Inside the Palm Springs town that does not want In-N-Out’s design gift

Design review remains unresolved

The Palm Springs proposal has been delayed by disagreements over architectural standards. Although the Planning Commission approved the general project more than a year ago, the design panel must ensure commercial developments fit the city’s desert character.

In-N-Out revised the design, including reducing bright red accents and flattening its angular retro rooflines. At an October 19 meeting, several panel members still voiced frustration with the company’s response to earlier requests.

Panel members criticize revisions

Walsh said the developer had ignored or only partly addressed about a dozen of the 18 changes previously requested by city officials. He criticized the process but voted for conditional approval. Elliott said the panel wanted a design that felt distinctive, while describing the proposal as something that looked as though it belonged in San Dimas.

Residents question the architecture

David Murphy, a resident and planning commissioner speaking personally, said he did not think the design suited that part of Palm Springs. He called the result a “Frankenstein monster,” according to Murphy.

Chris Menrad, another resident, urged the city by phone to demand a higher design standard. In-N-Out representative Peter Kulmaticki defended the company’s work, saying the design had changed substantially since its first submission and that the company felt good about the latest version.

Construction awaits conditions

The project cannot move to construction until In-N-Out meets all 18 outstanding design conditions and any public appeals are resolved. The chain has locations in the Coachella Valley, including La Quinta, Rancho Mirage and Thousand Palms, but none within Palm Springs city limits.