VOTED #1 "THE BEST OF NY" AGAIN!!
Readers' top pick for Rental Space
Issue: July 20-26 2006

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."

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Readers' Choice Awards
NYC: Favorite Rehearsal Space
May 08, 2008

Ripley-Grier Studios proclaims that its three Manhattan locations and 45 studios constitute "the world's largest rehearsal facilities." Founded in 1984 by husband-and-wife team Butch Grier and Patricia Ripley, the facilities are not simply raw space in which artists can work. They're stocked with a host of amenities, from electronics to vending machines to free Wi-Fi access. At the largest studio, located at 520 Eighth Ave., you'll find there's even a café amidst the three stories of rehearsal space, which has been arranged according to feng shui principles.

Actor Kelley Rae O'Donnell has used Ripley-Grier for a number of projects — including rehearsals and film auditions — and one of the first things she mentions is their cleanliness. "They're so clean you could eat off the floor," she jokes. She also finds the rates "remarkable. You really get your money's worth."

Given the venues' many spaces and their versatility — ballet barres are also among the things you'll find — you might wonder about noise. But O'Donnell says she's never worried about it. Describing the staff as "friendly," she says, "They're really great at finding you peace and quiet. They're really flexible."

Champion Studios came in second, and Julie Brooks touts it for affordability and friendliness.

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