1996 11 08 HPCT
F Z
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F`y OF TNt'"t
HISTORICAL PRESERVATION COMMISSION
A Special Meeting to be held in the North Conference Room at the
La Quinta City Hall, 78-495 Calle Tampico, La Quinta, California
November 8, 1996
3:30 P.M.
I. CALL TO ORDER
A. Pledge of Allegiance
B. Roll Call
II. CONFIRMATION OF THE AGENDA
III. PUBLIC COMMENT
This is the time set aside for citizens to address the Historical Preservation Commission
on matters relating to historic resources within the City of La Quinta which are not Agenda
items. When addressing the Historical Commission, please state your name and address.
When addressing the Commission on matters pertaining to prehistoric sites, do not disclose
the exact location of the site(s) for their protection.
IV. CONSENT CALENDAR - None
V. BUSINESS ITEMS
Certificate of Appropriateness 96-001: Review and recommendation of approval to the City
Council regarding design modifications and building additions to the Hacienda del Gato
VI. CORRESPONDENCE AND WRITTEN MATERIAL
VII. COMMISSIONER ITEMS
VIII. ADJOURNMENT
;uvU001
HPC/AGENDA
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
STAFF REPORT
DATE: NOVEMBER 8, 1996
ITEM: DESIGN MODIFICATIONS AND A PORCH ADDITION TO THE
HACIENDA DEL GATO AND DEMOLITION OF SEVERAL OUT
BUILDINGS
CASE NO.: CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS 96-001
OWNER: SIENNA CORPORATION
DEVELOPMENT: TRADITION (LARRY SPICER, GENERAL MANAGER)
LOCATION: THE SOUTH TERMINUS OF WASHINGTON STREET
PROJECT: REVIEW AND RECOMMENDATION OF APPROVAL OF
CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS TO THE CITY COUNCIL
REGARDING DESIGN MODIFICATIONS AND PORCH ADDITION
TO THE HACIENDA DEL GATO AND DEMOLITION OF SEVERAL
OUT BUILDINGS IN THE TRADITION PROJECT.
BACKGROUND:
The applicant is proposing the adaptive re -use of the Marshall Ranch/Hacienda Del
Gato as a sales office and conference center for a proposed golf resort "Tradition."
"Tradition," Tract 28470, is a proposed 241 single family residential subdivision and
golf course on 746 acres at the south terminus of Washington Street. A clubhouse
is proposed immediately southeast of the hacienda courtyard. The Site Development
Review application for the clubhouse will be reviewed by the Commission for a
recommendation of approval to the City Council at a later date.
The Hacienda is listed on the California Historic Resources Inventory as a potentially
significant historic site. A Historic Resources Evaluation, prepared by Mellon and
Associates, provides the site's history, architectural description and recommendation
of potential significance (Attachment 1). The report concludes that the Hacienda del
Gato Main House, garage and entry circle, sunken courtyard, gardens, and entry gate
appear eligible for the National Register of Historic Places at the level of significance
under Criteria B and C. Under Criterion B, the Hacienda and gardens are "associated
with the lives of persons significant in our past" and under Criterion C, they "embody
the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, or method of construction.
1
.)emu U i 0 0 2
On the local level the Hacienda del Gato, Main House, garage and entry circle, sunken
courtyard and gardens, and entry gate also appears eligible as a Landmark in that it is
"associated with a person of local significance", is "associated with an historic or
thematic activity of local importance", and it is "representative of a distinct
architectural style and/or construction method of a particular historic period or way of
life or the resource represents the work of a master builder or architect or possess high
artistic value."
Therefore, in reviewing the rehabilitation plans of the Hacienda there will
understandably be some loss of material and some change in the form of the historic
building for a contemporary use. However, sensitivity should be given primary
importance in retaining the building's overall historic character.
ISSUES
The Historic Preservation Commission's framework in reviewing the changes and new
porch addition for acceptability is to apply the National Park Service's standards as
follows:
1 . Do the modifications and building addition preserve the significant historic
materials and features; and
2. Do the modifications and building addition preserve the historic character;
and
3. Do the modifications and building addition protect the historical
significance by making a visual distinction between old and new.
Staff has reviewed the requested building modifications and porch addition using the
Secretary of Interior's "Standards for Rehabilitation and Guidelines for Rehabilitating
Historic Buildings." (Attachment 2)
Staff's reply and recommendations to the November 1, 1996 letter from the applicant,
(Attachment 3) are as follows:
1. Replacement of the main entrance door: The existing front door is not original
to the building. The applicant is proposing to replace the door with one that is
medium distressed, vertical grain fir, 8 lite French door with 1 '/2" mullions. The
window glass will be clear. A detail of the proposed door has not been
submitted.
