The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Brooklyn Heights

The Renaissance Revival building, designed by Helmle & Huberty for Brooklyn lumber magnate Louis Bossert and long nicknamed the "Waldorf-Astoria of Brooklyn," is being restored rather than replaced. SomeraRoad and SLCE Architects, working with a team of preservation specialists, are keeping the geometric brickwork, granite and limestone base, terra-cotta cornice, arched double-height windows, cast-iron railings and lion's-head keystones intact, while the former hotel interiors give way to 62 condominium residences geared largely to three- and four-bedroom buyers, plus a setback limestone-clad rooftop addition that takes the building to 15 floors, courtyard infill and new window openings approved by the Landmarks Preservation Commission. Residents receive full Ritz-Carlton service, including a 24-hour-attended lobby, dedicated residential services and access to Marriott's ONVIA recognition program. The ground floor will house Union Square Hospitality Group's first full-service Brooklyn restaurant, open to the neighborhood. SERHANT. New Development is handling sales.