Wikipedia

Palm Springs Preservation Foundation

(Redirected from Draft:Palm Springs Preservation Foundation)

Palm Springs Preservation Foundation (PSPF) is a nonprofit organization based in Palm Springs, California, focused on the preservation of the region’s historic architecture and cultural resources. The foundation advocates for the preservation of mid-century modern architecture in Palm Springs and the broader Coachella Valley.[1][2]

Palm Springs Preservation Foundation
Formation1997
TypeNonprofit
Legal status501(c)(3)
HeadquartersPalm Springs, California
Region served
Palm Springs and Coachella Valley, California
President
Gary Johns
WebsiteOfficial Website

History

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The organization was established in 1997 under the name Palm Springs Historic Site Foundation.[3][4] It later adopted the name Palm Springs Preservation Foundation as its activities expanded to include educational programming and publications.[4]

Programs and Activities

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Advocacy and Preservation

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PSPF has been involved in efforts to secure recognition and protection for historic buildings and neighborhoods in Palm Springs.[5] The foundation has sponsored or supported several nominations before the city’s Historic Site Preservation Board and City Council.[6]

Among the sites associated with its advocacy are the Town & Country Center, a 1948 complex designed by Paul R. Williams and A. Quincy Jones,[5][7][8] and Tahquitz Plaza, an office complex designed by Hugh M. Kaptur that was designated a Class 1 Historic Site in 2015.[5][8][9] The foundation has also supported the designation of residential historic districts, including the Villa Roma condominium complex, which was recognized as a Class 1 Historic District in 2023.[8][10]

Other Notable Projects

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The foundation has been associated with preservation efforts involving several other local sites. These include the Aluminaire House, a 1931 prefabricated residence by Albert Frey and Lawrence Kocher that was relocated to the Palm Springs Art Museum in 2024[11]; the Canyon Country Club Colony, a residential development noted for its architectural character[12]; and the Palm Springs Financial District, where historic designation was extended to postwar commercial buildings.[13] PSPF has also featured the demolished Maslon House, designed by Richard Neutra in 1962, in its public programming and educational materials.[14]

Education and Outreach

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PSPF organizes lectures, tours, and other programs on architectural history and preservation. During Modernism Week, it has presented free talks and guided home tours, including the recurring program Lost, Saved and Endangered: Modernist Architecture in Palm Springs.[15] The foundation has also produced public service videos and has partnered with local museums on exhibitions.[16]

Publishing Program

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The foundation operates a publishing program that produces books and journals on Palm Springs architecture and design.[3] Its publications have included architects such as William F. Cody,[17] E. Stewart Williams,[18] Herbert W. Burns,[19] Hugh M. Kaptur,[20] as well as developers including the Alexander Construction Company.[21] The program has also published works on broader themes, including Spanish Colonial Revival and Polynesian-inspired architecture.[3][14]

Recognition

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In 2023, the foundation received a Governor’s Historic Preservation Award from the State of California for its advocacy, educational programming, and publications related to historic preservation in Palm Springs.[5][22]

PSPF’s publishing program has been recognized by preservation and design organizations including awards from the Independent Publisher Book Awards.[23][24] Local media have noted its role in Modernism Week, describing its programs as part of the festival's growth and visibility.[25][26]

Relationship to Other Local Preservation Organizations

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Palm Springs has several other organizations involved in historic preservation. The city’s Historic Site Preservation Board, created in 1981, reviews and recommends site and district designations.[27] The Palm Springs Modern Committee, founded in 1999, is a nonprofit focused on Desert Modern architecture.[28] The Palm Springs Historical Society, established in 1955, operates museums and maintains archives on the city’s broader history.[29] Modernism Week, an independent nonprofit festival devoted to mid-century design and architecture,[30] was co-founded with the involvement of PSPF, which continues to contribute programming.[31]

