American Architect. Beelman de­signed numerous buildings in the Beaux-Arts, Art Deco and Streamline Moderne styles. In the 1920s, Beelman and his then partner, William Curlett, designed no fewer than 22 structures in Los Angeles.  Following the dissolution of the partnership in the early 1930s, Beelman designed the Cedars of Lebanon Hospital, an addition to the Ambassador Hotel, the MGM executive offices in Culver City, the Hollywood Post Office as well as smaller projects and major renovations of existing structures, however the Eastern Columbia building, with its facade of turquoise green terra cotta tile, ornate clock tower, art deco lighting, fixtures, signage and architectural detail is Beelman’s most recognizable work. From the 1940s to the 1960s, Beelman’s style gradually evolved from Art Deco and Art Moderne to a reductive style devoid of ornamentation. Notable examples include the Superior Oil Headquarters (now The Standard Hotel), California Bank (now converted into condos) and the Kirkeby Building in Westwood, which was acquired by Armand Hammer as headquarters for Occidental Petroleum. Other landmark buildings designed by Beelman include the Culver Hotel, The Garfield Building, Pacific Electric Building, Woodbury University, The Irving Thalberg Building, the Mary Pickford Center for Motion Picture Study at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, The Los Angeles Jewelry Center and the Talmadge Building. Many of his build­ings are listed on the National Reg­is­ter of His­toric Places. (bio by: Louis M.)  Family links:  Spouse:  Laurene Taft Taft Beelman (1884 – 1948)