$450 Million Vertical Studio Development Nears Completion in Hollywood Amid Production Slump

Construction is well underway on Echelon Studios Hollywood, a $450 million development that aims to redefine studio design by stacking five soundstages and full production facilities onto a 5-acre site. Located on Santa Monica Boulevard, the project, led by developer David Simon, is built on the former location of a Sears store and is slated to open early next year.

Architect Andrew Wright of RIOS designed the facility to maximize space, effectively fitting the equivalent of a 10-acre studio into half the footprint. This vertical approach includes offices, set-making mills, base camp areas, screening rooms, cafes, and unique landscaped bungalows on the upper levels, offering panoramic views of the city. The development comes at a time when film and television production in Los Angeles has seen a sharp decline, with feature film shoots down 20% and TV production down 30% in the second quarter compared to the previous year.

Despite the challenging market, Simon remains optimistic, citing expanded state tax credits and a pending 20% federal tax credit as catalysts for a potential industry rebound. The project represents a significant investment in local infrastructure, banking on the desire of filmmakers to continue working in Los Angeles.