Top Stories

Starlight Investments Receives $800.4M Refinancing for 23-Property Multifamily Portfolio

by Taylor Williams November 12, 2018

TORONTO — Starlight Investments, a Toronto-based investment and asset management firm, has received $800.4 million in refinancing for 23 of its multifamily properties in the United States. The portfolio of Class A assets totals 7,289 units across eight states. Specific markets in which the properties are located include Atlanta, Charlotte, Dallas, Denver, Houston, Las Vegas, Nashville, Orlando, Phoenix, Raleigh, San Antonio and Tampa. The average year of construction for the portfolio is 2012 and the average overall occupancy rate is 93 percent. The names of the properties were not disclosed. The financing package was originated as a Freddie Mac structured pool transaction, with five-, six- and seven-year loan terms and a mix of fixed and floating interest rates. Approximately half the units were financed under Freddie Mac’s Green Advantage program, which is available to borrowers that implement energy- and water-saving features to their multifamily properties. Matt Kafka, Campbell Roche and Matthew Williamson, Tolu Akindele and Wilson Bauer of HFF placed and serviced the financing on behalf of Starlight Investments and its closed-end fund, Starlight U.S. Multi-Family (No. 5) Core Fund. “Given the high-performing nature of the assets and diversity of the income stream, Freddie Mac’s Structured Solutions Group was able …

November 12, 2018

Development Georgia Industrial Southeast Top Stories

Chesterfield, Stonemont Financial Unveil Development Plans for 1,150-Acre Industrial Park in Savannah, Georgia

by Kristin Harlow November 9, 2018

SAVANNAH, GA. — Chesterfield and Stonemont Financial Group have unveiled development plans for Georgia International Trade Center (GITC), a 1,150-acre, Class A industrial park in Savannah. The rail-served park will be located within 10 miles of the Georgia Ports Authority’s Garden City Terminal, which is part of the Port of Savannah. At full buildout, the logistics campus will feature up to 7.2 million square feet of light industrial and manufacturing warehouse space. The first two speculative buildings, Buildings 1A and 1B, are slated for completion in late 2019. Building 1A will span 407,000 square feet and include clear heights of 36 feet, while the 155,000-square-foot Building 1B will feature 32-foot clear heights. “The Georgia ports continue to drive import, export and e-commerce traffic throughout the entire Southeast region,” says Zack Markwell, founder and CEO of Stonemont. “The Port [of Savannah] has seen tremendous growth in recent years, but it needs more distribution and warehouse capacity to support customers’ increasing needs.” Over the next 10 years, the Georgia Ports Authority will grow the Port of Savannah’s annual capacity to 8 million 20-foot equivalent container units, according to Griff Lynch, executive director for the organization. GITC will provide direct access to Interstates …

November 9, 2018

Indiana Midwest Multifamily Top Stories

Wilkinson, Torchlight Investors Purchase Five-Property Multifamily Portfolio in Indianapolis for $121.5M

by Katie Sloan November 8, 2018

INDIANAPOLIS — A joint venture between Wilkinson Corp. and Torchlight Investors has purchased a five-property multifamily portfolio in Indianapolis. Hampshire Properties Ltd. sold the portfolio for $121.5 million, according to the Indianapolis Business Journal. The portfolio consists of nearly 2,000 units. Berkadia’s Atlanta office originated the senior mortgage loan for the acquisition. Wilkinson’s affiliated property management company, Wilkinson Asset Management, has assumed management responsibilities of the communities. The joint venture plans to invest several million dollars to refresh the exterior designs, amenities and unit interiors. The properties will be rebranded with different names. The acquired communities include: Riverwood Apartments, a 120-unit community located at 5830 River Wood Drive on the north side of Indianapolis. The property will be rebranded The Preserve on Allisonville, and will receive a full renovation to the exterior and interiors. Woods Edge Apartments, a 190-unit community located at 6401 Woods Edge North Drive. The property will be rebranded Parkside at Castleton Square, and will receive interior renovations, as well as upgrades to the exterior and amenity spaces. Villa Nova Apartments, a 126-unit community located at 8760 LeMode Court. The community will be renamed The Elliott at College Park, and is set to undergo exterior and interior renovations, …

