Restore Palm Springs American Legion Post 519
Owen Coffman Memorial Building Restoration Foundation.
Our mission:
Restore, maintain and update our 1948 Mid-Century building for current and future generations of veterans, our community and preservationists. This is the only building in Palm Springs that honors our veterans.
Restoring their home is the least we can do.
Our History
A part of our community since 1934, Post 519 was founded by Earl Coffman, a Veteran of WWI, and co-manager of the famous Desert Inn, owned by his mother, Palm Springs matriarch Nellie Coffman. In April 1944, it was named in honor of his son, 2nd Lt. Owen B. Coffman, a B-17 Pilot, who was killed in action. Nellie Coffman & Pearl McManus donated the land and it was dedicated January 3, 1948. In 1999, it was designated a Class One Historic Site (HSPB-36).
The contractor was Ryland Pinkard and the architects were John Porter Clark and Albert Frey. The building incorporates many mid-century features including a unique “Lamella” ceiling that is now considered rare for Southern California. Also, from 1948 to 1953, Hollywood greats performed live on the Legion’s stage to nationally broadcast audiences.
Our goal is to restore our post to its glory with modern amenities and a 1940s USO theme.
Our Leadership
Lee Wilson Jr.
President
Kitty Kieley Hayes
Vice-President
Garth Gilpin
Treasurer
Marilyn Sullivan
Secretary
Supporting Our Veterans
Restore Palm Springs American Legion Post 519
ADA Compliance including electrical, HVAC, plumbing, sprinklers, earthquake code.
Total modernization and update of kitchen and bar.
Complete upgrade and modernization for internet, audio-visual, sound system, lighting, etc.
Energy efficiency throughout.
A place for future generations of active duty military, veterans, their friends and family, and our community to enjoy.
Historical Image Gallery
(Click any image for enlarged version)
Donations Will Be Accepted Soon!
Until the findings of our structural analysis is completed, we unfortunately cannot accept donations…
Donate now to help restore, maintain and update our 1948 Mid Century building
Restore Palm Springs American Legion Post 519
400 N. Belardo Rd
Palm Springs, CA 92262
Owen Coffman Memorial Building Restoration Foundation
Restore Palm Springs American Legion Post 519