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City Skyline Moves Across East River

Silvercup West’s towers will offer spectacular views of Manhattan.

By Andrew Moesel

If everything goes according to plan, the Queensborough Bridge could have a towering 600-foot neighbor, a group of striking steel frame and glass buildings forming a new mixed-use developed called Silvercup West.

An expansion of Silvercup Studios – where TV shows “The Sopranos” and “Sex and the City,” were filmed – Silvercup West plans to incorporate new studio facilities with 2 million square feet of residential, office and retail space.

The current plan calls for three towers to be built on a six-acre plot along the East River, the property bounded by the water, the bridge, Vernon Boulevard and 43rd Avenue. The ground level of the development will hold shopping, dining and cultural establishments, situated along a new boardwalk with a breathtaking view of the Manhattan skyline.

Two residential towers, both rising between 50 and 60 stories, will hold 1,000 units. Studio executives have not yet determined whether the building will be condos, co-ops or rentals.

The development includes eight new sound stages, which executives hope will spur the already booming film industry in New York City. A third tower, slightly shorter than the others, will feature 650,000 square feet of offices designed for film and media companies.

“Silvercup continues to play a leading role in the city’s effort to attract film and television production,” Silvercup CEO Alan Suna said when announcing the project. “The new complex will bolster our industry while also meeting other important objectives such as creating housing, opening the waterfront for public access, generating additional revenue for the city and state and creating thousands of well-paying jobs.”

Initial estimates project the development will cost roughly $1 billion. After construction, officials believe Silvercup West will generate $8 million in City tax revenue each year and create thousands of local jobs.

The site current hosts two electric generators, a large salt pile and transportation equipment. As part of the plan, developers expect to conduct an $18 million remediation of the area, which officials believe to be contaminated.

While most community members believe the development will enhance the neighborhood, some have begun to call for affordable housing in the residential towers. Other residents have asked that the project be scaled down, fearful that such a large complex could alter the traffic and landscape of the neighborhood.

Community Board 2, where the project would be built, overwhelmingly approved several zoning variances needed to construct the development. Silvercup officials received a slightly colder reception from the Planning Commission, where several people expressed their concerns over the affordability of the housing.

Developers say they are open to working with the community and their thoughts on the project. The Planning Commission will issue a recommendation by July 11.

If approved, the plans would then move on to the City Council. Barring any delays, workers could begin construction toward the end of this year. Developers hope the project will be completed by 2008.