NBCUniversal completes green upgrade of historic studio

Workers behind-the-scenes at Universal Studios have received a facelift for their work environment, aiming to better align it with its prestigious reputation as a globally recognized film studio and theme park steeped in history.

Ed Chuchla, the chief real estate officer for lot owner Comcast NBCUniversal, stated that the old campus was so lacking in inspiration and drab that some people jokingly referred to it as resembling a “mayonnaise factory.

According to Chuchla’s perspective, the atmosphere of Los Angeles seemed less prestigious than NBCUniversal’s iconic 30 Rock headquarters in Manhattan or Comcast’s modern skyscraper in Philadelphia.

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NBCUniversal is planning an extensive expansion on their renowned Universal Studios property, aiming to construct additional soundstages. This move comes as various media companies are scrambling to meet the growing demand for content.

Chuchla stated, “There are amazing, well-known spots in Philadelphia and New York where folks can work. It’s crucial that there is an excellent environment to be in, and Los Angeles lacked this.

For this purpose, NBCUniversal has finished the Campus Project initiated in 2020, aiming to transform the Universal Studios lot into a lively hub that would entice and keep talent, while offering an inventive workspace equipped with contemporary facilities that cater to the changing ways employees collaborate.

A significant feature of the renovation is a rotund structure named The Commons, modeled after the design of a zoetrope – an ancient, cylindrical device employed for animation before films were introduced.

The Commons is equipped with a dining hall (commissary), a restaurant offering various services (full-service restaurant), a multiplex cinema (theater complex), and a versatile venue suitable for both public gatherings and private events (event space for meetings).

Entertainment & Arts

Universal Studios Hollywood’s long-awaited Super Nintendo World officially debuts on February 17th! Discover a world of fun with delicious eats, exhilarating rides, and beloved characters right here.

February 17th is the grand opening day for Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Hollywood! Here, you can enjoy food, experience thrilling rides, and interact with popular characters throughout the park.

Inside, you’ll find seven diverse food stations offering everything from sushi to other delicious cuisines. The Peacock Grill restaurant boasts both indoor and outdoor seating, along with a private dining area. On the second level, there’s a 250-seat theater and two large cinema rooms. Lastly, the upper floor offers an event space complete with a rooftop terrace.

One Universal, spanning approximately 350,000 square feet, is a modern office complex built on a sloping terrain. The structure is divided into eleven floors, each tiered to form outdoor areas. Additionally, it features an integrated parking garage capable of accommodating over 1,200 vehicles.

Linking One Universal with The Commons is the Paseo, which boasts a spacious, California-inspired green area perfect for hosting outdoor activities and gatherings. A tree-lined pathway adjacent to this leads to the Brokaw News Center, the Western base of operations for NBC news on the West Coast.

According to Chuchla, the purpose of The Paseo is to inspire individuals to step away from their offices and creative spaces, fostering spontaneous encounters and collaborations along the way.

In order to accommodate the Campus Project, NBCUniversal tore down the outdated commissary, a sound mixing facility, and several other buildings. “These structures weren’t architectural marvels,” he stated.

NBCUniversal removed the old commissary, a sound-mixing facility, and various other constructions to facilitate the Campus Project. He commented that these buildings were not particularly impressive.

Lever Architecture designed both the One University building and the Commons, while Field Operations, known for designing the High Line in New York City and Tongva Park in Santa Monica, was tasked with creating the outdoor landscaping areas.

As a passionate admirer, I’m thrilled to share that One Universal has been honored with a prestigious Platinum LEED rating by the U.S. Green Building Council. This recognition underscores their commitment to sustainability. Currently, The Commons is working diligently towards earning its own LEED Platinum certification, a testament to their unwavering dedication to environmental responsibility.

As a devoted cinephile, I’m excited to share that The Campus Project is an essential part of NBCUniversal’s long-term vision, known as the Evolution Plan. This masterful 25-year strategy is designed to enhance the nearly 400-acre Universal City property, with a primary focus on bolstering our core industries: film production and tourism.

After finishing the Campus Project, the company has almost reached the midway point in its transformation plan worth over $1 billion, which was endorsed by both the city and county back in 2013.

On the property, you’ll find various advancements such as 14 brand-new film studios, captivating theme park zones like The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Super Nintendo World, along with other thrilling theme park rides, including an exhilarating outdoor roller coaster. Additionally, there’s a new childcare facility and a Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department satellite station on site.

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2025-02-19 14:32

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