November 8, 2018

Company News North Carolina Retail Southeast Top Stories

Private Equity JV Agrees to Acquire Fast-Food Chain Bojangles’ for $593.7M

by David Cohen November 7, 2018

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A joint venture between private equity firms Durational Capital Management LP and The Jordan Company LP has agreed to acquire chicken-and-biscuits chain Bojangles’ Inc. for $593.7 million in an all-cash transaction. Bojangles’ (NASDAQ: BOJA) stockholders will receive $16.10 in cash for each share held, representing a 15 percent premium to the closing share price of Sept. 27, a day prior to a published report by Reuters that the company was exploring alternatives including a sale. The deal is expected to close in the first quarter of 2019 and is subject to shareholder approval. Once the transaction closes, Bojangles’ will operate as an independent, privately held company based in Charlotte. “For the Bojangles’ family of employees, franchisees, and our customers, today’s announcement represents an exciting next phase for this great brand,” says Randy Kibler, Bojangles’ interim president and CEO. “The new ownership group is committed to maintaining the qualities of this brand that have sustained it for over four decades.” Jack Fulk and Richard Thomas founded Bojangles’ in Charlotte in 1977. As of July 1, 2018, the company had 766 locations, of which 325 were company operated and 441 were franchised. The locations are primarily located in the Southeastern United States. “Bojangles’ is …

November 7, 2018

Company News North Carolina Retail Southeast Top Stories

Lowe’s to Close 20 Underperforming Stores in U.S., 31 in Canada

by John Nelson November 6, 2018

MOORESVILLE, N.C. — Lowe’s Cos. Inc. (NYSE: LOW) has unveiled its plans to close 20 underperforming stores in the United States as part of its ongoing strategic reassessment. Additionally, the company will close 31 Canadian stores. The Mooresville-based home improvement retailer stated that most associates at these stores will be extended opportunities to transition to a similar role at a nearby Lowe’s store. The majority of affected stores are located within 10 miles of another Lowe’s store. Lowe’s expects to close the impacted stores by Feb. 1, 2019, which is the end of the company’s 2018 fiscal year. The list of the closed stores can be found here. The company intends to conduct store-closing sales for most of the impacted locations, with the exception of select stores in the U.S. that will close immediately. “The store closures are a necessary step in our strategic reassessment as we focus on building a stronger business,” says Marvin Ellison, president and CEO of Lowe’s. Previously the CEO of J.C. Penney, Ellison was appointed over the summer to lead Lowe’s, taking over for Robert Niblock. Shortly after the hire, Lowe’s announced plans to close all 99 Orchard Supply Hardware stores, as well as a …

November 6, 2018

California Development Retail Top Stories Western

Taubman Centers Completes $500M Redevelopment of Los Angeles Mall

by Taylor Williams November 5, 2018

LOS ANGELES — Michigan-based Taubman Centers Inc. (NYSE: TCO) has completed its $500 million redevelopment of Beverly Center, an 883,000-square-foot shopping mall in Los Angeles. Bloomingdale’s and Macy’s currently anchor the eight-story property, which is home to more than 100 tenants. In terms of design, the redevelopment delivered new and expanded floor openings that allow more natural light into the building, as well as an exterior LED lighting system. The property’s street-level landscaping was upgraded, and more open spaces for hosting events were incorporated into the new design. Italian firm Studio Fuksas designed the project. More than 30 new retail and restaurant tenants have been announced at Beverly Center. Included in the new lineup of retailers are Apple, Brooks Brothers, Kiehl’s, Michael Kors, Polo Ralph Lauren and Zara. Zara will occupy a 28,300-square-foot space, making this location Zara’s largest in Los Angeles. New dining concepts include sit-down, full-service restaurants like Farmhouse Los Angeles and Yardbird Southern Table & Bar, as well as fast casual eateries such as Eggslut, Coffee Commissary and Pitchoun! Bakery & Café. “Even before the renovation was complete, traffic and sales productivity materially improved, and the center continues to perform above our expectations,” said William Taubman, COO …

November 5, 2018

Arizona Development Mixed-Use Top Stories Western

Nationwide Realty Investors Unveils Plans for 1.8 MSF Mixed-Use Development in Scottsdale, Arizona

by Kristin Harlow November 2, 2018

SCOTTSDALE, ARIZ. — Nationwide Realty Investors has unveiled plans for Cavasson, a 1.8 million-square-foot mixed-use development in Scottsdale, just east of Phoenix. The initial phase of the project will include a 460,000-square-foot regional headquarters for Nationwide Insurance as well as 1,600 apartment units, retail and restaurants, two hotel sites and a six-story parking structure. Groundbreaking for Phase I is slated for next year. The walkable development will include sidewalks, bike paths, green spaces and community gathering places. The project will feature an infrastructure investment of approximately $30 million for new roads, sidewalks and flood mitigation improvements. Cavasson will be located along Loop 101, at the southwest corner of Hayden Road and Legacy Boulevard. “This is the best undeveloped site in the region,” says Brian Ellis, president and COO of Nationwide Realty Investors. “It has tremendous visibility, great connectivity to amenities and services, and outstanding access.” The regional headquarters building for Nationwide Insurance will house approximately 2,200 employees. Nationwide plans to move its team into the new building in late 2020. In September, Nationwide Realty Investors purchased the 134-acre site for the project at a state auction. Proceeds from the purchase went to the Permanent Land Endowment Trust Fund, which is …

