16 Sound Stages to Replace Junkyard

In one of several construction projects triggered by the explosive growth of the local entertainment industry, a 27-acre junkyard in Sun Valley has been leased for conversion into 16 sound stages for film production.

Sam Adlen, owner of Aadlen Bros. Auto Wrecking, signed over all of his Sun Valley property to a group of investors last month, according to Jerry Martinez, Aadlen manager.

The investors, whom Martinez would not identify, plan to finish the new studios by the end of this year, he said. The group represents large-scale film production rather than commercials or television shows, Martinez said.

About 85 people will lose their jobs when the Sun Valley wrecking yard closes. However, a clause in the new lease requires that displaced workers be first in line for jobs at the new studio, Martinez said.

Adlen has profitably run the junkyard in the 11500 block of Tuxford Street for 35 years, Martinez said.

But when speculators began contacting him earlier this year asking if he would lease his property for entertainment uses, it dawned on him that he could “get more of a return without so much of a headache,” Martinez said.