City Council approves historic designation for Merrill Lynch Building

The Palm Springs City Council approved Class 1 historic site designation for the former Merrill Lynch Building at 415 South Palm Canyon Drive Thursday evening. The 1971 structure, designed by renowned architect Donald Wexler, was recognized for its exceptional historic significance and architectural value.

Sarah Yoon, Historic Preservation Officer for the city, presented the application to the council. She highlighted the building’s New Formalism style, characterized by its modern interpretation of classical architectural elements.

“The modern interpretation of the ornamentation, the freestanding columns, the pilasters, the entablature all emulate features found in classical architecture,” Yoon said.

The designation includes the building, vehicular access to the parking lot, and surrounding landscape features. Olive trees and palm trees on the property were identified as contributing elements to the overall design.

Yoon emphasized the building’s role in Palm Springs’ development, noting its location “highlights the development of a financial district during the post-World War II period.”

The structure was rehabilitated in 2014 to house the Eisenhower Health Center. Yoon noted that the Wexler participated in the renovation process, which “does help explain some of the sensitive alterations that were made during that time.”

The Historic Site Preservation Board and city staff unanimously recommended Class 1 designation for the property. The application was initiated by the current occupant, Eisenhower Health.

Council members expressed varying opinions on the extent of the designation, with Councilmember Christy Holstege raising concerns about including the parking lot and curbs in the historic designation.

“I’m concerned about going too far and including the parking lot in the full site and the curbs,” Holstege said. “You know, the trees that we have in Downtown Palm Springs 50 more years ago are not the trees that we need in the future to protect against climate and extreme heat.”

Planning Director Chris Hadwin addressed these concerns, explaining, “We’re not just designating the building, we’re designating the site. So the way that the code is written, the way that state and federal law around historic designation works is, as we’re looking at the site as a whole.”

Hadwin emphasized that future changes to the site would be reviewed on an individual basis, allowing for potential development while respecting the historic elements.

“I don’t think it prohibits any sort of development per se, but it allows for new development to be cognizant of what was identified and is important so that those are discussed as part of that new development that could be on that site,” Hadwin said.

Councilmember Lisa Middleton expressed support for the designation as presented, noting the care Eisenhower Health has put into preserving the building.

“I support this as presented because I believe that this is an incredibly beautiful project,” Middleton said. “I happen to be familiar with this. I’ve been in this building many times, and I know the care and devotion that Eisenhower Health put into the preservation and the restoration of this building.”

The council ultimately approved the Class 1 historic site designation with a 3-0 vote, with Holstege abstaining and Mayor Jeffrey Bernstein not present as he represents the city at an event.

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