Author: Mia Goulart

Trez Capital announces key leadership changes

Posted on by Mia Goulart

Trez Capital, a leading provider of private commercial real estate debt and equity financing solutions in Canada and the United States, announced today that after almost 26 years as chairman and chief executive officer, firm founder Morley Greene will transition into the role of executive chairman. Executive leaders John D. Hutchinson and Dean Kirkham, will serve as co-chief executive officers, taking over day-to-day leadership of the firm.

Trez Capital’s partnership continues to undergo changes that bring new perspectives, skills and varied expertise. After 13 years with the firm holding progressively senior positions and 20 years of experience in the home building business, Hutchinson joined the partnership in Fall 2021. More recently, in early 2023, Kirkham and John Maragliano were welcomed as partners. Kirkham joined Trez Capital in 2016 as chief credit officer and has since taken on increasingly senior roles, culminating in his most recent position as president and chief operating officer. Maragliano joined Trez Capital in 2021 as chief financial officer, bringing 25 years of experience in the financial services industry. With this executive team’s diversified capabilities, Trez Capital has the right leaders in place to ensure its future success. 

In his new role as co-chief executive officer and global head of origination, Hutchinson will continue focusing on the firm’s debt and equity origination business. As co-chief executive officer and president, Kirkham will continue focusing on the key pillars of risk and capital raising for the firm. Together, they will set the mission, vision, values and strategic direction of the firm. Additionally, Maragliano will become chief operating officer, paired with his current role as chief financial officer.

In his role as founder and executive chairman, Greene will continue providing valuable mentorship to the executive team, while also actively contributing to key strategic initiatives. Furthermore, he will prioritize fostering strong relationships with borrowers and investors, which have been an essential component of the organization’s success over time.

Ashland Greene appoints Gustav Bahn as general counsel

Posted on by Mia Goulart

Ashland Greene has announced the appointment of Gustav Bahn as general counsel, effective May 8, 2023. Bahn has over 20 years’ experience in securities law, mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, real estate, REITs and corporate governance. Bahn will serve as a member of the executive leadership team and will report directly to the CEO.

Bahn’s key responsibilities will include overseeing all of Ashland Greene’s legal matters, including acting as the business’ legal representative. Bahn will be responsible for all aspects of the legal department, including governance, real estate transactions, joint ventures, securities offerings, litigation, compliance and risk management.

Bahn began his career as an associate in the capital markets group of Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP in both the New York and London offices from 2000 to 2006. Bahn later joined Alston & Bird LLP where he was a Partner beginning in 2008. Most recently, Bahn served as chief legal officer and corporate secretary of Steadfast Apartment REIT, Inc., where he oversaw the legal services department and investor relations department. Bahn has an undergraduate degree from the University of Tennessee, a master’s degree from the London School of Economics and a law degree from Tulane Law School.

Eagle Property Capital announces disposition of multifamily asset in DFW

Posted on by Mia Goulart

Eagle Property Capital Investments, LLC (EPC), a vertically integrated real estate investment manager focused on the value-add multifamily space, announced the disposition of Colinas Ranch Apartments, a 160-unit apartment community, located in Irving northwest of Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas.  The Property was acquired by EPC Multifamily Partners IV, LLC (Fund IV) and RealtyMogul 89, LLC in October 2018.

Colinas Ranch Apartments, located at 3203 W Walnut Hill Lane in Irving, was built in 1971.  EPC successfully implemented a thorough repositioning strategy that substantially improved the profitability of the value-add property.  The strategy included upgrading the apartment interiors, existing common areas and amenities, adding new amenities and services as well as implementing water and energy conservation programs. In addition, the property benefited from operating efficiencies that reduced controllable expenses by being operated together with Grand Riviera, a neighboring property.

Two Woodlands office buildings trade to private asset management firm

Posted on by Mia Goulart

JLL Capital Markets has closed the sale of 10200 Grogans Mill Road and 1610 Woodstead Court, two office properties totaling 153,294 square feet in The Woodlands, Texas.

JLL represented the seller, and procured the buyer, a privately held asset management firm.

The two-property portfolio is positioned within The Woodlands, one of the nation’s premier master planned communities located 27 miles from Houston. The area is home to seven Fortune 500 corporate headquarters, boasts top-quality schools and residential neighborhoods, is home to more than 11 million square feet of retail and offers recreation options, including 220 miles of connected hike and bike trails.

10200 Grogans Mill Road and 1610 Woodstead Court sit on a total of 9.85 acres and are 66.7% leased overall. The tenancy is comprised of a diverse mix of industries, including finance, technology, legal services, oil and gas, consulting and logistics.

The JLL Capital Markets Investment Sales and Advisory team representing the seller was led by Senior Director Rick Goings and Managing Directors Marty Hogan and Kevin McConn.

  • 10200 Grogans Mill Road
  • 1610 Woodstead Court

Investors take note: Chronic underproduction of housing in the U.S. puts workforce rental housing in the spotlight

Posted on by Mia Goulart

Investors looking for attractive returns in the U.S. housing market need look no further than workforce rental housing. A chronic shortage of housing in the country, exacerbated by onerous zoning, land use, and environmental regulations, labor shortages, and demographic shifts, has created a prime opportunity for investing in this segment.

The Supply Shortfall
Since 2017, the shortage of housing in the U.S. has been growing at an alarming rate, with estimates now ranging from 3.8 to 6.8 million units. The lack of supply, particularly in the workforce housing sector, has resulted in historically low vacancy rates and record-high rent and home prices.

