Manhattan now has its first purpose-built film and television studio with the opening of Sunset Pier 94 Studios, located on the Hudson River at 54th Street.
Developers say the project is a major win for New York City’s entertainment industry.
“Most of the studios in New York are adaptive reuses. They’re warehouses or bakeries or things that weren’t actually built to be studios. Here, this space was specifically designed to be a studio. It includes high-performance sound-absorbing materials and high ceilings that allow for the creativity of sets to be built,” said Barry Langer, executive vice president of development at Vornado Realty Trust.
What You Need To Know
Sunset Pier 94 Studios is Manhattan’s first purpose-built film and TV studio
The facility spans 230,000 square feet with six stages for production
Paramount Studios has signed the first lease at Sunset Pier 94 to film “Dexter: Resurrection”
The project includes public space, new restrooms and improved bike path
The facility spans more than 230,000 square feet and features six stages available for production companies to lease for filming shows and movies.
“They’ll come into this space, they’ll build sets, they’ll film here, and just as important, they’ll go out on the streets of New York City, because New York is such a great backdrop for film and TV productions, which is why everyone wants to film in New York,” Langer said.
Developers estimate the studio will contribute more than $6 billion to the local economy over the next 30 years and create roughly 400 permanent jobs. The TV and film industry is estimated to generate more than $82 billion annually for the city.
“To have a film studio at Pier 94 just off of Hell’s Kitchen, one of the centers of the creative economy for the city and the entire region, is really incredible,” said Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal. “People will be able to walk to work from Hell’s Kitchen, from Manhattan Plaza, which is the center for artist housing. It’s really thrilling.”
The opening comes amid a wave of new studio construction across the region, including Borden Studios in Long Island City and Echelon Studios in Brooklyn.
New Jersey is also expanding, with Netflix breaking ground on a massive new production facility last year.
“Let me just say, other cities are fighting really hard for this business. We always need to make sure we’re keeping New York City competitive, and that’s what we’re doing with this announcement today,” said City Council Speaker Julie Menin.
Paramount Studios has signed the first lease at Sunset Pier 94 to film “Dexter: Resurrection.” Developers say the facility is expected to be fully leased by midyear.
Designed to integrate with the Hudson River Park, the project includes 25,000 square feet of publicly accessible space, new public restrooms for Clinton Cove Park and a rebuilt section of the West Side bike path to improve safety for cyclists and pedestrians.