OPEN Impact negotiates Webster Apartments purchase

Brooklyn, NY OPEN Impact Real Estate LLC (OPEN) represented The Webster Apartments in its purchase of 229 Duffield St. The Webster Apartments will continue its 100-year-old legacy by transforming the hotel into safe, co-living housing for women working, interning or studying in New York City.

Lindsay Ornstein and Stephen Powers, founders of OPEN, with managing director Amy Lawrence and vice president Alexander Smith, represented Webster Apartments.

According to public records, the sale price was $40.9 million.

“Our new location will help The Webster Apartments deliver on its mission to provide safe and affordable housing for women who are pursuing their studies or careers,” said Siobhan McManus, Executive Director of The Webster Apartments. “Having a stable and affordable living environment provides the support that enables these women to flourish and succeed in their chosen paths. We greatly appreciate OPEN Impact’s understanding of our mission in their efforts to find us a new, permanent home.” 

229 Duffield was a former hotel and has approximately 130 rooms, from which The Webster Apartments will create housing for approximately 160 women, in both single and double rooms. In addition to providing comfortably furnished rooms and communal spaces, The Webster Apartments will give residents the opportunity to live, connect, and network with like-minded individuals. 

The facility will include laundry, 24-hour security, on site food, a gym, and rooftop terrace. Nearby amenities include plentiful restaurants, shopping and parks. The location offers unparalleled access to most major subway and bus lines (including the 2/3; A/C; 4/5; B/D; N/Q/R; and G) within less than a 10-minute walk. The Webster Apartments expects to welcome its first residents by Q3 2025. 

The Webster Apartments recently sold its former building at 419 W 34th Street and currently operates a temporary location, offering housing for women on an all-female floor in FOUND Study Midtown East at 569 Lexington Ave. OPEN Impact assisted Webster in securing the FOUND location during the search for its permanent home.  

“We are very excited to see The Webster Apartments begin the next chapter in its storied history,” said Ornstein. “Our goal was to find Webster a new home that would enable them to continue delivering its important mission, while also positioning them to be around for the next 100 years. We are pleased to have found a location in this challenging economic environment at a price point that meets Webster’s operating and management goals.”