If you’ve spent any time walking along the West Side Highway, you know the massive, slightly weathered structures that jut out into the water around 52nd Street. Piers 92 and 94 New York NY aren't just industrial relics. They are, or at least they were, the backbone of the city’s massive trade show and event industry. For decades, if you wanted to see the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show or hit up The Armory Show, you headed here.
But things are changing. Fast.
The story of these piers is a messy mix of New York City real estate drama, structural decay, and a massive billion-dollar pivot toward the film industry. Honestly, it’s a miracle they’re still standing given the beating they’ve taken from the salt air and the sheer weight of thousands of visitors every year.
The Reality of Piers 92 and 94 New York NY Right Now
For a long time, these two piers operated as a pair. Pier 94 was the "Unconvention Center," boasting about 133,000 square feet of space. Pier 92 was its slightly smaller sibling, connected by a link that made it easy for massive exhibitions to flow between the two. But if you walk by today, the vibe is different.
Construction fences. High-vis vests. The sound of heavy machinery.
In 2019, the city had a bit of a heart attack when engineers found that Pier 92 was structurally unsound. It wasn't just "old building" problems; it was "this might actually fall into the river" problems. They had to shift events over to Pier 94 or the Javits Center immediately. It was a wake-up call that the old way of doing things—patching up rotting wood and rusted steel—wasn't going to cut it anymore.
Then came the pivot. Sunset Pier 94 Studios.
Vornado Realty Trust, Blackstone, and Hudson Pacific Properties decided that instead of just hosting the occasional boat show, they’d turn the site into a massive film and television production hub. We’re talking about the first purpose-built studio campus in Manhattan. It’s a massive bet on the idea that New York is the "Hollywood of the East," and Piers 92 and 94 New York NY are the centerpieces of that gamble.
Why the Event Space Era is Fading
Let’s be real: Pier 94 was never "fancy." It was functional. You had high ceilings and concrete floors. It was drafty in the winter and sweltering in the July humidity. Most people tolerated it because the location was unbeatable. You’re right there in Hell's Kitchen.
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But the Javits Center expansion basically ate Pier 94's lunch.
Once Javits added the North Wing and more sophisticated tech capabilities, the old-school charm of the piers lost its luster for trade show organizers. Why struggle with the logistics of an aging pier when you have a state-of-the-art glass fortress a few blocks south? This forced the city and the developers to rethink what the waterfront should actually look like.
The Sunset Studios Transformation
This isn't just a fresh coat of paint. The plan for Sunset Pier 94 Studios is a complete overhaul. We are looking at roughly 266,000 square feet of space focused on production.
- Soundstages: They are building six of them.
- Support Space: Offices, hair and makeup rooms, and tech suites.
- Public Access: This is the part people actually care about if they aren't in "the biz."
One of the biggest complaints about the West Side piers has always been that they block the view. They’re like giant walls between the city and the Hudson. The new design includes 25,000 square feet of open public space. Think waterfront platforms, better bike path connections, and actual greenery.
Basically, they're trying to make it look less like a warehouse and more like a part of the Hudson River Park.
The Business Side of the Water
Money talks. This project is a $350 million investment. Why? Because streaming services and film studios are desperate for Manhattan space. Most of the big stages are out in Astoria (Kaufman) or Brooklyn (Steiner). Having a major stage right in the middle of Manhattan is a massive flex for a production. It saves time on transport for actors and crew who mostly live in Manhattan or North Jersey.
It's also about jobs. The city estimates this will create over 1,300 jobs. Not just for directors, but for carpenters, electricians, and security.
Navigating the Area: What You Need to Know
If you’re heading toward Piers 92 and 94 New York NY today, don't expect to just wander in.
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- The Greenway is your best bet. If you’re biking or running, the Hudson River Greenway runs right past the entrance. Just watch out for the construction vehicles crossing the path.
- Parking is a nightmare. Seriously. Don't drive. There used to be rooftop parking, but with the redevelopment, that's not exactly a reliable option.
