I N G N O T I C E
CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
Thursday, July 6, 2023 – 1:00 p.m.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION CASE NO. HP23-0002
Applicant: William J. Kennelly
Request: Designation of the residence located at 40267 Club View Drive for placement on the City of Rancho Mirage Register of Historic Resources as a structure important to the cultural, archaeological, social, economic, architectural, and/or political history of Rancho Mirage for the purpose of encouraging the preservation, improvement and/or promotion of such structure.
Location: 40267 Club View Drive (APN: 684-034-008)
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Public Hearing will be held before the City of Rancho Mirage CITY COUNCIL RE: consideration of the above referenced application pursuant to Rancho Mirage Municipal Code Title 15, Chapter 15.27 “Historic Preservation Program” under the “Buildings and Construction” Section. This project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15331 Class 31 (Historical Resource Restoration/Rehabilitation).
The Public Hearing will be held on Thursday, July 6, 2023, at 1:00 p.m., in the Council Chamber, 69-825 Highway 111, Rancho Mirage, California, at which time and place pertinent testimony will be heard. The file, including all environmental information, is available for public inspection at City Hall, Monday through Friday, between 8 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
Written testimony may be submitted to the City Clerk via email to [email protected], or mailed to City of Rancho Mirage, ATTN: City Clerk, 69- 825 Highway 111, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270. Written testimony must be received no later than 10:00 a.m. on the day of the meeting to be considered by the City Council.
GOVERNMENT CODE § 65009 NOTICE: If you challenge this proposed activity in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the Public Hearing described in this notice, or in written correspondence delivered to the City Council sufficiently prior to the Public Hearing to enable its consideration by them.
ATTACHMENT 2
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RECORDING REQUESTED BY
AND WHEN RECORDED MAIL TO:
City of Rancho Mirage
Attn: City Clerk
69-825 Highway 111
Rancho Mirage, California 92270
APN: 684-034-008
(SPACE ABOVE THIS LINE RESERVED FOR RECORDER’S USE)
(Exempt from recording fees pursuant to Government Code Sections 6103 and 27383) RESOLUTION NO. ____
ATTACHMENT 3
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RESOLUTION NO. ________
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO
MIRAGE DESIGNATING THE RESIDENTIAL HOME LOCATED AT
40267 CLUB VIEW DRIVE, RANCHO MIRAGE, CALIFORNIA
(ASSESSOR PARCEL NUMBER 684-034-008) A HISTORIC RESOURCE
WHEREAS, pursuant to Rancho Mirage Municipal Code (“RMMC”) Section
15.27.050 “Historic resource – Nominations,” the Rancho Mirage Historic Preservation Commission (“Commission”), after an open public meeting, caused the issuance of a written recommendation in support of the designation of the house (“Subject Property”) located at 40267 Club View Drive, Rancho Mirage, California (Assessor Parcel Number 684-034-008) as a Historic Resource; and
WHEREAS, the Subject Property is owned by William J. Kennelly and has a legal description of .41 Acres Lot 9 MB 024/042 Thunderbird Country Club Estates Unit 2, Rancho Mirage; and
WHEREAS, the Commission determined that the Subject Property meets the requisite criteria set forth in RMMC Section 15.27.070 “Historic resource – Criteria” to qualify as a designated Historic Resource; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to RMMC Section 15.27.050 “Historic resource – Nominations,” the Rancho Mirage City Council considered the Commission’s recommendation at a duly noticed public hearing.
NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved by the City Council of the City of Rancho Mirage as follows:
Section 1. Recitals.
That the recitals set forth above are true and correct.
Section 2. Historic Resource Designation.
That the house located at 40267 Club View Drive, Rancho Mirage, California (Assessor Parcel Number 684-034-008) is hereby designated as a Historic Resource, subject to all of the applicable provisions set forth in RMMC Chapter 15.27 “Historic Preservation Program,” attached hereto and incorporated herein by this reference as Exhibit “A,” as such provisions may be subsequently amended from time to time.
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Section 3. Severability.
That the City Council declares that, should any provision, section, paragraph, sentence or word of this Resolution be rendered or declared invalid by any final court action in a court of competent jurisdiction or by reason of any preemptive legislation, the remaining provisions, sections, paragraphs, sentences or words of this Resolution as hereby adopted shall remain in full force and effect.
Section 4. Repeal of Conflicting Provisions.
That all the provisions heretofore adopted by the City or the City Council that are in conflict with the provisions of this Resolution are hereby repealed.
Section 5. Effective Date.
That this Resolution shall take effect upon its adoption.
Section 6. Certification.
That the City Clerk shall certify as to the adoption of this Resolution and shall cause the same to be processed in the manner required by law.
Section 7. Recordation.
That the City Clerk, pursuant to RMMC Section 15.27.050J, record this Resolution with the Riverside County Recorder’s Office.
[THE REMAINDER OF THIS PAGE LEFT INTENTIONALLY BLANK]
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PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 6th day of July 2023.
_______________________________
Richard W. Kite, Mayor
ATTEST:
_______________________________
Kristie Ramos, CMC, City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Steven B. Quintanilla, City Attorney
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EXHIBIT “A”
Rancho Mirage Municipal Code
Chapter 15.27 “Historic Preservation Program”
See Attached
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Rancho Mirage, California Municipal Code
Title 15 BUILDINGS AND CONSTRUCTION
Chapter 15.27 HISTORIC PRESERVATION PROGRAM
15.27.010 Intent.
15.27.020 Definitions.
15.27.030 Tax abatement incentive—Contracts.
15.27.040 Survey/inventory—Historic structures and sites.
15.27.050 Historic resource—Nominations.
15.27.060 Nomination—Pending building permit applications.
15.27.070 Historic resource—Criteria.
15.27.080 Tolling.
15.27.090 Historic resource—Regulations.
15.27.100 Historic resource—Maintenance.
15.27.110 Historic district.
15.27.120 Building permit applications—Minor alterations.
15.27.130 Building permit applications—Major alterations.
15.27.140 Building permit applications—Demolition.
15.27.145 Reservation land—Tribal consent required.
15.27.150 Enforcement.
15.27.010 Intent.
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The intent of this chapter is to provide a mechanism for identifying certain structures, sites and districts which represent eras, events, or persons important in the city’s cultural, archaeological, social, economic, architectural, and/or political history for the purpose of encouraging the preservation, improvement and/or promotion of such structures and sites without forcing private property owners to sell their properties through the use of the city’s power of eminent domain. (Ord. 1119 § 2, 2017; Ord. 943 § 2, 2006; Ord. 833 § 4, 2003)
15.27.020 Definitions.
“Architectural” means the architectural elements embodying style, design, general arrangements and components of all of the outer surfaces of any improvements, including, but not limited to, the kind, color and texture of the building materials and the style and type of all windows, doors, lights, signs, and other fixtures appurtenant to a structure.
“Demolition” means the destruction or removal of a structure or parts of a structure substantially equivalent to the whole.
“Exterior alteration” means any modification to the exterior of a structure for which a building permit is required.