Analysis:
Comments will be made at the meeting since the detail was not submitted.
Fil
2. Replacement of the southside door (Attachment 4): The existing south side
door is irreparably damaged. The applicant is proposing to replace the door with
a wood, 12 lite French door with mullions. The window glass will be clear.
Analysis:
The proposed replacement is in keeping with the simple rustic design elements
typical of the building's architectural style. Also, this elevation is an
inconspicuous side of the historic building therefore this modification is
acceptable.
3. Replacement of court side patio room roof structure and enclosure: Description:
A new porch is proposed on the west building elevation to replace a non historic
porch that has already been removed. It will be 22 feet in length and 14 feet
in width. The shed roof will be 12 feet in height matching the pitch of the
hacienda's existing gable roof. This roof height requires the removal of the
second floor balcony railing. The roof tiles consist of plexiglass and clay. The
clay tile is laid convex side up to overlap flanking plexiglass tile laid concave
side up. The exposed 4" x 8" wood rafter tails will be placed 36" on center to
replicate the existing distance between roof beams of the main roof. The roof
will be supported by three wood posts. The side walls will be clad in stucco.
The west and south elevations are proposed to have single lite wood frame
sliding French doors.
Analysis:
The character defining feature of this prominent elevation is the Monterey style
second floor porch with its simple wood post balcony and picket railing. Staff
is concerned that the new roof on the first floor not only eliminates the railing
but also eliminates the overall character of this historic building's integral design
component, the historic balcony. As noted in the Secretary of Interior
Standards, "New additions should be designed and constructed so that the
character -defining features of the historic building are not radically changed,
obscured, damaged, or destroyed in the process of rehabilitation."
Secondly, the proposed modern porch addition should be readily distinguishable
from the historic hacienda; however the new porch should be harmonious in
scale, proportion, materials and color. The proposed stucco walls and wood
single lite French doors introduce new compatible building materials that clearly
differentiate the new addition from the historic building consistent with this
directive. Colors have not been submitted. Staff recommends that the
proposed colors be compatible with the existing building.
3
Rather than duplicating the exact roof line and using matching clay tilers, staff
is recommending a flat roof and extending the balcony so as not to obscure the
historic balcony which is a character defining feature (Attachment 4).
Extending the balcony and railing lightens the mass of the addition since it has
no visible roof and preserves the balcony design concept. Therefore, the new
addition will not appear as an integral component of the historic hacienda but
will also retain the balcony as a character defining feature.
"It is not recommended duplicating the exact form, material, style and detailing
of the historic building in the new addition so that the new work appears to be
part of the historic building." Rather it is important that the new porch addition
complement the physical aspects of the buildings historic design characteristics.
This is exemplified by the historic second floor balcony design pattern that
consists of a central door. The new addition proposes only two bays creating
an unbalanced appearance. Staff is recommending a bay be added to provide
a similar pattern.
4. Replacement of window on wgstside of library with new single pane set into the
existing window frame: A non -historic multi pane wood mullion window with
a wood frame is requested for removal due to unsafe conditions.
Analysis:
Staff recommends replacement as requested with a clear pane of glass in the
existing frame. This is in a non -conspicuous location.
5. Replacement of wooden handrails along covered walkway of former t)edroom
wing with wrought iron rails in the style of the existing iron rails at the front
entrance and between the patio and covered walkway:
Analysis:
"Deteriorated historic features shall be repaired rather than replaced. Where the
severity of deterioration requires replacement of a distinctive feature, the new
feature shall match the old in design, color, texture and other visual qualities
and where possible, materials." The replacement of this porch railing and
replacement with wrought iron railing is inconsistent with this directive. Other
wood railing exists on the balcony facade and west elevation. Wrought iron
railing only exists at the main entry. If wrought iron is used, the railing shall be
raised to a 42" height in conformance with the Uniform Building Code.
However, replacement of the vertical members & stabilization of the railing will
not require increasing the height using the State Historic Building Code. Use of
either material is typical of this architectural style.
0
.Ui�005
6. Removal of exposed inactive ductwork and dilapidated wooden enclosure on
north side of former bedroom wing.:
Analysis:
Staff recommends removal of the duct work.
