California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Legendary Architect Frank Gehry Join Warner Bros.’ Ann Sarnoff to Celebrate Groundbreaking on Studio’s Expanded Campus in Burbank
(Burbank, CA) – Today, Warner Bros. Chair and CEO Ann Sarnoff, architect Frank Gehry, developer Jeff Worthe, and special guests Gavin Newsom, the Governor of California, and Sharon Springer, Mayor of Burbank, led a crowd of 200 guests in celebrating the groundbreaking on two state-of-the-art office buildings designed by Gehry, signaling Warner Bros.’ expansion within the Burbank Media District. In recognition of Warner Bros.’ 100th anniversary in 2023, the design and construction phases are being called the Second Century Project, which was first announced in April 2019.
“These incredible new buildings will combine state-of-the-art technology with a dynamic work environment and allow us to reimagine not only our workspace but our future,” said Sarnoff. “Along with our historic lot, this newly expanded campus will fuel increased creativity, facilitate collaboration, and help us attract and retain the world’s best and most diverse talent. This is an investment in our employees, our creative and business partners, and the Burbank community.”
Gehry referred to visiting the “legendary” site numerous times, “Warner Bros. is a legendary company and we needed to create a legendary building for them.”
Governor Newsom spoke to the economic impact of the project, saying “This is a project that shows confidence in our future. This is a big deal, not just for Burbank or the region, but for the entire state.”
“In the Media Capital of the World, Warner Bros.’ commitment to this project is also a commitment to Burbank, reinforcing our relationship that goes back more than 90 years,” said Mayor Springer. “The creativity of Mr. Gehry’s architecture along with Warner Bros. desire to build something genuinely unique and Mr. Worthe’s commitment to construct it, further proves that yes, Burbank is a World Class City.”
Worthe said, “We’re creating something pretty unique and pretty special.” Speaking of the many people who will be impacted by the project, he added, “This is about the almost 4,000 Warner Bros. employees who’ll work here. We’re trying to do something to make their lives better.”
Construction of Second Century will take place in two phases, with both phases expected to be completed by 2023. Occupancy of Phase I is expected in 2022, and Phase II occupancy will coincide with the Studio’s centennial celebration in 2023.
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Contact:
Paul McGuire
Paul.McGuire@warnerbros.com
Warner Bros.
818-954-6152
Jessica Zacholl
Jessica.Zacholl@warnerbros.com
Warner Bros.
818-954-3599