“Ever heard of the ‘small town and people in it’?” asks Nahum Gutman in his book. This is how writer Nahum Gutman described the area where Beit Polak stands. Today, we are standing in front of Beit Polak in Tel Aviv. It is a remarkable building with a rich history.
Beit Polak is one of the first 20 houses in Tel Aviv. It is located at Herzl Street and Ahad Ha’am Street. The building stands as a testament to the city’s early days. Michael Polak founded the house with Zalman Olitzky. They wanted to honor the name of the building’s builder.
Polak worked hard to realize his vision. He contracted the building’s construction to Haim Deyer. Deyer was a well-known builder in the area. Weiss designed the house in a European style. Polak was particular about the construction. He closely supervised the project.
Beit Polak became known as “Michael’s House”. It was a center for the community. The founders intended it for residential purposes. But it soon became much more. The ground floor hosted shops. The upper floors were apartments.
In 1936, the house was leased to Ze’ev Gluskin. He was on Montifiore Street. In the 70s, it moved to a larger location. Later, it became Beit Ariela.
A kiosk was established in Beit Polak around 1920. People knew it as a place to meet. In 2009, the Herzliya Gymnasium moved nearby. The students missed the kiosk. They affectionately nicknamed the area “The Herzliya Gymnasium Garden”.
Rebekah Horowitz managed Beit Polak for many years. She rented rooms to writers. They sought inspiration. The wide space was ideal for creativity. The Herzliya Gymnasium used the building from 1921 to 1936. It housed the “Shaar Zion” library. Yossef Kluzner appreciated the library’s books. He noted their importance to Hebrew culture.
Beit Polak has witnessed many changes. It has adapted to the evolving needs of Tel Aviv. The building remains a symbol of the city’s heritage. It is a reminder of the early pioneers. These pioneers shaped Tel Aviv’s cultural landscape.
The building has undergone several renovations. These renovations aimed to preserve its historical character. It ensures that Beit Polak continues to inspire future generations.
Today, Beit Polak is a place where people meet. It is a place for cultural activities. It serves as a reminder of Tel Aviv’s past. The building stands as a beacon. It connects the city’s rich history to its vibrant present.