Palm Springs, CA

On Saturday, February 1st, the Villa Roma community gathered on the front lawn of their iconic Temple of Venus for a momentous occasion—the official unveiling of their new Palm Springs Historic District designation plaque. This event marked the culmination of over a dozen years of diligent research and collaboration by dedicated homeowner volunteers, historians, and preservationists, all working together to achieve this prestigious recognition.

The new designation, granted by the Palm Springs City Council in February 2023, officially recognizes Villa Roma as a historic district. Known for its stunning garden-style midcentury architecture and distinctive Roman-themed elements, Villa Roma is now the latest and largest historic district in Palm Springs. With 69 homes, the community’s unique aesthetic and rich history have earned it a spot on the city’s esteemed list of preserved landmarks.

John Klingenmeier, President of the Villa Roma Owners Association (VROA), spoke to the crowd of homeowners and architecture enthusiasts, recounting the 12-year journey that led to this achievement. He credited much of the success to Jesse McManus, a Villa Roma resident who began researching the community’s history and unearthed original sales brochures, blueprints, and period photographs. Klingenmeier also highlighted the pivotal contributions of current resident Philip Parks, as well as Barbara and Ron Marshall of the Palm Springs Preservation Foundation, who helped keep the momentum going.

“With the momentum, multiple Villa Romans stepped forward, offering historical insights, documents, and pictures,” Klingenmeier shared with pride. “Both original owners Pearl Davis and Pearl White—affectionately known as ‘The Pearls’—had some incredible stories to tell, and did they tell them!” His lighthearted reference to the Pearls, who celebrated their 100th birthdays in Villa Roma, was met with laughter from the crowd.

The effort to secure historic district status also involved significant collaboration with various local organizations. Klingenmeier expressed gratitude to the Palm Springs Preservation Foundation, the Palm Springs Historical Society, the Palm Springs Department of Building and Safety, and architectural historian Alan Hess, whose expertise played an essential role in the preservation process.

In a fitting continuation of their historic celebration, Villa Roma will host its first-ever home tour as part of the 2025 Modernism Week. On Saturday, February 15, the community will open seven homes to the public, allowing architecture enthusiasts to explore its midcentury gems firsthand. Visitors will also have the opportunity to tour the Temple of Venus Rotunda, the pool and clubhouse with its iconic folded-plate roofline, and other key landmarks in the district.

“This is the first time we’re opening our community and sharing it with architecture and midcentury enthusiasts,” said VROA Board Member Catherine “Cat” Morisano. “The historic district status will help protect the original architectural character of the community, ensuring that these important elements remain intact for future generations.”

Tickets for the home tour are available for purchase through the event website here, with all proceeds going toward preserving the architectural integrity of Villa Roma.

As Villa Roma enters this new chapter, the community looks forward to sharing its rich history and architectural beauty with the public, while safeguarding its legacy for generations to come.