A developer is proposing the transformation of the mostly vacant former Brooklyn headquarters of the Jehovah’s Witnesses religious organization into multifamily housing.
The Gothamist reports CIM Group is seeking to transition the office buildings into a 661-unit apartment complex, with 165 units set aside as affordable housing.
The five-building complex was built in the 1920s and 1930s by the pharmaceutical company ER Squibb and Sons. It was sold in the 1960s to the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York, a nonprofit organization affiliated with the Jehovah’s Witnesses, and for years the complex stood out along the East River thanks to the 15-foot illuminated “Watchtower” sign on its rooftop.
After the complex was sold in 2016 for $340 million, the “Watchtower” sign was replaced with a “Welcome” sign. The property’s new owners – CIM, Kushner Companies, and LIVWRK – initially planned to create an office-retail development called Panorama, but the project fell through with Kushner and LIVWIRK withdrawing from the plan.
David Wellspring, CIM Group’s vice president of development, said in a statement that the company plans to reinvent the “largely vacant former industrial buildings into a thoughtful mixed-use residential community, including much-needed permanently affordable housing.”
“We have been actively engaging local stakeholders and look forward to continuing that dialogue to deliver meaningful housing and economic benefits for the community,” added Wellspring.
A rezoning application will require several review sessions involving Brooklyn Community Board 2, the Brooklyn borough president’s office, and the New York City Council.
Photo: Wally Gobetz / Flickr Creative Commons
