Top Stories

El-Ad National Properties Plans $1B District in Davie Mixed-Use Project Near Miami

by Jeff Shaw April 21, 2023

DAVIE, FLA. — El-Ad National Properties, a subsidiary of Elad Group based in Boca Raton, has released plans for a 2.8 million-square-foot mixed-use project in Davie, 24 miles north of Miami. The Town of Davie has approved the development. The project, called The District in Davie, is expected to cost approximately $1 billion, according to El-Ad. At full build-out, the property will comprise 1,256 apartment units across five high-rise buildings, as well as 36,000 square feet of ground-floor restaurant and retail space. Each building will range from 20 to 24 stories and offer studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom floor plans. Community amenities at The District in Davie will include pools, fitness centers with spas, dog parks, coworking space, game lounges, children’s play areas and rooftop lounges. Individual units will offer keyless entry, Wi-Fi connectivity and smart thermostats. Approximately 1.1 million square feet of access controlled onsite parking will also be available. Planned green elements for the community include electric vehicle charging stations, bicycle storage areas and LED lighting fixtures. Located at 4801-4999 S. State Road 7 on the southwest corner of Griffin Road and State Road 7 in Broward County, the complex is near Fort Lauderdale and Miami’s urban core. …

April 21, 2023

Development Industrial Retail Southeast Top Stories

Ingka Group to Invest $2.2B in New IKEA Locations, Omnichannel Growth Across US

by Katie Sloan April 20, 2023

LEIDEN, NETHERLANDS — Ingka Group has announced plans to invest $2.2 billion over the course of the next three years on new IKEA retail locations and omnichannel growth across the United States. The Leiden, Netherlands-based company is the largest owner of IKEA stores globally, representing more than 90 percent of IKEA retail sales with more than 370 stores and 100 home décor planning studios open across 31 countries. The initial phase of investment will include opening eight stores in IKEA’s traditional format and nine “Plan and Order” points, which are smaller stores dedicated to kitchen, bedroom and living room planning. Plan and Order is an extension of IKEA’s existing planning studio business and is a relatively new endeavor for the company, with only two locations currently open in England. Ingka Group’s new stores will be primarily located in the Southern United States, a region where IKEA currently has a smaller concentration of locations, according to reports by The Wall Street Journal. These stores will create over 2,000 jobs upon completion. IKEA US, the American subsidiary of the retailer, has also announced new locations in San Francisco and Arlington, Va., that are set to open this summer. The $2.2 billion investment …

April 20, 2023

Acquisitions Development Florida Multifamily Southeast Top Stories

Empira Group Acquires Development Site in Miami’s Brickell Area for 26-Story Apartment Tower

by Kristin Harlow April 19, 2023

MIAMI — Empira Group, a Switzerland-based institutional real estate investment firm, has acquired a development site at 901 SW Third Ave., formerly known as Empire Brickell, in Miami’s Brickell area. The firm plans to build a 26-story apartment tower comprising 310 market-rate units with roughly 2,500 square feet of retail space on the ground floor. Construction is scheduled to commence in the first quarter of 2024, with completion slated for 2026. The multifamily high-rise, designed by Coral Gables-based Corwil Architects, will offer a range of studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom units along with 380 parking spaces. Amenities will include a pool, fitness center, lounge area and business center all located on the seventh floor. The building will meet specific environmental and sustainability standards, such as energy efficiency, water conservation, use of sustainable materials and indoor air quality, to achieve at least a LEED Silver certification. The transaction marks Empira’s second development site acquisition in greater downtown Miami in the last eight months. “This investment underlines Empira’s commitment to investing in Miami’s residential real estate market, which is poised for tremendous growth over the next few decades,” says Lahcen Knapp, Empira’s chairman. “Miami has emerged as one of the top U.S. …

