Astoria’s Kaufman Studios Sold to SilverTech for $217M, Artists Alarmed

• Kaufman Studios at 34-12 36th St sold for $217 million on Monday.
• Buyer is SilverTech Properties, a Midtown-based tech campus developer.
• Local artists and production workers raised concerns about displacement.

Kaufman Astoria Studios, the heart of film and TV production in Queens since 1921, was officially purchased by SilverTech Properties on Monday, according to city records. The $217 million transaction marks one of the largest real estate deals in Astoria this year and caps months of speculation after the property quietly hit the market in March.

SilverTech Properties, headquartered on Madison Ave, has confirmed plans to “reimagine” the Kaufman campus as a mixed-use tech hub, but declined to give specifics on whether existing soundstages or tenant arts organizations like The Astoria Performing Arts Center would remain. In a brief statement, company president Elias Mendez said, “We’re excited to bring the next era of innovation to Queens.”

Longtime tenants and local artists are not celebrating. “We just finished filming a pilot here last week. Now everyone’s worried about losing their spaces,” said Imani Torres, a producer at 35th Ave Films, which has rented at Kaufman for seven years. Neighbors and staff at nearby bodega Tino’s on 36th St said foot traffic from the studio’s crews supported their businesses—as recently as last month.

Council Member Tiffany Cabán, whose district includes Astoria, told NYC Pulse she plans to push for protections for union film workers and affordable creative space. “If the soundstages go, hundreds of jobs go with them. We need a public commitment from SilverTech, not vague promises,” Cabán said Wednesday outside Kaufman’s main gate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is SilverTech Properties and what are their plans for Kaufman Studios?

SilverTech Properties is a Midtown-based real estate developer known for building tech campuses in Long Island City and lower Manhattan. The company has stated they plan to redevelop the Kaufman Astoria Studios site as a mixed-use tech hub, but have not detailed plans for preserving the soundstages or supporting existing tenants. Local officials and community groups are seeking clear commitments about the future of film, TV, and arts usage on the site.

How will the sale impact Astoria’s creative community?

The sale has sparked concern among production workers, artists, and local businesses that rely on Kaufman’s activity. Tenants fear rent hikes, displacement, or closure if the studios are converted to non-arts uses. Neighborhood businesses could see a drop in patronage if film crews and artists leave the area.

What is being done to protect current tenants and workers at Kaufman?

Council Member Tiffany Cabán and advocacy groups like Queens Creative Alliance are pressing SilverTech for written commitments to preserve creative jobs and affordable arts space. The city’s Economic Development Corporation has not announced any intervention, but community negotiations are ongoing as of this week.