A rendering of Kaufman Astoria Studios in Queens.

NEW YORK CITY—In another clear sign that film production is a burgeoning sector in the city's economy, the storied Kaufman Astoria Studios complex in Queens is adding 100,000 square feet of office and production space to meet the growing demand.

Kaufman Astoria Studios broke ground last month on the project that involves the construction of a new four-story building on the site of a former parking lot at 34-11 36^th St. in Astoria. The building will feature 68,000 square feet of office space and will include two production stages of 6,000 square feet and 9,000 square feet with offices on the upper floors. Among the building's amenities are wraparound windows, high ceilings, terraces and underground parking. The new development will augment the more than 500,000 square feet of sound stages, production office and service space that currently exist at the KAS property. The complex also features the only backlot outdoor stage in New York City as well as The Astor Room restaurant.

The brokerage team of Greg Smith, Ellen Israel, and Lauren Calandriello of JRT Realty Group has been retained by Kaufman Astoria Studios as the exclusive leasing agent for the new development that is expected to be completed in the spring of 2019. No development cost of the project was available at press time.

“This is a great opportunity for tenants in the creative and media industries to build their brand and take advantage of brand new office space in a convenient location,” says JRT Realty Group president Greg Smith.

Built in 1920 as the original home of Paramount Pictures, KAS chairman George Kaufman acquired the property in 1980. Kaufman Astoria Studios has hosted such theatrical and television productions such as ”Birdman,” “Money Monster,” “Men in Black 3,” “Sesame Street,” “Orange is the New Black,” and “Shades of Blue.”

Earlier this week, Queen-based York Studios broke ground on its $100-million production campus in the Soundview section of the Bronx. The new development will expand York Studio's production operations that currently are based in Maspeth, Queens, which includes a 40,000-square-foot facility that features one production stage.

Instant Insights /

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