Rate: 30-Day LIBOR + 6.00%
Term: Three years plus two 12-month extensions
Amortization: 24 months interest only; 25-year amortization thereafter
Max Loan to Cost: 75%
Prepayment: 15-month lockout; open thereafter subject to 1.00% exit fee
Guaranty: Non-recourse
Lender Fee: 1.00%

George Smith Partners arranged an $11,845,000 first mortgage on a value-add retail property with no cash flow located along the main retail corridor of one of the hippest neighborhoods in Los Angeles. The national balance sheet lender provided a non-recourse loan to up to 75% of total project cost including 100% of future capital expenditure funds to gut renovate the asset and convert the property to high-end retail plus an addition of four apartment units. Due to the lack of cash flow, the lender structured a 20-month interest and carry reserve to cover debt service during the reposition period. Over 50% to total loan proceeds are allocated for future funding. Interest is not charged on funds until drawn.

Advisors

Nick Rogers Vice President

Rate: Senior Loan – Prime + 1%; Line of Credit – Prime + 1.5%
Term: Senior Loan – 5 Years; Line of Credit – 2 Years + Extensions
Amortization: Senior Loan – 25 Years; Line of Credit – Interest Only
LTV: 60%
DCR: Senior Loan – 1.25x; Line of Credit – 1.5x
Recourse
Lender Fee: 0.75%

Transaction Description
George Smith Partners placed a $7,500,000 refinance of two special use, unanchored multi-tenant retail properties located in the City of Industry. A sizable return on equity (142% of total capitalization) was permitted due to our Sponsors’ 20 year ownership and management history of the asset. This transaction was structured as senior debt funded at $4,300,000 and a $3,200,000 crossed-collateralized stand-by line of credit. Both vehicles were funded by the same capital source. Due to the special-use tenant mix, the senior debt was sized to 60% LTV and priced at Prime plus 1% fixed for five years and amortized over 25 years, while the credit line will float at Prime plus 1.5% for two years. Interest is only paid on funds drawn. There is no prepayment penalty for either tranche.

Challenges
Special use tenancy at both properties is subject to a CC&R review by the local municipality at the end of 2017. One tenant who occupies 20% of the net rentable square feet went dark and vacated the property during the due diligence process.

Solutions
GSP identified a regional lender that understood the market and was eager to build a relationship with our Sponsor, who has impressive real estate holdings, a long track record of execution and significant financial strength. By demonstrating that market rents and occupancy levels still allowed for significant debt service coverage, GSP was able to assist the lender in gaining comfort with the properties’ specialty-use and uncertain occupancy future.

Rate: PRIME + 0.75% (5.25% floor)
Term: 18 Months
LTC: 70.0%
Recourse
Lender Fee: 1.00%

Transaction Description

George Smith Partners successfully structured the ground-up construction debt for a 5 unit small-lot subdivision project near the North Hollywood Arts District. Sized to 70% of cost, the 18 month loan (with six-month extension option) is priced at PRIME + 0.75% with a 5.25% floor rate.

The Project consists of large three story units (1,750 SF+), with attached two-car garages and open floor plans. Product of this quality is in high demand in the area, but the small-lot format is new to the North Hollywood area. It was incumbent on GSP to support the value with market data and new construction. GSP identified a local construction lender with an understanding of the Los Angeles market, and an appetite for small-lot product.