GOWANUS — A five-story hotel is in the works for Third Avenue and President Street.
Developer Rajesh Bhagia of RJ Hospitality said he expects to start construction in September on a 99-room "boutique" hotel at 529 President St., just off Third Avenue.
"It's a perfect location — it's going to be a hotel block," Bhagia said, referring to the nearby Holiday Inn Express on Union Street and Third Avenue and the Super 8 hotel at 267 Third Ave. and President. There are also plans for a boutique hotel at 645 Union St.
RJ Hospitality is the developer behind two Sleep Inn hotels and Hotel BPM, all in Sunset Park. Hotel BPM is a music-themed hotel on 33rd Street and Fourth Avenue where DJs regularly spin in the lobby.
The architect for the new President Street hotel is Thomas Gilman, known for glassy buildings throughout the city.
Hotels have been popping up in recent years in Gowanus, and sometimes clash with the neighborhood's existing residents. Artists in the Gowanus Arts Building demanded a boycott earlier this year of Marriott's Fairfield Inn on Third Avenue over a noise dispute.
