In 1908, in Pitesti, Romania , Harlamb Gerogescu was born. He was one of the most important architects in the interwar Romania after his plans were built cinemas, factories, apartment and office buildings and shopping centers, all in the art deco or modernist style. In 1947 he runs from soviet occupied Romania to the United States where he changes his name to Harlan Georgesco. After 3 years as a professor at the Nebraska University he moves to L.A. and starts an architecture firm in partnership with James Larson.
In 1959 he starts his own architecture company. Some of his projects in and around LA:
-Apartment building at 691 Levering Avenue, Westwood, Los Angeles, California.
-Apartment building on Dorothy Avenue in West Los Angeles, California.
-Pasinetti Residence, 1421 Summitridge Drive, Beverly Hills, California.
-Georgesco Residence, 420 S. Westgate Avenue, Brentwood, California.
-Residence on Crescent Avenue, Beverly Hills, California.
-Residence on Kearsarge Street, Brentwood, California.
-California Home for the Aged in Reseda, California
-Several residences, restaurants and other projects in and around Palm Springs, California
In the 60s he did the redesign plan for the famous Chi Chi Club in Palm Springs , CA, the club hosted many celebrities like : Jerry Lewis, Sophie Tucker, Louis Armstrong, Edgar Bergen, Nat King Cole, Dorothy Dandridge and Bill Alexander.
Photo courtesy of Palm Springs Historical Society
Jerry Lewis and Chi Chi owner Irwin Schuman inside the club.
"Pasinetti Residence" 1421 Summitridge Drive, Beverly Hills CA. Vintage 1958 Photo's by Robert C. Cleveland