Between 2010 and 2021, household formation exceeded net housing deliveries by nearly 4.8 million units leading to a decrease in vacancy rates, making housing less affordable and hindering household formation.

To close the housing gap, at least 3.4 million units are needed within five years, and the rate of new unit delivery needs to increase by approximately 71%. This shortage is evident in the downward trend of the ratio of total housing inventory to the total number of households, which has been below 1 (meaning there is at least one household unit for every household) since Q4 2017.

The shortage also disproportionately affects younger generations, as the median age of household heads has increased from 49.0 in 2008 to 52.1 in 2021.

The current combined vacancy rate for all for-sale and for-rent housing in the US is just 2.5%, with rent and home prices growing annually by an average of 11.1% and 18.9%, respectively.

The Growth and Impact of Zoning, Land Use, and Environmental Regulations on Housing Production
Strict local zoning and environmental laws limit affordable housing by increasing development costs by 32% for multifamily projects. This reduces supply, forcing developers to charge higher prices.

Increasing regulations worsen the housing shortfall, as evidenced by a negative correlation between regulatory cases and permits issued per state. From 2006 to 2018, 49% of U.S. metropolitan areas increased land use regulations. Each regulation in a California city raises the cost of owner-occupied and rental housing by an estimated 4.5% and 2.3%, respectively.

The Workforce Rental Cohort
The shortage of new workforce housing is hurting those earning between $45,000 and $75,000 annually the hardest, as developers typically focus on either luxury apartments or affordable housing. This underserved segment has higher rents and reduced vacancies, making it an attractive investment opportunity.

Private real estate funds focused on workforce rental housing have historically returned an average net IRR of 16.4% between 2009 to 2019, outperforming luxury housing-focused funds’ average net IRR of just 10.7%. While past performance is not indicative of future results, the favorable demographic and supply/demand fundamentals make the workforce multifamily sector a positive outlook for investors.

The chronic underproduction of housing in the U.S. has made workforce rental housing an attractive and sustainable target for investment. As demand goes unmet, prices rise, and this is a trend that is set to continue in the coming years. Investors looking for opportunities in the U.S. housing market should consider investing in the workforce rental segment for durable cash distributions and sustainable capital value appreciation. 

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Kingbird Investment Management Senior Managing Director Kenneth Munkacy is responsible for creating and overseeing Kingbird’s investment strategy, acquisitions, joint ventures, and investment management platform in the U.S. Munkacy has over 33 years of global real estate experience and has been involved in all aspects of real estate including acquisitions, development, finance, portfolio and asset management. Munkacy has led full service real estate investment and operating companies in 12 countries and 23 states and has overseen over $3 billion in transactions.

Dallas’ Chase Tower to be renamed Dallas Arts Tower; lobby renovations planned with addition of art gallery and two restaurants

Posted on by Mia Goulart

A 55-story skyscraper adjacent to Dallas’ Arts District will soon undergo another multi-million-dollar makeover that includes a new name, reimagined lobby, and the addition of two restaurants.

2200 Ross Ave., formerly known as Chase Tower, will be rebranded as Dallas Arts Tower. Owner Fortis Property Group worked with professionals from Stream Realty Partners to strategically select a new moniker that pays tribute to the surrounding neighborhood and amplifies the district’s mission to unify culture and commerce in one dynamic destination. Stream, a national commercial real estate firm headquartered in Dallas and offering an integrated platform of services, leases the office building. Executive Vice President and Partner J.J. Leonard and Managing Director Matt Wieser are the leasing agents for the building’s 1.25 million square feet of office space.

While the landmark building is a work of art designed by architect Richard Keating, its lobby will soon become a masterpiece for tenants and visitors alike. New York-based Fortis plans to add an art gallery displaying pieces from local artists and commission art installations throughout other public spaces. New lighting and flooring will help showcase the artwork. Elevator cabs also will receive a refresh. Construction for the lobby and restaurants is expected to start in late summer, with a 2024 completion. Dallas-based ENTOS Design is working with restaurant architect 75 Degree Design Studio of Dallas on the common area improvements.

Two new restaurants will be constructed in conjunction with the lobby renovations. Dallas-based hospitality powerhouse Milkshake Concepts has been awarded space in the lobby and The Rotunda to launch two eateries that will complement the neighborhood.

For the lobby, Milkshake Concepts will design a European-style, all-day café featuring a robust coffee program, daily baked goods, and a diverse menu with items that can be taken to go or enjoyed in a bright, open environment. Early evening meals and a wine program are expected to be featured.

A first-of-its-kind Greek restaurant will be introduced in The Rotunda. A selection of fish, grilled meats, and traditional sides and dips will anchor the menu that will serve a bustling lunch crowd and refined dinner group.

Jack Gosnell, Elizabeth Herman Fulton, and Marissa Stave with CBRE negotiated Milkshake Concepts’ lease on behalf of Fortis and are leading retail leasing for Dallas Arts Tower. 

Stream has leased Dallas Arts Tower since Fortis purchased the building in 2016. The Class A skyscraper has seen several significant updates since, including a new motor court, water features, and landscaping on the Ross Avenue-facing frontage; the addition of a sky lounge and meeting center on the 40th floor; and a new fitness center. An executive tenant conference center, Starbucks coffee shop, convenience store, on-site shoeshine, full-service car wash, and sky bridge that connects to the Dallas Marriott Downtown and DART Light Rail station are among its many amenities.