Sahar Ben Edalati Joins The Watermark at Brooklyn Heights Luxury Senior Community as Associate Executive Director
April 30, 2020
BROOKLYN, NY–Sahar Ben Edalati has joined The Watermark at Brooklyn Heights, a 275-unit luxury seniors housing residence at 21 Clark Street, opening in summer 2020, as Associate Executive Director.
The Watermark at Brooklyn Heights is owned by a partnership of the majority owner Kayne Anderson, which has invested $130 million into the project; the operator, co-developer, and minority owner Watermark Retirement Communities/The Freshwater Group; and the development partner, minority owner, and construction owner’s representative Tishman Speyer.
The $330 million Brooklyn Heights community is one of four managed by Watermark Retirement Communities in their Élan Collection. This lifestyle brand of premier properties offers personal service with grand scale amenities. An extensive renovation and redevelopment of the historic Clark Street property into Brooklyn’s first luxury senior living community is currently nearing completion.
“Watermark is a leader in the development of transformative senior living residences offering an extraordinary lifestyle by supporting not only physical and intellectual health but also emotional and spiritual well-being. The Watermark at Brooklyn Heights will provide seniors in the New York City market with a high quality retirement living option. We are delighted to welcome Sahar Ben Edalati, a recognized leader in senior living, to the management team at our newest property,” said Watermark’s Chairman David Freshwater.
“The Watermark at Brooklyn Heights will provide an outstanding lifestyle for discerning and active retirees, who want to enjoy the cultural and social opportunities available in Brooklyn and New York City,” added Edalati. “I look forward to delivering exceptional, customized, extraordinary experiences for our residents.”
Edalati will be responsible for the financial/operational performance and regulatory compliance of The Watermark at Brooklyn Heights. Prior to joining Watermark, he was Executive Director at Sunrise Senior Living in Los Angeles and in Beverly Hills, and was responsible for budget accountability, occupancy growth, regulatory compliance, and staff development at both centers. He was previously Director of Community Life and Transportation at The Watermark at Beverly Hills. The American Health Care Association (AHCA/NCAL) nationally recognized Edalati as the 2018 Administrator of the Year. He received an MS in Gerontology and a BS in Human Development and Aging, both from the University of Southern California.
Located in the heart of the fashionable Brooklyn Heights Historic District, the 350,000-square-foot property was originally constructed in 1928 as the Leverich Towers Hotel, which served as a haven for many celebrities and cultural icons, including the Brooklyn Dodgers. In 1975, Watchtower purchased The Towers as housing for their local Jehovah’s Witness volunteer force, and restored the intricate architectural features that defined the building’s place in the Brooklyn Heights Historical District.
The current renovation preserves much of the building’s original structure and history, while adding a stylish interior. At 16 stories, with a breathtaking rooftop terrace, garden, and Skyline club room, The Watermark at Brooklyn Heights will offer sweeping views of New York Harbor, the Manhattan skyline, the Brooklyn Bridge, and the Statue of Liberty.
The building’s 275 apartments include 145 for independent living, 88 for assisted living, and 42 for memory care. The residences are offered in 78 different floor plans, uniquely configured, and harmoniously designed to embrace the building’s rich heritage. Ranging from studios to one- and two-bedrooms, the apartments at The Watermark will cater to each member’s tastes, space requirements, and preferences.
Apartments are all thoughtfully crafted with an open floor arrangement and feature designer kitchens or kitchenettes and modern bathrooms with walk-in showers. Expansive, vintage mahogany-trimmed windows allow for abundant natural light and spectacular views. The mahogany windows and their surrounds were protected during construction and integrated into the new design. The details throughout the project recall the building’s days as a sophisticated venue frequented by celebrities of the time.
On the first level, the light-filled grand lobby leads to welcoming spaces including a café, wood-paneled library, wine bar, salon, and contemporary art gallery. The Dining and Entertainment level includes an upscale, full-service restaurant; a European-style restaurant with an exhibition kitchen; a movie theater; and a live performing arts center. An indoor heated swimming pool, fitness center, movement room, and wellness center are available on the Fitness and Wellness level. On the 16th floor, a rooftop clubroom with terraces offers comfortable seating and breathtaking views of Manhattan.
The Tucson, Arizona-based Watermark team has nearly 30 years of experience creating retirement communities that offer assisted living and memory care, as well as independent living. The organization currently has 63 communities (with 5 under development or redevelopment) across 21 states and was named the thirteenth largest senior living operator in 2019, according to the American Seniors Housing Association. Two regional communities are already in operation in Millbrook and Tuckahoe, NY, with 12 others in upstate New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut.
Watermark’s newly launched Élan Collection creates a new standard in senior living and care, blending ageless style with leading edge innovation, personal service with grand-scale amenities, intimate tranquility with engaging opportunities and a spirited lifestyle with customized care. Along with The Watermark at Brooklyn Heights, the Élan Collection features four other premium locations—The Watermark at Westwood Village in Los Angeles, The Watermark at Napa Valley, CA, and The Hacienda at the River and The Hacienda at the Canyon in Tucson, AZ.
Kayne Anderson Real Estate (KA Real Estate) is a leading real estate private equity investor in senior housing, medical office, off-campus student housing, and self storage.
Tishman Speyer is a leading owner, developer, operator and fund manager of first-class real estate around the world.