“Feasible” means capable of being accomplished in a successful manner within a reasonable period of time taking into account economic, environmental, legal, social and technological factors. “Historic preservation commission” means the historic preservation commission described in Chapter
2.34. “Historic resource” means a site, improvement, appurtenance, natural feature or other object that has been designated as such pursuant to this chapter, including those found to qualify for listing in the National Register of Historic Places.
“Interior alteration” means any modification to the interior structure for which a building permit is required.
“Major alterations” means a modification of any architectural feature(s) or natural feature(s) of a historic resource that will have a substantial effect on the defining features or character such as adding to an existing structure, constructing a new structure, changing exterior building materials, modifying the grade or topography.
“Minor alteration” means a modification of any architectural feature(s) or natural feature(s) that will have a minimum effect on the defining character and/or architectural style of a historic resource. “Reservation” shall mean the Indian lands as defined by the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act of 1988 (P.L. 100-497, codified at 25 U.S.C. Section 2701 et seq., and 18 U.S.C. Sections 1166 through 1168) (IGRA), and any successor statute or amendments, or lands otherwise held in trust for the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians Tribe by the United States within the jurisdictional boundaries of the city of Rancho Mirage.
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“Site” means the geographic location and its environs, of any proposed or currently designated historic resource that is under the prospective or current review and consideration pursuant to the provisions set forth in this chapter by staff, the historic preservation commission or the city council. (Ord. 1119 § 2, 2017; Ord. 833 § 4, 2003)
15.27.030 Tax abatement incentive—Contracts.
The city may enter into Mills Act contracts, as set forth in California Government Code Section 50280 et seq., with a property owner or association of property owners, as may be permitted under the Mills Act, to abate (reduce) the taxes on the property under their respective control that has been designated a historic resource or historic district in return for the owner’s or owners’ association’s binding commitment to maintain the physical integrity and character of the historic resource or historic district in a manner consistent with state law and the provisions set forth in this chapter. (Ord. 1119 § 2, 2017; Ord. 943 § 2, 2006; Ord. 833 § 4, 2003)
15.27.040 Survey/inventory—Historic structures and sites.
A. The city shall maintain a survey and/or inventory of those structures and sites within the city which: (1) represent an era, event, or person important in the city’s cultural, archaeological, social, economic, architectural, and/or political history; and (2) those structures and sites that potentially qualify to be placed or have been placed on the National Register of Historic Places.
B. The survey and/or inventory and any amendments thereto shall include appropriate written findings and photographs or other visual depictions of the subject structure or site which demonstrate that the structure or site does in fact represent an era, event, or person important in the city’s cultural, archaeological, social, economic, architectural, and/or political history.
C. Any survey and/or inventory prepared or amended pursuant to this section shall be presented to the historic preservation commission for its review and recommendation to the city council.
D. The city council shall conduct a duly noticed public hearing to determine which structures and sites should be added to or removed from the survey or inventory and which contained therein shall be deemed historic resources for purposes of this chapter. The city shall provide notice of the city council public hearing pursuant to Section 17.74.020(B) of this code.
E. The city council’s decision shall be memorialized by a written resolution of the city council.
F. If the city council’s decision does not involve a remand to the historic preservation commission, then it shall be deemed a final decision that is not subject to any further administrative review by the city. (Ord. 1119 § 2, 2017; Ord. 833 § 4, 2003)
15.27.050 Historic resource—Nominations.
A. The city council or the city manager, or designee, may nominate any structure or site to be a historic resource pursuant to the criteria set forth in this chapter. 6-13
B. Any city resident may submit an application to the city manager or designee to nominate a non- owned structure or site as a historic resource that is not listed on the city’s survey/inventory, provided that the nomination application is submitted with a bona fide historical analysis or report prepared by a qualified historic preservation professional retained by the nomination applicant at his or her own expense that demonstrates the nominated structure or site qualifies to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The application must be submitted with the payment of an application fee in the amount set by resolution of the city council which shall be refunded if the nominated structure or site is approved as a historic resource by the city council.
C. Within ten days after the city or a non-owner’s nomination application is deemed complete, the city shall provide written notice to the record owner of the nomination of the subject structure or site. Said notice shall include: (a) whether the owner(s) consents or objects to the nomination; (b) an explanation of the nomination process; (c) the criteria that will be considered by the city when considering the nomination; and (d) an explanation of the rights and benefits afforded to the owner of a city-designated historic resource, subject to the following:
1. The record owner of a nominated site or structure shall have up to fifteen days of receipt of the nomination notice to inform the city in writing of whether the owner consents or objects to the nomination. Failure to respond within the designated time period shall be deemed as consent to the nomination.
2. Nominated structures or sites which do not have the record owner’s consent shall be treated as follows:
a. If the city manager or designee determines that the nominated structure or site qualifies for listing in the National Register of Historic Places, the owner’s consent is not required, and the nomination shall be presented to the historic preservation commission for its review and consideration pursuant to the procedures set forth in this chapter.
b. If the city manager or designee determines that within five years of the date of the nomination the nominated structure or site will be at least fifty years old and meet the criteria for listing in the National Register of Historic Places, the owner’s consent is not required and the nomination shall be presented to the historic preservation commission for its review and consideration pursuant to the procedures set forth in this chapter.
D. A property owner may submit a nomination application to the city manager or designee for a structure or site owned by the property owner. If the subject structure or site is not listed on the city’s survey/inventory, then the application must include a bona fide historical analysis or report prepared by a qualified historic preservation professional retained by the property owner at his or her own expense that demonstrates the nominated structure or site qualifies as a historic resource pursuant to the criteria set forth in this chapter. The application must be submitted with the payment of an application fee in the amount set by resolution of the city council which shall be refunded if the nominated structure or site is approved as a historic resource by the city council.
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E. If the city manager or designee determines that the structure or site does not qualify for listing in the National Register of Historic Places, and the owner objects to the nomination, no further action shall be taken on the nomination.
F. If the city manager or designee determines that a nomination warrants being processed pursuant to the provisions of this chapter, each member of the historic preservation commission shall be required to visit or view the location of the nominated structure or site at the time and in the manner established by the city manager or designee.
G. After each member of the historic preservation commission visits or views the location of the nominated structure or site, the historic preservation commission shall review and consider the nomination application pursuant the terms and criteria set forth in this chapter in an open public meeting.
This meeting shall be scheduled within thirty days after the nomination application has been deemed complete.
H. If the historic preservation commission finds and determines that the nominated structure or site does not qualify for listing in the National Register of Historic Places at the current time or within five years of the date of the nomination, the nomination shall proceed no further unless such a determination is appealed to the city council with the owner’s consent, subject to payment of the requisite appeal fee as set forth by city council resolution. An appeal filed by the property owner shall be processed without an appeal fee.
I. If the historic preservation commission finds and determines that the nominated structure or site qualifies as a historic resource pursuant to the terms and criteria of this chapter, the nomination shall be presented to the city council in the context of a duly noticed public hearing with the written recommendation of the historic preservation commission.