April 19, 2023

Company News Northeast Pennsylvania Retail Top Stories

David’s Bridal Files for Bankruptcy Protection Ahead of Potential Sale

by John Nelson April 18, 2023

CONSHOHOCKEN, PA. — David’s Bridal LLC and some of its subsidiaries have filed voluntary petitions for relief under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. Both the brand’s nearly 300 physical stores, as well as its online platforms, will remain open and operational, according to the company. The Conshohocken-based retailer is seeking customary “first-day” relief authorizations from the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of New Jersey to continue payment of employee wages and benefits, maintain certain customer programs and honor vendor obligations. The company had previously filed for bankruptcy in November 2018 and re-emerged under new ownership in early 2019. The retailer’s current ownership group comprises lenders led by global investment manager Oaktree Capital Management. Also in 2019, Brookfield Asset Management acquired a majority stake in Oaktree Capital Management. David’s Bridal has retained Gordon Brothers to assist with inventory sales. The company will also continue to evaluate its physical footprint and explore the sale of some or all of its assets. “Our business continues to be challenged by the post-COVID environment and uncertain economic conditions, leading us to take this step to identify a buyer who can continue to operate our business going forward,” says James Marcum, CEO of David’s …

April 18, 2023

Acquisitions California Multifamily Top Stories Western

MG Properties Acquires Ridge at Castle Rock Apartments Near Denver for $67.1M

by Taylor Williams April 17, 2023

CASTLE ROCK, COLO. — San Diego-based investment firm MG Properties has acquired Ridge at Castle Rock, a garden-style apartment community in Castle Rock, for $67.1 million. Located approximately 30 miles south of Denver and built in 2019, Ridge at Castle Rock offers one-, two- and three-bedroom units that are furnished with stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, individual washers and dryers and private balconies/patios. Communal amenities include a pool, 24-hour fitness center, dog park and outdoor grilling and dining areas. David Potarf, Dan Woodward, Matt Barnett and Jake Young of Walker & Dunlop represented the seller, Wisconsin-based Continental Properties, in the transaction. Bryan Frazier and Blake Hockenberry, also with Walker & Dunlop, originated an undisclosed amount of Fannie Mae acquisition financing on behalf of MG Properties. The number of units at the property was not disclosed. “This acquisition will allow us to further expand our operational presence in the Denver market,” says Jeff Gleiberman, president of MG Properties. “We believe this submarket is ideally positioned to benefit from the region’s continued growth.”

April 17, 2023

California Development Hospitality Mixed-Use Retail Top Stories Western

LRE & Cos. Plans 10-Acre University Square Mixed-Use Development in Rocklin, California

by Jeff Shaw April 14, 2023

ROCKLIN, CALIF. — LRE & Cos. has unveiled plans for University Square, a 10-acre mixed-use development located at the intersection of Sunset Boulevard and University Avenue in Rocklin, a northeast suburb of Sacramento. The project is scheduled for completion by year-end 2025. University Square is slated to feature more than 20,000 square feet of retail space; 5,000 square feet of space for fast-food restaurants with drive-thrus; a 123-room Hilton Garden Inn hotel; a 10,000-square-foot daycare center; a 3,700-square-foot convenience store; and a car wash. The site is adjacent to Estia Rocklin, a build-to-rent townhome community with 181 units. Across the street from University Square is William Jessup University, a private Christian university with more than 3,000 students. The project is just east of the 8,497-acre Sunset Area development. The Sunset Area plan is centered around a new California State University, Sacramento and Sierra College campus. “This part of Rocklin is seeing tremendous growth,” says Victor Chiang, vice president of development at LRE. “By prioritizing smart growth and responsible development practices, we can create something special that will stand the test of time.” Rocklin is home to Quarry Park, the city’s downtown community gathering space, offering rock climbing, paddle boats, and …

April 14, 2023

Arizona Development Mixed-Use Top Stories Western

RED Development, Globe Corp. Plan 150-Acre GSQ Mixed-Use Project in Goodyear, Arizona

by Katie Sloan April 13, 2023

GOODYEAR, ARIZ. — A joint venture between RED Development and Globe Corp. has released plans for GSQ, a 150-acre mixed-use development located in Goodyear, approximately 15 miles west of Phoenix. Groundbreaking on the project is proposed for next year. Plans include retail and entertainment space, restaurants, multifamily communities, office space and a hotel. GSQ will complement the Goodyear Civic Square at GSQ development, which Globe Corp. completed in August 2022. Goodyear Civic Square features a new city hall building, two-story library, two-acre community park, office space and retail space. “Our dream of a downtown is one step closer to becoming reality,” says Goodyear Mayor Joe Pizzillo. “We have all the right partners working together to create a very special walkable district for our residents — and the greater Southwest Valley region — to enjoy as they bring quality shopping, dining and entertainment to this area.” A number of new developments have been announced in Goodyear this year, including build-to-rent projects by UrbanStreet Group and a joint venture between Blue Vista Capital Management and Family Development; and several industrial projects, including a warehouse for Sub-Zero Group and the $360 million first phase of AirPark, located adjacent to the Phoenix-Goodyear airport. Phoenix-based RED …

