Anatomy of the Deal | Revitalizing Lawrence: Peachtree’s $44MM Investment in The Benjamin
Revitalizing Lawrence: Peachtree’s $44MM Investment in The Benjamin
Peachtree Group’s recent $44 million financing for Keystone Group's multifamily project, The Benjamin, is not only a significant investment in a high-demand market but a testament to our strategic approach in structuring compelling, high-value deals. This transaction leverages a unique public-private partnership with the City of Lawrence, enhancing both the project’s appeal and its chances for long-term success. Here’s why this deal is exceptional and exemplifies Peachtree Group's competitive edge:
Prime Location Meets High Demand
Positioned on one of the last undeveloped parcels of the historic Fort Benjamin Harrison Army base, The Benjamin represents a rare opportunity to contribute toLawrence’s revitalization. Located just 15 miles from downtown Indianapolis, the development is set to meet the area’s increasing demand for high-quality housing. With limited new supply and a recent project nearby already fully leased, we’re addressing a critical demand gap in a thriving metropolitan area.
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Strategic Public-Private Partnership
A standout factor in our decision was the strong public-private partnership between Keystone Group and the City of Lawrence. TheCity’s involvement brings multiple benefits: it amplifies the project's local support and resources while sharing the commitment to The Benjamin’s success. With the City actively invested in the project’s development, Peachtree Group can enter with confidence knowing our partners are equally motivated to ensure its successful completion and ongoing impact on the community.
Compelling Loan Structure and Terms
Peachtree’s floating-rate loan, structured as a 36-month term with a 12-month extension, provides Keystone Group the flexibility needed to bring The Benjamin to fruition on a realistic timeline. Additionally, the project's design includes a parking garage that will serve both residents and visitors attending local events—a unique community integration that strengthens the property’s value and enhances Peachtree Group’s stake in the development’s future success.
Competitive Advantage and Market Expertise
This deal underscores Peachtree Group’s ability to close competitive transactions by identifying and maximizing high-value opportunities. Our expertise in multifamily construction and deep understanding of suburban growth markets allowed us to move quickly and align our financing structure to meet Keystone’s needs. Peachtree Group is committed to working on projects where strong sponsorship aligns with high local demand—delivering investments that are resilient, community-centered and growth-focused.
With Peachtree Group’s strategic backing and the city’s partnership, The Benjamin is set to become a keystone asset in Lawrence’s landscape, positioning Peachtree Group at the forefront of Indianapolis’s suburban expansion. This transaction exemplifies how we combine market insight, tailored financing structures and local partnerships to create long-term value for all stakeholders involved.
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Peachtree Group Expands Third-Party Hotel Management Business with New Partnership with Group 10 Management
Peachtree GroupExpands Third-Party Hotel Management Business with New Partnership with Group10 Management
14 New HotelsAdded to Portfolio, Exceeding 100 Hotels Under Management
ATLANTA (Nov. 6, 2024) – Peachtree Group (“Peachtree”) has announced a long-term partnership with Southfield, Michigan-based Group 10 Management (“Group 10”), expanding its managed portfolio with 14 new hotels totaling 1,648 rooms. This milestone growth pushes Peachtree's total managed operations beyond 100 hotels and solidifies its position as a leading third-party hotel manager. The properties are primarily Marriott, Hilton and IHG-branded hotels and are predominantly located in themetro Detroit area.
“Our extensive experience in hotel operations allows us to partner with Group 10 to take third-party management to a whole new level,” said Vickie Callahan, President of Peachtree’s Hospitality Management Division. “A substantial portion of Peachtree Group’s portfoliois third-party managed, underscoring our commitment to driving strong financial results for our partners while providing exceptional guest experiences.”
Peachtree’s hospitality management division operates premium-branded, limited-, select- andcompact full-service hotels primarily within the upper-midscale and upscale segments. The division now manages 107 hotels across 27 brands totaling 13,485 rooms in 27 states, including Washington D.C. With the addition of the Group 10 properties, Peachtree’s third-party management portfolio expands to 31 hotels.
Through this partnership, Group 10 will benefit from Peachtree’s extensive expertise in compliance with brand standards, scalable operating efficiencies, skilled talent acquisition, digital and marketing initiatives, renovation expertise and other cost-saving measures across the portfolio.
“Peachtree’s expanded portfolio further emphasizes its dedication to delivering high-quality service and operational excellence for partners and guests across the U.S.,”Callahan added.
