With film star grins, a giant clapperboard and cries of “lights, camera, action!”, city officials, developers and local community leaders gathered at Pier 94 yesterday (Tuesday) to break ground on Sunset Pier 94 Studios — Manhattan’s first purpose-built studio campus.
“Let’s get some great movies here in Manhattan, great office spaces, great opportunities for people to enjoy this amazing waterfront,” said Mayor Eric Adams.
The $350 million project in Hell’s Kitchen is slated to open in 2025 and expected to create 1,700 jobs and bring $6.4 billion to the local economy over 30 years. Vornado, Hudson Pacific and Blackstone are partners for the project in collaboration with the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC). Vornado will own 49.9% of the venture, with Hudson Pacific taking a 25.6% stake and Blackstone 24.5%.
Demolition and construction has already begun at W54th Street and 12th Avenue. The studio will have six sound stages for movies and TV shows to be produced and filmed on-site, with ceiling heights of up to 36 feet. The 266,000-square-foot structure will also contain four private production suites and amenities such as green rooms and makeup rooms.
Mayor Adams praised the studio as a “first of its kind” project, with 21 electric vehicle charging stations in a 105-space subterranean parking facility.
Public restrooms will be built in Hudson River Park, along with a 1,850-square-foot community amenity space, 25,000 square feet of waterfront open space and pier access, and safety improvements to the bikeway.
Among those in attendance for the groundbreaking were Mayor Eric Adams, State Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal, President and CEO of NYCEDC Andrew Kimball, Steven Roth, CEO of Vornado Realty Trust and Manhattan Community Board 4 Chair Jeffrey LeFrancois.
“It’s a fantastic day for Sunset Pier 94 and we can’t wait until 2025. We’ll see you all back here when we open this amazing facility,” said Deputy Mayor Maria Torres‑Springer.
Hmmm….
City insists Congestion Pricing is needed to reduce congestion….then creates more congestion.
Plus already are other nearby studios in Queens, Brooklyn not to mention Westchester and LI.
Good luck keeping the public restrooms cleaned and fully stocked and keeping them from housing those without permanent housing ! NYC is definitely in need of public restrooms. But keeping them clean???