Transaction Overview
George Smith Partners successfully secured $19,570,000 in senior acquisition debt financing for a 4-building, garden style office campus located in Ventura. Situated on a rare 7.72-acre infill site, the Property consists of 162,717 net rentable square feet across the 4 buildings and is within walking distance to the high-traffic retail hubs, Mills Street, and the Pacific View Regional Mall. The financing capitalized the Property acquisition as well as a focused capital expenditure program aimed at increasing operational efficiencies and targeted deferred maintenance.
Despite COVID-19 related challenges in the office sector, the Property maintained 70% occupancy through its granular tenant base. While some lenders expressed concern with the going-in debt yield and market leasing dynamics, GSP broadly marketed the Project and was able to identify a lender who understood the underlying value of the asset, the Sponsor’s business plan, and Ventura’s fast-growing market. The interest-only financing was sized to 70% loan to cost, including 100% of future funding for capital expenditures, tenant improvements and leasing commissions. The loan carried a 3-year term and was priced at 1 Month Libor + 500 basis points with a 5.15% floor. Due to an excellent purchase price, the financing had a very tight closing timeframe, and the selected Lender was able to close in 30 days from term sheet execution.
