1815 Leimert is a modern-style house built in 1936. It is listed as a heritage property.
The first listing is from November 1936 by the developers, Mitchell and Austin. In March 1937, it was open for viewing. The building was designed by Harvey Slocombe:
The residence is of true modernistic style and was designed by Harvey Slocombe. It has three bedrooms, two baths, social hall, large living room and dining room and kitchen. There are several secluded sun decks with complete privacy. The living room, with its large curved window commanding a panoramic view of Metropolitan Oakland and the Bay District, is one of the most unusual features of the residence. Those who have previewed the home have found many other interesting innovations in design and floor plan. 1
The first known residents were Harry Kurkjian and Stella Josephian Kurkjian, from at least 1938. Harry was in the furniture business in Fresno. He mostly retired and moved to Oakland, though he was also a partner in Dewey Furniture in Oakland, run by his sons Dewey Kurkjian and Reynolds Kurkjian. The Kurkjians were still living there when Harry died in 1943, 2 and the address is listed under H. Kurkjian until at least 1949.
By 1951, Gust Papagiannis had moved to 1815 Leimert. His family lived there until at least 1967.
Links and References
- Modernistic Home Is Open Oakland Tribune March 21, 1937
- Services For Pioneer Oakland Post Enquirer June 29, 1943
