ATLANTA (March 18, 2024) – Peachtree Group (“Peachtree”), a diversified commercial real estate investment firm, announced it has closed approximately $660 million in credit investments since Dec. 1, 2023, with an additional $350 million anticipated closing over the next 30 to 45 days.

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The credit investments primarily encompass originations for hotels, multifamily, industrial and student housing.

In February, Peachtree closed one of the largest individual credit transactions in the firm's history with a $102.9 million three-year loan to recapitalize a 350‐room Marriott dual-brand AC Hotel Sunnyvale Moffett Park and TETRA Hotel, Autograph Collection in Sunnyvale, Calif.

"We are witnessing heightened activity in response to the anticipation of sustained elevated interest rates and continued reductions in bank exposure. The pressing need to refinance maturing debt, estimated at $2.8 trillion in U.S. commercial real estate debt by the end of 2028, is a growing concern. Commercial real estate stakeholders are grappling with the challenges of increased capital costs and constrained liquidity, particularly in securing capital for acquisitions, recapitalizations and development initiatives,” said Greg Friedman, Peachtree Group’s managing principal and CEO.

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Peachtree Group's credit division, formerly Stonehill, ranked as the 8th largest U.S. commercial real estate hotel lender by the Mortgage Bankers Association in its last loan origination rankings.

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As a direct commercial real estate lender, it offers permanent loans, bridge loans, mezzanine loans, commercial property-asset clean energy (CPACE) financing and preferred equity investments across all commercial real estate sectors, with its origins in the hospitality industry.

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Other notable credit transactions closed over the past 90 days:

• $40.8 million first mortgage loan for the construction of a dual-branded Residence Inn and Home2 Suites in Montgomery, Ala.
• $46.0 million in Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (“CPACE”) financing for the Thompson Hotel in Palm Springs, Calif.  
• $36.2 million first mortgage loan for Courtyard by Marriott in Chevy Chase, Md.
• $40.6 million first mortgage loan for Home2 Suites in Charlotte, N.C.
• $34.5 million first mortgage loan for a multifamily complex in Gainesville, Fla.
• $17.5 million first mortgage loan for student housing in Athens, Ga.  

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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, we manage billions in capital across acquisitions, development, and lending, augmented by services designed to protect, support and grow our investments. For more information, visit www.peachtreegroup.com.

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Contact:

CharlesTalbert

678-823-7683

ctalbert@peachtreegroup.com

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As cities grapple with limited resources and urban revitalization, one innovative approach gaining traction is adaptive reuse. By repurposing existing structures, such as warehouses, factories and office buildings, adaptive reuse offers a sustainable solution to create affordable housing. However, financing these projects can pose a significant challenge.

The priority of financing an adaptive reuse project is finding an experienced lender, which will increase the chances of a smooth funding process.

The challenges and risks associated with repurposing existing structures can make traditional lenders hesitant to provide financing. In such cases, alternative lenders like, who specializes in adaptive reuse and has a track record of working with these projects, can be a valuable resource.

Stonehill has a deep understanding of the unique considerations involved in adaptive reuse, such as the complexities of assessing the property’s value, estimating renovation costs, and managing potential environmental or structural issues. As a result, Stonehill is usually more willing to provide flexible terms and agreements to accommodate the specific needs and challenges of adaptive reuse projects.

Hotel to Multi-family Conversion Case Study

Stonehill recently financed $11 million for the conversion of a former 195-key conference hotel into 195 affordable studio apartment units. The hotel’s conference space was transitioned to resident amenities including a fitness center, common laundry facilities, lounge areas, large outdoor courtyard and co-working space.

In addition to the sponsor’s experience in workforce housing, the business plan was attractive to Stonehill because of the strong traditional apartment market and demonstrated population growth in the area. And, once complete, the development offers new apartment product at affordable rents for the market.

Benefits of Adaptive Reuse for Affordable Housing

Adaptive reuse provides various benefits, making it an attractive option for affordable housing development.

• Cost-effectiveness: Repurposing existing buildings for affordable housing can significantly reduce development costs compared to constructing new buildings. Existing structures often have solid foundations, basic infrastructure and utilities in place, which can save both time and money during the renovation process. This cost-effectiveness makes adaptive reuse an attractive option for affordable housing initiatives, as it maximizes available resources.
• Preservation of heritage: Adaptive reuse projects offer the opportunity to preserve and celebrate a city’s architectural heritage and historic landmarks. By repurposing buildings with historical significance, communities can retain their cultural identity and architectural character while addressing the pressing need for affordable housing. This approach promotes a sense of pride, connects residents with their city’s history, and contributes to the overall cultural fabric of the community.
• Sustainable solution: Utilizing existing structures through adaptive reuse aligns with sustainable development goals. It reduces the demand for new construction, which requires additional resources, energy, and land. Adaptive reuse minimizes waste generation and environmental impact associated with demolition and new construction by repurposing and renovating existing buildings. This approach promotes resource efficiency and contributes to the overall sustainability of urban development.
• Revitalization of neighborhoods: Converting vacant or underutilized buildings into affordable housing has the potential to revitalize neighborhoods. Adaptive reuse projects can attract residents, businesses, and investments to previously neglected areas by breathing new life into these spaces. This revitalization enhances economic growth, improves community aesthetics, and fosters a sense of pride and ownership among residents. It also supports community development by providing affordable housing options and improving the overall quality of life in the neighborhood.

Considering these benefits, adaptive reuse is a multifaceted approach that addresses the affordable housing crisis and promotes sustainability, heritage preservation and community revitalization. It is an innovative solution that leverages existing resources to create positive social and environmental impacts in urban areas.

Working with Peachtree Group in financing adaptive reuse into affordable housing can increase the chances of securing the necessary funding, navigating the process’s complexities, and ensuring a higher likelihood of project success. Contact me today to discuss your project dsiegel@peachtreegroup.com.

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Daniel Siegel is principal and president of Peachtree’s commercial real estate lending group overseeing the group’s expansion into commercial real estate lending. Before joining Peachtree, he was managing director at a large private equity firm and the head of high-yield investments. Prior to joining that firm, Siegel was vice president of acquisitions at Rialto Capital, overseeing the distressed loan acquisitions platform. During his tenure at Rialto, Siegel directly oversaw the acquisition of commercial real estate loans on both domestic and international opportunities. Additionally, he developed the firm’s small balance loan acquisition platform and led the company’s first European acquisition. Siegel has a bachelor’s degree in finance from Tulane University.

Contact Daniel at dsiegel@peachtreegroup.com.

Peachtree CEO Greg Friedman was quoted in this recent CoStar Group article by Sean McCracken talking about the lending environment for hotels in 2024 and the opportunities for investor, operator, lenders like Peachtree Group.

"Most traditional lenders aren't lending," said Friedman. "Forty percent of the debt market is traditionally made up of regional banks, community banks, national banks, and it's been in the press that banks are under pressure. So 40% of the market is struggling, the CMBS market makes up close to 25% to 30% of lending to hotels and that market is well under pressure, as well."But he said what is left of the market is attracted to hotels due to "really good asset-level performance."

Lending Conditions Likely More Certain for Hotels in 2024 (costar.com)

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