Bordering Greenpoint to the north, the Brooklyn neighborhood of Williamsburg has changed significantly over the years. Characterized by its hipster culture, the neighborhood has also experienced a great deal of gentrification since the late 1990s. Known for its contemporary art scene and vibrant nightlife, the neighborhood has also become a center for indie rock and electroclash. With all that the neighborhood has to offer, it should come as no surprise to learn that it has recently experienced an uptick in the construction of new hotels. Here’s a look at a couple that have recently opened their doors in the neighborhood.
Karl Fischer’s 68-Room Hotel
Located between Wythe and Berry Streets near McCarren Park at 105 North 13th Street, a new hotel designed by Karl Fischer is taking shape. A hybrid of urban and suburban design, the red brick hotel boasts arched windows that are meant to capture the aesthetic of the aging factories in the area. Meanwhile, the setbacks and the balconies give the building a feel that is more aligned with a suburban hotel.
Developed by Simon Dushinsky’s Rabsky Group, the 68-room hotel will offer commercial space on the first three floors with four stories of hotel rooms resting on top. In all, the first three floors will boast 25,529 square feet of retail and office space along with 12,221 square feet of unspecified “community facilities.” The Rabsky Group reportedly purchased the property in June 2014 for $8.2 million.
Williamsburg Hotel Opens with 150 Rooms
The eight-story Williamsburg Hotel has officially opened with 150 rooms. Located at the intersection of North 10th Street and Wythe Avenue, the swanky hotel features a water tower bar and tuk-tuk service with rates ranging from just under $300 per night to $600 per night.
Developed by Heritage Equity Partners, the Williamsburg hotel is characterized by its industrial design and distressed finishes, making it perfectly suited to the look of the Williamsburg neighborhood. Meanwhile, each of the 150 rooms features floor-to-ceiling windows and open-windowed showers, while some also boast whitewashed timber walls and brass, marble and leather finishings.
According to Toby Moskovits, who is the CEO of Heritage Equity Partners, the goal was to create a hotel that “embodies Williamsburt.” To that end, it offers some eclectic features, including a cascading set of stairs from the entrance that leads to the lobby bar. Here, visitors are greeted by thousands of strands of multi-colored yarn, which was installed by street artist Eric Rieger, crowning the bar. The wallpaper in the lobby area, which was crafted by Beastie Boy Mike D, features quintessential Brooklyn scenes and figures such as The Notorious B.I.G. and Nathan’s Famous hot dogs.
The hotel will also serve as the home of Chef Adam Leonti’s grains and vegetables-focused restaurant, which has been one of the city’s most anticipated restaurants since last year. The water tower bar, which pays tribute to the area’s historic wooden water tower factory, will open later this year. The hotel will also offer a private bar for hotel guests as well as a subterranean lounge.