In Alex Michaelis, we found a kindred spirit who helped us develop a voice and design aesthetic for Brooklyn that embraces both an industrial history and an elegant soul
– Michael Lichtenstein

Architecture practice Michaelis Boyd have designed an eight-storey boutique hotel in the heart of Brooklyn, described as “a sincere love song” to the industrial heritage of the New York neighbourhood.

The 150-room Williamsburg Hotel has opened on the corner of Wythe Ave and North 10th St – a site once home to wooden water tower factory. Brick, glass and Corten steel have been heavily used in construction to honour the building’s roots, and a replica wooden tower will soon open on the rooftop.

Inside, the design schemes vary from white-washed timber walls to deep grey distressed finishes with bespoke leather, brass, marble, and textured details.

The designers have decorated the hotel with custom-made wallpaper designed by rapper Mike Diamond, a founding member of Hip Hop collective the Beastie Boys, for his house in the neighbourhood. This depicts quintessential local references, from the Notorious B.I.G to a Nathan’s Famous hot dog.

Other collaborators on the project include street artist Eric Rieger, who has strung thousands of strands of multi-coloured yarn over the hotel bar.

The hotel will open in phases, beginning with the guestrooms and lobby bar. A restaurant called Harvey, run by chef Adam Leonti, will make its debut in the next few months, followed by a rooftop pool, the neighbourhood’s first grand ballroom and a bar by the water tower.

“Our goal was to create a hotel that embodies Williamsburg,” said Toby Moskovits, CEO of developer Heritage Equity Partners. “I grew up here and Brooklyn is in my DNA, so it was important to construct a hotel not only for guests, but also for the neighbourhood. We wanted to bring a bit of elegance to Brooklyn, while still being warm and welcoming.”

Describing the choice of architect, Heritage partner Michael Lichtenstein added: “As a second generation developer with deep roots in the neighbourhood, the discovery of [studio founder] Alex Michaelis was a key part of this journey. In Alex, we found a kindred spirit who helped us develop a voice and design aesthetic for Brooklyn that embraces both an industrial history and an elegant soul."

1 Hotels to debut in New York with 'environmentally responsible' Brooklyn Bridge property

Should New York's Brooklyn Bridge be expanded? AECOM launch study to find the answer