7. Repaint exterior building walls and trim to match existing colors.:
Analysis:
Staff recommends the exterior painting in keeping with the existing colors.
8. Removal of wooden shed (former laundry room) on south side of garage. and
repaint garage wall formerly_ hidden by shed to match rest of garage and the
Hacienda:
Analysis:
The Historic Resources Report identifies this shed as a later non historic
addition. Staff is recommending removal.
9. Removal of foreman's house• The one story stucco building has a gabled roof.
Analysis:
The Historic Resources Report does not identify this building as a contributing
element in determining the potential significance of the Haciendas and gardens.
Staff recommends demolition.
10. Removal of corrugated metal roof sheds and adjacent adobe building. Because
of interest expressed in the adobe building we evaluated its local -ion and
condition in an attempt to find a use for it that would be compatible with the
development Unfortunately, it lies on the edge of the proposed auto court in
the entrance to the parking lot: The out buildings are located south of the
hacienda. The buildings are long and narrow with end gabled roof. The oldest
of the structures is probably the simple adobe.
Analysis:
The Historic Resources Report does not identify this building as a contributing
element in determining the potential significance of the Hacienda and gardens.
Staff recommends demolition.
5
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11. Historic Resource Report Mellon & Associates was engaged to prepare a
Historic Resource Report and Evaluation This report is not vet ready at this
writing but will be submitted on November 4:
Analysis:
The Historic Resources Report has been submitted.
12. Wheel Chair Access Ramps We propose to construct a wheel chair access
ramp from a point between the garage and the south end of the Hacienda into
the patio This would permit wheel chair access into the Hacienda lower level
through its south entry and access into the patio and garden In addition we
propose to raise the level of the exiting covered brick walkway of the bedroom
wing to facilitate wheel chair access form the entry hall and to and from the
new offices:
Analysis:
The access meets the State Historic Building Code subject to he approval of the
Building Official and the handicap representative.
Attachments:
1. Historic Resources Report
2. Excerpt of the Secretary of Interior's "Standards for Rehabilitation Guidelines "
for Rehabilitating Historic Buildings
3. November 1, 1996 letter
4. South side door
5. Second floor balcony concept
Prepared & Submitted by:
CHRISTINE DI IORIO
Planning Manager
no
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IV
ATTACHMENT 1
Marshall Ranch/
Hacienda (lei Gato
Historic Resource Evaluation
November, 1996
Submitted to:
Larry Spicer, Tradition/Sienna Corporation
Submitted by:
Mellon and Associates
Historic Preservation Consultants
Knox Mellon, Principal
Pam O'Connor, Project Manager
and Architectural Historian
Jayne Kistner, Research Historian
HACIENDA DEL GATO
Location and Setting
La Quinta, California
The Marshall Ranch/Hacienda del Gato is nestled below the Santa Rosa Mountains in La Quinta,
California. The main entrance to the ranch is off of 52nd Street near Washington. The current
estate consists of a gated entry and long road lined with mature plantings. The road leads to the
main house, the Hacienda, Courtyards and gardens along with larger planted areas connect the
main house to auxiliary buildings including the Little House, pool, and garages. A variety of
mature botanical species, including a number in decline, are planted on the Ranch. The principal
plantings are in the triangular area that surrounds the Main House (see Illustration 1). A
foreman's house is located along the road to the South of the Main House, Beyond the foreman's
house and to the east are several outbuildings.
History of the Marshall Ranch/Hacienda del Gato
The City of La Ouinta Historic Context Statement (Moriquand; 1996) notes that the earliest
Anglo-American settlement supported by archival evidence, occurred in the early twentieth
century when the Government Land Office GLO) accepted desert land claims for homesteads. In
addition to the Homestead Act, the railroad grant lands given to encourage the construction of
railroads became available to homesteaders in the late 19th century. The Southern Pacific
Railroad sold a parcel located at the southern terminus of Washington Street to John Marshall and
his brother-in-law, Albert Green c. 1902-03. Marshall and Green were partners in the Green -
Marshall Company located on Broadway in Los Angeles which sold retail paints, oil glass and
varnishes (1907 Los Angeles City Directory). The 320 acres were divided in half with John
Marshall taking the west 160 acres. The Marshall/Green ranch development was one of
LaQuinta's earliest. As Moriquand notes there were "numerous attempts to homestead and
acquire free government land, however, only a small fraction of all the attempts reached the patent
status."
