Renovation work is progressing on the Watermark at Brooklyn Heights at 21 Clark Street. Developed in collaboration by Watermark Retirement Communities and Kayne Anderson Real Estate, the project will debut as senior housing with 275 newly renovated residences. Located in the heart of Brooklyn Heights, the 16-story, 310,000-square-foot property was originally constructed in 1928 as the Leverich Towers Hotel. In 1975, Watchtower purchased the property as housing for its local Jehovah Witness volunteer force and began to restore the intricate architectural features that defined the building.
In 2017, 21 Clark Street was sold by The Jehovah’s Witnesses to private equity firm Kayne Anderson Real Estate Advisors for $200 million. Total construction costs including renovation and redevelopment of the structure is placed at $63 million.
Construction progress. Credit: Peter Wilk/Wilk Marketing Communications
The Watermark at Brooklyn Heights was specifically designed to fill a void for high-end senior housing in the New York City market. Montroy DeMarco Architecture (MDA) and interior designer Lemay + Escobar were retained to help reimagine the aging property as envisioned by the development team. The structure will feature residences that range from studios to two-bedroom apartments, with amenities including a rooftop terrace, a public art gallery, a library lounge, a collection of health and wellness facilities, and an upper-level “Skyline club room.”
The Watermark at Brooklyn Heights will also provide two floors of Memory Care services for those living with cognitive impairment.
Watermark Brooklyn Heights – Terrace Area. Courtesy of Watermark at Brooklyn Heights
Watermark Brooklyn Heights – Communal Amenities. Courtesy of Watermark at Brooklyn Heights
Altogether, amenity space spans approximately 50,000 square feet.
“This residence will have a number of dramatic public spaces, including a soaring two-story restaurant,” said Richard DeMarco, partner at Montroy DeMarco Architecture. “We are respecting the original beauty of the building and reviving some features to create an amenity-filled environment for discerning seniors. Overall, we have planned and designed the Watermark at Brooklyn Heights to enable residents to be proud of their environment.”
Watermark Brooklyn Heights – Lobby. Courtesy of Watermark at Brooklyn Heights
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I shared my scans of Towers postcards with the sales office personnel.
The person in charge of the renovation when the Witnesses bought the building told me that if the JWs had known how badly it had deteriorated, they would never have bought it. Apparently much of the internal steel had to be replaced, and there were cracks in the facade in the fire stairs through which you could put your hand to the outside air!
good grief
I wouldlove to live in one of your beautiful building, just not Brownsville!I’m a NYCHA resident, I’m a great tenant but, I can’t afford to move out of NYCHA!
How do I get in touch regarding these apartments.
Lovely place! Saw it today!