By: Michael Beasley
A new word has entered the American lexicon: Starchitecture.
A group that included garbage-mouthed actor Robert De Niro, his son, a movie producer named Jane Rosenthal and “immersive studio developer” Wildflower is behind a $400 million building project slated for Astoria, Queens.
Scandinavian architect du jour Bjarke Ingels will reportedly work on the project.
“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,” reported the New York Post.
“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 press 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.”
“This studio is a testament to the strength and future of the New York film and television production industry,” the elder De Niro said in his own official 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,” according to the Post.
“The project will comprise a “strategically planned mix of interconnected spaces,” including various stages, production-support areas, open and private offices, and lounges,” according to 6sqft.com. “The design “aims to foster the best creative work possible by providing opportunities for human connection,” per the developers. In response to feedback from the community and local officials, the proposal also incorporates parking, public water access, and land conservation areas for the neighborhood to enjoy.
“Located along Steinway Creek in Queens, the project is sited at 87 19th Avenue. The property was previously used as storage for finished pianos by manufacturer Steinway & Sons and sits within a larger parcel owned by the company,” 6sqft.com added.
De Niro has been in the news of late not only for his diatribes against President Trump, but for his role in the upcoming Martin Scorsese move, The Irishman. The film puts De Niro together with fellow actors Joe Pesci and Al Pacino.
