New York’s production landscape is getting a major upgrade as Sunset Pier 94 Studios officially breaks ground in Hell’s Kitchen. Located off 52nd Street, this state-of-the-art 200,000-square-foot facility will deliver six purpose-built soundstages, modern office space, and dedicated park and event areas—a first of its kind for Manhattan.
Backed by Vornado Realty Trust, Hudson Pacific Properties, and Blackstone, the $350 million studio project marks a long-term investment in New York’s booming film and television industry. The city’s Economic Development Corporation (EDC) is leasing out Pier 94 for 95 years, putting $54 million into structural upgrades before handing it over for development.
A True Production Hub, Designed for Film & TV
Unlike many New York soundstages adapted from older warehouses and industrial spaces, Sunset Pier 94 Studios is purpose-built from the ground up.
“It’s not an adaptation of some building with a prior use,” explains Barry Langer, EVP of Development at Vornado Realty Trust. “It is properly built with insulation, appropriate ceiling heights, and it’s all-electric.”
Architects at Gensler designed the complex with column-free soundstages—a key challenge for many converted spaces. “Most adaptive-use spaces have a hard time offering truly open shooting environments,” says Leslie Jabs, Principal at Gensler. By removing those restrictions, Sunset Pier 94 Studios aims to attract premium film and TV productions looking for large-scale, high-tech facilities in the heart of Manhattan.
A Boost for NYC’s Film Industry & Job Market
New York’s film and TV industry took a hit in 2023 and 2024, with production permits down 18% from pre-strike levels in 2022, according to the Mayor’s Office of Media & Entertainment. Sunset Pier 94 Studios is expected to revitalize local production, generating more than 1,300 construction jobs and 400 permanent positions for crew, electricians, grip teams, set builders, caterers, and other industry workers.
“There’s major job production that comes out of TV,” says Langer, emphasizing that the new studio will create opportunities across the industry, from below-the-line workers to creative professionals.
For independent filmmakers and production companies, the addition of a major studio in Manhattan is a game-changer. Silvana Marmolejos-Reed, CEO of Living Latina Productions, sees it as a fresh opportunity for local and displaced creatives alike.
“I think I can see it being a new home for a lot of creatives,” she says. “With everything happening in LA, some colleagues are looking for new places to work—and this could be that opportunity.”
Sunset Studios Expands to NYC
Sunset Studios, already a dominant force in Los Angeles with 40 soundstages across four locations, is making its first expansion into New York City.
The move underscores New York’s growing role as a top-tier production hub, attracting major studio projects alongside streaming and independent content. With Silvercup Studios in Queens and Steiner Studios in Brooklyn, Sunset Pier 94 will now provide a high-end, centrally located option for productions looking to shoot in Manhattan.
With construction now underway, Sunset Pier 94 Studios is set to open in early 2026—ushering in a new era for New York’s entertainment industry.
Key Features of Sunset Pier 94 Studios:
✔ Six purpose-built soundstages
✔ 200,000+ square feet of studio and office space
✔ Three acres of waterfront access, including public park & event space
✔ $350 million investment from Vornado, Hudson Pacific & Blackstone
✔ 1,300 construction jobs & 400 permanent industry jobs
✔ 95-year lease with NYC Economic Development Corporation
The race is on to claim studio space in one of New York’s most exciting new production facilities. Expect Sunset Pier 94 to become a prime destination for major productions, independent films, and streaming content in the years to come.
