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Landmarks Commission Approves Plans to Turn DUMBO Watchtower into Condos

By Janet Upadhye | November 22, 2013 11:18am
 The DUMBO Watchtower building was formerly home to the Jehovah's Witnesses' world headquarters.
The DUMBO Watchtower building was formerly home to the Jehovah's Witnesses' world headquarters.
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Chris Goldberg

DUMBO — The Landmarks Preservation Commission gave 200 Water St. developers the go-ahead to turn former DUMBO Watchtower building into condos.

Aufgang Architects and developer Shelly Listokin recently went before the commission with a winning design to build two new stories atop the landmarked 1950's factory while also reconstructing the back facade.

“We are excited to be a part of the continued transformation of DUMBO through the adaptive reuse of this historic property," said Managing Principal, Sam Sidhu, in a statement. "Our goal will be to create new luxury condominium residences within the context and full recognition of this emerging neighborhood."

This was the second time around for the design team — after their earlier presentation to the committee on Oct. 1 was rejected because their plan called for the use of new bricks and an all-glass facade, The Brooklyn Daily Eagle reported.

The approved design leaves the original red brick and concrete intact on the existing structure and uses glass only for construction of the top two stories, according to the paper.

200 Water St. was originally a Brillo pad factory and later became the world headquarters for the Jehovah's Witnesses. Listokin bought 200 Water St. and adjacent lots 173 and 177 Front St. for $30.6 million earlier this year.