The LA Times is reporting that the Roy E. Disney Animation Building in Burbank is undergoing a massive year-and-a-half renovation. The end result will make the building more “Pixar-like” with an atrium and more collaborative workspaces.
A big change will be that the iconic sorcerer’s hat which used to house Roy E. Disney’s office, will now become the studio’s main entrance. As John Lasseter said, “There will be a gorgeous stairway that goes up into the hat. It’s a really great symbol, like you’re entering the building through the magic of Mickey Mouse’s hat.”
Disney would not disclose the cost of the renovation.
The building, originally designed by architect Robert A.M. Stern, was quite controversial when built as many believed the gorgeous building was not built with animation in mind.
While the work is completed, animators are working nearby on Zootopia and Moana.