Yehuda Magidovitch

Yehuda Magidovitch (1886–1961) was one of the most prolific Israeli architects. Among his prominent works are the Galei Aviv Casino, a café-restaurant (demolished in 1939), and the Cinema Esther (now Cinema Hotel), both in Tel Aviv.

Early life
Yehuda Magidovitch was born in 1886 in Uman in Ukraine, back then part of the Russian Empire. He studied in Odessa. In 1919, he emigrated to Mandatory Palestine.

Career
Magidovitch became the first chief engineer of Tel Aviv in 1920. In 1923 he established his own design and construction company. In 1934 his son Raphael also joined the office.

Magidovitch first built in the i1920s in the eclectic style, but beginning in the early 1930s he started moving towards Art Deco. His first International style designs from 1934 retained a personal artistic expression.

Death
Magidovitch suffered a brain hemorrhage in 1954, which brought his professional activity to an end. He died in 1961 in Tel Aviv, Israel.