J. If the city council finds and determines after a duly noticed public hearing that the nominated structure or site qualifies as a historic resource pursuant to the terms and criteria of this chapter, the city council shall memorialize its action by a written resolution of the city council, which shall be duly recorded by the city clerk with the Riverside County recorder’s office.
K. If the city council’s action does not involve a remand to the historic preservation commission, then its action shall be deemed a final decision that is not subject to any further administrative or appellate review by the city.
L. In the event the city council decides to designate a nominated structure or site a historic resource pursuant to this chapter, the city shall notify the owner(s) of such designation via certified mail return receipt requested within ten days of the city council’s final decision.
M. Following designation of a property as a historic resource by the city council, the property owner shall be offered a historic resource plaque for placement at the location of the historic resource. In no case shall any historic resource plaque be placed on private property without the record owner’s or owners’ written consent.
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N. Following designation of a property as a historic resource by the city council, the property owner shall be offered an opportunity to participate in the Mills Act Property Tax Abatement Program. (Ord. 1119 § 2, 2017; Ord. 998 § 1, 2010; Ord. 833 § 4, 2003)
15.27.060 Nomination—Pending building permit applications.
A. No building permit shall be issued for major alteration or modification, construction, or demolition regarding any nominated structure or site while the nomination is pending review by the historic preservation commission and/or the city council, unless it is to prevent an undue hardship or to comply with an applicable law or ordinance or the city’s chief building official or fire marshal determines in writing that certain facts and circumstances exist that require the issuance of a permit in order to prevent or abate an immediate threat to public health and safety.
B. In no event shall any building permit be withheld under this section for a period exceeding ninety days. This subsection shall not apply to any minor alteration, major alteration or demolition building permit application pending appeal before the city council at the time of the effective date of the ordinance codified in this chapter. (Ord. 1119 § 2, 2017; Ord. 833 § 4, 2003)
15.27.070 Historic resource—Criteria.
A. The city may determine whether a particular structure or site qualifies for listing with the National Register of Historic Places upon a finding that the structure or site is at least fifty years of age and the following criteria are met:
1. The quality of significance in American history, architecture, archeology, engineering, and cultures is present in sites, buildings, structures and objects that possess integrity of location, design, setting, materials, workmanship, feeling, and association; and
2. That are associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of our history; or
3. That are associated with the lives of persons significant in our past; or
4. That embody the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, or method of construction, or that represent the work of a master, or that possess high artistic values, or that represent a significant and distinguishable entity whose components may lack individual distinction; or
5. That have yielded or may be likely to yield, information important in prehistory or history.
6. In determining whether a particular structure or site qualifies for listing with the National Register of Historic Places, the city manager or designee, the historic preservation commission and the city council may consider as probative any bona fide historical analysis, report, survey or inventory prepared by a qualified historic preservation professional.
B. The city may find a particular structure or site to be a historic resource upon finding that one or more of the following criteria are met:
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1. The subject structure or site is representative of a particular architectural style or reflects special elements of a historical period, type, style or way of life important to the city;
2. The subject structure or site is associated with a business or use which was once common but is now rare or non-existent within the city;
3. The subject structure or site is representative of the evolution or development or associated with the cultural, religious, educational, political, social or economic growth of the city, county, state or nation;
4. The subject structure or site represents the work of a master builder, engineer, designer, artist or architect whose individual genius influenced an era;
5. The subject structure or site signifies an historic event or is associated with persons or events that have made a meaningful contribution to the city, state or nation;
6. The subject structure or site has a high potential for yielding information or archaeological interest;
7. The subject structure or site embodies elements of outstanding or innovative attention to architectural or engineering design, detail, craftsmanship or use of materials; or
8. The subject site contains an unusual natural feature.
C. In the absence of a showing that a famous or well-known individual has made significant contributions to the city, state or nation, a former residence of such famous or well-known individual should not qualify as a historic resource, unless the structure itself qualifies under the criteria set forth in this section.
D. A structure or site may qualify as a historic resource upon a finding that facts and circumstances exist that meet the criteria for placing the structure or site on the National Register of Historic Places and/or the California Register of Historical Places. (Ord. 1119 § 2, 2017; Ord. 833 § 4, 2003)
15.27.080 Tolling.
The time requirements set forth in this chapter shall automatically be tolled during the course of any public hearing conducted pursuant to this chapter. (Ord. 1119 § 2, 2017; Ord. 833 § 4, 2003)
15.27.090 Historic resource—Regulations.
All historic resources shall be subject to the regulations set forth in this chapter and any amendments to it. (Ord. 1119 § 2, 2017; Ord. 833 § 4, 2003)
15.27.100 Historic resource—Maintenance.
The owner of a historic resource shall keep and maintain a historic resource consistent with all applicable standards and regulations set forth in this code. (Ord. 1119 § 2, 2017; Ord. 833 § 4, 2003) 6-17
15.27.110 Historic district.
A. The city council on its own or at the recommendation of the commission may without the owner’s consent designate any defined geographic area within the city a historic district provided that the city council determines that the structures or sites within the proposed historic district share a similar history, related significance and common architectural identity with one another. Absent the owners’ consent, the city shall not impose any special standards upon the maintenance, preservation or rehabilitation of any of the structures or sites situated within such a designated district.
B. If a majority of the total number of structures within a defined geographic area have been deemed to be historic resources pursuant to this chapter and a majority of the property owners within the defined geographic area provide their written consent, then that area may be designated a historic district at the request of the subject property owners or their bona fide representative(s), provided that the city council determines that the structures within the proposed historic district share a similar history, related significance and common architectural identity with one another and a majority of the subject property owners agree to adopt special standards via recordable conditions, covenants, restrictions or any other similar recordable instruments relating to the preservation and/or rehabilitation of the common areas that have been identified by the city to contribute to the overall integrity or character of the proposed historic district. Any request submitted for historic district designation by the owners or on behalf of the owners shall be presented to the city manager or designee for the historic preservation commission’s review and recommendation to the city council. (Ord. 1119 § 2, 2017; Ord. 943 § 2, 2006)
15.27.120 Building permit applications—Minor alterations.
A. Building permit applications for minor alterations, as that term is described in this chapter, to the exterior of a historic resource or a structure under consideration by the historic preservation commission or city council for designation as a historic resource, shall be submitted on a form prescribed by the city to the city manager or designee for his or her review.
B. Upon receipt of a complete application which shall include the payment of the requisite application fee, the city manager or designee shall commence review of the subject application to determine whether the requested alteration may result in a modification of an architectural feature(s) or natural feature(s) that will have a detrimental effect on the defining character and/or architectural style of the exterior of the subject historic resource or one currently in the nomination process. 6-18
C. If the city manager or designee determines that the requested alteration will detrimentally affect a defining character and/or architectural style of the exterior of the subject historic resource, or one within the nomination process, then the city manager or designee may order up to a twenty-one-day stay on further processing of the subject permit application unless it is to prevent an undue hardship or to comply with an applicable law or ordinance or the city’s chief building official or fire marshal determines in writing that certain facts and circumstances exist that require the issuance of the permit in order to prevent or abate an immediate threat to public health and safety. The stay order shall not prevent or preclude the issuance of any other permits the chief building official or fire marshal have determined in writing are necessary to mitigate or abate a situation that poses an immediate threat to public health and safety.
