Los Angeles, CA (July 16, 2024) – A groundbreaking ceremony for the new East End Studios Mission Campus—a state-of-the-art, 245,00-square-foot Class A studio in downtown Los Angeles—took place on July 16. The new campus will feature five stages ranging in size from 14,000 square feet to 35,000 square feet, providing premier production spaces for the entertainment industry.
Located just minutes from the iconic Arts District, the Mission Campus is set to become a cornerstone of Los Angeles’ entertainment infrastructure. The campus includes 42-foot clear heights on all stages, a comprehensive suite of appurtenant office, production, support, commissary, mill and outdoor spaces, ample base camp, parking, and direct-to-stage loading. Additionally, the campus is equipped to handle all modern XR/VR workflows, ensuring it meets the evolving needs of the industry.
Construction is moving forward with the existing structure undergoing strategic demolition and renovation, which entails stripping down the loading docks and roof while preserving the concrete tilt-up building and walls. The previous refrigeration storage units will be converted into sound stages for filming commercials and movies. Once demolition is complete, new foundations will be placed under the existing tilt walls, and new steel columns and trusses will be installed. The concrete walls will undergo a vertical expansion of up to 20 feet to create open studio spaces, and a new acoustically sound roof system will be installed. Additionally, a ground-up, four-story production office will sit adjacent to the existing structure where the loading docks were demolished.
The Mission Campus is set to make a significant economic impact on Los Angeles. The project is expected to generate 1,500 construction jobs, and upon completion, the facility will create 750 permanent jobs, reinforcing Los Angeles’ position as the epicenter of the entertainment industry.
Mayor Karen Bass attended the groundbreaking ceremony, highlighting the city’s support for projects that reinforce its reputation as the entertainment capital of the world. “From the hundreds and hundreds of jobs created at the campus to the many writers, set and costume designers, electricians, florists, and so many surrounding local businesses, we are creating jobs and energizing our signature economy,” Bass said.
Demolition and excavation are currently underway for this $230 million project, with completion anticipated by fall of 2025.
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About Layton Construction
Layton Construction is a privately held national general contractor, delivering predictable outcomes in commercial construction since 1953. Headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, Layton operates from 16 strategic offices across the United States, employing more than 1,400 construction professionals who serve diverse markets including healthcare, education, commercial office, industrial, hospitality, and multi-unit residential. Founded on the core values of honesty, unity, safety, and quality, Layton has built a reputation for excellence in complex project delivery while maintaining strong partnerships with clients, architects, and trade partners nationwide.
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