Top Stories

Liberated Brands Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy, Plans to Close 122 Stores

by Hayden Spiess February 7, 2025

COSTA MESA, CALIF. — Liberated Brands, a licensed operator of several sport, outdoor and lifestyle apparel brands, has initiated Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings, according to court documents filed in Delaware. Liberated Brands’ portfolio of retailers includes Volcom, Billabong, Quiksilver, ROXY, Honolua Surf, RVCA, Beachworks, Becker Surfboards, ZJ Boarding House, Spyder and Boardriders. According to Gordon Brothers, which is providing real estate advisory services to the retailer, Liberated Brands plans to close its 122 stores throughout the country. Gordon Brothers — which earlier this year entered into a sales transaction with Big Lots upon the latter’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing — has initiated closing sales at each of the 122 retail locations. In a statement, Liberated Brands CEO Todd Hymel cited “a series of major headwinds and challenges,” including the rise in interest rates, inflation, supply chain delays, declining consumer demand, shifting customer preferences and substantial fixed costs. Additionally, in December 2024, the company’s North American license rights for its wholesale operations under the Volcom, RVCA and Billabong brands were terminated due to a default. Founded in 2019 by Hymel, Costa Mesa-based Liberated Brands briefly enjoyed a sharp increase in product demand during the COVID-19 pandemic, with revenue increasing from $350 million in …

February 7, 2025

Acquisitions California Multifamily Top Stories Western

MG Properties Acquires Park 12 Multifamily Tower in Downtown San Diego for $309M

by Katie Sloan February 6, 2025

SAN DIEGO — MG Properties has acquired Park 12 Apartments, a 35-story multifamily tower located in downtown San Diego, for $309 million. The transaction is the largest multifamily acquisition in San Diego since 2020 and the third-largest multifamily acquisition in the city’s history, according to the locally based buyer. Built in 2018, the community is located adjacent to Petco Park, home of the San Diego Padres Major League Baseball team, and within the Ballpark Village master-planned community. The property offers a mix of studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom units, including penthouse apartments with exclusive access to a lounge on the 32nd floor. Shared amenities include saltwater and heated pools with poolside event space, a 24-hour fitness center, golf simulator and putting green, sun deck and spa, dog park, coffee and herbal tea bar, clubroom, sports lounge, game room and courtyards with outdoor seating, grilling areas and fire pits. Joseph Smolen and Geoff Boler of Eastdil Secured represented the seller, Charleston, S.C.-based Greystar, in the transaction. Greg Stampley and Lee Redmond, also with Eastdil Secured, originated a Fannie Mae acquisition loan of an undisclosed amount on behalf of MG Properties. San Diego-based MG Properties is a privately owned real estate firm specializing …

February 6, 2025

Development Loans Multifamily Southeast Top Stories Virginia

Carr Forms Joint Venture with Barings to Build $131M Multifamily Project in Alexandria, Virginia

by Kristin Harlow February 5, 2025

ALEXANDRIA, VA. — Carr Properties has formed an equity joint venture with Barings for the development of 425 Montgomery Street, a $131 million project to transform a former office building into multifamily units in Alexandria, roughly seven miles south of Washington, D.C. The partnership subsequently received an $84 million construction loan from real estate investment firm Kennedy Wilson. Cushman & Wakefield served as advisor for both the equity and debt financings. The development site, located adjacent to Montgomery Park in the city’s Old Town Alexandria neighborhood, formerly housed a vacant office building. The eight-story, 250,000-square-foot project will feature 237 apartment units in studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom layouts. Amenities will include an outdoor pool and a resident lounge/amenity center, as well as a performing arts venue leased to CityDance. About one-third of the units will offer views of the Potomac River. Carr acquired the project site (formerly 901 N. Pitt St.) in spring 2024. Construction has commenced, and a groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for next month. The project is slated for completion by late 2026. “We look forward to partnering with Carr Properties on this exciting residential investment that we believe will benefit from several tailwinds, including the region’s strong …

