February 9, 2015 – Hello everyone, we’re back with another comprehensive update from Universal Studios Hollywood – this time detailing ongoing work for Springfield, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, the Studio Tour and more!
We’ve got a lot to cover, so let’s get started.
» Lankershim Projects
» CityWalk Hollywood – Things From Another World
» Victoria Station
» The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
» Springfield
» Fast and Furious: Supercharged
» Nighttime Studio Tour
Since our last update, construction crews have begun digging in and around the office building across from 10 Universal City Plaza in preparation for the new pedestrian bridge that will line the pathway from the Universal City Metro Station to the base of the NBCUniversal tower. The project – at a cost of $19.5 million dollars – is expected to be completed in 2016.
In addition to the bridge project, Universal’s planned 500 room hotel and lane-widening project are also chugging along, though the former shows no signs of going vertical as of yet.
Digging for the pedestrian bridge has begun across from the NBCUniversal tower.
Meanwhile, dirt is all that still remains near the Metro station.
An overview of the lane widening project and the upcoming 500-room hotel.
Not much progress happening here…
As we reported late last month, Things From Another World has completed its move from its original location to the former GameStop venue. The new location features a new robotic facade alongside a larger interior, featuring red and white decor.
With the space cleared out, Universal will now begin preparations to expand the Universal Studio Store – mimicking plans for the in-park Universal Studio Store, which is expected to expand later this year.
Meanwhile, as we head into the park, construction crews have pushed out walls in the Victoria Station construction zone, as crews begin to prepare for the new shopping, entertainment and dining venue which is expected to open before the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
Since our last update, construction crews have added another layer of snow atop Hogsmeade’s buildings – shifting the color from an off-yellow primer to snow-white. In addition, crews have also begun adding a layer of faux-brick to Forbidden Journey’s show building which can be spotted across the Studio Tour bridge.
Wizarding World West, as seen from Shrek 4D.
Additional structures are popping up…
Snow-covered roofs.
Quite amazing how close one can get to Potter. Perhaps that’s why they’ve added those security cameras.
An overhead shot of Hogsmeade’s entryway.
Here’s a look at the Forbidden Journey show building.
Crews have begun covering up the side facing the Studio Tour bridge with faux-bricks.
HVAC ducts have also appeared on the side facing the Studio Tour exit.
Heading over to Springfield, construction crews have already paved part of the road leading to food court. If you look closely, you can see paint for the pedestrian crosswalk just before the construction wall ends in the photos below.
In the meantime, guests are still routed between Special Effects Stage’s queue. With a rumored late March soft-opening, it’ll only be a few months until guests can wander the streets of Springfield.
An overview of Springfield.
Notice the crosswalk?
Krusty Burger, Herman’s Military Antiques and Lard Lad Donuts…
The Aztec Theater, Cletus’ Chicken Shack and the Springfield Nuclear Power Plant.
Bumblebee Man’s Taco Truck and the Duff Brewery.
…and of course, the Springfield Department of Motor Vehicles.
With the release of its Super Bowl advertisement last weekend, Fast and Furious: Supercharged’s opening draws near. However, despite the ad, not much has been revealed since Universal’s announcement last Spring – outside our original predictions.
For now, here’s a brief look at the animation’s facade.
The exit for Fast and Furious appears to have been completely paved.
…and finally, LED fixtures have started to appear in Courthouse Square and near the Psycho House for the new nighttime Studio Tours, debuting this Summer. As Summer 2015 approaches, we’ll begin to see additional preparations for the nighttime Studio Tours.
That is it for this update. Please continue to follow Inside Universal’s leading coverage of Universal Studios Hollywood and be sure to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and Instagram. Thanks for reading!
Christopher Tillman is an editor for Inside Universal.
Christopher is a California native who grew up visiting all of the Golden State’s theme parks. While studying theatre in college Christopher bounced around working at a few different attractions in Orange Country and Los Angeles. Now the father of a two year old, he is experiencing theme parks in a whole new way and has become the old man saying things like; “I remember when KITT and the A-Team van used to be here.”
You may contact Christopher at christophertillman@insideuniversal.net.
