Michael Larsen Joins Merchants Capital as Chief Financial Officer

CARMEL, Ind. (Oct. 4, 2024)—Leading financial services provider Merchants Capital (Merchants) today announced the securitization of approximately $630 million in healthcare commercial real estate (CRE) bridge loans. The loans were originated by VIUM Capital, Merchants’ joint venture partner, and underwritten and closed on the balance sheet of Merchants’ parent, Merchants Bank, within the past 16 months. The loans are intended to support the properties until they seek permanent financing through U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The securitization pool contains 21 loans collateralized by 74 properties across 15 states for a variety of facilities, including skilled nursing, assisted living, memory care and independent living. The loans had a weighted average LTV of 69% and a weighted average debt yield above 15%. Structured as a credit risk transfer (CRT), Merchants, in collaboration with ATLAS SP Partners as structuring agent and sole bookrunner, partnered with a large investment manager specialized in alternative assets to purchase the junior securities, which totaled 15% of the transaction. As part of its purchase, the investor retained the first loss Risk Retention certificates as a third-party purchaser. "Merchants is actively positioning its balance sheet to accommodate potential increased volume during the next couple of years,” said Evan Gibson, Executive Vice President of Capital Markets at Merchants Capital. “Merchants has developed a strategic program around loan securitizations, completing four CRTs since 2022, which has helped to provide capital relief, reduce credit risk, and allow Merchants to continue as one of the top multifamily and healthcare bridge lenders in the country.” To learn more about Merchants Capital and its services, visit www.merchantscapital.com or find Merchants Capital on Facebook, X, LinkedIn and Instagram.

NEW YORK (Oct. 1, 2024)—Leading financial services provider Merchants Capital today announced that it secured more than $100 million in debt and equity proceeds for the acquisition and rehabilitation of Travis Park Apartments, an affordable housing development in Austin, Texas. "Merchants was able to demonstrate our array of innovative affordable housing financing products economically and efficiently to deliver for Sena Affordable Communities in an expedited timeframe,” said Michael Milazzo, Senior Vice President of Originations at Merchants Capital. “The collaboration between Sena and our debt and tax credit equity platforms was truly outstanding, and we are honored to be a part of securing Travis Park’s long-term affordability in the Austin market.” Merchants Capital provided a $69.15 million Freddie Mac 4% Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) Immediate TEL loan and $37.6 million in LIHTC equity as the syndicator. Merchants Bank provided a $29 million equity bridge loan during the rehab period. “We are excited to continue our relationship with L+M Development Partners and TCC Hill Country Development Corp,” said Marcin Dzido, Vice President of Acquisitions at Merchants Capital. “The Travis Park renovation ensures that 199 low-income families have safe, high-qualify housing for years to come.” Sena Affordable Communities, an affiliate of L+M Fund Management (LMFM), is a dedicated acquisition rehabilitation business known for strengthening communities with innovative affordable housing solutions to significantly reposition assets with Low-Income Housing Tax Credits and tax-exempt bond financing. The Travis Park Apartments rehabilitation will involve improvements to the grounds, building exteriors, unit interiors and deferred maintenance across 22 buildings. The scope of work includes the addition of new outdoor recreation areas, playgrounds, extensive accessibility upgrades, window replacement, new boiler and cooling towers, kitchen and bathroom improvements, new energy star appliances, replacement of original fan coil units for heating and cooling, building envelope upgrades, roof replacement and signage. A Freddie Mac Impact Sponsor, L+M Development Partners and its affiliated companies, including LMFM and Sena, have more than 55,000 high-quality residential units in construction or acquired, preserved or completed in markets across the United States. "With funding now secured for Travis Park Apartments, we look forward to protecting its long-term affordability and delivering critical improvements that will enhance the quality of life for all residents," said Jeffrey Moelis, Managing Director, Sena Affordable Communities. "Our planned upgrades, combined with Travis Park's optimal location near downtown Austin, will ensure this community can thrive for decades to come, especially as the area continues to boom. We are grateful to our partners at Merchants Capital for their work in helping us reach this milestone." Travis Park Apartments is located in South Central Austin, with regional access to Interstate 35, US Highway 290 and MoPac Expressway, and near downtown entertainment districts and outdoor attractions, including the riverwalk. Renovations are expected to be completed in 18 months. To learn more about Merchants Capital and its services, visit www.merchantscapital.com or find Merchants Capital on Facebook, X, LinkedIn and Instagram. Travis Park Apartments, image courtesy of SVN Affordable | Levental Realty

WASHINGTON (Sept. 24, 2024)—Leading financial services provider Merchants Capital today announced more than $59 million in financing for the rehabilitation of Amber Commons, a 198-unit multifamily housing development in Gaithersburg, Maryland. Merchants Capital provided a $37.7 million Freddie Mac Immediate TEL permanent loan, and Merchants Bank provided a $21.3 million equity bridge loan for the rehabilitation. Previously a market-rate property with several moderately priced dwelling units (MPDUs), Amber Commons will be an affordable housing development with an average rent restriction of 60% area median income (AMI). Affordability is supported by the LIHTC syndication with the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD). "Amber Commons is expanding the amount and quality of affordable housing in Gaithersburg with these upgrades, which are on par with, and in some cases, surpasses the current housing comparables in the market area,” said Ayanna Grasty, Vice President of Originations at Merchants Capital. “We applaud MRK Partners’ detailed approach to improving the quality of life in communities and our partners’ commitment to providing expansive affordable housing solutions.” Amber Commons is being developed by real estate investment and asset management company MRK Partners, specialists in acquisition, preservation, and repositioning of affordable housing. The company currently has more than 4,000 units under management. Interior and exterior enhancements will be rolled out across Amber Commons’ 17 three-story garden apartment buildings and common areas, including new roofing, windows and exterior lighting, new flooring, water heaters, HVAC condenser and furnace replacement and kitchen/bathroom upgrades. Accessibility upgrades will be made across the property, and sustainable improvements will achieve Enterprise Green Communities Criteria (EGCC). “We are deeply proud of the transformation of Amber Commons from a market-rate property to affordable housing, providing 198 affordable units for at least the next 30 years,” said Sydne Garchik, Founder and President of MRK Partners. “Equally exciting is the comprehensive renovation underway, which will provide upgraded units, energy efficiency updates and enhanced community spaces. We believe that everyone deserves access to quality, affordable housing, and we are especially proud to bring this vision to life in the city of Gaithersburg. This achievement is made possible through mission-driven partnerships, including our collaboration with Merchants, our nonprofit partner PSCDC, our equity partner R4 Capital, and our bond issuer Maryland CDA. We want to give special recognition to Montgomery County, our county loan lender, for their crucial support.” The renovation is expected to be completed in August 2025, following a 13-month construction period. To learn more about Merchants Capital and its services, visit www.merchantscapital.com or find Merchants Capital on Facebook, X, LinkedIn and Instagram.