Villa Roma community celebrates historic district status during weekend ceremony

The Villa Roma Owners Association celebrated its designation as a Palm Springs’ historic district Saturday with the unveiling of a commemorative plaque at the community’s Temple of Venus.

The recognition follows more than a decade of work by homeowner volunteers who researched and documented the 69-home community’s iconic midcentury architecture featuring Roman-themed elements.

The Palm Springs City Council granted historic district status to Villa Roma in February 2023, following collaboration between residents and various city organizations including the Palm Springs Preservation Foundation and Historical Society.

“It started about 12 years ago when Jesse McManus, a resident, began researching Villa Roma and was able to locate the original sales brochures, blueprints, and several pictures of the time,” VROA President John Klingenmeier told homeowners and architecture enthusiasts who gathered Saturday.

Klingenmeier highlighted the contributions of resident Philip Parks, who helped engage Barbara and Ron Marshall of the Palm Springs Preservation Foundation in the effort.

The community’s history includes unique perspectives from original owners Pearl Davis and Pearl White, who both celebrated their 100th birthdays as Villa Roma residents. “Both original owners had some stories to tell, and did they tell them!” Klingenmeier said.

The historic designation will help maintain the architectural integrity of Villa Roma’s distinctive features, including its Temple of Venus Rotunda and Fountain, plus a pool and clubhouse notable for its folded plate roofline that echoes the surrounding mountain landscape.

Board Member Catherine Morisano announced the community will host its first home tour on Feb. 15 as part of Modernism Week’s 20th anniversary celebrations. “This is the first time we’re opening our community and sharing it with architecture and midcentury enthusiasts,” she said.

The tour will showcase seven homes along with the community’s distinctive common areas. “The historic district status will help protect the original architectural character of the community, which ensures our common elements remain relevant for our homeowners,” Morisano said.

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