Billion-Dollar Television City Overhaul Clears Major Hurdle, Despite Protests From Residents & Rick Caruso

A proposal to modernize and expand the Television City complex in the Fairfax District cleared a major hurdle today, as L.A.’s Planning Commission unanimously approved the $1.2 billion plan.

The project will next be heard by the Los Angeles City Council’s Planning and Land Use Management committee before going to the full council.

The Television City Project would add facilities to the storied lot at Beverly Boulevard and Fairfax Avenue, as well as landscaping improvements and infrastructure enhancements to nearby streets.

The world’s first purpose-built television studio was constructed in 1952 and has expanded in a patchwork over the years. Hackman Capital acquired the iconic 25-acre property from CBS for $750 million in 2019, though CBS continues to operate at the site as a tenant. The studio has been the production home for shows such as All in the Family, Sonny and Cher, American Idol, The Late Late Show With James Corden, The Price Is Right and The Young and the Restless, Dancing With the Stars and Real Time With Bill Maher. 

“We are grateful to the Planning Commission for their vote of approval, which will help to improve the Beverly/Fairfax neighborhood while keeping and creating thousands of good entertainment industry and ancillary jobs in Los Angeles,” Hackman Founder and CEO Michael Hackman said in a statement. Additionally, the commission approved a specific plan for the project, allowing studio production at the site, as well as its environmental impact report.

LA-based Hackman specializes in buying and renovating studios, vintage commercial, industrial and other properties and is one of the largest independent owner-operators of studio locations.

Plans for the project include 1,724,000 square feet of sound stage, production support, production offices, general office and retail space, as well as the retention of 264,377 square feet. About 479,303 square feet of space would be demolished to make way for new buildings, according to City Planning documents.

The number of stages at Television City would increase from eight to 15, and two stages built in the 1990s on the east side of the lot would be demolished, but four original stages built by CBS in 1952 would be preserved along with other historical design elements.

In April, Hackman Capital Partners reduced the scope of its project by lowering building heights and eliminating a proposed 15-story west tower. The developer committed to a mobility program in a bid to reduce traffic congestion in the area. The company also agreed to a public benefits agreement by providing $6.4 million in funding for new bike lanes, repairing sidewalks, supporting local arts programs and improving the Pan Pacific Park, among other initiatives.

A study conducted by the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation determined the planned investment will result in $2.1 billion in total economic output and sustain an estimated annual average of 4,220 direct and indirect jobs throughout construction. Once completed, the study projects Television Studios will generate $2.4 billion annually in new economic output and support an estimated 18,760 direct and indirect jobs.

Developers agreed to reductions and conditions proposed by councilwoman Katy Yaroslavsky, including reducing general office space by 50,000 square feet, reducing the height of buildings facing Fairfax Avenue from 88 feet to 73 feet, prioritizing entertainment-related office uses and ensuring a transparent transportation demand management program.

Developers also reduced the project’s initial plans by 200,000 square feet, according to Yaroslavsky’s office.

“With these additional project modifications, in addition to the extensive construction and operational conditions of approval and TVC’s robust community benefits package included in the draft development agreement, my office formally supports the TVC project.”

The project is not without opposition, with some saying the expansion is too big and would negatively impact the already traffic-choked Fairfax District.

Commissioners denied nine appeals submitted by Rick Caruso and The Grove, Mayer Beverly Park Limited Partnership, Save Beverly Fairfax, Beverly Wilshire Homes Association, Fix the City, Neighbors for Responsible TVC Development, Miracle Mile Residents Association, Park La Brea Impacted Residents Group, and A.F. Gilmore Company and Original Farmers Market L.A.

Planning commissioners heard about six hours of public testimony before advancing the proposal.

  

City News Service contributed to this report.