Preservation Matters Symposium Set in Palm Springs

Palm Springs Historic Site Preservation Board presents annual Preservation Matters Symposium, April 23-24 at the Palm Springs Convention Center

PALM SPRINGS — The City of Palm Springs Historic Site Preservation Board (HSPB) will present its annual “Preservation Matters” symposium on April 23 and 24. This year’s theme is “Historical and Architectural Diversity.”

The event is free to the public by clicking here or visiting www.palmspringsca.gov where you will find a link to registration “In the Spotlight.”

During this two-day symposium, at the Palm Springs Convention Center, 277 N. Avenida Caballeros, hosts Trina Turk and Jade Nelson will introduce 15 sessions that reveal behind-the-scenes stories that embrace preservation and celebrate the City of Palm Springs’ rich historical, cultural, and architectural heritage. These narratives will be presented by experts and scholars — many who reside in local desert communities.

Other educational events include architectural tours to homes and sites throughout the city that are limited, so sign up now. In addition, Mayor Lisa Middleton will be on hand to welcome participants to the eighth annual PRESERVATION MATTERS event.

“The City of Palm Springs is proud to present this important preservation event, and we are equally proud of the important work of the Historic Site Preservation Board,” Middleton said in a news release. “Palm Springs has become an internationally recognized architectural region with a treasure trove of diverse styles that visitors from throughout the world seek to experience.”

Highlights of the sessions will feature interior/exterior views of private spaces which include estates beyond the Southridge gate; actor Randolph Scott’s secluded residence; houses by Charles E. Du Bois that are more than just an “A” frame; and what the Aluminaire House means to our community. And, to round out the program, a comprehensive review of newly designated properties will be highlighted in a descriptive and illustrated presentation.

Participants will also learn about plans for preserving The Town & Country Center in downtown Palm Springs along with the history of the historic Plaza Theatre, plans for its restoration and its future. The discussion will continue with the significance of preservation through education and how it spans from the sixth grade to college students.

Participants will also have the opportunity to view exceptional architectural models created by students from St. Theresa School, Palm Springs High School, and College of the Desert.

Culminating the symposium, two members of the preservation community will receive recognition awards for their achievements with the “Preservation Matters Award” going to Dick Burkett and “Certificate of Recognition” to Steven Keylon.

For more information about this year’s symposium, click here.