The Design for This City’s First In-N-Out Was Approved After Over a Year of Bargaining Amid Local Pushback: ‘It Is Truly Ugly’

**In-N-Out Design Approved by Palm Springs Architectural Review Committee Amid Controversy**

The Palm Springs Architectural Review Committee has granted approval for a new In-N-Out Burger restaurant, following a contentious vote on October 19. This decision comes after extensive scrutiny, with the chain needing to fulfil eighteen specific conditions before proceeding with construction.

This recent approval marks a significant step for the fast-food chain, which has been seeking to establish its first location in Palm Springs since the project received initial approval back in July 2022. The design passed the committee following six rounds of review and a narrow vote of 3-2. However, the approval is conditional upon the company meeting all eighteen criteria aimed at ensuring the building aligns better with the city’s architectural ethos.

Critiques surrounding the design have been pronounced, with certain committee members and residents expressing dissatisfaction during the October 19 meeting. A particular point of contention is the stark white appearance of the building, which some believe clashes with Palm Springs’ unique aesthetic.

During the meeting, it was noted that, despite some modifications suggested by the committee, only eight of the eighteen stipulated conditions had been adequately addressed. In-N-Out is now mandated to amend its design, which includes the removal of a keystone feature above the entrance and the addition of more trees in the landscaping plan.

In response to the criticism, In-N-Out representatives asserted that their design, although retaining the brand’s identity, was a customised approach tailored to include community input from the review process. “We have achieved a truly custom design that not only allows In-N-Out Burger to maintain its identity, but also reflects the thoughtful input provided by the city of Palm Springs throughout the review process,” said Peter Kulmaticki, a company spokesperson.

Amid the ongoing debate, some residents voiced strong opposition to the proposed design, arguing that it does not harmonise with the city’s renowned desert and mid-century modern architecture. One resident commented that if the chain truly wishes to be part of Palm Springs, it should adapt its plans to encapsulate the “special flavour” of the city.

This sentiment was echoed by others, who labelled the design as “cookie-cutter” and described it as “ugly.” Concerns ranged from the overall aesthetic to the potential impact of such a commercial establishment on the local environment. Planning Commissioner David Murphy even referred to the design as resembling “a Frankenstein monster,” reflecting the disconnect between the restaurant’s structure and Palm Springs’ architectural heritage.

Conversely, a segment of the community expressed support for the new venture, pointing to the popularity of In-N-Out and suggesting that it would be a valuable addition to the area. Comments in favour of the establishment highlighted the quality of the food and potential economic benefits that the restaurant might bring to the shopping centre.

The final outcome of the design deliberations remains contingent upon the chain successfully adapting its plans to fit the committee’s requirements. As of now, with over 440 In-N-Out locations across the United States, including 289 in California alone, the chain’s expansion efforts continue to spark a mix of enthusiasm and apprehension in local communities.

The Architectual Review Committee’s decision represents both an endorsement of the brand’s desirability in the region and an affirmation of Palm Springs’ distinctive architectural identity. Moving forward, the challenge for In-N-Out will be to reconcile the expectations of local stakeholders with its established branding.

As the project unfolds, further updates from In-N-Out and the committee are anticipated. Residents are encouraged to remain engaged with the process as the future design evolves to better align with the community’s vision.