Armenian by birth, Kay emigrated to the United States when he was six years old. As a young man lured by the excitement of Hollywood, Kay came to Los Angeles to study architecture. Kay attended architecture classes at both the University of Southern California (USC) and later at Stanford.
Kay used the Islamic Revival style extensively during the 1920s - incorporating many fanciful elements including domes, Moorish revival arches, and exotic turrets. By the mid-1930s, Kay's designs express a preference for the Streamline Moderne style. Although his work includes residential and commercial, his most well-known buildings include the four streamline modern and modern apartments that surround the High Tower Elevator in Hollywood. 2182-2188 N. Broadview Terrace (1935-36) was the inspiration for Raymond Chandler in his book, The High Window. Chandler describes the residence of Philip Marlowe as being on the cliffs above High Tower Drive in a building with a fancy elevator tower.
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Apartment Building, (1926) S. Citrus Avenue, Los Angeles
Moorish Revival apartment building
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Apartment Building, (1925) Waring Ave., West Hollywood
An exceptional example of the Islamic Revival with exceptional proportions and detailing.
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Four-Family Unit, (1925) Glen Oak, Hollywood
A pared-down Islamic Revival fantasy in Beachwood Canyon.
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Duplex, (1935-36) Broadview Terrace, Hollywood
The first of the four beautiful moderne and modern duplexes clustered among the walk streets in Hollywood Heights.
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Apartment Building, (1938) Mariposa Ave., Hollywood
Elegant Streamline Moderne design integrates exterior spaces and exceptional views.
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