New York development firm SomeraRoad is planning the repositioning of the historic Hotel Bossert at 98 Montague Street in Brooklyn Heights. Following the acquisition of the 117-year-old property in May 2025 for 100 million US dollars, the historic building is set to be converted into an exclusive Ritz-Carlton-branded residential scheme in cooperation with Marriott International. The Ritz-Carlton Residences in Brooklyn Heights will mark the luxury brand's first residential project in the borough.
The building looks back on an eventful history. Constructed in 1909 in the Italian Renaissance style by lumber merchant Louis Bossert and designed by architectural practice Helmle & Huberty, the property quickly earned a reputation as the Waldorf-Astoria of Brooklyn. Historian Kevin Draper notes that Brooklyn had only been consolidated with New York in 1898, and a strong sense of local pride still prevailed when the building was constructed. Following an expansion in 1912, the property featured a magnificent ballroom and 375 rooms. The Bossert also gained widespread fame in October 1955, when the Brooklyn Dodgers celebrated their sole World Series victory there.
Failed hotel plans and changes of ownership
After 79 years, the original hotel operations came to an end in 1988 when the Jehovah's Witnesses acquired the property and used it as their headquarters for decades. In 2012, the religious community sold the asset for 81 million US dollars to the Chetrit Group and Clipper Equity. However, the new owners' plans to revive the hotel foundered due to refurbishment delays, changes in partners and the impact of the pandemic. In February 2025, lender Beach Point Capital took over the estate through foreclosure before SomeraRoad acquired the property.
Transformation into branded condominiums
Current efforts to convert the Renaissance building into condominiums have commenced with initial strip-out works. Kathleen Urbani, Vice President of Development at SomeraRoad, stated that the distinctive historic structure should no longer sit idle and that the company is pursuing a clear vision for its future use.
- —Purchase price by SomeraRoad: 100 million US dollars in May 2025
- —Repositioning into 62 condominiums under the Ritz-Carlton brand
- —Targeted project completion in 2029
The plans provide for a total of 62 condominiums, definitively abandoning the previous concept of a dedicated hotel operation. Completion of the Ritz-Carlton Residences is scheduled for 2029, marking a shift for major historic properties in the sought-after residential neighbourhood of Brooklyn Heights.
