Samy’s Camera

Samy’s Camera has occupied this classic Art Deco office building on Fairfax Avenue in Los Angeles since 2002. It was designed by Austin and Ashley, a short-lived team that nonetheless made their mark with the design of Griffith Observatory. Construction was approved and started in 1930, but was delayed by the Depression. In 1937, Green & Hinkle, a furniture company, took ownership and completed the building. From 1942 to 1966, a number of companies including Douglas Aircraft, United Drug and California Physicians Service occupied the offices. Harry Karl, president of Karl’s Shoe Stores, applied for use of the parking lot in 1966. He took over the building in 1971. A few other companies occupied the building before Samy’s Camera made it the company’s new Los Angeles location.

Los Angeles, Los Angeles County
Image by Andrew Schmidt