When NBC launched an American version of the hit UK show The Office, it started with a short 6-episode season. These episodes were filmed in an actual office building, and used both interior and exterior shots. When it was clear that the show would be a hit, they decided to move to a proper studio.
Scranton Business Park
Chandler Valley Center Studios is located in Panorama City, just west of North Hollywood. The studio has 2 soundstages, so the production built a near exact replica of the original office layout. The building housing Stage 2 became the exterior of the Scranton Business Park, and was featured in most episodes. The exterior and parking lot is instantly recognizable to any fan of the show.
First Christian Church of North Hollywood
Most episodes were filmed in the studio, however a number of episodes were filmed on location. One of these episodes was Phyllis’s wedding, which was filmed at the First Christian Church of North Hollywood. This is where you could see Michael pushing Phyllis’s father’s wheelchair down the aisle, and where he prematurely announced them as being married on the altar steps.
You may recognize the church from other shows like Young Sheldon, The Fosters, and 7th Heaven.
Michael’s Condo
Michael buys a condo in season 2, thinking he’s getting a 10 year mortgage. He later finds out it’s 10-years-fixed, 30 total. Michael lives in the condo throughout his time on The Office. We see it numerous times, including fan-favourite episode The Dinner Party. The house is located in a gated community, and can only been seen from the side street, through the gate. The address is 7303 Bonnie Place in Reseda.
Jim and Pam’s House
Jim and Pam live in the house that Jim grew up in. He ends up buying the house as a surprise for Pam, and turns the garage into an art studio for her. The house is located at 13831 Calvert Street in Van Nuys.
Fun story: when we visited the house, we had a chat with the next-door neighbour. He told us that he was paid several hundred dollars by the show to allow someone to go into his house and turn on a bedroom light. This was in the episode Broke, when Michael pics up Pam very early in the morning, honking his horn and waking the neighbours.
Darryl’s House
Darryl’s house is located at 14152 Emelita Street in Van Nuys. We see his house in the episode “The Meeting”. If you’d like to see more, check out my buddy Scott On Tape’s video where he visit’s the house with the actress who plays Darryl’s sister. You can see it here.
Meredith’s House
Meredith’s house on The Office is actually right next door to Darryl’s house, at 14142 Emelita Street. Unfortunately the house has been completely demolished, and when I visited, there was a new house being built.
Toby’s House
Toby’s house is located at 5752 Calhoun Avenue in Sherman Oaks.
Oscar’s House
Oscar’s house can be found at 5232 Longridge Ave in Van Nuys. This is where Oscar lives with his “roommate” and Dwight catches him skipping work.
David Wallace’s House
David Wallace actually has two houses during the series. The first house was located in Pasadena, but was soon replaced by another house in Encino. The large estate is located at 5133 Louise Ave.
Erin’s Florida House
In season 8, Erin relocates to Florida. The house used is located at 7777 Cherrystone Ave in Panorama City, which is actually really close to the Chandler Valley Studios, where the show filmed. When I visited, the house was undergoing some exterior renovations.
A much derided scene shows Erin outside the house, but Ellie Kemper is clearly standing in front of a green screen. It is rather odd that they chose to do this, especially considering how close the house is to the studio.
Since the house was under repair, I felt it would be appropriate to do a green screen type photo, just like the show did!
Schrute Farms
While a couple locations were used for Schrute Farms over the years, the main location was at Disney’s Golden Oak Ranch. The Ranch is located in Santa Clarita, and its a private property which is very strict about visitors. Fans can catch a glimpse of some of the Ranch, including some of the backlot, from along Placerita Canyon Road.
Scranton Locations
While the show was not filmed in Scranton, the show tried to stay true to the geography. Many local place names were mentioned during the show.
The Steamtown Mall
The famous “Scranton Welcomes You” sign featured in the opening credits has been replaced, but the original sign has been on display in the Steamtown Mall. The mall, which was mentioned numerous times on the show, also featured a small The Office gift shop, and Dwight’s Bobble Head could be seen on the elevator. This was several years ago so I can’t confirm if these are still there.
The Penn Paper Tower
Seen in the opening credits, the Penn Paper Tower is a landmark in Scranton. Due to the popularity of The Office, one side of the tower now bears the “Dunder Mifflin” logo on it.