- The M12 bus and M50 bus are the unsung heroes of this neighborhood. They’ll drop you right nearby.
What Happened to the Old Shows?
If you're looking for the Architectural Digest Design Show or the big art fairs, they've largely migrated. The Armory Show moved to the Javits Center a couple of years ago. Most of the "boutique" fairs have scattered to smaller venues like the Glasshouse or the various armories around the city.
It’s the end of an era, honestly. There was something uniquely New York about walking through a dog show while the smell of the river wafted through the floorboards.
Common Misconceptions About the Piers
A lot of people think the piers are being torn down. They aren't. Not exactly.
The "sheds" (the giant buildings on top) are being heavily renovated or replaced, but the actual pier structures—the piles driven into the riverbed—are being reinforced. It's an engineering nightmare. You're dealing with tides, corrosive salt, and the weight of massive soundstages.
Another misconception? That it’s all going to be private.
The city’s deal with the developers explicitly requires public access. New York is protective of its waterfront. You can't just build a private fortress on the Hudson anymore. There will be a new park part on the north side of Pier 94. It won't be Central Park, but it'll be a place to sit and watch the boats go by without a fence in your face.
The Long-Term Impact on Hell's Kitchen
Hell's Kitchen has been gentrifying for a long time, but this project accelerates it. When you bring in film crews and high-end production offices, the local delis start turning into high-end coffee shops.
Is that good? Depends on who you ask.
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The local businesses along 10th and 11th Avenues are bracing for more foot traffic. More people working at the piers means more people buying lunch and hitting the bars after a 12-hour shoot. It’s a boost for the local economy that the occasional three-day trade show couldn't provide.
The Environmental Challenge
Building on the water in 2026 is a different beast than it was in the 1930s. Climate change is the elephant in the room. The new designs for Piers 92 and 94 have to account for rising sea levels and the potential for another Hurricane Sandy.
The developers are incorporating "resiliency" features. This means raising sensitive equipment above flood levels and using materials that won't disintegrate if they get submerged for a few hours. It’s expensive, but after the 2012 floods, it's non-negotiable.
Actionable Steps for Visitors and Professionals
If you are an event planner or a local resident, here is how you should handle the current state of Piers 92 and 94 New York NY:
- Check the Project Timeline: If you are scouting locations, keep in mind that the full studio complex isn't fully operational overnight. Phases are rolling out through 2025 and 2026.
- Monitor the Greenway: Construction often leads to temporary diversions on the bike path. If you're a commuter, check the Hudson River Park Trust website for weekly updates on path closures.
- Look to Pier 76: Since Pier 94 is under construction, look just a few blocks south to Pier 76. It’s been opened up as a massive public space and sometimes hosts the types of outdoor events that used to happen near Pier 92.
- Film Permits: If you're in production, start looking into the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment (MOME). They are the ones coordinating how these new stages will integrate with the city's existing film permit system.
The transformation of these piers is a signal. The "Old New York" of shipping and industrial warehouses is basically gone. In its place is a city that sells "content" and "experiences." Whether you're a fan of the change or miss the grit of the old piers, the skyline at 52nd Street is never going back to the way it was.
The steel is going up, the cameras are coming in, and the Hudson River is getting a front-row seat to the next chapter of Manhattan real estate.
Keep an eye on the construction progress. The first time a major blockbuster wraps filming at Sunset Pier 94, the neighborhood will officially feel different. It’s not just a pier anymore; it’s a factory for the digital age.
Next Steps for Staying Informed:
Monitor the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) newsletters for updates on the public park portion opening dates. If you are a resident of Community Board 4, attend the monthly meetings to hear the latest on noise mitigation and traffic adjustments as the soundstages move into full-scale production. For history buffs, the Hudson River Park Trust maintains archives on the maritime history of these slips, which are worth a read before the old aesthetic is completely replaced by glass and modern steel.