November 2, 2018

Illinois Midwest Mixed-Use Top Stories

Tribune Media to Start Construction of 8 MSF River District in Chicago

by Katie Sloan November 1, 2018

CHICAGO — Tribune Real Estate Holdings, a subsidiary of Tribune Media Co. (NYSE: TRCO), has received approval from the City of Chicago to begin an 8 million-square-foot mixed-use development at 700 and 777 W. Chicago Ave. The approval was the last step before construction could begin. The development — named The River District — will include 4,100 residential units and 2,000 feet of riverfront pedestrian walkways upon completion. Phase I of development will include 1,250 to 1,500 residential units, a 1.8-acre public park and 560 feet of pedestrian walkways along the river. The remaining phases will be built out based on market demand. The property supports an additional 7 million square feet of development. Chicago-based architectural firm Solomon Cordwell Buenz designed the master plan for the property. “The River District will be a dynamic new neighborhood that will transform the face of the North Branch and serve as a natural extension of Chicago’s downtown, connecting neighborhoods and people,” says Murray McQueen, president of Tribune Real Estate Holdings.“With today’s approval, we can take the next steps to build an in-demand neighborhood that will help the city continue to attract and retain new jobs and talent.” A timeline for development has yet to be …

November 1, 2018

Loans Mixed-Use Southeast Top Stories Virginia

MetLife Investment Management Provides $156.2M Refinancing for Mixed-Use Complex in Virginia

by David Cohen October 31, 2018

VIENNA, VA. — MetLife Investment Management has provided a $156.2 million loan for the refinancing of Modera Avenir Place, a grocery-anchored mixed-use development in Vienna. The development was completed in two phases in 2013 and 2015 and includes 628 residential units and is anchored by a ground-floor Harris Teeter supermarket. Additional retail tenants include Inova Care Center and Thai by Thai restaurant. Nicole Brickhouse, Jamie Leachman, Jennifer Keller, Mike Tepedino, Sue Carras, Walter Coker and Brian Crivella of HFF secured financing on behalf of the borrower, a joint venture between Mill Creek Residential Trust LLC and institutional investors advised by J.P. Morgan Asset Management, to secure the floating-rate loan, which provided the borrower with the most flexibility, according to HFF. Loan proceeds were used to retire existing construction financing. The residential units at the stabilized property include stainless steel appliances, quartz countertops and central heat and air conditioning as well as hardwood-style flooring. Community amenities include two swimming pools with sun decks, grilling stations, billiards, gaming consoles and business centers with cyber cafes.

October 31, 2018

California Development Mixed-Use Top Stories Western

Manchester Financial Transforming Downtown San Diego with $1.5B Mixed-Use Project

by John Nelson October 30, 2018

SAN DIEGO — Manchester Financial Group has launched Manchester Pacific Gateway, a $1.5 billion redevelopment of the Navy Broadway Complex in downtown San Diego. Situated along the waterfront near San Diego’s central business district (CBD), the new 3 million-square-foot mixed-use complex will include a new 17-story, Class A office building that will house the U.S. Navy headquarters. “The Navy is excited to break ground on a new administrative building. The Navy and San Diego have had a strong, mutually beneficial relationship for over 100 years and this project is another important chapter in that history,” says Rear Admiral Yancy Lindsey, commander of the Southwest region of the Navy. Manchester Pacific Gateway will span eight city blocks and will serve as the gateway to the San Diego CBD and downtown tourism corridor. According to the developer, the project is the largest private waterfront development on the West Coast. The 13.5-acre development will feature the following elements: ➢ Block 1 of Manchester Pacific Gateway will include a nearly two-acre plaza; a 29-story, 467,000-square-foot office tower; 68,000 square feet of retail space; and a 198,000-square-foot luxury boutique hotel with 235 rooms. ➢ Block 2 will feature a 29-story, 1 million-square-foot convention center hotel …

October 30, 2018

Newer Posts

Older Posts