D. During any such stay ordered by the city manager or designee, the city manager or designee in consultation with the historic preservation commission may recommend to the applicant feasible alternatives to the proposed alteration which may include, but are not limited to: (1) relocation; (2) remodeling; (3) transfer of ownership; (4) financial assistance from the city or other public agencies; (5) financial assistance from private organizations; (6) change in use; (7) change in design; (8) consultation with an architect paid for by the city or other public agency; (9) change in configuration of uses; (10) change in intensity of uses; (11) entering into a Mills Act contract with the city, and any other alternatives not precluded by law.
E. If the applicant declines the alternatives recommended by the city manager or designee, the applicant may then appeal the city manager or designee’s recommendation to the city council.
F. Within twenty-one days after receipt of the appeal, the city council shall conduct a noticed public hearing on the appeal. The city shall provide notice of the appeal hearing pursuant to Section
17.74.020(B) of this code.
G. The city council may extend the stay period an additional twenty-one days for further consideration or ratify, modify or reject the city manager or designee’s recommendation.
H. Nothing in this chapter shall permit the city to deny a building permit application for a minor alteration to a historic resource, nor one within the nomination process, despite any alternatives recommended by the city. The city, however, reserves the right to deny a building permit application for a minor alteration based on other applicable provisions of this code not set forth in this chapter. (Ord. 1119 § 2, 2017; Ord. 833 § 4, 2003)
15.27.130 Building permit applications—Major alterations.
A. Building permit applications for major alterations, as that term is described in this chapter, to the exterior of a historic resource or a structure under consideration by the historic preservation commission or city council for designation as a historic resource, shall be submitted to the city manager or designee on a form prescribed by the city.
B. Within thirty days of receipt of a complete application which shall include the payment of the requisite application fee, the city manager or designee shall meet with the applicant, conduct a site visit, and cause the preparation of a staff report regarding the subject application and submit it to the historic preservation commission for its review and recommendation to the city council. 6-19
C. Prior to the historic preservation commission meeting at which the application will be reviewed and considered, each member of the historic preservation commission shall be required to visit or view the location of the nominated structure or site at the time and in the manner established by the city manager or designee.
D. The historic preservation commission shall review the subject application to determine whether the requested alteration may result in a modification of an architectural feature(s) or natural feature(s) that will have a detrimental effect on the defining character and/or architectural style of the exterior of the subject historic resource, or one in the nomination process.
E. If the historic preservation commission determines that the requested alteration will detrimentally affect a defining character and/or architectural style of the exterior of the subject historic resource, or one in the nomination process, then the commission with the consent of the city manager or designee may order up to a twenty-one-day stay on further processing of the subject permit application unless it is to prevent undue hardship or to comply with an applicable law or ordinance or the city’s chief building official or fire marshal determines in writing that certain facts and circumstances exist that require the issuance of the permit in order to prevent or abate an immediate threat to public health and safety. The stay order shall not prevent or preclude the issuance of any other permits the chief building official or fire marshal have determined in writing are necessary to mitigate or abate a situation that poses an immediate threat to public health and safety.
F. During any such stay ordered by the historic preservation commission, with the consent of the city manager or designee, the commission after conferring with pertinent staff shall recommend to the applicant feasible alternatives to the proposed alteration which may include, but are not limited to: (1) relocation; (2) remodeling; (3) transfer of ownership; (4) financial assistance from the city or other public agencies; (5) financial assistance from private organizations; (6) change in use; (7) change in design; (8) consultation with an architect paid for by the city or other public agency; (9) change in configuration of uses; (10) change in intensity of uses; (11) entering into a Mills Act contract with the city, and any other alternatives not precluded by law.
G. If the applicant objects to the alternatives recommended by the historic preservation commission, then the applicant may appeal the commission’s recommendation to the city council.
H. Within twenty-one days of receipt of the appeal, the city council shall conduct a public hearing on the appeal. The city shall provide notice of the appeal hearing pursuant to Section 17.74.020(B) of this code.
I. The city council may extend the stay period an additional twenty-one days for further consideration or ratify, modify or reject the historic preservation commission’s recommendation.
J. Nothing in this chapter shall permit the city to deny a building permit application for a major alteration to a historic resource despite any alternatives recommended by the city. The city, however, reserves the right to deny a building permit application for a major alteration based on other applicable provisions on this code not set forth in this chapter. (Ord. 1119 § 2, 2017; Ord. 833 § 4, 2003)
15.27.140 Building permit applications—Demolition.
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A. Building permit applications for demolition, as that term is described in this chapter, involving a historic resource, or one in the nomination process, shall be submitted to the city manager or designee on a form prescribed by the city.
B. All building permit applications for demolition involving a historic resource, or one in the nomination process, shall be subject to an automatic twenty-one-day stay which shall commence upon the receipt of a complete application which shall include the payment of the requisite application fee. The twenty-one-day stay shall be waived if the city’s chief building official or fire marshal determines in writing that certain facts and circumstances exist that require the issuance of the permit in order to prevent undue hardship or to comply with an applicable law or ordinance or to prevent or abate an immediate threat to public health and safety. The stay order shall not prevent or preclude the issuance of any other permits the chief building official or fire marshal have determined in writing are necessary to mitigate or abate a situation that poses an immediate threat to public health and safety.
C. Within thirty days after receipt of a complete application which shall include the payment of the requisite application fee, the city manager or designee shall cause the preparation of a staff report regarding the subject application and submit the staff report to the historic preservation commission for its review and recommendation to the city council.
D. The historic preservation commission with the consent of the city manager or designee and after conferring with pertinent staff shall recommend to the applicant feasible alternatives to the proposed demolition which may include, but are not limited to: (1) relocation of the subject improvement by the city or other public agencies; (2) remodeling; (3) transfer of ownership; (4) financial assistance from the city or other public agencies; (5) financial assistance from private organizations; (6) change in use; (7) change in design; (8) consultation with an architect paid for by the city; (9) change in configuration of uses; (10) change in intensity of uses; (11) entering into a Mills Act contract with the city, and any other alternatives not permitted by law.
E. After the historic preservation commission meeting, the commission shall submit its recommendation to the city council which shall conduct a noticed public hearing on the subject application.
F. The city council may extend the stay period an additional twenty-one days for further consideration or ratify, modify or reject the historic preservation commission’s recommendation.
G. The city council may order the immediate issuance of the demolition permit to prevent undue hardship or to comply with an applicable law or ordinance or to prevent or abate an immediate threat to public health and safety. The stay order shall not prevent or preclude the issuance of any other permits the chief building official or fire marshal have determined in writing are necessary to mitigate or abate a situation that poses an immediate threat to public health and safety. The city council shall prepare written findings that justify and support any such determination. 6-21
H. Nothing in this chapter shall permit the city to deny a building permit application for demolition of a historic resource, or one in the nomination process, despite any alternatives recommended by the city, other than the city’s agreement to relocate the historic resource as set forth in subsection K of this section. The city also reserves the right to deny demolition based on other applicable provisions on this code not set forth in the chapter.
