Sunset Pier 94 Studios debuts 232,000 s/f sound stage facility with joint venture partners

Manhattan, NY Sunset Pier 94 Studios, the city’s first purpose-built film and television studio facility, officially opened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by joint venture partners Vornado Realty Trust, Hudson Pacific Properties (HPP) and Blackstone Real Estate, along with the New York City Economic Development Corp. (NYCEDC), elected officials, industry leaders and community partners.

Located on the West Side, Sunset Pier 94 Studios, which was designed by global architecture and design firm Gensler, is a production campus offering 232,000 s/f of leasable space, including six purpose-built sound stages, 145,000 s/f of production support space and offices, plus on-site parking. The facility’s sound stages feature up to 36-ft. clear heights and direct access to a mill where sets can be built, while offices and support spaces offer natural light and Hudson River views.

The project represents a major milestone for the city’s film and television industry, addressing a long-standing shortage of modern, purpose-built studio space. The opening coincides with New York State’s recently expanded film and television tax credits, bolstering demand for the unique facility.

The studio has launched operations with initial leasing momentum. Paramount Television Studios has signed a lease to produce the second season of ‘Dexter: Resurrection’ across two sound stages, with additional production office space on site. There is interest from high-quality clients for the remaining available space, with more leases to be announced in the coming months.

“Sunset Pier 94 represents our expansion into New York, combining nearly two decades of experience operating best-in-class studio facilities with an unbeatable Manhattan location, world-class design and modern infrastructure,” said Victor Coleman, chairman and CEO of Hudson Pacific Properties. 

“Together with our partners at Blackstone and Vornado, and with the support of NYCEDC, we’ve delivered a truly state-of-the-art facility—one that is already attracting leading productions and creating meaningful economic impact for the community.”

“Sunset Pier 94 Studios clearly demonstrates the ability of public-private partnerships to enhance New York City’s creative future and quality of life,” said Vornado Realty Trust executive vice president of development and co-head of Real Estate Barry Langer. “In addition to producing Manhattan’s first purpose-built studio environment, this project is delivering new jobs, billions of dollars in economic impact, and a host of public amenities, including new bikes paths and enhanced access to Hudson River Park.”

Rob Harper, head of Real Estate Asset Management Americas at Blackstone, said: “We’re incredibly proud of this one-of-a-kind, purpose-built studio in Manhattan and excited to open its doors. We look forward to continuing our partnership with HPP and Vornado to bring state-of-the-art film and production space to New York City.”

“Sunset Pier 94 Studios is a prime example of what we can achieve when the public and private sectors work together,” said NYCEDC executive vice president Giacomo Landi. “The state-of-the-art studio is not only a boost to the film and TV industry in New York City, it’s a boost to the neighboring community. Set to serve as economic motor for New York City, creating hundreds of industry jobs and generating billions in economic impact, the new facility also delivers substantial public realm improvements – including more open space and waterfront access.”

Empire State Development president, CEO and commissioner Hope Knight said, “Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, New York continues to invest in the infrastructure and incentives that keep our production industry thriving. Sunset Pier 94 Studios is a tremendous addition to our portfolio of world-class facilities, and we look forward to welcoming the many productions that will bring their creative visions to life here.”

“Sunset Pier 94 Studios brings a purpose-built, future-ready studio campus to Manhattan serving as a platform for the next era of content production,” said Joseph Lauro, managing director, Gensler New York. “By combining advanced production infrastructure, improving resilient waterfront design, and expanding public access to the Hudson River Park, the project helps position New York City at the forefront of global content creation.”

Beyond its role as a premier production hub, Sunset Pier 94 Studios delivers significant community benefits, including new public restrooms for Hudson River Park, 25,000 s/f of waterfront open space and pier access, nearly 2,000 s/f of community amenity space and safety improvements to the adjacent bikeway.

As part of the project, funding was made available to support workforce development and training programs in film, TV, and media production, connecting local residents to jobs in the industry. In February 2025, the selected operators – Manhattan Neighborhood Network (MNN) and Brooklyn Workforce Innovations (BWI) – commenced programming that includes industry-specific training, internship placements, scholarships, case management, and more.

In total, the project is expected to support 400 permanent jobs and contribute an estimated $6.4 billion to the local economy over the next 30 years.