A piece of Hollywood history just changed hands in a big way. The legendary lot, once home to Charlie Chaplin’s original studio in 1917 and later the iconic A&M Records, was sold for an estimated $60 million. The property, which is also a Los Angeles Historic Cultural Monument, most recently housed The Jim Henson Company after its purchase in 1999.
While the Church of Scientology was rumored to be in the running, it was John Mayer and filmmaker McG (Joseph McGinty Nichol) who ultimately sealed the deal. Mayer, who already has offices on the lot, stepped in when the previous interested party, Fab Factory Studios, saw their hold on the property expire. Fab Factory Studios, a music production company helmed by father-and-son team Steven and Shaun Fabos, had shown strong interest in the property. Steven Fabos is reportedly a notable Scientology supporter, and his son was a controversial figure during the 2023 rape trial of Scientologist Danny Masterson, where he altered his testimony in favor of Masterson.
Mayer and McG’s acquisition represents a fresh chapter for the property, adding to its storied past that’s already deeply intertwined with Hollywood’s golden age. From Chaplin’s silent film era to A&M Records’ rock legends and Henson’s imaginative creations, the lot has always been home to creative innovation.