February 5, 2025

Development Louisiana Southeast Top Stories

Cypress Equities, Lauricella Break Ground on 123,941 SF Office Building for Shell in New Orleans

by John Nelson February 4, 2025

NEW ORLEANS — A partnership between Cypress Equities, a real estate development and management firm based in Dallas, and locally based firm Lauricella Land Co. has broken ground on a new eight-story office building in New Orleans. Situated on the banks of the Mississippi River, the 123,941-square-foot property, named Shell Plaza, will house the headquarters of the Gulf of Mexico operations for oil-and-gas giant Shell (NYSE: SHEL). Shell executed the office lease with Cypress Equities and Lauricella Land Co. last year. The new property represents the first Class A office building to break ground in New Orleans since 1989 and the first office property within the River District, a 39-acre mixed-use neighborhood on the riverfront, according to the development team. “This project will boost the local economy while setting a new standard for sustainable, modern office space in New Orleans,” says Chris Maguire, CEO of Cypress Equities. Shell Plaza will be located on a 1.6-acre site at 1600 Convention Center Blvd. at the corner of Henderson and Euterpe streets and adjacent to the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. River District Neighborhood Investors LLC, working on behalf of the convention center, is overseeing the development of the River District …

February 4, 2025

Development Florida Hospitality Multifamily Southeast Top Stories

Partnership Unveils Plans for $850M Hotel, Residential Skyscraper in Downtown Miami

by Taylor Williams February 3, 2025

MIAMI — A partnership locally based firm Mint Developers, hospitality owner-operator Sonesta International Hotels Corp. and property manager AD1 has unveiled plans for an $850 million hotel and residential project in downtown Miami. The James Hotel & Residences in Downtown Miami will comprise 336 fully furnished, for-sale residences and roughly 200 hotel rooms. At 82 stories, the project will be the tallest skyscraper in Miami upon completion, according to the developers. Construction is scheduled to begin in the first quarter of 2026 and to be complete by early 2028, with residential sales expected to launch in the second quarter of this year. Residents and hotel guests will have access to amenities such as a spa, private cabanas with plunge pools, snow and rain rooms and onsite dining. One of the property’s restaurants will include the highest elevation luxury bar in the Americas. The project will also feature a four-story private club where members will have access to the James Hotel. Financing details were not disclosed, but Daniel Berman, president and CEO of AD1, stated that the first round of funding has been secured and that Sonesta is directly contributing to the financing of the project. Berman also said that the project …

February 3, 2025

Ameriprise Financial Center in Minneapolis

Acquisitions Midwest Minnesota Office Top Stories

Onward Investors Purchases Downtown Minneapolis Office Tower at Massive Discount, Mulls Repositioning

by Channing Hamilton January 31, 2025

MINNEAPOLIS — Onward Investors has acquired Ameriprise Financial Center, a 31-story office tower located at 707 2nd Ave. S in downtown Minneapolis. The 960,000-square-foot building has served as the corporate headquarters of Ameriprise Financial since its construction in 2000. Ameriprise Financial announced in 2022 that the company would be vacating the property in order to consolidate its headquarters at another building in downtown Minneapolis. Ameriprise Financial Center is soon to be vacant, according to Onward Investors. A sales price was not disclosed. However, locally based newspaper The Minnesota Star Tribune reported that the property sold for $6.3 million, a steep discount from the last time the building traded hands. Most recently in September 2016, a joint venture between Axar Capital Management and Morning Calm Management acquired the building for $200 million. Ameriprise Financial Center is located within the Minneapolis skyway system, a network of enclosed pedestrian bridges that provide direct access to buildings including the Minneapolis Club, Capella Tower, SPS Tower and Baker Center. The property also includes a four-story parking ramp that offers below-grade parking for roughly 300 vehicles. Onward Investors stated that it is exploring variety of options for the property, including converting portions of the building to uses other than …

January 31, 2025

Acquisitions Company News Multifamily Seniors Housing Top Stories

Welltower Agrees to Acquire NorthStar Healthcare Income for $900M

by Hayden Spiess January 30, 2025

TOLEDO, OHIO AND HOUSTON — An affiliate of Welltower Inc. (NYSE: WELL) has entered into an agreement to acquire NorthStar Healthcare Income Inc., a non-listed REIT that owns a diversified portfolio of seniors housing properties throughout the United States, for roughly $900 million. Toledo-based Welltower will take ownership of NorthStar Healthcare’s portfolio of 40 seniors housing communities in the acquisition. Founded in 2010, Houston-based NorthStar Healthcare’s portfolio includes independent living, assisted living and memory care properties. “We expect that this portfolio will serve to further enhance our regional densification strategy through our existing geographic footprint and network of exceptional seniors housing operators,” says Nikhil Chaudhri, co-president and chief investment officer of Welltower, calling the agreement a “win-win outcome for shareholders of both companies.” NorthStar Healthcare stockholders will receive $3.03 per share according to the agreement, exceeding the net asset value per share of $2.96 as decided by NorthStar Healthcare’s board of directors in June 2024. Under terms of the agreement, the NorthStar board of directors and advisors may initiate, solicit and consider alternative acquisition proposals during a 40-day “go shop” period beginning from the date of the merger agreement. The all-cash transaction is scheduled to close within the first half …

