Architectural committee sends 16-court pickleball facility back for design restudy

The Palm Springs Architectural Review Committee (ARC) unanimously voted Wednesday to send a proposed 16-court commercial pickleball complex back for restudy, requesting changes to the building’s massing, entry design and facade organization.

The committee reviewed the project proposed by PP USA LLC for a site at the southwest corner of Avenida Evelita and Airport Center Drive, south of Palm Springs International Airport, on approximately 1.78 acres. The project would include 16 outdoor pickleball courts, a concession and restroom building, perimeter fencing, lighting, landscaping and off-street parking.

Principal Planner Ken Lyon told committee members the Planning Commission previously considered the project last June and again on Dec. 9, when it approved the development permit and a conditional use permit related to court lighting and recommended approval by the ARC subject to conditions.

During its review Wednesday evening, the ARC directed the applicant to restudy the building’s overall design, with a focus on reducing roof mass and scale, considering a lower roof pitch and providing sun and shade studies to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed canopy and alternatives for western afternoon sun exposure.

The committee also asked that the entry trellis be lowered to a maximum height of 12 feet and that lighter design approaches be explored to better define the main entrance. In addition, committee members further requested refinements to simplify and organize the building’s facade, including relocating restroom doors to the west side.

“We love the idea of what you’re doing …” ARC Chair Lance O’Donnell said. “Do some modifications that staff will work with you on, and we’ll see you back here.”

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