CBS Radford Broadcast Center

Media & Entertainment
  • Project:

    CBS Radford Broadcast Center
  • Architect:

    Bastien & Associates
  • Location:

    Studio City, CA
  • Area:

    243,000 square feet

The turnkey construction of the West Coast Headquarters of CBS houses their executive offices as well as the KCBS/KCAL Television Studios located in Studio City, California. The project started under the ownership of Viacom for CBS and later transferred to CBS after the spin-off.
The project began with a lengthy preconstruction phase that included numerous and extensive budgeting and value engineering exercises designed to meet the needs and expectations of the client, all performed in a climate of rapid price increases. The project team’s attention to the technical requirements of the project was most helpful in developing a complete package and corresponding costs. The MEP engineering was performed by us as design build, incorporating all required components into the overall design. The site was CBS’s very active studio lot. A number of measures were taken including a complete traffic pattern plan and erection of a 45 ft sound wall. Additionally, the project team contributed innovative solutions to challenges along the way without compromise to schedule or budget.
The three-story 200,000sf building includes executive offices, conference center, support areas, commissary & kitchen, 25 ft high clear subterranean parking to accommodate TV broadcast vans, two 5,000sf live broadcast TV studios, inset stage and a 25,000sf main newsroom. The building is constructed of concrete and steel structure cladded in GFRC and glass panels. Complex technical requirements for the project included two 1250 KV generators capable of putting the facility on emergency power, in the event of natural disaster or emergency situations. Additionally, four UPS systems were installed capable of putting all technical facilities and office function on UPS power. The facility includes HVAC systems with dual air handling units for technical areas, with capability of either air handler unit carrying 75% of maximum the load. The entire HVAC system is on DDC (direct digital control). All technical areas throughout the facility are on Pre-Action system and air handlers were installed for specific technical areas. The main equipment room racks are dual-fed by PDUs (Power Distribution Units). Our work also includes a satellite farm and roof top microwave dish area and screens.