PALM SPRINGS MODERN COMMITTEE
FALL NEWS UPDATE 2010

NEW WEBSITE IS LIVE!
On November 7th, PS ModCom officially unveiled its new look and enhanced website at www.psmodcom.org.
Check out the expanded Architects section with gorgeous galleries of works around Palm Springs. Peruse the new Vintage PS section with mid-century ephemera including articles, real estate sales brochures and even menus. See timelines of PS ModCom’s and Palm Springs’ preservation history. Take a spin and send us your feedback!

NEW! MEMBERSHIP MEETING DECEBMER 12
We felt this would be a perfect time to summarize the year that’s ending by gathering our members together for a brief meeting at the Wexler-designed Palm Springs National Country Club (formerly Canyon Country Club). Come meet your board of directors and learn about PS ModCom’s efforts in advocacy, education, membership, and our goals for 2011.

Where: Palm Springs National Country Club, 1100 East Murray Canyon Drive
When: Sunday, December 12, 2-3:30pm

ADVOCACY
The Welwood Murray Library, designed in 1940 by local architect John Porter Clark, remains a preservation issue. The City Council will soon be deciding whether to uphold the Historic Site Preservation Board’s decision to deny the insensitive addition proposed for the rear of this important civic building. A public hearing could occur as soon as 6pm on Wednesday, November 17. We will keep you informed as the date approaches. PS ModCom joined advocacy efforts led by the Palm Springs Preservation Foundation to voice concerns over the proposed extensive remodel plans. The Library, a City-owned Class 1 Historic Site, has been closed since 2009. When the Library was granted funding for improvements, the City Council subcommittee did little or nothing to address the historic status and restoration opportunities of the project. Rather, an extensive and unsympathetic remodel was proposed.

Following a long summer of lobbying by PSPF, the proposal was resubmitted to the Architectural Advisory Committee (AAC) and the Historic Site Preservation Board (HSPB). These groups met on October 11 and 12, respectively, to review the proposal. PS ModCom Board Members Mary Jensen and Chris Menrad spoke at these hearings, asking that the project as currently proposed be denied and an architectural historian be assigned to advise on the project. Both the AAC and the HSPB voted to deny the project, a victory for the preservation community. Unfortunately, a city councilmember has appealed the HSPB decision and the appeal may be heard at the upcoming City Council meeting on Wednesday, November 17, 2010.

If you support our actions in saving the integrity of the library, please send a note to your City Council members, listed with contact information here: www.ci.palm-springs.ca.us/index.aspx?page=33

MODERNISM WEEK

MODERNISM SHOW BOOTH
Our annual booth at the Modernism Show is a great arena to voice our preservation concerns, educate the public, attract new members, and raise funds. Volunteers are needed to cover the various shifts over the show’s extended four days. This is a great opportunity to work alongside fellow members and meet the public.

GALA BENEFIT

As our largest fundraiser we are soliciting sponsors to support this fabulous event. This year our party theme will be based on the hit TV series MAD MEN.
OPEN HOUSE TOURS

We are holding open house tours of two designated landmarks: the Edris House by E. Stewart Williams and the Twin Palms Estates home restored under the direction of architect William Krisel. The houses will be open for two hours each on Saturday 2/19 and Sunday 2/20.

Volunteers are needed to assist the guests through the homes.

Modernism Week has expanded to 10 days of events! For more information check out the schedule at: www.psmodernismweek.com. For all event participation please contact Nickie at: psmodcom@earthlink.net.

EDUCATION COMMITTEE
We have started a scholarship program with the Palm Springs Unified School District that will provide a five hundred dollar scholarship to three high school seniors who demonstrate an interest in pursuing a career in architecture or historic preservation (one student per high school: Palm Springs, Cathedral City, Desert Hot Springs). Contributions to PS ModCom can be earmarked to be specifically applied to the scholarship fund. Please contact Robert Imber, Education Committee Chair, at mrimber@aol.com to help develop Education Committee projects such as the annual library exhibit.

MEMBERSHIP UPDATE
As some of you saw during the recent PSMHF Home Tour, we are offering a limited number of Trina Turk gift cards (value $25) for any new membership sign-up or renewal before the end of the year. That’s right – a fully transferable gift card that may be used at any Trina Turk boutique or online. Go to www.psmodcom.org/join/renew.html to take advantage of this offer. If you’re not sure of the status of your membership, please log into the new website or contact Membership Chair John Williams at johnwilliams@dc.rr.com. We look forward to hearing from you!

NEW ITEMS FOR SALE!
We have new products in store! Check out:

"Journeyman Architect" (Donald Wexler DVD) in advance of PS Art Museum show. Two new full color limited edition prints of architectural renderings by this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient Hugh Kaptur. Pete Moruzzi´s "Desert Holiday" signed edition books. Sale continues on t-shirts (limited supply colors and sizes) Coming soon: new logo t-shirts and Salton Sea Ashtray

HERITAGE FUND HOME TOUR
The recent Palm Springs Modern Heritage Fund home tour was a big success and raised substantial funds for the support of local political candidates who share our views on historic preservation. Thanks to all that attended.