Loan Closings

Island Terrace Apartments image courtesy of POAH. CHICAGO, Ill. (Feb. 26, 2024)—The Chicago office of leading financial services provider Merchants Capital today announced that it provided more than $54 million of debt and $49 million in Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) equity financing for the rehabilitation of Island Terrace, a 21-story affordable apartment complex located across from the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago’s Woodlawn neighborhood. Preservation of Affordable Housing, Inc. (POAH), a national non-profit affordable housing developer and owner of Island Terrace, closed the complex financing structure on December 20, 2023. Merchants Capital maximized LIHTC equity via a structure called “twinning,” which leveraged both 4% and 9% tax credits issued by the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) and the City of Chicago. Island Terrace is one of the first HUD-insured housing properties to use this unique type of financing. The 4% and 9% equity syndication generated $31.8 million and $17.3 million, respectively, matched by two corresponding HUD-insured permanent loans totaling more than $22 million and two equity bridge loans totaling more than $32 million. Merchants Bank provided $26.5 million for the property acquisition in 2021.  “It was exciting to draw on the many capabilities we have at Merchants to put this complex transaction together,” said Emmett Donovan, Senior Vice President of Originations at Merchants Capital. “From the initial acquisition funding to the equity, HUD-insured construction / permanent loan and the equity bridge loan, Merchants’ ability to originate all components of the capital structure is truly unique in the market. These debt and equity sources will allow POAH to modernize the Island Terrace property and preserve this important affordable housing asset for the Woodlawn community for generations.” The planned Island Terrace renovations are extensive and will include replacement of the roof, windows, plumbing and electrical systems; a redesigned first floor with community room and laundry facilities; and updated kitchens and bathrooms throughout the 240 apartments. Prior to the recapitalization, only 88 of the project’s 240 units carried affordable restrictions, which could have been canceled at any time, while the balance of the units was unrestricted. The new financing structure enabled POAH to expand the affordability restrictions to include nearly all units while extending the restrictions for at least 30 more years. “Island Terrace is a critical source of affordable housing in this part of Chicago, and we are delighted to invest in its future,” said POAH Vice President for Development Molly Ekerdt in a recent announcement. “With the investments of public and private partners and the involvement of residents, this property will serve low- and moderate-income families for many years to come.” Additional funding sources for the project include a combined $24 million of secondary loans from the IHDA and the City of Chicago. The AFL-CIO Housing Investment Trust also contributed funds to the transaction through its purchase of the securitized HUD Loans.   “The preservation of Island Terrace means there will be more housing that’s affordable to families in Chicago,” said Chang Suh, CEO of the AFL-CIO Housing Investment Trust. “Together we’re getting a lot done, and more needs to be done. That’s what makes this kind of successful, collaborative project so important.” 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 (Feb. 15, 2024)—The New York office of financial services company Merchants Capital today announced that it has provided a $348 million Mortgage-Backed Securities (MBS) loan from Fannie Mae to support the rehabilitation of New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA)’s Reid Apartments and Park Rock Consolidated (Reid Park Rock), a $635.6 million Permanent Affordability Commitment Together (PACT) project that will bring comprehensive renovations for nearly 3,500 residents living in 87 buildings across Brooklyn. The development team of BRP Companies, Fairstead and Urbane, tapped by NYCHA in 2021, will deliver more than $600 million in comprehensive repairs and upgrades to modernize Reid Park Rock. The partners are responsible for property management, enhanced social services and community programs to maintain long-term housing assistance and stability. The Local Development Corporation of East New York will provide tenant and community outreach services.  