Vornado Realty Trust, Hudson Pacific, Blackstone, and New York City Economic Development Corporation to Create Public-Private Partnership and First Purpose-Built Studio Campus in Manhattan at Pier 94

Today, Vornado Realty Trust (NYSE: VNO), Hudson Pacific Properties (NYSE: HPP), Blackstone (NYSE: BX), the City of New York, and New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) announced they have entered into Manhattan’s first public-private partnership venture to build a purpose-built studio campus at Pier 94. Vornado, who contributed its long-term leasehold for Pier 94 to the venture, will own 49.9%; Hudson Pacific will own 25.6%; and Blackstone’s institutional Core+ Real Estate strategy will own 24.5%. Vornado will be responsible for development and Hudson Pacific will provide design oversight and manage the facility’s leasing and operations.

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Sunset Pier 94 Studios will be the first purpose-built studio campus in Manhattan, solidifying New York as a leading market for content production (Photo: Business Wire)

Sunset Pier 94 Studios will be a first-of-its-kind space, home to both state-of-the-art film and production technology that will make New York City even more competitive with other comparable markets, as well as impressive amenities for all New Yorkers including new public restrooms for Hudson River Park, an 1,850-square-foot community amenity space, 25,000 square feet of waterfront open space and pier access, and safety improvements to the bikeway. There will also be a program to support workforce development and training programs to connect local residents to opportunities in film, television, commercial and other media production.

The project represents a total investment of approximately $350 million from Vornado, Hudson Pacific and Blackstone, and is expected to create more than 1,300 construction jobs, 400 permanent jobs and contribute $6.4 billion to the local economy over the next 30 years. Construction will begin in third quarter 2023, utilizing $183 million in construction financing led by RBC, and delivery of the project is expected by year-end 2025.

“Our partnership with Blackstone, Hudson Pacific, and the City of New York will solidify New York as a leading market for content production and studio space, create jobs, drive economic momentum, and deliver a host of amenities to the surrounding community,” said Michael Franco, President and Chief Financial Officer at Vornado Realty Trust. “Together we’ll raise the bar for one of New York City’s signature industries and breathe new life into a key waterfront site.”