ARC wants additional review of housing project on long-vacant former hotel site
The project site previously contained a Shiloh Inn, but its buildings were ordered torn down by the city in 2021 after the planned Tova Hotel and Beach Club never came to fruition.
The Palm Springs Architectural Review Committee (ARC) evaluated plans for a new 60-unit housing project complex called “Siena” during its Monday meeting, but requested the developer return with additional design details before granting approval.
Located on 4.3 acres at 1875 North Palm Canyon Drive, the project site previously contained a Shiloh Inn, but its buildings were ordered torn down by the city in 2021 after the planned Tova Hotel and Beach Club never came to fruition.
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The proposed development features a clubhouse, dog park and a series of townhouse-style units arranged around interior streets. The project is being developed by Monaghan Palm Canyon, LLC.
Mark Wortman, managing member of the LLC, presented details about the project, including the planned rooftop decks with mountain views, private rear yards, and pedestrian walkways.
“The project is less dense than what normally could be there,” said one city staff member while addressing the ARC, noting the general plan allows for 30 units per acre on the property, which has split zoning between commercial and multi-family residential designations.
Several committee members praised the color palette and modern design aesthetic of the buildings but raised concerns about various elements of the project. Issues included the clubhouse layout, window-to-window relationships between adjacent units, placement of a proposed Little Tuscany neighborhood monument sign, and architectural articulation of the facades.
“It is an ambitious density. It’s one of those projects that is trying to do an awful lot in a very limited space,” said one committee member, who suggested the development team create three-dimensional renderings to better visualize how the buildings would relate to each other and the surrounding area.
The committee voted unanimously to continue the item, requesting the applicant return with additional information addressing their concerns. The ARC is next scheduled to meet May 5.
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