About Peachtree Group
Peachtree Group is a vertically integrated investment management firm specializing in identifying and capitalizing on opportunities in dislocated markets, anchored by commercial real estate. Today, the company manages billions in capital across acquisitions, development and lending, augmented by services designed to protect, support and grow its investments. For more information, visit www.peachtreegroup.com.
New Full-Service Resort Marks Topping Out in Gulf Shores, Alabama
New Full-Service Resort Marks Topping Out in Gulf Shores, Alabama
DDPartners, LLC, Peachtree Group and Woodbine Development Corporation are developing 257-room beachfront destination
GULF SHORES, ALA. (Oct. 29, 2024) – DDPartners, LLC of Birmingham, Alabama, and Marietta, Georgia, Peachtree Group of Atlanta and Woodbine Development Corporation of Dallas celebrated the topping out of Embassy Suites Gulf Shores, a full-service resort overlooking the Gulf of Mexico and its renowned white sand beaches – located in Alabama’s No. 1 tourism destination, the City of Gulf Shores.
The topping out ceremony represents a significant milestone with the placement ofthe final steel beam, signifying the structural completion of the project.
“Today’s topping out serves to celebrate our contractors and construction teams for their efforts to bring this resort to life,” said King Scovell, Managing Partner and Chief Development Officer at Woodbine.
“Since the groundbreaking, these crews have shown up day after day to construct the vision that was cast years ago. We are thankful for their efforts, and we look forward to this being a destination for people to enjoy.”
Embassy Suites Gulf Shores is a joint venture among the three firms. DD Partners and Woodbine are leading development and asset management efforts, and Peachtree will manage operations for the resort upon completion in summer 2025. The architect of record for the project is PFVS, and the contractor is Robins& Morton.
The eight-story property will have 257 all-suite beachfront guest rooms; a lobby bar and restaurant; a rooftop amenity terrace inclusive of a bar and grille, pool deck and an outdoor entertainment venue; and 13,620 square feet of enclosed meeting and pre-function space, including a 7,800-square-foot ballroom. The resort will also have a three-story parking garage and 7,618 square feet of leasable retail space that will include a Starbucks.
“We are thankful for all the people who have come together to make this project happen, including the folks at the City of Gulf Shores, our partners at Woodbine and Peachtree, and the local community – but especially the crews whose skills, strength anddedication have built the bones of this resort. Today, we celebrate their hardwork and what lies ahead for this incredible destination,” said Ron Durham, Co-Founder of DD Partners, a joint venture he formed with Ron Day.
Durham and Day have strong backgrounds in commercial real estate development in the Florida/Alabama Gulf Coast, and they joined forces with Woodbine and Peachtree to pursue the Embassy Suites Gulf Shores opportunity. The team’s collective track record in hospitality and development – as well as DD Partners’ strong relationship with the City of Gulf Shores – resulted in the group closing on the project and beginning construction after many years of pursuit.
“The topping out of Embassy Suites is a testament to what can be achieved through vision and partnership,”said Gulf Shores Mayor Robert Craft. “This transformative project is exactly what we envisioned for our beach area when we adopted Vision 2025. The hotel's high-end amenities and substantial conference space will bolster our shoulderseasons, support local businesses year-round and serve as a catalyst for even more quality redevelopment in Gulf Shores,” said Craft.
Peachtree Group’s CEO and Managing Principal Greg Friedman said, “The next milestone, the opening of our Embassy Suites Gulf Shores, the area's newest full-service resort, will be more than just a grand opening – it will be a game-changer for this local economy. This stunning property will not only attract visitors but will also inject new spending into the community, creating jobs and supporting local businesses. The economic impact will ripple through the city and region, benefiting everyone from the workforce to public services. In Gulf Shores, tourism isn't just about being a top destination – it's about fueling economic growth and creating lasting opportunities for our communities.”
While it boasts plenty of its own amenities, Embassy Suites Gulf Shores will offer guests a great deal o foptions within the area. The property is situated footsteps from the beach as well as the Hangout Music Festival, National Shrimp Festival and NCAA Beach Volleyball Championships. It is also located adjacent to the city’s $15 million beachfront revitalization project, which was completed in 2018 as part of a master plan to enhance the area. Other nearby attractions include Gulf State Park, the Wharf at Orange Beach, Tanger Outlets, more than a dozen championship golf courses and easy access to the sports complexes in Foley.
