CIM Group is pursuing a rezoning that would transform the largely vacant Watchtower complex in Brooklyn into a substantial new residential community, according to reporting cited from Gothamist. The former headquarters of the Jehovah’s Witnesses, located along the Brooklyn waterfront, is currently composed of multiple office buildings that have seen limited use in recent years.
The proposal is described as being in its early stages, but CIM has outlined a plan to convert the complex into 661 residential units. Of those, 165 units are expected to be designated as affordable housing. The contemplated shift would move the property away from its prior office and institutional role toward a predominantly residential use, with a mixed-use community program as part of the overall vision.
The Watchtower holdings in question span five buildings at 25 and 30-58 Columbia Heights in the Brooklyn Heights neighborhood. These properties once served as the central hub for the Jehovah’s Witnesses organization, functioning as its headquarters until about a decade ago. Since that time, the complex has been characterized as largely vacant former industrial buildings, underscoring the change in how the site fits into the surrounding market.
In comments to Gothamist, David Wellspring, vice president of development at CIM Group, said the firm aims to reposition the ensemble of buildings into what he described as a thoughtful mixed-use residential community. He emphasized that the plan includes permanently affordable housing components, which would contribute income-restricted units to the broader housing stock near the Brooklyn waterfront.
Wellspring also noted that CIM Group has been actively engaging with local stakeholders as it advances the rezoning effort. According to his remarks, the company plans to continue discussions with community members and other interested parties as it works through the public process. He framed the goal of the redevelopment as providing both housing and economic benefits for the surrounding area.
The proposed conversion of the Watchtower complex highlights how older office and institutional properties with high vacancy can be repositioned for residential use. If the rezoning and redevelopment move forward, the buildings at Columbia Heights would represent a shift from a largely inactive former headquarters campus to a residential community bringing new market-rate and affordable apartments to Brooklyn Heights.
