All of the property sectors in the Boston area are thriving, thanks to one of the strongest economies in the nation. As of April this year, the unemployment rate in Massachusetts was 4.7 percent and in Boston, it was 3.7 percent, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Economists generally consider employment to be essentially “full” when unemployment rates dip below 5 percent. By comparison, the unemployment rates in neighboring states were 6.3 percent for Connecticut, 3.8 percent for New Hampshire and 6.1 percent for Rhode Island. The U.S. unemployment rate in April was 5.4 percent. Boston’s overall industrial vacancy rate at the close of the second quarter was 8.1 percent, according to CoStar, and includes warehouse/distribution space, flex space and R&D facilities. It was the fourth consecutive quarter that the vacancy rate has remained in the low 8 percent range. Overall net absorption has been negative this year: -82,364 square feet in the second quarter and -41,089 square feet in the first quarter this year. This compares with positive net absorption of more than 3.1 million square feet in the third and fourth quarters of 2014. However, we believe that the first half of this year is a …
NEW BEDFORD, MASS. — Congressional Bank’s Healthcare Lending group has closed a $3 million bridge-to-HUD loan and a $1.5 million revolving line of credit for the acquisition and renovation of a skilled nursing facility in New Bedford. The revolving line of credit will fund the ongoing working capital needs of the 107-bed facility. Congressional Bank will close its merger with American Bank on January 1, 2016, and the company’s lending capacity will exceed $10 million, allowing it to expand its lending platform.
WILMINGTON, MASS. — Integrated Builders has completed a 29,000-square-foot office and manufacturing build-out for Limbach Company LLC at 46 Jonspin Road in Wilmington. The project included the installation of new flooring, lighting and electrical fixtures, a state-of-the-art HVAC system, partitions and updated fire alarms. The updated facility provides specialized manufacturing space for the mechanical contracting firm. Spagnolo Gisness & Associates Inc. served as architect, while WB Engineers+Consultants provided engineering services for the project.
SALEM, MASS. — CBRE/New England has negotiated the sale of Jefferson at Salem Station, a garden-style apartment community located in Salem. Salem Station LLC sold the property to an affiliate of Bell Partners Inc. for an undisclosed sum. Built in 2002, the property features 266 market-rate apartments spread across five four-story elevator buildings and four two-story townhouse buildings. The units are a mix of one- and two-bedroom apartments and two-bedroom townhomes with an average size of 1,115 square feet. Community amenities include a great room, media room, business center, fitness center and an outdoor pool with sundeck and gas grills. Simon Butler and Biria St. John of CBRE/NE represented the seller in the transaction.
RAYNHAM, MASS. — Calare Properties has acquired an industrial/flex building located at 480 Paramount Drive in Raynham for an undisclosed price. The 40,000-square-foot property is currently vacant. Situated on 7.5 acres and built in 2004, the facility features 20-foot clear ceiling heights, eight tailboard doors, loading docks and 111 surface-level parking spaces. Calare Properties expects the facility to be fully leased in the first half of 2016. CBRE/New England is handling leasing efforts for the property. The name of the seller was not released.
MELROSE, MASS. — Wood Partners has broken ground for 37 Washington, a residential development in Melrose. The 88-unit property will feature granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, in-unit laundry and walk-in closets. Additionally, on-site amenities will include a courtyard with fire pit, and outdoor grills and seating. Leasing is expected to begin in November 2016, with the community slated to open in December 2016.
SHREWSBURY, MASS. — Berkeley Point Capital has closed a $19.7 million fixed-rate loan for the acquisition and renovation of Ashford Crossing, a 180-unit multifamily development in Shrewsbury. The garden-style apartment complex comprises 15 three-story residential buildings, containing one- and two-bedroom units, as well as a clubhouse featuring a pool, tennis courts, playground and fitness center. The borrower, whose name was not released, plans to renovate the interior and exterior of the property, including upgrades to all kitchens and bathrooms as units turnover. The 12-year loan, which was secured through Fannie Mae, features a six-year interest-only period.
BOSTON — The Boston Housing Authority has selected IBA – Inquilinos Boricuas en Acción as the developer for its West Newton/Rutland Streets properties, including the revitalization of 146 units of public housing in Boston’s South End. IBA will lead the redevelopment of 24 historic brick residential buildings, containing existing units of federally subsidized housing, along West Newton and Rutland streets. The two-year project is slated to begin in 2016. As part of the project, IBA will complete the renovation while protecting current residents from displacement and preserving affordability for extremely low-income households over the long term.
SOUTH LAWRENCE, MASS. — TGM Associates has acquired TGM Andover Park, a 240-unit multifamily property located at 100 Hawthorne Way in South Lawrence, for an undisclosed price. Constructed in 2000 and 2001, the eight-building community features a two-story clubhouse with an outdoor pool and a mix of one- and two-bedroom apartments with attached garages in select units. TGM plans to renovate the apartment interiors, including new cabinets, countertops, appliances, light fixtures and hardware. Additionally, the company plans to upgrade the common area amenities with the addition of a fitness center, media center and café lounge area. The name of the seller was not released.
BOSTON — EagleBridge Capital has arranged $20.5 million in construction/permanent financing for an apartment complex located at 61-83 Braintree St. in Boston’s Allston neighborhood. The borrower is a joint venture between The Grossman Companies and Waypoint Cos. The apartment building will feature 80 studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom rental units and ground-floor commercial space. Additionally, the property will feature a rooftop deck, fitness center, bicycle storage and 68 parking spaces. Ted Sidel and Brian Sheehan of EagleBridge Capital secured the financing for the borrowers.