Not much is known about the first house built on Marshall's Ranch. It is described as a small
house, similar to other homestead dwellings, which were of wood frame construction. The house
served Marshall and his son, Harry, as they began farming the lands. Initial summer crops planted
included cantaloup and onions and later they moved onto citrus. In the early twentieth century it
was recognized that this area of the desert, known as the Coachella Valley, was one of the few
locations in North American suited for the growing of dates. The Marshalls planted date trees on
the ranch. The plantings were so distinctive that they were visible from miles away and served as
a landmark. In fact the road now known as Washington Street, was originally named Marshall
Road, the sheltered cove area to the west was known as Marshall's Cove, and the intermittent
lake (now dried) was known as the Green/Marshall Lake,
Local lore notes that immigrants from the dust -bowl states helped the Marshalls farm the land.
Mellon and Dissociates. Ftistonc Preservation
November. 1996
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HACIENDA DEL GATO
La Quinta, California
All went well until 1910 when the resident caretaker abandoned the ranch. About same time
Marshall and Green divided their Los Angeles paint business. Harry took over John's half of the
business and John purchased a home in Indio and continued to farm the Ranch. It is thought that
a small adobe building and shed were built in 1920. Eventually Harry moved to Indio and
followed in his father's footsteps selling desert lots and helping with the ranch. Several accounts
note that John Marshall died in an accident at the ranch in 1938 while working on one of the
property's water wells (The History of La Quinta, Gem of the Desert and Hacienda Del Gate,
Lore and Legend). Another source refers to a flood (one of a number which seemed to plague the
ranch) in 1921 which led to Marshall's quitting farming.
Since the ranch was sold after John's death it is likely that the larger house, popularly known as
the Hacienda del Gato, was constructed while Marshall owned the ranch in the mid- to late 1920s.
No documentary evidence regarding land improvements is available for the first half of the 20th
century since the area was unincorporated desert lands and the county did not require building
permits. In addition, tax assessment records which might note land improvements, are not
accessible. Thus, while changes in ownership can be tracked, the dating of land improvements
such as buildings, must be done deductively.
In Hacienda Del Gato, Lore and Legend (1996' La Quinta Historical Society) there is oral
attribution from AI Lopez, the ranch's foreman in the 1950s who stated"the big house was built
in 1920 by a Mr. Swanson." The high level of design and construction is likely to have been the
work of an architect. Since the desert areas of Palm Springs and La Quinta were developing
resorts in the 1920s architects and builders were working in the vicinity. As the City's historic
survey is conducted evidence regarding the date of construction, architect, and contractors may
be gleamed from unanticipated sources.
The Spanish Colonial style of the building (see the Grounds and Building section) reached a
zenith of popularity in the 1920s, Marshall prospered throughout the twenties as his land holdings
grew to include the Indio townsite and water company. Thus, he possessed the resources to have
a substantial building constructed. He also had a commitment to the area having divested himself
of his Los Angeles holdings and relocating to the Coachella Valley.
The next owners of the ranch was William Starke Rosecrans and his wife Elizabeth. Rosecrans
was the grandson of Civil War General William Starke Rosecrans who had acquired a government
land grant in Gardena in Southern California. The younger Rosecrans began his business career
helping his father operate the family land holdings including the Rosecrans Rancho. He later
pursued his own oil and land development interests and became president of W S Rosecrans Inc
and Rosecrans Farms Inc. His interest in farming was evidenced by his participation and
Directorship of the Los Angeles County Farm Bureau. The Marshall Ranch with its elegant
Spanish Colonial house, grounds and active farm located in a growing resort area was
undoubtedly attractive to Rosecrans. According to local legend the estate was dubbed the
"Hacienda del Gato" in honor of the familv cat who had saved Mrs. Rosecrans from being bitten
McUoo and Associates, Historic Preservation 2 November. 1996
w-',.Di)t 0.10
HACIENDA DEL GATO
La Quinta, California
by a rattlesnake. The cat is said to have a special burial place on the property.
The Rosecrans sold the property in 1954 to James T. and Esther Holmes. In the 1920s Holmes
had established a lucrative electrical and mechanical engineering firm in Los Angeles. Like
Rosecrans the lure of the estate included its buildings, grounds and opportunities for farming.