I. The city reserves the right to relocate any property within the city as an alternative to granting the owner a demolition permit. The exercise of this option shall be done with or without the owners sharing the expense, and shall be done expeditiously. (Ord. 1119 § 2, 2017; Ord. 833 § 4, 2003)
15.27.145 Reservation land—Tribal consent required.
The written consent of the Aqua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians Tribe shall be required before the application or enforcement of any of the provisions of this chapter to lands located within the Reservation. (Ord. 1119 § 2, 2017)
15.27.150 Enforcement.
A. Any violation of the provisions of this chapter by any member of the public responsible for committing, causing or maintaining such violation shall constitute a public nuisance.
B. Any violation of the provisions of this chapter by any member of the public responsible for committing, causing or maintaining such violation shall constitute an infraction violation.
C. Any violation of the provisions of this chapter by any member of the public responsible for committing, causing or maintaining such violation shall constitute grounds for modification, suspension and/or revocation of any permit or license issued for any use or activity in or on the subject property.
D. The city reserves the right to seek additional remedies against any member of the public responsible for committing, causing or maintaining any violation of the provisions of this chapter such as, but not limited to, denying or revoking certificates of occupancy, issuing stop work orders and seeking injunctive relief. (Ord. 1119 § 2, 2017; Ord. 833 § 4, 2003) Contact:
City Clerk: 760-324-4511
Published by Quality Code Publishing, Seattle, WA. By using this site, you agree to the terms of use. 6-22
ATTACHMENT 4
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Historic Preservation Commission Staff Report AGENDA ITEM #
STAFF REPORT
TO: Historic Preservation Commission DATE: May 10, 2023 FROM: Ben Torres, Planning Manager
SUBJECT: Historic Preservation Case No. HP23-0002 – 40267 Club View Drive
SPECIFIC REQUEST OR RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Historic Preservation Commission provide direction regarding the Historic Designation request.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Aerial Photograph
2.Historic Designation Packet
BACKGROUND/REQUEST
The property owner William J. Kennelly submitted a Historic Designation request for their residence located at 40267 Club View Drive. This property is listed in the City’s 2003 Historic Resources Survey.
PROPERTY INFORMATION
The subject 3,741 square foot residence is situated on a .41-acre parcel overlooking the 8th green of the Thunderbird Country Club. The architect for the residence is listed as William F.
Cody in the City’s Historic Resources Survey. The original plans were not found in the Cody archives but plans for a home remodel that occurred in 1955 are included that list Cody as the architect (see Attachment 2). The midcentury modern ranch home was built in 1954 and has undergone some modifications since it was built which is detailed in the attached packet.
HISTORIC DESIGNATION CRITERIA
Section 15.27.070 of the Rancho Mirage Municipal Code establishes a list of criteria for a residence to potentially qualify as a Historic Resource. The homeowner is requesting that the home be considered under only the following criteria due to the home’s association with Hoagy Carmichael, the property owner is not requesting that the home be considered based on architecture due to the modification made to the home:
1.The subject structure or site signifies an historic event or is associated with persons or events that have made a meaningful contribution to the city, state, or nation.
ATTACHMENT 5
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DATE: May 10, 2023 HP23-0002 Page 2 of 2 JUSTIFICATION OR INFORMATION CONTINUED:
Historic Preservation Commission Staff Report AGENDA ITEM #
Hoagy Carmichael
The subject residence was designed for Hoagy Carmichael, who was the home’s original owner and lived there between 1954-1981. He was best known for writing the songs like “Georgia on my Mind,” “Lazy River,” “Heart and Soul,” and “Stardust.” In addition, Hoagy Carmichael had a long career performing on the stage, radio, television, and the movies. The historical significance of the homes association with Carmichael was also noted in the DPR report prepared as part of the City’s Historic Resources Survey.
In the attached Historic Designation Packet, exhibits and picture elevations from all sides of the home are provided. In addition, a detailed history of the home, architect, notable owner, DPR Report, and historical significance is provided. The document focuses on the historical importance of Hoagy Carmichael.
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5/10/2023 DRAFT Historic Preservation Commission Meeting Minutes Page 1 of 3
CALL & NOTICE OF A
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION MEETING
WEDNESDAY, MAY 10, 2023
9:00 A.M.
DRAFT MINUTES
City of Rancho Mirage City Hall – Conference Room #3 69-825 Highway 111Rancho Mirage, CA 92270 CALL TO ORDER – 9:00 A.M.
Roll Call of Regular Commission Members:
Chair Traupane, Commissioner Keller, Commissioner Lopez- Present Vice Chair Leibowitz, Commissioner Braun - Absent
MOVED/SECONDED BY TRAUPANE/LOPEZ TO EXCUSE COMMISIONERS LEIBOWITZ AND BRAUN’S ABSENCE. MOTION CARRIED 3/0.
Roll Call of Ex-Officio Members:
Council Member Mallotto, Council Member Weill - Present Mayor Kite, Mayor Pro Tem Downs, Council Member Marker - Absent NON-AGENDA PUBLIC COMMENTS –
Ken Parley, Rancho Mirage Resident inquired about doing a remodel of the windows for his home and wanted to know what the Historic Preservation program guidelines for replacing windows.
Chair Traupane, provided details on window replacements.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES March 8, 2023, Regular Meeting Minutes MOVED/SECONDED BY TRAUPANE/LOPEZ TO APPROVE THE MARCH 8, 2023, REGUALR MEETING MINUTES.
MOTION CARRIED 2/0/1 WITH COMMISSIONER KELLER ABSTAINED.
ACTION AND DISCUSSION ITEMS
1.Historic Preservation Case No. HP23-0003 – Request from Marguerita Gasparetti (Property Owner) for various exterior modifications at 1 Cody Court (1970, Architect:
William F. Cody).
Ben Torres, Planning Manager, presented the staff report.
ATTACHMENT 6
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5/10/2023 DRAFT Historic Preservation Commission Meeting Minutes Page 2 of 3
COMMISSIONER COMMENTS-
Commissioner Lopez asked a question about the kitchen.
Mr. Torres answers Commissioner’s Lopez questions about the kitchen.
Commissioner Keller commented about the type of development and inquired if a detailed plan had been submitted with the application.
Mr. Torres explained that the applicant will be submitting detailed building plans if the request is approved.
Commissioner Keller added that he would like for the applicant to submit along with the application a detailed plan and a map of the project location.
PUBLIC COMMENTS – None
MOVED/SECONDED BY TRAUPANE/LOPEZ TO APPROVE THE REQUEST FOR VARIOUS EXTERIOR MODIFICATIONS AT 1 CODY COURT. MOTION CARRIED 3/0.
