Ever wondered where the magic of television truly happens? It's within the walls of iconic broadcast centers like the CBS Broadcast Center in New York City, a place where news is forged, and entertainment takes flight. This legendary facility isn't just a building; it's a living, breathing hub of creativity, innovation, and history.
Nestled in the heart of Hell's Kitchen, this sprawling complex is more than just studios and offices. It's a landmark, a testament to the enduring power of broadcasting. The CBS Broadcast Center, primarily located at 524 West 57th Street in Manhattan, with another entrance at 530 West 57th Street, has been a cornerstone of the television industry for decades. The complex spans an entire city block, bordered by 56th and 57th Streets and 10th and 11th Avenues, encompassing approximately 3.7 acres and boasting around 860,000 square feet of studio, office, and production space, as noted in a December 2022 Paramount Global SEC filing. The location is readily accessible, with the A, C, B, or D trains stopping at 59th Street. But to truly appreciate its significance, one must delve into its rich history and understand its multifaceted functions.
| CBS Broadcast Center - Facility Overview | |
|---|---|
| Location | 524 West 57th Street, Manhattan, New York City, NY 10019 (Main Address); 530 West 57th Street (Another Entrance) |
| Size | Approximately 860,000 square feet |
| Area | 3.7 acres (entire city block) |
| Boundaries | W 56th to W 57th Streets between 10th and 11th Avenues |
| History | Originally opened as a Sheffield Farms milk depot and distribution center in June 1938; purchased by CBS in 1952; opened as the CBS Production Center in the late 1950s. |
| Original Cost of Building | $2,500,000 (in 1938) |
| Studios | Variety of studios ranging in size from 3200 to 8256 square feet, each equipped with its own control room. Includes Studio 41 (largest studio, over 8000 sq ft) and Studios 47 & 57. |
| Notable Shows & Programs | Headquarters for CBS News; Home to shows like 'Last Week Tonight', 'The Drew Barrymore Show' (Studio 41), and previously 'CBS This Morning' (Studio 57). |
| Current Status | CBS owns the property outright; Paramount (parent company) has considered selling the facility. |
| Transportation | Accessible via the A, C, B, or D train to 59th Street; 1, A, C, or D trains |
| Previous Function | Served as a dairy depot for Sheffield Farms. |
| Acquisition of Additional Land | CBS acquired an adjacent land lot on 53 West 52nd Street in July 1961, expanding the plot to approximately 48,000 square feet (4,500 m). |
| Reference Link | Official CBS Website |