Since Holmes' background was in one of architecture's allied fields, it is not surprising that he
commissioned a systematic study of the estate (See Illustration 1). He also embarked on an
ambitious landscape and cultivation plan that included removal of declining Deglet Noor date
trees and shift to citrus. Plans for the estate developed in 1956 list a wide variety of plants:
Washingtonia Fillifera and Robusta palms, bamboo, persimmon, eucalyptus, cottonwood,
pomegranate, date palms, karab, jacaranda, and Chinese umbrella trees as well as cactus and
shrubs. Citrus included Eureka Lemon, Seville orange, pink grapefruit, ruby grapefruit, temple
orange, dancy tangerine, Valencia orange, ponderosa lemon and Algerian tangerine.
The property was sold in 1972 to Lincoln Manchester Properties, owned by Fritz Burns, a real
estate developer who oversaw the development of thousands of residential properties in post -
World War II Southern California. The ranch was also owned by Burns' son, F. Patrick until his
death in 1980 Subsequent owners included Bill Young, Landmark Land Company and Sienna
Corporation.
The Grounds and Buildings of the Marshall Ranch/Hacienda del Gato
The approach to the Marshall Ranch/Hacienda del Gato foreshadows the sequence of views and
spatial relationships one experiences on the Ranch. Mature eucalyptus trees and palms frame the
rough hewn rock wall which holds the iron entry gates. Beyond, a road with stone curb walls
meanders to the entry circle in front of the Main House. The whole route of the road is lined with
mature trees including eucalyptus and palm.
The focal point of the Marshall Ranch/Hacienda del Gato estate is the Main House and its
relationship to the courtyard gardens. The architecture of the house, Spanish Eclectic, and the
Mediterranean ambiance of the plantings evoke the romance of Spanish/Mexican Colonial
California. The house seems sited to frame the "the largest visible peak of the Santa Rosas so it
could be seen from the northwest side of the living room and directly down the main garden path"
(1996, Hacienda Del Gato, Lore and Legend).
Complex in plan, asymmetrical facades, the use of strongly textured materials, changes in height,
and stylistic techniques result in a classic Spanish style rambling hacienda. The building flows into
a rear courtyard, pool, and garden spaces that creates a series of outdoor rooms each offering a
different vista of the desert and mountains beyond and a unique look back to the main hacienda.
The "rear" of the hacienda (as distinguished from the "front" which is defined by the road
approach to the house) opens up and flows into a sunken formal courtyard. The rear facades
Mellon and Ass rotes, 141stone Presmation
November. 1996
HACIENDA DEL GATO
La Quinta, California
feature porches and balconies which create a strong exterior circulation pattern.
The courtyard features a formal axial composition with a fountain in the center. Stone walks
create the axis with notched rectangular patches of grass located around it. Three of these four
grassy areas is planted with a pair of mature eucalyptus trees, The courtyard leads to a trellis
which is heavily vegetated creating a tunnel -like arcade with its own cross axis. On higher ground
beyond the arcade is a pool and deck. A pool house, dubbed the "Little House" is catty corner to
the pool. Beyond the Little House is a small raised lawn area that ends in a low semicircular wall
which encloses a sundial. This series of more formal gardens are lined with walkways and stone
walls and are characterized by changes in level. All of these elements results in a sequence of
"outdoor rooms", each waiting to be discovered and each providing a different vista of the desert
valley and mountains in the distance and each framing a different view of the Hacienda and
landscaped grounds. According to oral history that has been handed down the grass less fan palm
located in the entry circle of the driveway is one of the oldest in the Coachella Valley. Lore has it
that it was 35 years old when it was planted in its current location by Rosecrans (in the 1940s), It
is also thought that the two fan palms located south of the pool, also transplanted by Rosecrans,
had been originally planted in the Valley in the late 19th century by the Southern Pacific Railroad.
The Main House is complex in plan, arranged in an irregular, informal pattern. The roof and
sheathing materials are extremely textured and rough hewn and evoke a rambling romanticism.
The Spanish tile roof features straight barrel mission tile irregularly laid. Double layers of tile are
laid convex side up to overlap flanking similar tiles laid concave side up. The overlapping of the
tiles creates a strong textural pattern and the dabbed cement mortar adds more texture. The
house is constructed of uncut quarry face stones with no coursing. The mortar joints are raked
(recessed) and the whole surface painted white. The strong face of the stones and the recessed
joints impart a rusticated aesthetic.
The different wings have separate roof forms of varying height The entry facade features a two-
story, hipped -roof unit which flows into a single -story wing, with a side gable root. A wing wall
juts out from the two-story unit. After an opening to allow access to the gardens, the wall
continues and dog -legs to connect to a free standing garage constructed of the same rusticated
stone and tile as the Main House, A board and batten lean-to was added to the rear of the garage.
