Filming NYC's Housing Revolution: Office to Apartment Documentary
By the Jynx Productions Team · 4 min read
Alright, buckle up, because this project was a wild ride! We're so excited to finally share a little peek behind the curtain of our recent documentary adventure: diving deep into the fascinating world of office-to-apartment conversions right here in the heart of New York City.
It all started with a sense of intrigue. We’d been noticing the buzz around these conversions – empty office buildings in prime Manhattan locations suddenly buzzing with the promise of new life. The sheer scale of it was captivating. Imagine, these behemoths of commerce, once filled with desks and fluorescent lights, were being reimagined as homes. It felt like a story ripe with innovation, challenges, and a glimpse into the ever-evolving urban landscape.
Once we got the green light, our small but mighty crew geared up. Think run-and-gun style, blending in to capture the real energy of these transformations. We had our trusty cinema cameras, of course, always aiming for that cinematic feel, but we also relied heavily on more agile setups (think iPhones and GoPros) to move quickly through construction sites and bustling city streets. Capturing authentic moments was key, so we tried to be as unobtrusive as possible, letting the stories unfold naturally.
One of the first locations that truly blew us away was the former Pearl House. Joey Chilelli, the developer, took us through this massive space, which was once a largely empty office building. Now? Almost 600 apartments! Joey shared his perspective on how the pandemic had shifted the landscape, leaving so much office space vacant. He saw an opportunity to breathe new life into the area, and witnessing that transformation firsthand was incredible. We filmed the luxurious amenities they were able to incorporate, like lounges, a gym, and even a bowling alley – features you just wouldn't typically find in a standard residential building due to space constraints. It really highlighted the unique possibilities these conversions offer.
Interview with Joey Chilelli at Manhattan’s former Pearl House, in the modern Bowling Alley below the apartments.
Architect John Cetra | Urban Design Expert
Then there was our time spent with architect John Cetra. His passion for this type of urban redesign was infectious. He was one of the early pioneers, recognizing the potential way back in 1998. He walked us through one of his projects, the conversion of the former Goldman Sachs headquarters on Wall Street. Seeing over 500 new apartments take shape in such an iconic location was surreal. John explained the fundamental challenges of converting office spaces, particularly the wider floor plates compared to residential buildings8. He showed us how they strategically placed kitchens, hallways, and bathrooms in the darker, interior spaces to maximize the natural light for living rooms and bedrooms. One thing that stuck with us was when he mentioned that in these conversions, larger apartments can even have bedrooms without windows, something not typically allowed in new construction. It's a testament to the creative private/public sector problem-solving that was involved; the city government creating loopholes to facilitate these conversions. After all, New York, much like the rest of the country, is facing a severe housing crunch. He also noted the positive impact on the Financial District, with more people living there and the area becoming a true 24/7 neighborhood. "You can feel it on the street – there are so many more people here than before, it's become much livelier," he told us.
Malek Hajar at Construction Site | Project Insights and Development
We also had the chance to follow project manager Malek Hajar at a conversion site in Midtown. The sheer logistical complexity of these projects was eye-opening. Malek detailed the extensive renovations involved, from installing new water and heating systems for dozens of individual apartments to completely revamping the lobby to feel less like an office entrance. He emphasized the importance of creating a welcoming "coming home" atmosphere for the future residents. He pointed out that they specifically target buildings with ceiling heights over nine feet to accommodate all the necessary infrastructure above the ceiling. While he couldn't give us exact figures, he did mention that these conversions are generally less costly and significantly faster than ground-up construction, which was a key driver for developers. The timeline difference is striking – 1.5 to 2 years for a conversion versus 5 to 7 years for a new build.
Seeing the final piece come together was incredibly rewarding. It’s a story about adapting to changing times, about innovative solutions to urban challenges, and about the enduring appeal of New York City. The fact that a two-bedroom apartment in the converted Pearl House can rent for around $5,000 a month and is still almost fully occupied speaks volumes about the demand and the perceived value of these spaces.
This project truly highlighted the dynamic nature of this city and the ingenuity driving its evolution. We hope our documentary offers a compelling glimpse into this fascinating chapter of New York's story.
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For almost 20 years of award winning production, Jynx Productions has specialized in presenting life as it unfolds to viewers across the globe. Our experienced production professionals are passionate about telling the kinds of authentic stories that leave a lasting impression on audiences. We’re glad to know that our work has sparked curiosity and joy, and has entertained millions of people.
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