April 13, 2023

Development Multifamily Student Housing Texas Top Stories

Hoar Construction Breaks Ground on 30-Story Icon Student Housing Tower at UT Austin

by Kristin Harlow April 12, 2023

AUSTIN, TEXAS — Hoar Construction has broken ground on Icon, a 30-story student housing tower in the West Campus neighborhood by the University of Texas at Austin. The MDL Group is the developer for the project, which is slated for completion in summer 2025. Icon will house 555 beds across 216 units ranging from one- to five-bedroom layouts. Amenities will include a rooftop pool, fitness center, game and lounge rooms, podcast studio and student workspaces. The project will also feature four levels of below-ground parking. Once completed, Icon will be one of the tallest buildings in the surrounding area, according to the general contractor. The project marks the first partnership between Hoar and MDL Group, a New York-based developer, owner and operator of student housing communities. The project team also includes Rhode Partners as architect, DCI Engineers as structural engineer and Blum Engineering as the MEP (mechanical, electrical and plumbing) engineer. The student housing sector is outperforming other real estate verticals during challenging economic conditions, according to the latest national student housing report from Yardi Matrix. Rents increased 7 percent year-over-year in March to an average of $829 per bedroom, a record high. UT Austin has the highest bed count …

April 12, 2023

Acquisitions Company News Healthcare Life Sciences Massachusetts Northeast Office Seniors Housing Top Stories

Office Properties Income Trust Agrees to Acquire Diversified Healthcare Trust in All-Share Transaction

by John Nelson April 11, 2023

NEWTON, MASS. — Office Properties Income Trust (NASDAQ: OPI) has entered into a definitive merger agreement whereby the office REIT will acquire all the outstanding common shares of Diversified Healthcare Trust (NASDAQ: DHC), a REIT that owns properties in the medical office, life sciences and seniors housing sectors. The combined company will have approximately $12.4 billion of total gross assets under management, representing 539 properties across 40 states and Washington, D.C. The portfolio comprises about 264 seniors housing communities, 10 triple-net-leased wellness centers and 265 medical office, traditional office and life sciences buildings. About 42 percent of the portfolio is located in the Sun Belt. The RMR Group (NASDAQ: RMR), an alternative asset management firm based in Newton, manages both REITs and acquires properties on behalf of the entities. RMR also makes acquisitions on behalf of Service Properties Trust and Industrial Logistics Properties Trust. RMR Group will continue to manage the new company, which will be rebranded as Diversified Properties Trust and trade publicly on the Nasdaq Stock Market exchange. OPI’s executive team will lead the new company and will keep the firm’s corporate headquarters in Newton. The boards of trustees for both REITs unanimously approved the merger, which is …

April 11, 2023

Acquisitions California Office Top Stories Western

Barker Pacific, Kingsbarn Realty Buy 560,000 SF Griffin Towers Office Complex in Santa Ana, California

by Taylor Williams April 10, 2023

SANTA ANA, CALIF. — A joint venture between locally based investment firm Barker Pacific Group and Las Vegas-based Kingsbarn Realty Capital has purchased Griffin Towers, a 560,000-square-foot office complex in the Southern California community of Santa Ana. The joint venture purchased Griffin Towers for $82 million from institutional investment firm Blackstone, which paid $129 million for the property in 2014, according to several business publications including The Deep Dive. Built in 1987 and recently renovated, Griffin Towers consists of twin 14-story buildings that are located at 5 and 6 Hutton Centre Drive, as well as a six-story parking garage. Amenities include a conference center with a catering kitchen, a fitness center with locker rooms, multiple electric vehicle charging stations and an outdoor bocce ball court. The buildings are home to tenants such as UKG, Michael Baker International, Psomas, Nation’s Direct Mortgage, HNTB and the Ayn Rand Institute. CBRE serves as the leasing agency for Griffin Towers. Barker Pacific Group also manages the property. The new ownership plans to continue with capital improvements by adding new amenities and upgrading select office suites. Kevin Shannan, Paul Jones and Brandon White of Newmark represented Blackstone in the transaction. David Milestone and Henry Cassiday …

April 10, 2023

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