Just-Sold Former Watchtower Building Ready for Leasing

March 27, 2012 Brooklyn Eagle Staff
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By Linda Collins

Brooklyn Daily Eagle

BROOKLYN HEIGHTS  — Less than two weeks after announcing it had been sold, the Eagle has learned that the residential building at 161 Columbia Heights, formerly owned by the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society (also known as Jehovah’s Witnesses), is ready for leasing.

“All of the units are undergoing renovation, however, they are all being shown ‘as is’ for leases commencing April 1,” said Aleksandra Scepanovic, managing director of Ideal Properties Group LLC, which has been retained to handle the leasing.

The Eagle reported earlier this month that the five-story walk-up building sold to Sugar Hill Capital Partners for $3 million. Robert Knakal, chair of Massey Knakal Realty Services, and Stephen Palmese, director of sales in Massey Knakal’s Brooklyn office, handled the transaction.

Speaking of the condition of the building, Knakal said at the time, “This beautiful property has been immaculately maintained since the prior owner purchased the property in 1988.”

To be called 161Heights, the building will have six units available for occupancy  on April 1, according to Scepanovic. The apartments come in a variety of sizes, with rents starting at $2,995 for a one-bedroom apartment and $4,100 for a two-bedroom apartment. There is one available studio unit and that rent is $1,995, she said.

Describing the renovations as having “a contemporary and luxurious flair,” Scepanovic said they all will have hardwood flooring, stainless-steel appliances and oversized windows that allow a lot of light deep in the interiors. Laundry facilities and additional storage options are also available on-site.

“161Heights is that perfect blend of residential space and an unforgettable location,” she said. “This beautiful building holds all the charm that one could hope for in Brooklyn Heights.”

According to Scepanovic, Ideal Properties recently completed a “by-storm” lease-up of the nearby 50 Orange St., also a former Witnesses-owned residential building.

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