Television City: A Historic Studio Undergoing a Modern Transformation

Television City, the iconic Los Angeles studio where numerous hit television shows have been produced since 1952, is undergoing a significant transformation. Formerly known as CBS Television City, the studio was purchased in 2019 by Hackman Capital Partners for $750 million. CBS remains a tenant, continuing its legacy of producing content at the historic location. The studio, situated adjacent to the Original Farmers Market and the Grove shopping center in the Fairfax district, holds a prominent place in television history, having hosted productions such as “All in the Family,” “Sonny and Cher,” and “American Idol.”

Hackman Capital initially announced a $1.25 billion expansion and upgrade plan in 2021, aiming to capitalize on the growing demand for soundstages, production facilities, and office spaces within studio lots. The project, slated for completion in 2028, includes the addition of new sound stages, office spaces, and support facilities.

Responding to community feedback, Hackman Capital has revised its plans, bringing in renowned architect Norman Foster of Foster + Partners to lead the redesign. Foster, known for iconic structures like the Gherkin skyscraper in London, has modified the project to address concerns about building heights and office space density. The revised plan eliminates a 15-story office tower, reducing the overall office space by 150,000 square feet. This reduction reflects the changing dynamics of the office rental market, impacted by the rise of remote work following the COVID-19 pandemic.

Despite the adjustments, the project still represents a substantial expansion of nearly 1 million square feet. The new design aims to seamlessly integrate modern facilities with the existing low-density, suburban-style aesthetic of Television City, which currently features soundstages, low-rise offices, and support facilities surrounded by parking lots. The updated plan will include a combination of new and renovated spaces, providing approximately 700,000 square feet of offices for on-lot production support and an additional 550,000 square feet for lease to entertainment and media companies. This on-lot office space is highly sought after by major industry players like Netflix and Amazon, seeking a centralized production environment.

The revitalized Television City will also feature a new commissary, expanded production base camps, and enhanced streetscapes with wider sidewalks to improve the pedestrian experience. Along Fairfax Avenue, plans include incorporating ground-floor shops and restaurants accessible to the public, fostering a more engaging and welcoming environment for the community.

To mitigate traffic concerns, the redesigned plan includes a reduction in estimated daily car trips and the relocation of the mobility hub to Fairfax and 1st Street. This hub will accommodate public transit, rideshares, and employee shuttles, connecting Television City to the upcoming subway station at Fairfax and Wilshire Boulevard. Furthermore, parking will be transitioned from surface lots to garage structures and underground spaces, increasing capacity to 4,930 vehicles.

While modernizing the studio, Hackman Capital plans to preserve the four original stages built in 1952 and other historical design elements by architect William Pereira, ensuring the legacy of Television City endures. This commitment to preserving history while embracing the future reflects the ongoing evolution of Television City as a vital center for entertainment production.