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Brooklyn, NY Sahar Ben Edalati has joined The Watermark at Brooklyn Heights, a 275-unit seniors housing residence at 21 Clark St., as associate executive director. The property intends to open this summer.
The Watermark at Brooklyn Heights is owned by a partnership of the majority owner Kayne Anderson, which has invested $130 million into the project; the operator, co-developer, and minority owner Watermark Retirement Communities/The Freshwater Group; and the development partner, minority owner, and construction owner’s representative Tishman Speyer.
The $330 million Brooklyn Heights community is one of four managed by Watermark Retirement Communities in their Élan Collection. This lifestyle brand of premier properties offers personal service with grand scale amenities. An extensive renovation and redevelopment of the historic Clark St. property into one of the borough’s first senior living communities is currently nearing completion.
“Watermark is a leader in the development of transformative senior living residences offering an extraordinary lifestyle by supporting not only physical and intellectual health but also emotional and spiritual well-being. The Watermark at Brooklyn Heights will provide seniors in the New York City market with a high quality retirement living option. We are delighted to welcome Sahar Ben Edalati, a recognized leader in senior living, to the management team at our newest property,” said Watermark’s chairman David Freshwater.
“The Watermark at Brooklyn Heights will provide an outstanding lifestyle for discerning and active retirees, who want to enjoy the cultural and social opportunities available in Brooklyn and New York City,” said Edalati. “I look forward to delivering exceptional, customized, extraordinary experiences for our residents.”
Edalati will be responsible for the financial/operational performance and regulatory compliance of The Watermark at Brooklyn Heights. Prior to joining Watermark, he was executive director at Sunrise Senior Living in Los Angeles and in Beverly Hills, and was responsible for budget accountability, occupancy growth, regulatory compliance, and staff development at both centers. He was previously director of community life and transportation at The Watermark at Beverly Hills. The American Health Care Association (AHCA/NCAL) nationally recognized Edalati as the 2018 Administrator of the Year. He received an MS in Gerontology and a BS in Human Development and Aging, both from the University of Southern California.
Located in the Brooklyn Heights Historic District, the 350,000 s/f property was originally constructed in 1928 as the Leverich Towers Hotel, which served as a haven for many celebrities and cultural icons, including the Brooklyn Dodgers. In 1975, Watchtower purchased The Towers as housing for their local Jehovah’s Witness volunteer force, and restored the intricate architectural features that defined the building’s place in the Brooklyn Heights Historical District. The renovation preserves much of the building’s original structure and history, while adding a stylish interior. At 16 stories, with a rooftop terrace, garden, and Skyline club room, The Watermark at Brooklyn Heights will offer views of New York Harbor, the Manhattan skyline, the Brooklyn Bridge, and the Statue of Liberty.
The building’s 275 apartments include 145 for independent living, 88 for assisted living, and 42 for memory care. The residences are offered in 78 different floor plans, uniquely configured, and designed to embrace the building’s heritage. Ranging from studios to one- and two-bedrooms, the apartments at The Watermark will cater to each member’s tastes, space requirements, and preferences. Apartments are all thoughtfully crafted with an open floor arrangement and feature designer kitchens or kitchenettes and modern bathrooms with walk-in showers. Expansive, vintage mahogany-trimmed windows allow for abundant natural light and spectacular views. The mahogany windows and their surrounds were protected during construction and integrated into the new design. The details throughout the project recall the building’s days as a sophisticated venue frequented by celebrities of the time.
On the first level, the lobby leads to spaces including a café, wood-paneled library, wine bar, salon, and contemporary art gallery. The Dining and Entertainment level includes an upscale, full-service restaurant; a European-style restaurant with an exhibition kitchen; a movie theater; and a live performing arts center. An indoor heated swimming pool, fitness center, movement room, and wellness center are available on the Fitness and Wellness level. On the 16th floor, a rooftop clubroom with terraces offers seating and views of Manhattan.
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