Last May, Naftali Group teamed up with investment management advisor AEW to buy the 90,000-square-foot development site for $6.72 million. The partners plan to build an 85-unit rental property with 45 residential parking spaces, an open space, a lounge e and a gym. ODA Architecture has designed the project.

A rendering of 316 Bergen Street.The firm’s founder, Miki Naftali, is the developer behind the restoration and reconfiguration of the Plaza Hotel. Most recently the Naftali Group has partnered with Harel Insurance and SL Green Realty Corp. to build
 a 30-story dormitory building for the students of Pace University, at 33 Beekman Street.

"We are breaking ground in about a week to 10 days and it will take 18 months to complete it" Mr. Naftali said to The Mortgage Observer. "We are bringing to the neighborhood what we think will be a nice, cool and chic new building." He said that in the current market rents of around $50 a square foot will be "achievable."

Mr. Naftali is the developer behind the restoration and reconfiguration of the Plaza Hotel. Most recently Naftali Group has partnered with Harel Insurance and SL Green Realty Corp. to build
 a 30-story dormitory building for the students of Pace University, at 33 Beekman Street.

As of June 2012, the group is in contract, owns interests in, and operates or is developing 8 properties representing more than 450 residential units over approximately 500,000 square feet, of which more than 20,000 square feet is commercial space. Currently, they are planning to expand furthermore in Manhattan and Brooklyn.

apirolo@observer.com