JOINT VENTURE TO BUY, REDEVELOP D.C. MULTIFAMILY BUILDING

WASHINGTON, D.C. — A joint venture between Somerset Development Co. and National Housing Trust-Enterprise Preservation Corp. has acquired Channel Square Apartments, a 223-unit community in Washington, D.C. The apartment community is located at 325 P St. S.W., across the street from Fort McNair and less than one mile from Nationals Stadium. Jonathan Rose Cos. and the Rose Green Cities Fund (Jonathan Rose Cos.’ investment fund with Citi Community Capital) have invested in the joint venture to redevelop the mixed-income community. Citi Community Capital provided the $24.6 million first mortgage loan, and an application for additional financing has been submitted to the D.C. Department of Housing and Community Development. The four-acre property was purchased in collaboration with the 325 P Street S.W. Tenants' Association through the Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act (TOPA), which provides District of Columbia tenants the ability to purchase their building if it is offered for sale by the owner. With assistance from Housing Counseling Services and pro-bono counsel provided by Arnold & Porter LLP and Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, the tenants' association selected Somerset and NHT/Enterprise as the developer/owner through a bid process in February 2013. The development team will create a redevelopment plan that will integrate sustainable design principles, emphasize resident health and wellbeing and acknowledge the existing and evolving community fabric of the neighborhood. The venture's vision is well aligned with the District's priorities for expanding housing options in walkable, transit-oriented neighborhoods.