Former Watchtower buildings in Brooklyn Heights eyed for new housing

"I want to see empty buildings activated. The property has essentially sat vacant for six or seven years amid a citywide housing crisis. The new housing would continue a transformation of the Brooklyn waterfront now decades in the making, with former industrial properties giving way to high-rise apartments and recreational uses."

"We have been actively engaging local stakeholders and look forward to continuing that dialogue to deliver meaningful housing and economic benefits for the community. The company sought to turn the site from largely vacant former industrial buildings into a thoughtful mixed-use residential community, including much-needed permanently affordable housing near the Brooklyn waterfront."

The iconic Watchtower buildings, former headquarters of the Jehovah's Witnesses located at Columbia Heights in Brooklyn Heights, would be transformed into residential housing under a rezoning proposal by CIM Group. The five-building complex, which has remained largely vacant for six to seven years, would contain 661 apartments with 165 designated as affordable units. The project represents part of Brooklyn's ongoing waterfront transformation, converting former industrial properties into mixed-use residential communities. The rezoning application is in early stages and requires multiple rounds of review, including approval from Brooklyn Community Board 2 and other city agencies. Local officials support activating the empty buildings to address the citywide housing crisis.

Read at Gothamist