The Ask
The site as it currently appears, October 2023
The East Pavilion with the public entrance in the East Tower (front) and partial view of West Pavilion and the security gate and employee entrance in the Central Tower (left in rendering) as proposed
Traditionally, major production facilities are plain warehouse-style boxes surrounded by parking lots with little or no architectural character or public access. A developer of a production facility has little reason to invest in public spaces and architectural character without an incentive. It is for this reason that the Huntington Office of Film & Television is requesting $2 million of the DRI grant funding for the purpose of incentivizing a developer to ensure that the planned Studios at Huntington Station (notably the East Pavilion and the frontage along New York Avenue) include the following objectives:
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Accessible spaces that are open to the public,
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Accessible gardens, and natural green areas both outside and inside including the public garden on New York Avenue and a green roof garden atop the East Pavilion, also along New York Avenue
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Public meeting areas including a screening room and an exhibition space for public art installations;
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And an architecturally attractive design that complements or mimics nearby structures like the LIRR bridge, the Huntington Community First Aid Squad and the public library branch
The Benefits
• The Studios have the potential of changing a neglected site into a beautiful landmark of the new Huntington Station, that all in the community can be proud to have as a neighbor.
• The facility will be a catalyst for transforming Huntington Station from “a place to go through, to a place to come to.”
• As a studio production facility, it will attract tourists and visitors who are part of the live TV audiences. The East Pavilion contains office space on the upper two floors. Employees or visitors and tourists can easily travel by train, or bus without adding to local traffic. (The East Pavilion is directly accessible from the train station via a weather-protected walkway.)
• As a production facility, the Studios will attract a new industry to Huntington which will create on-site jobs for the community.
• The increase of on-site jobs will support the establishment of other local businesses like cafes, restaurants, hotels, and retail shops, as well as attract full-time residents to the community.
• The development of the site will place the property back onto the tax rolls. Currently, this neglected site contributes nothing to the tax base.
Why Incentivize the Developer?
Studios and production facilities are notoriously bland and ugly in their design. They are also generally off-limits to the public. These facilities tend to be big windowless boxes which add little or nothing to the “look” of the surrounding community.
The “magic” is created within the walls of a sound stage, so developers have little or no reason to invest in the exterior of the facilities.
Studio buildings are usually quite simple or plain with little consideration given to architectural appeal, or public access.
Huntington Station
Deserves to be Proud
Huntington Station deserves to have an industry contribute to its transformation that will not only support local business but enhance the beauty, character and local pride of the community. There are many current examples of studios which have done little to improve the character and beauty of the area. Unfortunately, without a financial incentive, the developer of this site will have little reason to consider the architectural character of the campus, the addition of green spaces, or the inclusion of public meeting spaces and exhibitions.
Contact Joe Schramm
Director, Office of Film & Television
Call
646-342-4447