Once abandoned and deteriorating, a historic Catholic college in Brooklyn has undergone a remarkable transformation. Today, it stands as a luxury apartment complex, seamlessly blending historic charm with modern comfort.
From College to Contemporary Living
The Hartby, located at 788 Willoughby Avenue in Bedford-Stuyvesant, has officially started leasing. With 54 unique floor plans, the building offers residents a chance to live in a place that honors its past while embracing the future.
Originally established in 1869, the structure was home to the College of St. John the Baptist, which later evolved into St. John’s University. Renowned architect Patrick C. Keely, known for designing hundreds of churches, created the original design.
For decades, the building served as a hub for education. However, in 1954, the institution relocated to Queens, leaving the Brooklyn site to decay. Over time, its condition worsened, making restoration a significant challenge.
Breathing New Life into a Historic Landmark
Restoring this architectural treasure required a delicate balance between preserving its past and modernizing for today’s lifestyle. Property Resources Corporation, in partnership with Avenue Realty Capital, Woods Bagot, and Alchemy Studio, took on this ambitious project.
Before renovations began, severe water damage had made the building nearly uninhabitable. Matthew Linde, CEO of Property Resources Corporation, described the state of the property: “When it rained outside, it rained just as much inside.”
Despite the challenges, developers remained committed to maintaining the original character. The building’s new name, The Hartby, combines the two streets Hart Street and Willoughby Avenue, further rooting it in the neighborhood.
A Thoughtful Approach to Restoration
While two of the four original buildings were removed, much of the historic architecture remains intact. The developers integrated old and new elements, ensuring the structure retained its charm.
1. A gymnasium now sits in the central courtyard, a space that once connected different sections of the college.
2. A seven-story apartment building replaced the deteriorated Willoughby Avenue wing.
3. Many units incorporate original features, including arched brick walls, a circular chapel window, and a historic cupola staircase.
Linde emphasized that the goal was not just to renovate but to honor the building’s story. He stated, “It was really unsettling to walk through before. Now, it feels like a place people can truly call home.”
Modern Apartments With Historic Character
The Hartby offers a range of studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments. Monthly rents start at $3,150 for studios and $4,600 for two-bedroom units. Additionally, 62 of the 205 apartments qualify as affordable housing, following HUD’s 130% area median income guidelines.
Residents enjoy a mix of historic and contemporary design, along with top-tier amenities:
1. Fitness Center
2. Tenant Lounge & Event Space
3. On-Site Parking
Honoring Brooklyn’s Architectural Legacy
During the redevelopment process, St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church requested that the project remain architecturally aligned with the neighborhood. To fulfill this, developers added a breezeway connecting The Hartby to the church, reinforcing its connection to the area’s history.
Historic limestone buildings rarely undergo such careful restoration, especially in today’s market. Most developers prefer new construction, avoiding the complexity and cost of repurposing older structures. However, Linde highlighted the importance of this project, explaining that restoring a 150-year-old landmark allows people to experience history in a modern way.
Today, The Hartby offers a unique blend of past and present, creating an exceptional living experience in Brooklyn. The result is a rare opportunity to live in a space that tells a story, all while providing modern comfort and convenience.