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References

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  1. ^ "Palm Springs Preservation Foundation". Desert Charities. Retrieved 2025-08-24.
  2. ^ Barkas, Sherry (2022-06-03). "Palm Springs Preservation Foundation helps keep midcentury style alive". The Desert Sun. Retrieved 2025-08-24.
  3. ^ a b c Nauta, Madison (2018-04-05). "Preservation Talks: Atomic Ranch + Palm Springs' 5 Preservation Foundations". Atomic Ranch. Retrieved 2025-08-24.
  4. ^ a b Williams, Steven (2021-04-01). "The people who made Palm Springs". Palm Springs Life. Retrieved 2025-08-24.
  5. ^ a b c d "2023 Governor's Historic Preservation Awards" (PDF). California Office of Historic Preservation. 2023-11-15. Retrieved 2025-08-24.
  6. ^ "Historic Site Preservation Board - Agenda". City of Palm Springs. 2019-04-09. Retrieved 2025-08-25.
  7. ^ "The Town & Country Center: Preservation debate continues". Palm Springs Life. 2016-01-01. Retrieved 2025-08-24.
  8. ^ a b c "List of Class 1 Historic, Class 2 Historic & Historic Districts". City of Palm Springs. 2024-11-13. Retrieved 2025-08-25.
  9. ^ Day, Julius (2015-06-02). "Tahquitz Plaza receives historic status nomination". The Desert Sun. Retrieved 2025-08-24.
  10. ^ White, Mark (2023-10-15). "Villa Roma community celebrates historic district status". The Palm Springs Post. Retrieved 2025-08-24.
  11. ^ Gravett, Paul (2021-11-10). "How the historic Aluminaire House was rebuilt at Palm Springs Art Museum". Palm Springs Life. Retrieved 2025-08-24.
  12. ^ Gravett, Paul (2021-04-15). "Book highlights history of Canyon Country Club Colony in Palm Springs". Palm Springs Life. Retrieved 2025-08-24.
  13. ^ Lewis, Greg (2023-09-18). "Palm Springs Financial District landmark recommended for historic status". The Palm Springs Post. Retrieved 2025-08-24.
  14. ^ a b Gravett, Paul (2021-03-15). "A documentary, book launch and design collaborations celebrate midcentury architecture". Palm Springs Life. Retrieved 2025-08-24.
  15. ^ Meierhoffer, Linda (2013-01-31). "Palm Springs Modern Architecture Renovation Restoration Conservation". Palm Springs Life. Retrieved 2025-08-24.
  16. ^ "Modernism Week – PSPF Programs". M Weekly. 2024-02-01. Retrieved 2025-08-24.
  17. ^ "The Desert Maverick: William F. Cody, FAIA – Modern, Architecture, Design, Experiences". M Weekly. 2025-07-15. Retrieved 2025-08-24.
  18. ^ Williams, Sidney (2014-10-31). "Palm Springs Midcentury Modern Architecture E. Stewart Williams architect". Palm Springs Life. Retrieved 2025-08-24.
  19. ^ "Palm Springs pays homage to architect Herbert W Burns". Wallpaper*. 2018-03-21. Retrieved 2025-08-24.
  20. ^ Powers, Jim (2021-07-20). "Book That Pays Tribute to Architect Hugh Kaptur Receives Award". Palm Springs Life. Retrieved 2025-08-24.
  21. ^ Us, Kimberly (2021-02-23). "Look at That One! Mid-Century Modern Homes in Palm Springs". Curious. Retrieved 2025-08-26.
  22. ^ Parks, California State. "2023 Governor's Historic Preservation Awards Honors Six Recipients for Preserving the State's Diverse Heritage". California State Parks. Retrieved 2025-08-24.
  23. ^ Roberts, Allison (2025-05-28). "2025 Medalists | Categories 1-34". Independent Publisher Book Awards. Retrieved 2025-08-24.
  24. ^ Roberts, Allison (2023-10-02). "2023 Medalists". Independent Publisher Book Awards. Retrieved 2025-08-24.
  25. ^ Barkas, Sherry (2022-06-03). "Palm Springs Preservation Foundation helps keep midcentury style alive". The Desert Sun. Retrieved 2025-08-24.
  26. ^ White, Mark (2023-02-12). "Q&A with Palm Springs native and Modernism Week CEO Lisa Middleton". The Desert Mag. Retrieved 2025-08-24.
  27. ^ "Historic Site Preservation Board (HSPB)". City of Palm Springs. Retrieved 2025-08-26.
  28. ^ "Palm Springs Modern Committee". Desert Charities. Retrieved 2025-08-26.
  29. ^ "Palm Springs Historical Society". visitpalmsprings.com. Retrieved 2025-08-27.
  30. ^ "Modernism Week Attendance Increases by 20% - 152,000 Attendees Participated". DCN News. 2019-03-08. Retrieved 2025-08-27.
  31. ^ Arkin, Michael (2023-10-06). "How Modernism Week Started in Palm Springs: An Oral History". Palm Springs Life. Retrieved 2025-08-27.
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