Historic Gas Company building recommended for Class I designation

The Palm Springs Historic Site Preservation Board voted Tuesday to recommend designating the former Gas Company building as a Class I historic site, citing its significance as a rare local example of brutalist architecture.

The concrete building at 211 North Sunrise Way, constructed in the late 1960s, was deemed to possess “high artistic integrity and value” by city staff.

“Not only is the resource a rare example of brutalist architecture in Palm Springs during the period of the late 1960s,” said Sarah Yoon, city preservation officer, “the building is associated with the architect Robert H. Ricardi, who is qualified as a significant practitioner, contributing many buildings in the entire valley, and was an influential practitioner in the field.”

The board’s recommendation will now go to the City Council for final approval.

Yoon said the building meets two criteria for Class I designation, retaining integrity of association, workmanship, materials, design, location and association. She noted the concrete detailing creates “undulating grooves that give each elevation a special look.”

Local architect James Cioffi provided background on the building’s distinctive concrete finish, calling it “bushhammer concrete.” He said the technique is also known as “corduroy concrete” and was popular among architects of the era.

The building’s owner, Shaul Mizrahi, has proposed converting the structure to a single family residence. However, board members raised concerns about parking and accessibility after the lot was recently split to allow for possible additional development on the property.

Mizrahi said parking has not been an issue in the five years he’s owned the property. He noted the current zoning is medium residential.

“We think we’re pretty much confident with what we’re doing,” Mizrahi told the board. “We think it’s going to be a good addition to the city.”

The recommendation for Class I designation passed unanimously.

---