Groundbreaking Set for Warehouse Project

Local business and political leaders will join a Sun Valley developer today for a groundbreaking ceremony on an 85,000-square-foot warehouse and manufacturing building with motion picture sound stage capabilities.

The developer, Al Young, also plans to construct a concrete “Welcome to Sun Valley” sign on the site at the corner of Sunland Boulevard and Tuxford Street.

“This is really going to be an asset for the community,” said Dennis O’ Sullivan, president of the Sun Valley Chamber of Commerce.

“We realize that Burbank is really maxing out on what it can do for the media production business and we are the next logical place for it to move,” O’ Sullivan said. “Young is really helping us to get the ball rolling on attracting some of this industry to Sun Valley.”

Although he has no signed tenants, Young said that several companies have expressed interest in leasing the building, which will include offices and a warehouse area.

“I’ve never seen such a demand for larger buildings in this area,” Young said. “This project is playing right into the hands of the market.”

The building, which will cost an estimated $6 million to construct, is expected to be completed in August.

Tom Henry, planning deputy for Los Angeles City Councilman Joel Wachs, said the development will replace a dilapidated building that has been a thorn in the city’s side for years.

The groundbreaking, which is open to the public, will begin at noon.