Palm Springs Approves Demolition of El Morocco Hotel and Plans for…

The Palm Springs Historic Site Preservation Board has approved the demolition of the El Morocco Hotel due to its lack of historical integrity. Simultaneously, redevelopment plans for the Palm Highlands Inn site have been approved, aiming to restore and enhance the area. Despite the sadness over losing these landmarks, board members recognized the necessity for property revitalization in the community.

The Historic Site Preservation Board (HSPB) in Palm Springs has approved the demolition of the El Morocco Hotel, located at 340 North Palm Canyon Drive. This decision comes after the board determined that the nearly 100-year-old property no longer possesses sufficient historical integrity to justify Class 1 or 2 designations. Amid ongoing concerns about the diminishing architectural heritage in the area, the board acknowledged the necessity of redevelopment for both the El Morocco site and the adjacent Palm Highlands Inn at 450 East Palm Canyon Drive.

During the Tuesday evening meeting, Jade Nelson, the HSPB Chair, expressed sorrow over the loss of historical structures, stating, “With each of these approvals we lose a little bit. So, it’s always difficult.” However, he also noted the benefits of revitalizing properties that have fallen into disrepair. The Palm Highlands Inn site will be redeveloped into a small hotel while some historical features are retained.

The El Morocco Hotel evolved from a five-room bungalow in 1922 to a 38-room hotel by the 1940s, frequented by Hollywood icons like Rosalind Russell and Bette Davis. Through time, the site transformed into a combination of retail and business spaces, undergoing various demolitions and modifications that compromised its original historic character.

Sarah Yoon, an associate planner and historic preservation officer, reiterated that the landmark no longer met the criteria for exceptional historical significance as required for a higher designation. The board was particularly impressed with the comprehensive research presented, which included historic photographs and documentation dating back to the 1930s, for the El Morocco site.

Katherine Maschka-Hitchcock, a board member, highlighted the critical issue of property maintenance during discussions, referencing the rapid decline of the Palm Highlands Inn. She pointed out, “It’s pretty shocking the amount of deterioration that occurred to this site in what appears to be less than 10 years,” emphasizing the need for ongoing property care to prevent similar outcomes.

The former El Morocco Hotel has been a notable part of Downtown Palm Springs’ history, serving as a host to celebrities and transforming through various commercial uses. As architectural preservation becomes more prevalent, the city faces challenges in balancing historic preservation with modern redevelopment needs. The decision by the HSPB to approve demolitions reflects a broader trend in urban redevelopment, where many older properties may lack the necessary integrity to be preserved despite their historical significance. As the city evolves, the HSPB must navigate the complexities of property designations, where some buildings may be deemed less important historically due to alterations and overall deterioration. Conversely, the redevelopment initiatives for sites like the Palm Highlands Inn indicate a shift towards revitalizing the area while acknowledging its past.

The demolition of the El Morocco Hotel and redevelopment of the Palm Highlands Inn reflects ongoing debates around historical preservation versus modern urban development. The HSPB’s decisions emphasize both the historical significance that can be lost as buildings deteriorate and the need for revitalization in Palm Springs. As redevelopment projects move forward, maintaining the balance between honoring history and fostering growth will remain a critical issue for the community.

Original Source: thepalmspringspost.com