John Mayer And McG Are Paying $60 Million For The Jim Henson Lot In Hollywood

The rich legacy of Jim Henson Studios in Hollywood, once the creative hub for silent film icon Charlie Chaplin, is entering a new phase with two surprising new owners, as reported by the Hollywood Reporter. Musician John Mayer and filmmaker McG have reportedly purchased the property for $60 million, which has been under the stewardship of the Jim Henson Company since 1999.

This acquisition occurred seven years after the passing of the Muppet innovator, yet the company has maintained “the owner and major presence on the lot” for the past 25 years. The decision to sell follows speculation that the Church of Scientology had expressed interest in acquiring the site; however, it was not the church itself but rather Fab Factory Studios—owned by prominent Scientology benefactors Steven and Shaun Fabos—that had designs on the property. Sources indicate that the Fabos family had some degree of claim to the property but allowed their option to expire, leading Mayer (who is rumored to currently occupy office space in the building) and McG to act on the opportunity.