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Writer's pictureViola Sauer

Foster + Partners Reveals Visionary $1 Billion Plan for Television City in Los Angeles


Following an extensive international competition, Foster + Partners has been selected by Hackman Capital Partners to lead the transformation of Television City, a storied Los Angeles studio complex dating back to 1952, designed by William Pereira and Charles Luckman, the famed architect behind the replacement for New York's Penn Station in 1963. This ambitious project aims to usher Television City into a new era, marking its transition to a fully electric studio, a first in its illustrious history. Spearheaded by RIOS, the project's master plan, with Adamson Associates serving as the architect of record, promises to revitalize this iconic site for generations to come.

In 2019, Hackman Capital Partners acquired the site from CBS for a staggering $750 million, with CBS retaining its presence as a tenant within Television City. RIOS was subsequently enlisted to oversee the renovation's master plan, a decision influenced by input from city officials, residents, and stakeholders. In light of evolving market dynamics, including shifting demands for office space precipitated by the Covid-19 pandemic, Hackman Capital Partners opted to refine the original master plan, a move that ultimately led to a reduction in office space by 150,000 square feet and the elimination of a 15-story office tower to the west.

Foster + Partners is tasked with reimagining the expansive 25-acre site in the Fairfax district, envisioning a low-rise, multimodal campus that responds to contemporary needs while respecting the site's rich heritage. Notably, the design retains a separate 15-story tower while incorporating adjustments to the heights of previously proposed structures. CBS is set to remain as the anchor tenant, underscoring the enduring significance of Television City within the entertainment landscape.

Central to the project is the establishment of a new mobility hub featuring a Transportation Demand Management (TDM) program, aimed at reducing vehicle trips by up to 30 percent. Upon completion, the revitalized campus will boast an additional 980,000 square feet of office and retail space, strategically positioned at the intersection of Beverly Boulevard and Fairfax Avenue.

Foster + Partners' vision for Television City emphasizes flexibility and sustainability, drawing inspiration from the iconic Case Study Houses such as the Eames House. The design integrates locally sourced, low-carbon materials, on-site renewable energy solutions, and extensive greenery, setting a new standard for environmentally conscious development.

The master plan repositions William Pereira's original buildings as the focal point, delineating two distinct zones dedicated to content production and media operations. By situating production offices in close proximity to new stages, the design promotes efficiency and collaboration, fostering a dynamic work environment bathed in natural light and connected by lush pedestrian corridors and retail amenities at street level.

David Summerfield, head of studio at Foster + Partners, expressed excitement about the project, stating, "We are designing a creative multi-modal campus that celebrates Television City's 70-year history and sets a new benchmark for the entertainment industry." Emphasizing the project's human-centric approach, Armstrong Yakubu, a senior partner at Foster + Partners, added, "We are completely reimagining filmmaking and content production by creating an interconnected green campus with people at its center."

Pending approval, the transformative endeavor is slated for completion by 2028, heralding a new chapter in the storied legacy of Television City.




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