Ripley-Grier Studios

Husband and wife team Butch Grier and Patricia Ripley have been in the space rental business since 1984. They operate three Manhattan locations under the name New York Spaces- one on West 72 Street and two on Eighth Avenue. Until late June, only the 520 Eighth Ave. location was officially known as Ripley-Grier Studios. Now all three locations go by the family brand.

It's the 520 Eighth Ave. location that most Back Stage readers likely had in mind when they chose it their favorite rental space for rehearsals, classes, and auditions. The large complex encompasses nearly the entire 16th floor, plus 5,000 square feet on each of the 10th and 17th floors.

What accounts for Ripley-Grier's popularity? I think cleanliness and brightness is a key issue," says Grier, noting that Ripley is a feng shui consultant who cares deeply about ambiance. Wicker furniture and potted plants enhance the studios' comfort quotient. Other selling points include routers for Internet connection and acoustical curtains that can also serve to mask the rooms' windows and mirrors.

Grier notes that employees complete a customer-service program known as "Ripley-Grier College". The friendliness of the staff at all the facilities was lauded by one Back Stage reader: "You know, at some of these other places, the guys or gals behind the desk say, "Yeah, yeah. Whatever." You say, "Where's the studio?," and they can barely give you the time of day. But at Ripley-Grier they say, "Oh, geez, we put you in a room without a piano? Let me switch that around for you."

The next expansion? Grier says negotiations are underway to take over the rest of the 16th floor at 520 8th Avenue in order to add a food court and a store that will sell "everything from T-shirts to Band-Aids."

*********************************************************

Home | Rates and Studios | Classes and Schedules | Teachers | Agreement | History |Staff | Amenities
Special Events | Press | Theater-in-Residence | Patricia Ripley Fitness | Butch and Patricia | Contact Us