Watermark Retirement Community’s Renovation of 21 Clark Street Progresses in Brooklyn Heights

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 $330 million.

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.

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.”

Source: New York Yimby