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Peachtree Group Exceeds $1.0 Billion in Commercial Real Estate Originations
Peachtree Group announced that its credit team has surpassed $1 billion in loan originations year-to-date.
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.
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.
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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.
Brent LeBlanc Tapped to Spearhead Business Development for Peachtree Group
Peachtree Group is pleased to announce that Brent LeBlanc is now leading the firm's business development efforts across its investment platforms.
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ATLANTA (Sept. 30, 2024) – Peachtree Group (“Peachtree”) is pleased to announce that Brent LeBlanc is now leading the firm's business development efforts across its investment platforms. In his new role as executive vice president, business development, Brent will support Peachtree's efforts to grow and expand its vertically integrated investment platforms. His responsibilities will include focusing on cross-marketing strategies, fostering business development and collaborating closely with the investment teams to drive innovation and capture new opportunities.
With roughly 30 years of hospitality real estate experience, LeBlanc has successfully launched hotel brands and completed complex real estate transactions with the largest hotel operators and developers in the U.S.
"This year, Peachtree surpassed $10 billion in transaction investment value, and we see a tremendous opportunity to grow our business further but realize we need to prioritize our business development efforts to enhance our competitive edge in the market,” said Greg Friedman, Peachtree's managing principal and CEO. “Brent is a long-serving trusted leader and the right person to guide Peachtree's business development forward effectively.”
LeBlanc joined Peachtree in 2012 to lead an aggressive growth strategy to expand Peachtree’s footprint into the western U.S. and strengthen relationships with premium-branded hotels such as Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt andIHG. During that time, LeBlanc participated in more than $4.0 billion in real estate transactions across the enterprise.
"The core of our business development efforts is a strong commitment to innovation and strategic partnerships,” said LeBlanc. “We are dedicated to identifying and capitalizing on new opportunities to ensure the firm's growth and long-term success. By continuously adapting to market trends and fostering a culture of collaboration, we are well-positioned to drive our business forward and achieve outstanding results."
LeBlanc most recently served as executive vice president, capital markets, building and expanding the leadership team for Peachtree's broker-dealer affiliate, Peachtree PC Investors ("PPCI"). He has been instrumental in scaling up PPCI’s capital markets, investor relations and sales efforts and strengthening its financial and compliance operations. Most notably, he brought in Brian Cho as PPCI's president last year, who will continue to oversee all areas of equity capital markets.
"By prioritizing business development, we are positioning ourselves to capitalize on emerging opportunities and navigate the evolving financial landscape," Greg Friedman said.
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.
Navigating Hotel Financing: Expert Insights on Adapting to Rising Interest Rates and Inflation
Jared Schlosser, EVP for hotel lending at Peachtree Group discusses the rapidly shifting economic environment and how hotel developers and lenders are adapting their strategies to secure successful outcomes.
In a rapidly shifting economic environment, hotel developers and lenders are adapting their strategies to secure successful outcomes for hotel projects. We sat down with Jared Schlosser, EVP of Hotel Lending and Head of CPACE at Peachtree Group to discuss how rising interest rates and inflationary pressures are influencing lending criteria and financial planning. Hear more insights from Jared during his panel Active Lending at Lodging Conference.
Q: Given the rising interest rates and inflationary pressures, how are lenders adjusting their underwriting criteria for hotels?
Jared Schlosser: Right now, it's all about cash flow. It’s hard to underwrite any sort of pro forma growth unless there’s a real story behind it. Lenders are focused on the cash flow, and if you can achieve a 13% debt yield or higher, you qualify for generally permanent debt, CMBS, life company, or even bank takeouts. If you don’t meet that threshold, then you typically fall into the private credit space, which is where Peachtree Group comes in.
Q: What are the current trends in loan terms, such as loan-to-value (LTV) ratios or interest rates?
JS: It’s been quite varied, depending on what each lender's risk threshold is. The biggest trend I’m seeing is uncertainty around how long rates will stay elevated. Because of that, borrowers are seeking flexibility. They’re willing to pay a premium for loans with shorter yield maintenance or reduced prepayment penalties. Many are hesitant to lock into long-term fixed-rate debt like they used to.
We provide both fixed-rate and floating-rate loans, but even with fixed-rate products, borrowers are trying to secure as much flexibility as possible. We’re still getting to 70% loan-to-cost (LTC) or LTV, sometimes pushing up to 75% or scaling back, depending on our underwriting. In contrast, the banking market is closer to 50-55% on average, which highlights the difference between our space and traditional banks.
Q: How should developers adapt their financial strategies in this market?
JS: I always say in a volatile market, get ahead of it. Be proactive—get ahead of your maturity dates and start conversations early, whether it’s with us or other competitors in the space. Early engagement is key right now because the future is so uncertain.
With upcoming elections, the volatility surrounding Federal Reserve policy, and questions about whether rates will be cut or stay elevated longer than expected, liquidity is fluctuating. The sooner borrowers are out in the market looking for refinances or construction financing, and the more well-prepared their packages are, the better their chances of securing favorable terms.
Peachtree Group is a direct balance sheet lender focused on funding first mortgage bridge loans, mezzanine loans, preferred equity investments, and commercial property assessed clean energy (CPACE) financing, lending to all commercial real estate asset classes with a specialty in hotel financing. The Peachtree Group team has executed more than 297 transactions, originating more than $4.5 billion for projects seeking capital to complete acquisitions, recapitalizations, refinancing and renovations.