SomeraRoad Proposal to Convert Hotel Bossert Advances in Brooklyn Heights

• A proposal to convert the historic Hotel Bossert, at 98 Montague Street, into a residential building is under review by the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission.
• Plans include rooftop additions, courtyard infill, new windows, and exterior modifications while preserving the landmarked building.
• No residential unit count has been announced, and the proposal remains under review after the LPC took no action at its June hearing.

What the Residential Conversion Includes

A proposal is moving forward to convert the historic Hotel Bossert into a residential property at 98 Montague Street in the Brooklyn Heights neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York. The project is being developed by SomeraRoad and designed by SLCE Architects, with plans focused on preserving the building's historic character while adapting it for residential use. The proposal calls for the removal of several non-historic rooftop additions, which will be replaced with a new setback rooftop expansion clad in limestone. The plans also include infilling the building's existing courtyards, installing new windows, and modifying rooftop mechanical equipment. These improvements are intended to modernize the property while maintaining its historic appearance within the Brooklyn Heights Historic District.

What Makes the Historic Building Significant

Originally completed in 1909, the Hotel Bossert was designed by architect Frank Helmle and remains one of Brooklyn Heights' most recognizable landmark buildings. Over the years, the property became well known for its distinctive architecture and the iconic Marine Roof restaurant, making it an important part of the neighborhood's history. As part of the application, the development team submitted historic photographs, architectural renderings, and visibility studies demonstrating that the proposed rooftop addition would have only a limited visual impact on surrounding streets and nearby historic buildings.

What Project Details Have Been Released

The project is located at 98 Montague Street in Brooklyn Heights and involves converting the existing historic hotel into a residential building. SomeraRoad is leading the development, while SLCE Architects is serving as the project's architect. At this stage, the development team has not disclosed the number of residential units, construction timeline, building size, or general contractor. The proposal remains in the review phase, and additional project details are expected to become available as the approval process moves forward.

What Happens Next for the Proposal

The New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission reviewed the proposal during its June 23 public hearing but did not take action on the application, leaving the project pending further consideration. Future residents would have convenient access to public transportation, with nearby subway service available at the Court Street station on the R train, Borough Hall station serving the 2, 3, 4, and 5 trains, and Clark Street station serving the 2 and 3 trains. Its central location in Brooklyn Heights, combined with the preservation of one of the borough's most historic buildings, makes the proposed conversion a notable adaptive reuse project in New York City.