Update on Kaufman Astoria Studio's plans for 36th Street

Image source: Rockwell Group/Archtagon – the new gate planned for Kaufman Astoria studios

The NYDN reported on proposed developments happening on the Kaufman Astoria property that will be blocked off once the gates are installed on either end of 36th Street between 34th and 35th Avenues. We knew about the backlot that will be built (“where car chases can soon be filmed without film crews occupying entire city blocks”), but what we were unaware of until now is the other plans – to build a luxury hotel with a restaurant on an empty parking lot on 36th Street. Condos or rental apartments might be built nearby, too.

Here is a bird’s eye view of the area, with the two parking lots on the property.

Apart from that, there are some who feel these changes will all cause problems in the street parking realm, but in general most people feel that these changes will be good for the area from an economic and business point of view. CB 1 District Manager Lucille Hartmann says about Kaufman Astoria, “They’re very good neighbors. They bring a lot of jobs into the community.” Mackenzi Farquer, who owns and runs SITE in the neighborhood says, “People who are staying in a luxury hotel with a fancy restaurant probably would be good customers.” And union organizer and twitter user @35thAndKaufman says, “The area is really starting to thrive. I like that the area’s becoming a center for the arts.”

Kaufman Astoria Studios plans to open outdoor studio this summer [NYDN]
The new Kaufman Astoria Studios back lot plus a new gate [QNYC]