2. Historic Preservation Case No. HP23-0001 – Request from Younhee Choi (Property Owner) of designation for the residence located at 71391 Mirage Road. The property is listed on the 2003 Historic Resources Survey. (1952, Architect: Unknown).
Ben Torres, Planning Manager, presented the staff report.
COMMISSIONER COMMENTS-
Commissioner Lopez commented that the application needs additional historic information.
Commissioner Keller recommended that we the Commission should visit the property.
Mr. Torres confirmed that a property tour could be coordinated.
Chair Traupane agreed that is it very important for the Commission to tour the property prior to a recommendation for approval.
Younhee Choi, Applicant asked questions about the restrictions of the program.
Chair Traupane answered the applicants’ questions and concerns.
PUBLIC COMMENTS – None
MOVED/SECONDED BY TRAUPANE/KELLER TO RECOMMEND THAT HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION TOUR THE PROPERTY. MOTION CARRIED 3/0.
3. Historic Preservation Case No. HP23-0002 – Request from William J. Kennelly (Property Owner) of designation for the residence located at 40267 Club View Drive.
The property is listed on the 2003 Historic Resources Survey. (1954, Architect: William F. Cody). 6-27
5/10/2023 DRAFT Historic Preservation Commission Meeting Minutes Page 3 of 3
Ben Torres, Planning Manager, presented the staff report.
COMMISSIONER COMMENTS-
Commissioner Lopez commented that he is support of designating the home based on the celebrity status related to Hoagy Carmichael.
Commissioner Keller also mentioned he is in support of designating the home based on the celebrity status.
Chair Traupane agreed with the Commissioners.
William J. Kennelly, Applicant introduced the property’s background and findings based on the supplemental research prepared.
PUBLIC COMMENTS – None
MOVED/SECONDED BY TRAUPANE/LOPEZ TO RECOMMEND TO THE CITY COUNCIL DESIGNATION OF 40267 CLUB VIEW DRIVE AS A HISTORIC RESOURCE UNDER THE
CELEBRITY STATUS CATEGORY PURSUANT TO RANCHO MIRAGE MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 15.27. MOTION CARRIED 3/0.
ADJOURNMENT
The Historic Preservation Commission meeting was adjourned at 9:43 a.m.
Prepared by: Deanna Mendoza, Development Services Technician Date Approved by Historic Preservation Commission:
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1 THE HOAGY CARMICHAEL RESIDENCE
40267 Club View Drive - THUNDERBIRD COUNTRY CLUB
1954 - ARCHITECT: WILLIAM F. CODY
ATTACHMENT 7
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2 THE HOAGY CARMICHAEL RESIDENCE
Written, researched and compiled by Melissa Riche on behalf of owner Billy Kennelly March 22nd, 2023
INDEX
Bibliography
- Indiana University: Hoagy Carmichael archive
- Desert Sun newspaper archives
- New York Times archives
- Ryder Cup 1955 brochure
- Catherine Cody archive (William F. Cody ‘Master of the Midcentury’) - William F. Cody archive, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo
- City of Rancho Mirage DPR documentation
- Historic permits: Riverside County
- Palm Springs Historical Society
- Palm Springs Life magazine
- Thunderbird Country Club 50th Anniversary book
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3 STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE – Executive Summary
The Hoagy Carmichael Residence was designed by famed Desert Modernist architect William F.
Cody, apparently completed in 1954. The current owner of the property spoke in March 2023 with Hoagy ‘Bix’ Carmichael Jr., who was a teenager at the time. His recollection is that his father commissioned Cody to design the house in 1951.
Earliest building permits are not available, but Carmichael had Cody design a bedroom addition and living room extension, and that permit is included in this document, dated November 1954.
It is a single-story post and beam residence in the Modern California Ranch style that was Cody’s signature for early homes at Thunderbird Country Club. In this regard it shares certain similarities with the nearby Hinkle Residence (1950). The house appears in the 2003 City of Rancho Mirage list of historic resources. At the time of the survey, the house was considered to be “original and in good condition,” however, the authors of the survey did not have access to early photographs. Since the survey’s publication, important elements have been uncovered and should be reviewed:
- Original building permits and early photographs are included in this report. - The house has undergone some remodeling to the rear since the publication of the 2003 survey.
Given the remodeling (explained in detail later in this document), it is not the intent to apply for a historic designation under the criterion of ‘architecture,’ as the architectural integrity of the rear elevation cannot be claimed, although other elevations remain relatively unaltered. The property’s evolution from its origins to the present day is discussed and illustrated in this document. While the house retains importance as an acknowledged work of desert modernist architect William F. Cody, and the exterior elevations do retain a considerable degree of integrity, the evaluation of the architectural integrity is offered as a secondary consideration, rather than attempting to portray sufficient integrity to qualify for designation under this criterion.
Instead, this document focuses on the importance of Hoagy Carmichael as a nationally and internationally regarded music and entertainment figure: composer, singer, and actor. In the 2002 DPR report filed by architectural historians Moruzzi, Grimes, and Heumann, the team recognized Carmichael’s contributions to the home’s significance, citing:
The Hoagy Carmichael Residence is historically significant for its association with Hoagy Carmichael…. Best known for writing the songs “Georgia on my Mind,” “Lazy River,” “Heart and Soul,” and “Stardust,” Carmichael had a long career performing on the stage, radio, television, and in the movies… Carmichael was a popular resident of Thunderbird who regularly performed for friends in the community. Hoagy Carmichael continued to own his Rancho Mirage home until his death in 1981.
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4 Locally, Carmichael also became a well-known figure, eventually choosing to live at his Thunderbird Country Club home full time, such was his passion for golf and the desert. He died at Eisenhower Medical Center. Hoagy Carmichael’s important contribution to the world of music and entertainment is therefore the key criterion for considering historic designation of this property.
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5 HOAGY CARMICHAEL: 1899 - 1981
Hoagy Carmichael, circa 1965, at Thunderbird Country Club photo: Indiana University archive, Hoagy Carmichael Collection
Hoagland ‘Hoagy’ Howard Carmichael was born in 1899 in Bloomington, Indiana. He studied to become a lawyer, playing the piano only as a hobby – he never took lessons. In his early adult life, he wrote ‘Stardust’ while a struggling young lawyer, according to the New York Times, scribbling the song on the front pages of a lawbook. It was not recorded until 1930. His first song to be recorded was in 1922 by his friend Bix Beiderbecke, the legendary cornet player.
Carmichael eventually wrote the music for the movie about Beiderbecke’s life and named his first son ‘Bix’.
Seeking fame and fortune, Carmichael moved back and forth between New York’s Tin Pan Alley, and Hollywood until his big break came with the first recording of ‘Stardust’ by the Isham Jones orchestra. In 1938 he scored his first #1 song, ‘Heart and Soul,’ recorded by Bea Wain, and his career was off and running. Following the success of this tune, Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington and the Dorsey brothers played and recorded his music and Carmichael’s compositions aired frequently on the radio.
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6 Hoagy Carmichael (right) with Johnny Mercer and two unidentified companions at the Palm Springs Racquet Club, 1938. Photo: Indiana University archive.