Just beyond the garage is a concrete block pump house and walled utility enclosure.
A variety of windows are asymmetrically located along the Main House's front elevation. They
range from a pair of French doors with a wooden balconette on the upper level to multi-ipaned
cast iron casement windows along the first floor and along the single story wing. All the windows
and doors feature a heavy, rough-hewn lintel and are deeply set (possible because of the depth of
the stones) The tile roof juts out to form a hood over the entry door which is reached by a short
run of stairs lined with stone walls.
The bedroom wing is one-story and perpendicular to the entry wing. It sits on a 3-4 foot
Meuoo a nd.4ss-ociates. [$stonc Pcesmanoo 4 Novcmbec_ 1996
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HACIENDA DEL GATO La Quinta, California
foundation of the same rusticated stone that is used through the building. The the roof of this
wing juts out to create a porch that runs the length of the wing. It is supported by wooden posts
and a wooden rail runs the length of the porch. This design is deliberate to create a visual
relationship and access to the sunken courtyard Stairs down to the courtyard are locates at either
end of the wing. Deeply set multi -paned casement windows of varying sizes, all with the heavy
hewn wooden lintel, are placed asymmetrically along this elevation, together with several doors.
Wrought iron light scones are located along this run of wall. A brick chimney pierces the roof at
the far end of the wing. The pattern of the tile gabled roof and the texture of the stones succeeds
in imparting the romanticism and flavor of the Spanish eclectic style.
Although flush with the one-story wing along the front entry facade, the two-story unit, juts out
toward the courtyard on its other side. On the second floor a tile roof overhangs a balcony,
supported by wooden posts and railing, which runs along 3/4 of the elevation. On the first story
below the balcony, a metal roofed patio enclosure was later added. This incompatible addition
appears to be removable.
Beyond the sunken courtyard, on higher ground, sits the Little House and pool. A wall of large
stones berms up to the pool deck which features large concrete pavers. A simple tile boarder
outlines the pool. Mature vegetation grows close to the pool on two of its sides. Vistas of the
mountains are prominent beyond the pool and Little House. Designed in a Spanish eclectic style,
sheathed in stucco and topped by a Spanish tile roof, the details of this building are lighter and
simpler than those of the main house. The Little House is basically "U' shaped in plan with a
single wing jutting out towards the pool. This configuration results in the building presenting two
different faces, depending upon one's point of view. If viewed from the pool deck, the 90 degree
angle of the two wings is reinforced by the 90 degree corner of the pool. The facade along these
sides is simple stucco, with a integral concrete seating base which wraps around both walls. This
bench strengthens the angular relationship with the pool. Viewed from the other side the "U'
shape of the plan and its symmetry creates the character of the building. The vegetation from the
arcaded trellis has grown across the walkway and has spread onto the Little House's roof.
As the estate's access road continues beyond the Hacienda to the south, it leads to several other
structures. The Foreman's House is located to the South of the Hacienda and gardens, just
beyond the rear of the garage and pump house. Although the stone road curbs define the edge of
the lawn in front of the Foreman's House, it does not possess any formal landscaped relationship
to the Hacienda's gardens and seems to have been functionally sited. The one story stucco
building with its gabled roof is simple and functional shaded by several mature trees. As the road
trails off bevond the Foreman's House, several outbuildings are sited. These long, narrow
buildings with end gabled roofs were constructed over the decades to support the farming
functions of the ranch. Constructed out of a variety of materials over a number of years, the
buildings create an interesting tableau against the mountains. The oldest of the structures is
probably the simple adobe building. As needs dictated, extensions and additions were made using
a variety of practical materials such as corrugated metal.
Mellon and Associates. Histone Preservation 5 November. 1996
HACIENDA DEL GATO
Significance
La Quinta, California
John Marshall was one of the first Anglo-American settlers in the area of the Coachella Valley
now known as La Quinta. Marshall farmed his railroad grant lands for over 30 years. He was
one of the earliest growers of dates which became the hallmark agricultural product of the region.
Not much is know about the homestead house although local lore has it that a structure was built
around 1910. Only one photograph of the homestead house is extant.
