31 King George Street

King George Street 31 in Tel Aviv was designed in 1934 by architect Pinhas Bizonsky in the International Style as a residential building with ground-floor commercial spaces. Situated on historic King George Street near Meir Garden, which was planned to connect the commercial center around the HaCarmel Market and Allenby Street with the new residential areas near Nordia, today known as the Dizengoff Center area, the building reflects the urban development of 1930s Tel Aviv.

Designated for preservation under Plan 2362, the building underwent conservation work that included the addition of two full floors and a recessed rooftop level, while preserving its historic character and architectural elements. It continues to serve its original function, with commercial spaces on the ground floor and residential units above.

Address: King George Street 31, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
Constructed: 1934
Renewed: 2023
Documented: 2011
Client: Bar Yaakov Properties and Investments Ltd.
Photographer: Eran Gamliel

King George Street 31 in Tel Aviv was designed in 1934 by architect Pinhas Bizonsky in the International Style as a residential building with ground-floor commercial spaces. Bizonsky designed numerous notable buildings across Tel Aviv, including HaYarkon Street 96, Balfour Street 40, Rothschild Boulevard 75, and Melchett Street 5, all characterized by a distinct International Style. At King George Street 31, this architectural language is expressed through an asymmetrical façade, articulated planes, rounded corners, and a strong horizontal emphasis.

The Conservation Work

The conservation work included the restoration and preservation of the building’s façades and public staircase, while retaining its original historic uses and surviving architectural details. Particular attention was given to uncovering the original murals, colors, and materials within the historic stairwell, as well as revealing the original color palette and plaster finishes of the façades.

Two additional floors and a recessed penthouse level were added to the building. These additions were carefully designed to emphasize the historic structure and its original form while remaining visually and materially distinct from the existing building. An elevator and a shelter were also incorporated to meet contemporary requirements.

The Conservation Work Volumes International Style Rounded Corner

Volumes

The building is composed of several volumes set back at varying depths from the street, creating a sense of movement along the façade. This effect is further enhanced by King George Street’s character as a major and highly active urban artery.

International Style

The building was designed in the International Style, which was prevalent in Tel Aviv during the 1930s and 1940s. One of the defining characteristics of the style is its emphasis on horizontal elements, expressed here particularly through the rounded balconies. These balconies lend a sculptural and dynamic quality to the façade, breaking its symmetry and contributing to the building’s distinctive architectural expression.

Rounded Corner

The rounded corner reinforces the building’s horizontal emphasis, softening the transition between the façades and creating a dynamic interplay of light and shadow.

31 King George Street

Before

During

The Conservation Work

Volumes

International Style

Rounded Corner

After