He went on to compose several hundred songs, including 50 hit songs, winning an Academy Award (shared with Johnny Mercer) for best movie song, ‘In the Cool, Cool, Cool of the Evening,’ in 1951, the same year that Thunderbird Country Club opened.
He also became an actor of note, appearing in several films including ‘To Have and Have Not’ in 1944 with Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall (singing a duet with Ms. Bacall), and ‘The Best Years of Our Lives’ in 1946 with Fredric March and Myrna Loy, which won seven Academy Awards.
Hoagy Carmichael at the piano in ‘The Best Years of Our Lives’ movie, 1946.
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7 Hoagy and Lauren Bacall in ‘To Have and Have Not.’ Photo: Indiana University archive.
Hoagy Carmichael is considered one of the most successful singer-songwriters of his era, and one of the first to make use of new technologies: television, electronic microphones, and sound recordings, bringing his music to a mass-market audience.
In 1971 he was elected to the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame, along with Duke Ellington. He wrote an autobiography, “The Stardust Road” and updated it in another book, “Sometimes I Wonder” in 1965.
Personal life:
He married Ruth M. Meinardi in 1936, with whom he had two sons: Hoagy ‘Bix’ Jr, and Randy.
His main residence during his first marriage was in Holmby Hills in Los Angeles. The couple were divorced in November 1955.
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8 Hoagy Carmichael at Thunderbird
Like many of his entertainment contemporaries, Hoagy Carmichael was very familiar with the Palm Springs area. A 1938 photo shows Carmichael and his sometime songwriting partner Johnny Mercer enjoying themselves at the Palm Springs Racquet Club.
Hoagy Carmichael (right, facing camera) with Johnny Mercer at Palm Springs Racquet Club, 1938.
Photo: Indiana University archive.
Thunderbird Country Club opened in 1951, the year Carmichael won an Oscar for his song ‘In the Cool, Cool, Cool of the Evening.’ In the early 1950s, Hoagy Carmichael started visiting Thunderbird Country Club to play golf – even, according to the Desert Sun, in the February rain in 1951, a month after the club opened.
Desert Sun, 2nd February 1951
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9 Jimmy Hines, Thunderbird’s golf pro, soon co-opted Carmichael to play in his groundbreaking ‘Pro-Celebrity’ tournaments alongside Bob Hope, Phil Harris, Randolph Scott and others.
Hoagy Carmichael was a frequent competitor in the Bob Hope Classic tournament.
Photo: Palm Springs Historical Society
As he turned 50, and with golf increasingly popular, Carmichael either purchased an existing home – or finally moved into the home he commissioned in 1951 (according to his son, Hoagy ‘Bix’ Carmichael Jr.).
Desert Sun, 15th April 1954
He was in good company as his fellow entertainment stars Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz lived just two doors away.
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10 According to the April 1965 Palm Springs Life feature on Hoagy Carmichael, he didn’t sign up as a charter member. The article goes on to explain: “Thunderbird was well established before he bought a house on its 8th fairway, remodeling and adding to it, and building a pool.”
Palm Springs Life magazine, April 1965
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11 Extract from Palm Springs Life magazine article on Hoagy Carmichael, April 1965.
When Hoagy Carmichael moved into the house, press cuttings of the day implied that his first marriage was close to dissolving. A few months later, Carmichael advertised much of his furniture for sale in order to start afresh. After moving into the house in 1954, Carmichael extended the living room and added a bedroom (he had two teenage children: Bix, 16, and Randy, 14). Divorce from his wife Ruth, in 1955, following 17 years of marriage, prompted an interior redesign.
Desert Sun, 7th February 1955
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12 Carmichael employed Arthur Elrod, who subsequently became Palm Springs’ most famous interior designer, to redecorate his home in 1955. That’s where Hoagy Carmichael met Barbara Wills, who had moved south from San Francisco with Arthur Elrod, to open the Elrod office in Palm Springs.
Hoagy Carmichael’s extended home was ready in time for the Ryder Cup in 1955, as it was featured in the Ryder Cup brochure along with many of the other Thunderbird homes. (See below).
Hoagy Carmichael’s home (here it says it faced the 5th fairway, in fact it was the 8th fairway, so likely someone mis- read the handwriting) – featured in the 1955 Ryder Cup brochure along with many other Thunderbird homes.
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13 Hoagy Carmichael’s taste for home decor was clearly more than just a fad or a hobby, as in early 1956, he became president of a furnishing and interiors store in Palm Springs, run by Barbara Wills. The Desert Sun’s announcement about the store in April 1956 (“the finest in furniture, lamps, accessories, carpeting, and draperies”) also mentioned that Hoagy Carmichael was about to “make his permanent residence at Thunderbird and will be active in the operation of the store.” Ads for the store often referenced lyrics from Carmichael’s famous songs.
Desert Sun, 20th April 1956 Desert Sun, 4th April 1956
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14 Not only was Carmichael an active participant in the store, but also of note was the creation of “The Stardust” dining table by nationally famous designer T. H. Robsjohn Gibbings, a tribute to the song for which Carmichael was best known.
Desert Sun, 12th April 1956
His furnishings shop certainly didn’t curb his involvement in playing golf regularly. The University of Indiana archives for the Hoagy Carmichael Collection include numerous images of Carmichael playing golf at Thunderbird with other rich and famous members and their guests.
Carmichael at Thunderbird in 1957 (second from right). Indiana University archive 6-42
15 He was also often called upon to serenade club members at Thunderbird social events as well as public events and numerous fundraisers throughout the valley. These included the famous Palm Springs Police Show in 1962, fundraising events for the United Fund of the Desert, or July 4th entertainment. Hoagy Carmichael became a hugely popular local entertainer as well. The Palm Springs nightspot, the Chi-Chi Club, also booked him throughout the 1950s and 60s.
Program cover for Palm Springs Police Show 1962 shows Hoagy at left. Indiana University archive.
A bedroom addition to his home in 1960 (see building permits) reflected the fact that Carmichael was now spending most of his time at his desert home. Songwriting royalties from Ray Charles’ 1960 hit recording of Carmichael’s ‘Georgia On My Mind,’ likely helped to fund the expansion project. Certainly, Hoagy Carmichael appears to have made Thunderbird his full- time residence by the mid 1960s. By that time, he was himself in his mid-60s, and although he was still writing songs and playing, the relaxation of living in the desert and playing golf was alluring.
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16 1967 article, Cedar Rapids, Iowa magazine. Indiana University archive. Extract below:
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17 A 1967 article in ‘Grit’ shows Hoagy playing his upright piano at his Thunderbird home where he ‘lives alone in $145,000 home.’ Indiana University archive.
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18 Hoagy Carmichael with golf cart at Thunderbird Country Club, 1968 Photo: Indiana University archive
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19 Hoagy Carmichael shown here with his son Bix on the drums, son Randy holding the golf clubs, while Hoagy, on the left prepares to putt. Photo: Indiana University archive.
