DEVELOPMENT
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On August 26, after three years of design, development and construction, SPE obtained the Certificate of Occupancy for the Harry Cohn building, the first completed office building of the studio’s Lot and Office Transformation, or LOT, project. The second office building, the Jack Cohn building, is scheduled for completion at the end of September. The LOT project is SPE’s first significant new development on the studio lot under the terms of the studio’s Comprehensive Plan and Development Agreement with the City.
To further SPE’s "green" initiatives, the LOT project is on course to receive Gold-level LEED certification for its environmentally friendly design, construction and operational components. To achieve this level of LEED (Leaders in Energy and Environmental Design) certification, 95% of all construction waste material was recycled; drought tolerant and native plants have been incorporated into the landscaping; motion detection lights and low energy bulbs are being used; a new energy efficient power plant decreases CO2 and other emissions; and onsite filtration systems will clean storm water runoff. In addition non-toxic carpeting, paint and wall coverings are being used for all interior finishes.
The LOT project offices were designed for Sony Pictures Television (SPT), whose 600 employees have relocated to the studio lot from various off-site properties. In addition to being SPT’s headquarters, the LOT project promises to be the studio’s central hub of activity, housing a new commissary, the athletic club, a coffee shop, and a park-like green space.
SPE also received the Certificate of Occupancy for the studio’s new Culver parking structure in April 2009. With over 1,000 spaces, the parking structure can accommodate SPT employees as well as other guests, VIP’s and audience members visiting the lot. Employees access the Culver structure via the newly created Mentone gate and visitors and guests are welcomed through the archway of the redesigned Motor gate.
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Work has begun on the redevelopment of Washington Row, one of the studio’s office and post production work spaces. At more than 600 feet long and only ten feet wide, the space has presented a challenge through the years to determine how best to utilize the structure. Because of Washington Row’s exterior wall and its proximity to the historic Colonnade, careful attention has been paid to the structural approach and plans were approved by City staff in July. The building upgrade will create larger, fully-functional post production offices and editing suites, outfitted with the necessary HVAC capacity, increased electrical power, larger doors and windows and new exterior framing to accommodate the specific needs of the post production department.
Interior abatement and demolition was completed earlier this year. Footings are currently being poured and framing of windows and doors is underway. Completion is expected for early 2010.
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