January 30, 2025

Development Retail Southeast Tennessee Top Stories

Simon Plans to Develop 325,000 SF Premium Outlets in Metro Nashville

by Kristin Harlow January 29, 2025

THOMPSON’S STATION, TENN. — Mall owner Simon Property Group (NYSE: SPG) has entered into an agreement to purchase a development site in metro Nashville with plans to build a luxury shopping and lifestyle destination known as Nashville Premium Outlets. The 325,000-square-foot project will be situated at the intersection of I-65 and I-840 in the southern suburb of Thompson’s Station. “This project represents a significant investment in our town and has the potential to enhance local amenities, create jobs and strengthen our economy,” says Thompson’s Station Mayor Brian Stover. Simon is collaborating with Nashville-based Adventurous Journeys Capital Partners (AJ Capital), a company known for its work in hospitality and real estate development. Construction is expected to begin in 2026, but a timeline for completion was not provided. Preliminary plans call for 75 retailers, restaurants and a hotel, with the potential to add residential options and big box retailers. “We are excited to bring another premier shopping and lifestyle destination to Nashville, one of our country’s most dynamic and fastest growing markets,” says Gary Duncan, Simon’s president of Premium Outlets and The Mills brands. Nashville Premium Outlets will join Simon’s existing properties in the metro area, including Opry Mills and The Mall …

January 29, 2025

Development Florida Leasing Activity Mixed-Use Office Southeast Top Stories

Amazon to Anchor 1 MSF Wynwood Plaza Mixed-Use Development in Miami

by John Nelson January 28, 2025

MIAMI — Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN) has signed on to anchor Wynwood Plaza, a 1 million-square-foot mixed-use campus nearing completion in Miami’s Wynwood Arts District. The Seattle-based e-commerce giant will occupy 50,333 square feet within the development’s 12-story office tower that is set to deliver in the coming months. The landlords in the lease transaction are New York City-based L&L Holding Co. and Oak Row Equities, which has offices in New York City and Miami. The partners are co-developing Wynwood Plaza with Shorenstein Investment Advisors and investment partner Claure Group, which will also be a tenant in the building. The office tower will span 266,000 square feet and include an array of indoor and outdoor amenities, including an amenity hub on the second floor that will feature a fitness club with high-end equipment, showers and lockers, as well as a golf simulator and conference rooms. Other features of the tower include floor-to-ceiling windows, private tenant terraces and an expansive lobby. Office tenants will have direct access to Wynwood Plaza’s onsite parking garage and ground-level restaurants and shops, as well as a landscaped courtyard and a shaded rooftop area with flexible seating arrangements. Amazon will join other committed office tenants including Claure …

January 28, 2025

Company News Office Top Stories

AT&T Completes 13 MSF National Office Sale-Leaseback Deal With Reign Capital, Nets $850M in Proceeds

by Taylor Williams January 27, 2025

DALLAS — AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T) has completed a sale-leaseback transaction with New York City-based development and investment firm Reign Capital that encompasses approximately 13 million square feet of office space across 74 U.S. properties. The deal, which closed earlier this month, nets the Dallas-based telecommunications giant about $850 million in upfront cash proceeds. The names and locations of the AT&T-owned buildings in which the spaces are located were not disclosed. According to AT&T, the majority of the space that was sold was originally designed and developed “to house and connect large, bulky and energy-intensive equipment for outdated copper networks.” AT&T further explained that “as customers move[d] from copper to fiber and wireless, a smaller, more efficient equipment footprint is managing the network. This technology evolution not only reduces power consumption, benefitting the environment, but also lowers operating costs and frees up valuable real estate for other uses.” AT&T plans to exit the large majority of its legacy copper network operations by the end of 2029. Under the terms of the deal, AT&T will make lease payments to Reign Capital for the duration of the lease term and maintain exclusive operational control of space required for access to communications infrastructure in …

January 27, 2025

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