On the Jobsite: Warner Bros. Ranch Redevelopment Brings New Soundstages, Offices & Jobs

By Robert Fulton

The old Warner Bros. Ranch – once known as the Columbia Ranch – located in Burbank behind a shopping center at Hollywood Way and Verdugo Avenue is getting quite the makeover.

Gone are the old house facades, including those featured in the Dennis the Menace television program and the holiday classic “Christmas Vacation.”

In its place is a massive redevelopment that will include 16 soundstages, 229,000 square feet of office space, a parking garage and more.

Real estate investment firms Worthe Real Estate Group and Stockbridge own the property, which will lease it back to Warner Bros.

Construction is expected to be completed later this year.

Approximately 80 electricians from IBEW Local 40 were recently onsite working for Unison Electric.

Jose Rivera has been on the job site for more than a year. He says the job has been going well and marvels at how quickly the parking garage went from dirt to completion in a matter of months.

Rivera explained that while Local 40 members typically do studio and tenant improvement jobs, new core-and-shell construction is a different beast. “A lot of us had to catch on really fast and learn it on the fly,” Rivera said of the different dynamic.

The role of foreman has been important at this job site. IBEW Local 40 is emphasizing landing more members in foreman roles and projects such as these are crucial opportunities to demonstrate their capabilities.

Josh Geller answered the Union Hall’s call for foremen, and this is his first such responsibility.

“There’s a lot of people in 40 who want foreman opportunities,” Geller said. “The more foremen that we get out here, even if it’s someone who isn’t necessarily going to be a foreman on the next job, at least the shops will see there are people in the Local capable of doing that position, so they’ll be more likely in the future to give those opportunities to guys who want them.”

Ronald Rutan is another foreman on the job and has been on site since July.

“It’s a good job,” Rutan said. “I think our electrical contractor is providing us the tools and information we need to get our job done. That’s optimal. Especially as a foreman, that’s what I strive to do to keep my guys working and to keep them happy. Without tools, material and information, they can’t do their jobs.”

This is Brett David’s first job as a first-year apprentice. The retired Marine started in early December and said he’s loving it so far. A buddy who is a member of Local 40 suggested he join.

“I knew this would be something I’d probably be good at, and it’s a great trade to learn,” David said. “There’s always people who rely on electricians.”

Blake Blanchard is another rookie. The redevelopment is his first job call. He’s enjoying the learning experience while making a living.

“When I got here, I didn’t know anything,” Blanchard said. “I came from retail. Other than what I’ve been taught in class, I didn’t know anything. I’ve learned a lot since I got here.”