Starchitecture meet star power.
Scandinavian architect du jour Bjarke Ingels has been tapped by a development group that includes Robert De Niro, his son real estate broker Raphael De Niro, film producer Jane Rosenthal and “immersive studio developer” Wildflower for a new $400 million project in Astoria.
The massive 650,000-square-foot facility, dubbed Wildflower Studios, will rise along Steinway Creek and will feature film and television studios, as well as hubs for creative projects including augmented reality and virtual reality.
“It has been incredible to work with such an iconic cast of collaborators from all aspects of visual media to imagine the future of film production in New York City,” Ingels said in a statement.
“Due to the unique space conditions of working on an urban site, we were challenged by Wildflower to distill all the physical, logistical, technical and experiential aspects of film production into a one of a kind vertical village for film.”
Inside, the space will be filled with stages, production support areas, open and private offices and lounges.
“This studio is a testament to the strength and future of the New York film and television production industry,” Robert De Niro said in a statement. “Completion of this project ensures that future generations of producers, directors, writers, and storytellers will play a vital role in filmed entertainment in New York for years to come.”
The futuristic structure, which trades windows for large bay openings, is expected to create more than 1,000 daily union jobs. The site, located at 87 19th Avenue, was previously used by Steinway & Sons for piano storage.
But the ambitious project isn’t quite ready to break ground. Plans have been filed but have yet to be reviewed by the city council.