In 1977, Carmichael married his second wife, Dorothy Wanda McKay, following ‘a long courtship’. The couple had met in 1962 and been constant companions from that time onwards. He was 77, she was 62. She had been a model, then a lead actress in B-movies during the 1940s and 50s. The couple lived full time at the Club View Drive home, he played golf and continued with his other hobby: coin collecting.
Wanda McKay and Hoagy Carmichael c. 1967. Photo: University of Indiana archive
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20 On December 27th, 1981, Hoagy passed away at the Eisenhower Medical Center after suffering a heart attack. He was 82 years old.
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21 Architecture
Historical records for the home indicate that William F. Cody designed the living room extension and bedroom addition that was permitted in 1954 (see below and in Appendix X).
The city of Rancho Mirage survey from 2002 attributes the home to William F. Cody, although the plans for the original house do not appear in the William F. Cody archives, the plans for the alterations are in existence and can be reviewed / included if required. The house underwent additional remodeling in 2003. This entry from William F. Cody’s own project list, cites the alterations undertaken in 1954.
The city’s DPR document about the house describes it as follows:
Early modifications / alterations:
In recent years, historic permits have become available that indicate additions and alterations made on behalf of Hoagy Carmichael. Drawings from the William F. Cody archive are attached for consideration. Paul Prom, the named contractor on this permit, was the owner and builder of the first house at Thunderbird Country Club. Described in articles as a ‘financier’ he owned a construction company in Sacramento and quickly became a fixture at Thunderbird, thanks to his and his wife’s exceptionally low (5) handicaps at golf.
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22 1954 permit for bedroom and enlarge living room. Valuation $8272 1960 permit to add bedroom, bathroom, and carport
Recent modifications / alterations
As best as can be ascertained, the elements on the exterior that have been altered since the house was built and since the house was surveyed in August 2002 are:
- An extension to the rear of the home can best be observed in the comparison between the vintage aerial view of the home and the contemporary image. (see next page). This appears to have replaced the ‘wood trellis’ shading to the back patio, referred to in the 2002 DPR documentation.
- In addition to the earlier bump-out at the rear of the living room, a metal framed open- sided awning/pergola has been added to the rear of the house, this is roofed with cement shingles to match the rest of the roof.
- A recent (2018) built-in barbecue interrupts the stone-faced planter on the rear, south- western side of the house.
- Windows have been replaced: sliders are no longer steel-framed, nor are there any multi-pane casement windows.
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23 Vintage aerial view of the Hoagy Carmichael residence, circa 1960
Today’s aerial, via Google Earth shows the in-fill of the roof line at the center of the rear elevation 6-51
24 Alterations to the rear of the house can also be compared in this image from 1965, from the Hoagy Carmichael archive, and today’s rear view of the home.
Rear elevation, facing south east, overlooking 8th tee. 1965. Photo: University of Indiana archive
Rear elevation, facing south. 2022 image.
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25 Cody plans for Carmichael alteration: 1954, courtesy William F. Cody archive, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo 6-53
26 Cody plans for Carmichael alteration: 1954, courtesy William F. Cody archive, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo
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27 Interiors:
Although these are not considered in this designation, it’s worth noting that the living room, central to Hoagy’s life in the house, as documented by numerous family photographs, retains much of its original appearance and character as it did when Hoagy Carmichael was living there.
The vaulted natural wood ceiling and natural rock fireplace and adjoining natural rock wall are as much in evidence today.
Hoagy Bix Carmichael, the eldest son, seated next to fireplace at the Hoagy Carmichael house, 1964
Feature rock wall fireplace is unchanged today (note rock pattern to right of fire for comparison)
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28 Contemporary image shows recessed wall to right of fireplace. The living room originally ended where the return on the recess exists. The extra bump out may have been Hoagy Carmichael’s living room extension from 1954 as the window pattern at the end seems to replicate that of the vintage 1960s aerial shown in previous pages.
Location
The home’s essential ranch style design and its location is the same as it was in 1954. The front elevation faces northwest and fronts on to Club View Drive, a private street within Thunderbird Country Club. The rear elevation faces southeast, onto the 8th fairway of Thunderbird Country Club.
Integrity
The low, hipped roof, once wood-shingled and now cement-shingled, remains, as does vertical board siding, rough-rock facing to the northwest corner wall (right of the garage), most of the original window placements, in particular those at rear of living room overlooking pool, open trellis area to the south east corner, position of front door, rock-faced planters at rear, position of carport, garage and driveway, wood eaves under roofline. As previously described, two bedrooms were added for Hoagy Carmichael, one in 1954, one in 1960.
The position, shape, and dimensions of the kidney-shaped swimming pool remain the same as in the original DPR documentation.
The ‘projecting center carport’ continues to feature a hipped, shake (cement tiles) roof supported by ‘X’ patterned wood posts. According to the historic permit, this was designed and built in 1960.
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29 Image from 2002 survey of historic resources for the City of Rancho Mirage
Front elevation, November 2022. Shows carport, slumpstone brick wall, roof line and tiles, garage 6-57
30 1967 photo of Hoagy Carmichael standing under carport at gated entry from carport to house. Photo: University of Indiana archive.
Today: the wood fence around the house has been replaced by slumpstone brick wall; wood gate replaced by metal; wood siding remains on western side of carport as do X-shaped beam supports.
In the vintage image of Hoagy with the dog, while it doesn’t show much of the house, it shows that the gate from the carport towards the front of the house has been replaced. Once wood, it is now a metal gate. The wood fence has also been replaced by a slumpstone brick wall. It shows the style of wood siding used and this remains intact around the exterior of the house.
The image also shows wood shingle roof, now replaced with similar-style cement shingles.
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31 Additional contemporary photographs of the Hoagy Carmichael residence, January 2023
Rock face wall, northwest corner, adjacent to garage
West elevation, windows, and siding
Rear southwest corner window, rock planter
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32 Rear southwest corner, windows, planter
Southwest corner and rock planter, windows, roof eaves
Rear new barbecue, covered patio structure
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33 Rear covered patio and new bbq area
Rear covered patio, windows
Rear elevation from golf course
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34 Rear sliders and windows, south east elevation
Rear – close-up windows, sliders.
Rear patio sliders, south east elevation
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35 Rear south east elevation, windows.
Rear from southeast looking toward west.
Rear south east corner and kidney shape pool
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36 Rear south east corner original trellis, roof eaves, windows
Rear south east corner, rock wall, roof eaves
East elevation, siding, windows
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37 East elevation, siding, roof eaves
East elevation bedroom wing, windows
North east corner window, roof eaves
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38 North east corner bedroom wing
North east elevations, bedroom, living room window, recessed entry
North east elevations (street side) bedroom wing, path to recessed entry
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39 Recessed entry, front doors
North facing (street) elevation, entry side wall, siding
North elevation, siding, windows, looking toward garage rock wall 6-67
40 Carport and entry gate, wall and street elevation (facing north)
Google map shows location of Hoagy Carmichael residence at 40267 Club View Drive, Thunderbird Country Club. 6-68
41 6-69
42 6-70
43 6-71