CBS Television City: A Historic Studio Undergoing a Transformation

Cbs Television City, a historic landmark in Los Angeles, is undergoing a significant transformation under the ownership of Hackman Capital Partners. Formerly known as CBS Television City, the studio has been a production hub since 1952, hosting iconic shows like “All in the Family,” “Sonny and Cher,” and “American Idol.” Located adjacent to the Original Farmers Market and The Grove shopping center in the Fairfax district, it remains a significant player in the entertainment industry.

CBS sold the studio in 2019 for $750 million to Hackman Capital Partners, one of the world’s leading studio lot owners and operators. CBS continues to lease space and produce content at Television City. Hackman Capital initially announced a $1.25 billion expansion and modernization plan, aiming to capitalize on the high demand for sound stages, production facilities, and office spaces in Los Angeles.

Responding to community feedback and evolving market conditions, Hackman Capital has revised its plans. The updated proposal, designed by renowned architect Norman Foster’s firm, Foster + Partners, aims to enhance the studio while addressing concerns from residents and city officials. The project is slated for completion by 2028.

One significant change is the elimination of a planned 15-story office tower, reducing the proposed office space by 150,000 square feet. This decision reflects the shift towards remote work following the COVID-19 pandemic. While new office spaces are still part of the plan, the overall scale has been reduced, particularly along the perimeter of the lot, to minimize visual impact on the surrounding area. Building heights have been lowered in response to concerns about the project’s scale.

Despite the adjustments, the project still represents a substantial expansion of nearly 1 million square feet to the 25-acre site. The plan combines existing and new structures to create a total of 700,000 square feet of production-related office space and an additional 550,000 square feet for lease to entertainment and media companies. This on-lot office space is highly sought after in Los Angeles, with companies like Netflix and Amazon already securing similar spaces at other studios.

The redevelopment of CBS Television City includes plans for a new commissary, expanded production base camps, and enhanced streetscapes with wider sidewalks to improve the pedestrian experience. Along Fairfax Avenue, new shops and restaurants accessible to the public will be added at street level.

To mitigate traffic concerns, the redesigned plan aims to reduce daily car trips by thousands and relocate the mobility hub to Fairfax and 1st Street. This hub will accommodate public transportation, rideshares, and employee shuttles to a nearby subway station. The plan also involves converting surface parking into garages and underground spaces, accommodating nearly 5,000 vehicles.

While modernizing CBS Television City, Hackman Capital Partners is committed to preserving the studio’s historical elements, including the four original sound stages built in 1952 and design features by architect William Pereira. The number of sound stages will increase to at least 15, significantly expanding production capacity. This blend of historical preservation and modern expansion seeks to solidify CBS Television City’s role as a premier entertainment destination in Los Angeles.