Transaction Overview
George Smith Partners arranged a $7,350,000 non-recourse loan to 75% of appraised value from a national debt fund to finance the pre-development period of an existing 12,500 square foot, West Los Angeles office and retail building. Despite having very low occupancy, the lender was able to advance $588 per square foot after GSP demonstrated the superior location of the asset and experience of the Sponsor in development. The lender structured a 12-month interest and carry reserve as the Sponsor vacates the remaining in-place tenants in order to implement its business plan of eventually razing the existing improvements and building a new, high-end, multi-tenant retail building. Loan proceeds were priced at 9.50% fixed for the 18-month loan duration, and interest expense is not incurred on the interest and carry reserve until drawn.
