$31,380,000 High-Leverage Bridge Loan to Acquire & Renovate 89,000 SF Office Building in South Pasadena, CA

Transaction Description:

George Smith Partners arranged $25,500,000 in non-recourse bridge financing for the acquisition of a 230,000 square foot Class A office building located in the heart of Phoenix, Arizona’s Midtown District. Positioned on a heavily trafficked thoroughfare of a major professional corridor, the site benefits from its central location, proximity to Downtown Phoenix and abundance of local economic drivers. The Project, built in 1982, had been well-maintained but was running a below-market occupancy rate of 82% due to the recent expiration of a large tenant lease. This bridge facility allowed the Canadian-based Sponsor to purchase the asset and undergo a proposed renovation, bringing the design up to competitive market standards in order to successfully lease-up and stabilize the asset.

By focusing attention on sophisticated bridge lenders active in the local area, GSP identified a capital provider who understood the growth of the market. The selected Capital Provider structured around the Project’s current vacancy, recognizing the strength of the Sponsor and their ability to successfully execute on the intended business plan of value creation. The loan was structured with minimal cash management language and featured pari passu funding throughout the term. The interest only non-recourse bridge loan was priced at a spread of 350 basis points over the 30-Day LIBOR, with a three-year term and two 12-month extension options.