Although no documentary evidence has been found regarding the construction date of Hacienda
del Gate, a number of considered inferences can be made. First, by the mid-1920s La Quinta and
the Palm Springs region was beginning to develop as a resort area known for its hospitable winter
weather and elegant escape from the demands of city life. Visitors to the area included architects,
entertainers and businessmen from the Los Angeles area. John Marshall had relocated to the
Coachella Valley to develop business interests in addition to running his ranch. Thus, Marshall
had resources and access to building professionals. The Spanish Colonial style of architecture
developed into a popular building style in Southern California reaching a height of popularity in
the decade of the 1920s. The Hacienda del Gato is an excellent example of the Spanish Colonial
architectural style and is well constructed. It is likely the product of an architect or talented
builder who understood the stylistic elements as well as proportion and siting. The courtyard is a
traditional element of the style and appears to coincide with building of the main house. When the
gentleman -farmer W S. Rosecrans took over the property in the 1940s he brought his interest in
farming and maintained it as a working ranch. While the exact dates of the various components of
the estate (entry walls/gates, curbed roads, gardens and walkways) is not known, is is reasonable
to assume that these features were established between the late 1920s and 40s. Oral tradition
notes that Rosecrans took an interest in the landscaping of the estate, transplanting several mature
species, and likely adding his own touches to the design of the gardens. The simpler lines of the
pool house and pool appear more modern and were likely added in the late 1930s or 40s, In the
1950s Holmes continued the gentleman -farmer tradition with the transition to citrus farming and
in the process documented existing conditions at that point in time.
The Hacienda del Gato Main House and garage, the sunken courtyard, and entry drive gardens
are over fifty years old and are significant elements characterizing a desert ranch/estate. These
elements possess a high level of architectural integrity in terms of location, design, setting,
materials, workmanship and feeling.
As the owners prospered, the original homestead ranch evolved into an estate in tandem with a
working ranch on the original land grant lands. The design of the house and its relationship to the
other constituent elements, the vistas and view sheds, are exemplary in design. The architectural
style, its execution and the quality of the workmanship and materials are original and of the
period. All of this expresses the historic sense of time and place, that of a lush desert oa.sis from
the 1920s and 30s.
Mellon and Assa.iates. Historic Preservation 6 Novuaber, t 996
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HACIENDA DEL GATO
La Quinta, California
The significance of the Hacienda and gardens is directly related to two of the three themes
articulated in the "City of La Quinta Historic Context Statement" (1996; Moriquand). Under
Context I. Prehistory and Early Settlement, the ranch is associated with one of La Quinta's
earliest homesteaders, John Marshall who farmed the lands for over 30 years. Under Context 2,
Resort Industry, the Hacienda del Gato and gardens is important in its evolution to an estate with
a working farm. The development of the resort industry in La Quinta attracted persons of means
and importance to the area, The Marshall Ranch, a working farm nestled below the scenic Santa
Rosa Mountains, was a perfect location for the development of the classic Spanish style rambling
and romantic Hacienda del Gato. The economic resources of the various owners were utilized in
the design and workmanship of the estate.
The Hacienda del Gato Main House, garage and entry circle, sunken courtyard, gardens, and
entry gate appear to be eligible for the National Register of Historic Places at the local level of
significance under Criteria B and C. Under Criterion B, the Hacienda and gardens are "associated
with the lives of persons significant in our past" and under Criterion C, they "embody the;
distinctive characteristics of a type, period, or method of construction...".
The Hacienda del Gato Main House, garage and entry circle, sunken courtyard and gardens, and
entry gate also appears to be eligible for designation as a City of La Quinta Landmark in that it is
"associated with a person of local significance", is "associated with an historic or thematic
activity of local importance", and it is "representative of a distinct architectural style and/or
construction method of a particular historic period or way of life, or the resource represents the
work of a master builder or architect or possess high artistic value."
�leuon and,'um ates. Histonc Prewrvauon 7 Novecab r, 1996
HACIENDA DEL GATO
REFERENCES
Coachella Vallee Museum and Archives.
County of Riverside. Hall of Records. Assessor Office..
Count-, of Riverside, Indio Assessor Office.
Countv of Riverside. Riverside Public Libran
Hacienda Del Gato. Lore and Legend La Quetta Historical Soviet}, 1996.
La Quinta, California
The History of La 0anta. The Gem of the Desert. La Quinta Historical Society, 1990.
How to Apply the .National Register Criteria for Evaluation. U S. Department of the Lmenor. 1991.
Huntington Librwy. San Marino.
La Quinta Cim- Hall.
La Quinta Historic Landmarks and Residences. Prepared b} Fred Rice. La Quinta Historical Societe,
March 1. 1991,
La Quetta Historical Sociey Photograph Collection.
