Manhattan’s first purpose-built film and TV studio opens in Hell’s Kitchen
All photos courtesy of Sunset Studios
The cameras are now rolling at Pier 94 in Hell’s Kitchen, where Manhattan’s first purpose-built film and TV studio complex has officially opened. Last week, Sunset Pier 94 Studios debuted its 232,000-square-foot production campus, which includes six soundstages, production support and office space, as well as public waterfront open space along Manhattan’s West Side. The studio has already secured its first tenant, with a lease signed for the second season of “Dexter: Resurrection,” and additional productions are expected to be announced soon.
Developed by a joint team of Vornado Realty Trust, Blackstone, and Hudson Pacific Properties, the one-of-a-kind facility marks a major achievement for the city’s entertainment industry, capable of using the most cutting-edge film and production technology. Its opening comes as New York State has expanded its film and TV tax credit program, a move expected to boost demand for new production space.
Designed by Gensler, the facility includes six purpose-built soundstages with up to 36-foot clear ceiling heights and direct access to an on-site mill for set construction. An additional 145,000 square feet of production support and office space features natural light, Hudson River views, and access to on-site parking.
Beyond the production facilities, the project has added 25,000 square feet of waterfront open space and pier access, nearly 2,000 square feet of community amenity space, bikeway safety improvements, and new public restrooms within Hudson River Park.
“Sunset Pier 94 Studios clearly demonstrates the ability of public-private partnerships to enhance New York City’s creative future and quality of life,” Barry Langer, executive vice president and development and co-head of real estate at Vornado, said.
“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 bike paths and enhanced access to Hudson River Park.”
Plans for the studio were first revealed in August 2023. The three developers invested roughly $350 million in the project, which they projected would generate more than 1,300 construction jobs and 400 permanent positions, while contributing an estimated $6.4 billion to the local economy over the next 30 years, as 6sqft previously reported.
Funding has been allocated to support workforce development and training programs in film, TV, and media production, helping connect local residents to industry jobs. In February 2025, Manhattan Neighborhood Network and Brooklyn Workforce Innovations were selected to lead programming, which will include industry-specific training, internships, scholarships, case management, and more.
Vornado owns 49.9 percent of the venture, Hudson Pacific holds 25.6 percent, and Blackstone owns 24.5 percent. The project is a public-private partnership that also involves the city and the Economic Development Corporation.
Pier 94 joins several recent major film and TV developments in the New York City area. In fall 2024, the seven-story Wildflower Studios, a Robert De Niro-backed facility, opened on Astoria’s waterfront. Designed by Bjarke Ingels Group, the $600 million project includes 11 soundstages and is the world’s first vertical film studio.
Last month, construction began on New Jersey’s first purpose-built film and TV production studio in Newark. The 12-acre Lionsgate Newark studio, located on the site of the former Seth Boyden Housing complex, is a significant investment expected to create hundreds of jobs in the city’s South Ward.
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