Celebrating our 60th Anniversary in Hollywood!!!
An emotional incredible legacy; Zare Makasjian pictured with granddaughter Mariana on her 5th grade graduation at Rose & Alex Pilibos Armenian School! He was one of the main founding fathers of this school & Church in 1969 (then known as the Armenian School of Hollywood) starting from ground zero! In 1969, he found the first location on Wilton/Gramercy starting the school in two one bedroom apartments with a handful of students! Zare Makasjian remained founder/treasurer of Rose & Alex Pilibos until the early 1980's when the school exceeded 800 students and all parcels were acquired with his real estate expertise and gifted commissions. The school expanded on over 12 parcels spanning from Alexandria, Mariposa & Kenmore in the heart of Hollywood!
A true legacy to Mariana!
Our founder, Zare D. Makasjian celebrates 65 years in Hollywood!
Armen Realty was founded by Zare D. Makasjian 1963 in Hollywood. Our father and founder of Armen Realty Inc. celebrating 65 years in Hollywood!!! In 1957, he was forced to leave the beautiful Mediterranean city of Alexandria due to the revolution with only $50 in his pocket! A graduate in business from the French Lycée Français University in Alexandria, he is fluent in nearly 8 languages. In 1957 Los Angeles, Zare faced great difficulty working a dollar an hour nearly 24 hours a day. He was working on B-52 aircraft parts saving every single dollar. Sadly, he lost his beloved brother Leon, a virtuoso violinist at age 21 in 1958 which left him heartbroken. In 1959, by saving every single dollar, Zare (at age 27), purchased his first income property in Hollywood not knowing what he got into! This pivotal move got him involved in real estate. In 1963, Zare founded Armen Realty in Hollywood. A few years later in 1969 at only 37, Zare Makasjian was one of the main founding fathers of Rose & Alex Pilibos Armenian school & Church in Hollywood. Since 1963, it was his firm belief that Hollywood needed an Armenian school in addition to an Armenian Church. His uncanny vision for the Armenian community was incredible. Hence Zare Makasjian was the catalyst, directly involved in every single real estate parcel purchase (over 12 parcels) the school and Church rest on today; In fact, Zare gifted every single dollar of his commissions making these purchases possible when no funds existed! His incredible efforts directly made the birth of the school and Church possible! Yet his uncanny humble demeanor and benevolence is rare. Today, he emotionally visits the school not wanting any recognition, name or plaudits!!!
Until today, Zare gives advice to his fellow clients who have remained dear friends after decades as he has gifted countless dollars of his commissions even to clients (making purchases possible). His philanthropy and benevolence remains a testament to all. Zare is a firm believer in Hollywood and real estate as he always reiterates; "there is only one Hollywood" and "never sell." Today, he is still a mastermind giving incredible advice as he has an ability to view a hundred years ahead into the future! Zare has also been involved in numerous community projects in Lake Tahoe. Real estate has always been a true passion. His greatest pleasure is his family, grandchildren; (Mariana is a student in the Pilibos 7th Grade) and the myriad of graduates. Armen Realty today continues the tradition with sons Armen Makasjian and Leon Makasjian.A 63 year legacy in Hollywood!!!
We are highly qualified and can provide you with all the tools and advice you need, especially in today’s rapidly changing, complex housing market. We are happy to answer any questions you may have about real estate. Appraisal services available.
5111 Santa Monica Boulevard; Suite 205 Hollywood, California
Telephone (323) 665-5211 Facsimile (323) 665-0809
Leon J. Makasjian, J.D. leontenor@yahoo. com Armen Makasjian, Broker