Larchmont Chronicle, "Death Told of Developer, Philanthropist F. Bums March, 1979.
Los Angeles Central Libran Biograph} Clippings File
Los Angeles City Director}. 1907.
Los Angeles Timer. "Death Takes William Starke Rosecrans. 76". July 29. 1965,
Los Angeles Times. "Developer. Philanthropist F. Patrick Burns Dies at 54". Feb. 2. 1980
Los Angeles Times. "Services Set for Fritz Bums, Western Real Estate Executive'. Feb. 20, 1979.
Moriquand. Leslie. City of La Quinta Historic Context Statement 1996.
Plot Plan. James T. Holmes Ranch. 52nd & Marshall Street. La Quinta Area, Indio. California.
June 26. 1956.
Mellon and Associates_ Historic Preservation 8 November. 1996
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La Quinta, California
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La Quinta, California
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HACIENDA DEL GATO
Little house
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La Quinta, California
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Outbuildings
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La Quinta, California
November. 1996
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ATTACHMENT 3
Tradition
November 1, 1996
Christine di Iorio
Planning Manager
Community Development Department
City of La Quinta
P.O. Box 1504
La Quinta, CA 92253
Suite 200 o 78-150 Calle Tampico o La Quinta, CA 92253
(619) 564-7009 o FAX (619)564-5307
Re: Historical Preservation Commission
Dear Christine:
OCT 31
LAQUINTA
DEPARTMENT
You advised us in our meeting with you, Jerry Herman, and Tom Hartung
on October 29, that the Historical Preservation Commission could
consider the changes we propose to the exterior of the Hacienda Del
Gato at its November 7 meeting, provided you received our request by
this date. Accordingly, the following is the list of exterior work we
propose plus additional supporting information:
1. Replacement of the main entrance door(supersedes earlier
submittal). (Exhibit A)
2. Replacement of the southside door kitchen). (Exhibit B)
3. Replacement of courtside patio room roof structure and enclosure.
(Exhibit C)
4. Replacement of window on westside of library with new single pane
because of unsafe condition.
S. Replacement of wooden handrails along covered walkway of former
bedroom wing with wrought iron rails in the style of the existing iron
rails at the front entrance and between the patio and covered walkway.
6. Removal of exposed inactive ductwork and dilapidated wooden
enclosure on northside of former bedroom wing.
7. Repaint exterior building walls and trim to match existing colors.
8. Removal of wooden shed (former laundry room) on southside of
garage, and. repaint garage wall formerly hidden by shed to match rest
of garage and the Hacienda.
9. Removal of foreman's house.
10. Removal of corrugated metal roof sheds and adjacent adobe
building. Because of interest expressed in the adobe building, we
evaluated its location and condition in an attempt to find a use for
it that would be compatible with the development. Unfortuna-ely, it
lies on the edge of the proposed auto court in the entrance -o the
parking lot. (Exhibit G)
11. Historic Resource Report. Mellon & Associates was engaged to
prepare a Historic Resource Report and Evaluation. This report is
not yet ready at this writing but will be submitted on November 4.
Christine di Iorio November 1, 1996 Page 2
12. Wheel Chair Access Ramps. We propose to construct a wheel chair
access ramp from a point between the garage and the south end of the
Hacienda into the patio. This would permit wheel chair access into
the Hacienda lower level through its south entry and access into the
patio and garden. In addition, we propose raise the level of: the
existing covered brick walkway of the bedroom wing to facilitate wheel
chair access from the entry hall and to and from the new off,.ces.
(Exhibit D)
It is my understanding that landscaping issues for the Hacienda will
be processed through the Community Development.
Please call me if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
e ,
Larr Spicer
General Manager
WOUGN
5002
-3/8" Stiles
Temp.
Clear
$308.00
314.00
314.00
314.00
319.00
319.00
August 1995
True Divided
—>P—5510 5510 W LO =
4-1/2" Stiles , -3/8" Stiles
ATTACHMENT 4
5515 W LO
5-3/8"Sfiles
Temp.
Temp.
Temp.
Clear
Clear
Clear
$430.00
$498.00
454.00
512.00
454.00
512.00
$680.00
454.00
,
.512.00
680.00
458.00
525.00
702.00
vTl -�-1 �l
9 Marginal
4 -1 /2" Stiles
Temp.
Clear
$824.00
824.00
450.00 A. 650.00
450.00 A 650.00
455.00 A. 655.00
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