Join us in celebrating Armenian influence on Glendale architecture with Armenian American Museum architect, Aram Alajajian.
Reflecting on his architectural journey, Alajajian will share stories about growing up in Yerevan, Armenia and highlighting his deep connection to Armenian cultural landmarks and how that influenced his work on prominent architecture such as the St. Gregory Armenian Catholic Church in Glendale, the Armenian Orthodox Western Prelacy Building in La Crescenta and the highly anticipated Armenian American Museum and Cultural Center of California.
BIOGRAPHY
Born on July 31, 1954, in Yerevan, Armenia, Alajajian pursued his passion for architecture at the Yerevan Polytechnic Institute, graduating in 1977 with a degree in Architecture. Following his graduation, Alajajian began his professional journey at the Yerevan Project Institute, working under Chief Architect Jim Torosian. This experience laid the foundation for his architectural career. In 1979, Alajajian relocated to the United States to further his career. He joined the Ralph M. Parsons Company in Pasadena, California, in May 1980, contributing to projects such as the design of dormitories for the Alaskan Pipeline and housing developments in Abu Dhabi.
In 1986, Alajajian co-founded Alajajian Marcoosi Architects Inc. (AMA Inc.) in Glendale, California, alongside Sako Marcoosi. Serving as President, Alajajian has led the firm in various architectural endeavors, including the design of the Armenian American Museum. Alajajian’s design for the Armenian American Museum was selected in December 2015. The museum aims to serve as a cultural and educational center, celebrating and preserving Armenian heritage.
This program is in conjunction with Be the Change Series. Be The Change events will build collective understanding of systemic racism, elevate the voices and stories of Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC), and inspire our community to be the change.
PARKING
Visitors to the Glendale Central Library receive 3-hour FREE parking across Harvard Street at the Marketplace parking structure with validation at the service desk. Accessible parking is available on the east side of the building. For additional information about this event, please contact Central Library at (818) 548-2021 or send us an email at LibraryInfo@GlendaleCA.gov.
AGE GROUP: | All Ages | Adults |
EVENT TYPE: | Special Events | Lecture |
TAGS: | Central Library | Be the Change | Adult |
Established in 1906.
Library services in Glendale were first provided in 1906. The women of the Tuesday Afternoon Club, a social and philanthropic organization, raised money through a series of lectures to fund a library collection. The library opened in a renovated pool room at Third and E (Wilson and Everett) Streets with seventy books, soon supplemented by a State Traveling Library of fifty more, and served a population of 1,186.
In 1907, the City Trustees passed Ordinance 53 which established and supported a library which "...shall be forever free to the inhabitants and nonresident taxpayers of the City of Glendale..." The first year the library had 251 books, 165 registered patrons, and a budget of $248.88.
In 1913, a Carnegie grant of $12,500 made possible the construction of the main library at Kenwood and Fifth (Harvard Street). The building was completed and dedicated November 13, 1914.
