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It is not clear, whether the initial Master and Clubhouse
plans are the result of Cody's work or Zerbe, or possibly
both to some extent. According to the Borrego Sun,
the first clubhouse was designed and built by another local
designer and builder, Hal Martinez. 9
In 1961 Zerbe produces a revised Clubhouse design
that expands upon the existing building, the contract announced
in the December Borrego Sun:
"(George J.) Kuhrts said the plans for the
project, drawn by Dick Zerbe, are in accordance with future
plans for overall development of the clubhouse area, and
the new structure will become part of the future complete
clubhouse." 10
Additional changes are made to the land use plan, in an effort
to create additional saleable units in the 33 acres near the
Clubhouse and driving range. As reported in the Borrego
Sun's "de Anza Divots" column:
"De Anza Desert Country Club will have a new, enlarged,
beautiful look under an improvement plan tentatively approved
by Directors of the Borrego Valley Golf & Improvement
Co. the
Group which developed the picturesque golf course. The land
use plan for 33 acres in the clubhouse area was Prepared
by Richard M. Zerbe, Julian architect. Tentative
approval was given subject to some suggested changes and
final approval must be given by the BVG&I stockholders."
11
While the "improvement plan" offered additional
developable lots, the project overall carried a deficit
of nearly a $250,000, which probably resulted in it not
moving forward. The additional land near the driving range
remained vacant until the 1990's when it was developed as
Desert Shadows.
Zerbe was in many ways a renaissance designer. His work
for Borrego Valley Golf and Improvement included the first
logo for de Anza Country Club, in use from about 1955 to
the mid 1980's. 12
In addition to work for Kuhrts and Borrego Valley Golf
and Improvement Association, Zerbe designed a number of
homes on the course for individual clients:
Cosgrove Residence (1956)
Zerbe offered a brief narrative for some of his plans.
Of this home built at de Anza Desert Country Club he wrote:
"Good example of integrating floor plan with
characteristics of site. Low profile suits desert. Floor
plan provides good privacy to sleeping wing. Deep cantilevered
roof overhangs provide protection from desert sun. Designed
as a desert vacation house for a married retired insurance
executive with one grown stepson." 13
Sach Residence (1960)
Designed for original owners Mr. & Mrs. Denis Sach, this
house has an unusual undulating roofline and features an indoor
pool. Originally one bedroom, an additional guest quarters
has been added just off the pool. The house maintains many
of its original features, including vintage Youngstown kitchen
cabinetry and fireplace.
Petit Residence (1963) - De Anza Country Club
This is one of 3 homes that Zerbe would design for Dr. Mary
Petit, a gynecologist and professor of medicine at the University
of Pennsylvania who is considered a pioneering woman in
medicine in the field of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Two
homes, including this one, were in Borrego Springs, the
third in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania.
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