Editorial: Agua Caliente Band a good neighbor

Tuesday, March 25, 2008  

"The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians is a good Palm Springs neighbor and corporate citizen. There is no reason to believe that the planned renovations of the Spa Resort Hotel won't be tastefully done and take into consideration historic significance.

But at the end of the day, the hotel at Indian Canyon Drive and Tahquitz Canyon Way is on native land and the tribe plans to demolish the 228-room Spa Hotel and replace it with a 420-room hotel and other amenities. The casino also would be expanded.

Preservationists are concerned about the hotel and the colonnade at the Spa Resort Hotel. The colonnade, a long, white archway that leads to the hotel, was designed in the late 1950s by Don Wexler and Richard Harrison. The hotel was designed by William Cody.

It is understandable to want to preserve much of the mid-century modern architecture around Palm Springs. But the tribe also is aware of that fact and has been responsible in its designs in the past. Not only that, as the first people here, tribal members likely have the best sense of historical perspective of this area.

The tribe is making things happen in Palm Springs and we all should support such efforts by the tribe and other developers. As a resort town, the city needs more activity."

Get the Story:
Editorial: Historical, aesthetic balance needed in hotel renovation (The Palm Springs Desert Sun 3/25)