About Robins & Morton
Robins & Morton is a privately held construction firm based in Birmingham, Alabama, with offices in Charlotte, Dallas, Huntsville, Miami, Nashville, Orlando, Raleigh-Durham, San Antonio, and Tampa. The firm specializes in the construction of healthcare, hospitality, higher education, entertainment, sports and government buildings. Since 1946, the firm has built a reputation as a trusted advisor to clients nationwide by cultivating a high-performing team that values integrity, safety, and innovative thinking. Robins & Morton is consistently ranked as one of the top 100 contractors in the United States, and one of the top 15 in the Southeast. To learn more about Robins & Morton, visit: www.robinsmorton.com.
About DD Partners, LLC
Based out of Birmingham, Alabama, and Marietta, Georgia, DD Partners, LLC was founded by Ron Durham and Ron Day. The team has more than 50 years of commercial real estate acquisition, development, construction, management and disposition experience across the Southeast. DD Partners has been involved in the Embassy resort project since its inception. DD was awarded the contract with the City of Gulf Shores through the RFP process, negotiated the terms and benefits of the Development Agreement with the City, secured the Embassy Suites by Hilton flag for the project and completed the conceptual design of the building before joining forces with hospitality partners Woodbine Development and Peachtree Group.
About Peachtree Group
Peachtree Group is a vertically integrated investment management firm specializing in identifying and capitalizing on opportunities in dislocated markets, anchored by commercial real estate. Today, the company manages billions in capital across acquisitions, development and lending, augmented by services designed to protect, support and grow its investments. For more information, visit www.peachtreegroup.com.
About Woodbine Development Corporation
Woodbine Development Corporation is a full-service real estate company with more than 50 years of development, investment, acquisition and asset management experience. Since its founding in 1973, Woodbine has been involved in more than $7 billion in commercial real estate development, including resort, resort, mixed-use, office, residential, industrial and master-planned projects throughout the United States. The Dallas-based company offers a depth of hospitality expertise and services, including ground-up development, renovation, repositioning, asset management and ownership for full-service destinations and select-service stays for global and boutique brands alike. Its portfolio also features Woodbine Legacy Investments, an acquisition platform dedicated to the purchase and repositioning of lifestyle resorts, and Woodbine Commercial, a brokerage entity focused on industrial/office. Learn more at www.woodbinedevelopment.com.
Peachtree Group Exceeds $1.0 Billion in Commercial Real Estate Originations
ATLANTA (Oct. 14, 2024) – Peachtree Group ("Peachtree") announced that its credit team has surpassed $1 billion in loan originations year-to-date, marking a major milestone and setting a new benchmark for the firm's performance this early in the year. The firm anticipates that its credit team will surpass $1.75 billion in loan originations in 2024.
“While the Federal Reserve has lowered rates to provide some relief to the overall economy, the commercial real estate sector will continue to face significant headwinds over the next few years,” said Jared Schlosser, executive vice president of hotel lending and head of CPACE for Peachtree.
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The wave of debt maturities in the trillions of dollars positions private credit lenders like Peachtree to step in and close the funding gap left by traditional capital sources.
“With conventional lenders still on the sidelines, we have seen a significant shift in capital markets with private credit lenders supporting the industry as it faces a sharp rise in debt maturities potentially approaching $1.5 trillion through 2025,” Schlosser said.
Peachtree is ranked as the seventh-largest U.S. commercial real estate investor-driven lender by the Mortgage Bankers Association in its latest loan origination rankings.
As a direct lender in the commercial real estate space, Peachtree offers a wide range of financing solutions, including permanent loans, bridge loans, mezzanine loans, CPACE (Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy) financing and preferred equity investments across all commercial real estate sectors.
Hotels represented the largest sector and surpassed $639 million in credit transactions year-to-date, marking a 176% increase compared to the same period last year. Multifamily originations are the next most significant sector, with the two asset classes accounting for 80% of all credit transactions.
Notable credit transactions closed this year:
· $47.0 million first mortgage loan for a multifamily property in Bradenton, Fla.
· $41.9 million first mortgage loan for a Kimpton Sylvan hotel in Atlanta, Ga.
· $40.0 million CPACE financing for an AC hotel in San Diego, Calif.
· $38.5 million first mortgage loan for a multifamily property in Miami, Fla.
· $26.4 million first mortgage loan for a Hampton Inn in Columbus, Ohio
“Peachtree has built a strong financial foundation over the years, giving it the stability to support commercial real estate owners in securing the funding needed for acquisitions, recapitalizations and development projects,” Schlosser concluded.
About Peachtree Group
Peachtree Group is a vertically integrated investment management firm specializing in identifying and capitalizing on opportunities in dislocated markets, anchored by commercial real estate. Today, the company manages billions in capital across acquisitions, development and lending, augmented by services designed to protect, support and grow its investments. For more information, visit www.peachtreegroup.com.