Brooklyn Heights Locals Bullish About The “New” Bossert Hotel

By on May 30, 2013 11:52 am in Landmark Preservation, Real Estate

The unveiling of the “new” Bossert Hotel, purchased from the Watchtower by developer David Bistricer in 2012, is still a year away. However that’s not stopping brokers, merchants and business leaders around Montague Street from being very bullish about the building’s evolution.

Brooklyn Eagle: Montague merchants however genteel or humble are hoping the Bossert brings cash into their coffers.

“We stay open until midnight, and night-time business is slow,” said Kheled Al Sahybi, co-owner of Heights Deli & Convenience at 89 Montague. “If I make $200 a day from hotel guests, that will really help.”

Montague Street boasts an eclectic mix of merchants, including those who own the buildings their shops are located in, like upscale clothier Tango at 145 Montague and gourmet food purveyor Lassen & Hennigs at 114 Montague. National tenants including makeup seller MAC and Banana Republic share the street with eateries from a Chipotle fast-food chain to long-time local Armando’s.

Once the Bossert’s clientele start spending money in the Heights, would-be newcomer tenants will vie for spaces on the street – and drive up rents “extremely quickly” by 25% or maybe more, said Bill Ross, director of development marketing at Brown Harris Stevens/Halstead.

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  • GHB

    Because rents aren’t already high enough on Montague?

  • PB

    I just finished reading this article and boy did it depress me.

    While it will be nice to have a few upscale restaurants added to Montague this just really puts the last nail in the coffin of any family-oriented business opening on Montague.

    So… no bakery, no butcher, no Cheesemonger, no bookstore, no toy store, nowhere to buy nice wrapping paper (I miss Overtures!).

  • Andrew Porter

    There’s a toy store on Montague in the middle of the next block.

  • GHB

    Cheesemonger? I don’t need anybody mongering in the Heights!

  • AEB

    A family business on Montague? Not unless the family is well-heeled. The “new” Bossert gives hope of making the street less trivial.

  • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UlsiLOnWCoI Arch Stanton

    There is already is no butcher, cheesemonger or bookstore. The “baker” is a ripoff international chain and the toy store doesn’t supply wrapping paper or even bags. Montague st. died years ago.

  • PB

    Yeah, Area Kids (the toy store) is ok but the selection is *extremely* limited. It’s fine when you need any old gift for a 5 year old but when you’re looking for something specific odds are slim that they have it.

    There’s also Heights Toys over on Pineapple Walk.

    What I really miss is a bookstore. Maybe Barnes and Noble will go out of business and someone will find a way to open up a bookstore in the neighborhood.

  • PB

    Arch, I know we currently lack those things. I was hoping the Bossert would go residential and the extra residents would create a tipping point of demand for these things. Instead, the Bossert being a hotel will apparently create demand for a different kind of retail — restaurants and high-end clothing. :-/

  • brklynmind

    What a bunch of curmudgeons. Montague St hasnt been a family oriented street in my lifetime (and I am over 40). So now an upscale hotel is opening, bringing back a gorgeous historical building to its intended use and you people still can only find negative things to complain about.

    How about we just bring back Burger King and call it even!

  • David on Middagh

    PB, I miss the old Heights bookstores, too. Do you ever get down to the P.S. Bookshop in DUMBO? (I just wanted to put in a plug for them, as I love used bookstores, and I love going down there and seeing a couple of the folks from the late Heights Books.)

  • Joe A

    What family owned businesses are you talking about?

  • Jorale-man

    Maybe the hotel will start to attract shops selling postcards and tourist trinkets. Or electronics stores like you find in Times Square. Given the proximity to the Promenade, I’m kind of surprised we don’t have these already.

  • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UlsiLOnWCoI Arch Stanton

    I wasn’t implying you didn’t know. i was saying those kinds businesses are long gone and not likely to return.

    I doubt the hotel will make a significant impact on the viability of local businesses. Except, in the minds or the realtors and landlords, who have already exaggerated the income potential of the area beyond reality. They think Montague will sustain a 25% increase in rent, bollocks. A few hundred hotel guests that will spend a lot of their time in Manhattan, are not going to spend that kind of money here.

  • petercow

    The pet food store on Montague makes me feel like I live in a neighborhood. That’s it.

  • PB

    Sadly, I think Sammie and his pet shop won’t be here too much longer. The board of that building already rent to him at below-market rates… With the hotel opening across the street I bet they see dollar signs. :-/

  • brooklynheightsblog
  • Ann B Chapin

    The Brooklyn Women’s Exchange is a lovely store at 55 Pierrepont St. It is run by volunteers to support “crafting” giving 70% of the sales price back to our consigners.

    We carry lovely wrapping paper and cards as well as children’s toys and craft items. Our handknits and baby clothes are all unique and beautiful!
    Better hurry over, because we close for the Summer on June 8th. Will reopen in early September.
    A sale is going on right now!

  • David on Middagh

    Sure you do—it’s more eyes on the street. More cheesemongers = fewer cutpurses.

  • Andrew Porter

    There’s a truly world-class and award-winning bookstore on Court, “BookCourt”, just a couple of blocks south of Atlantic, which is an independent store, not part of a chain. They offer great service and selection, have readings and much more.

  • MonroeOrange

    and Blimpies!