The straight-to-permanent financing provided by Merchants is designed to recapitalize the PACT Reid Park Rock project, preserve cash and provide immediate rehabilitation support for 15 developments located in Brooklyn’s East New York and Brownsville neighborhoods. Merchants worked with NYCHA and the New York City Housing Development Corporation (HDC) to finalize the deal. “We were able to provide a more expansive financing structure and strengthen counterparty relationships with the inclusion of Fannie Mae products in the transaction,” said Michael Milazzo, Senior Vice President of Originations at Merchants Capital. “It is an honor to support NYCHA and the outstanding development team on additional PACT affordable housing projects.” “We are thrilled to be one step closer to delivering revitalized and transformed residences to nearly 3,500 NYCHA residents across East Brooklyn,” said Meredith Marshall, Co-Founder & Managing Partner of BRP Companies. “We look forward to our continued partnership with NYCHA, Merchants Capital, Fairstead, Urbane, The Local Development Corporation of East New York and The Vistria Group as we look to break ground and advance the project to final fruition that will elevate the overall community experience and ensure long-term housing stability for the residents.” "Fairstead is proud to partner with Merchants Capital New York to realize our shared vision for the future of Reid Park Rock," said Fairstead CEO Jeffrey Goldberg. “Public-private partnerships like PACT are essential for the revitalization of public housing, and we are honored to work with all of our partners as we bring much-needed improvements to the nearly 3,500 residents that call Reid Park Rock home." "We are excited to enter this next phase of partnership with Merchants Capital to provide high-quality public housing improvements and a comprehensive economic empowerment strategy to nearly 3,500 residents at Reid Park Rock," said James Johnson-Piett, Principal and CEO of Urbane. "This investment catalyzes the ability to leverage a best-in-class public-private partnership with the Reid Park Rock partners and the NYCHA residents to position Reid Park Rock as a hub for community wealth creation catalyzed within public housing communities." Merchants Capital collaborated with the development team and affordable housing partners, including project sponsors BRP Companies, Fairstead, Urbane and The Vistria Group; and NYCHA, Fannie Mae, New York City HDC, The Local Development Corporation of East New York, Blank Rome LLP, Nixon Peabody LLP, Sidley Austin LLP, Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP and ArentFox Schiff LLP. To learn more about Merchants Capital and its services, visit www.merchantscapital.com or find Merchants Capital on Facebook, X, LinkedIn and Instagram.

WASHINGTON (Feb. 12, 2024) – The Washington, D.C. office of leading financial services provider Merchants Capital today announced it has secured more than $86.2 million in Freddie Mac 4% Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) Tax-Exempt Loan (TEL) Forwards for the construction of Juniper Square, a senior living community, and 67 Flats, a family housing development, both to be constructed in Glendale, Arizona. The Freddie Mac permanent financing comprises $29.8 million for Juniper Square and $56.3 million for 67 Flats. The projects are also supported by $89 million in equity bridge loans from Merchants Bank and $179 million in construction loans from Barclays Capital, Inc. Juniper Square and 67 Flats will maintain affordability through 2053, which will restrict 100% of units at 60% or less of the Area Median Income (AMI). “We are humbled to be the trusted Freddie Mac Targeted Affordable Housing lender responsible for executing a complex structure with Barclays and US Bank, effectively and efficiently, and recognize the innovative leadership demonstrated by Dominium’s development team,” said Dwayne George, Executive Vice President of Agency Production at Merchants Capital. “We look forward to witnessing Dominium’s transformative vision for affordable senior and family housing unfold in the Glendale community." Juniper Square and 67 Flats are being developed by Dominium, Inc., the fourth largest affordable apartment development and management company in the nation.  “Dominium is excited to start construction on 600 units of much-needed affordable housing in the Phoenix community,” said T.J. McElroy, Senior Vice President of Capital Markets at Dominium. “Dwayne George and the Merchants Capital team went above and beyond to move fast and execute on a complicated transaction in a difficult market. The execution from the entire Merchants team was seamless and showed why they are a leader in the affordable housing space.” Juniper Square will be a 221-unit, 55+ age-restricted property consisting of two four-story residential buildings. Common area amenities include onsite management, elevators, a swimming pool, clubhouse, sports court, central laundry, fitness center, media/theater room, library, hairdresser, pub/game room, recreation and picnic areas. 67 Flats will be a 384-unit midrise multifamily property consisting of 14 three-story residential buildings and four single-story non-residential buildings, including a leasing office, clubhouse and fitness center. Common area amenities include onsite management, a swimming pool, sports court, central laundry, recreational and picnic areas, a playground, game room and indoor kids’ playroom for families and children. In-unit amenities for both properties will include patios/balconies, drapes/blinds, carpet/vinyl plank flooring, central air conditioning, coat closets, ceiling fans, washer/dryer connections, stainless steel appliance packages and walk-in closets. Dominium, the sponsor, officially closed the projects simultaneously in December 2023 and will soon begin construction. Completion of both properties is expected within 24 months, followed by 12 months of leasing. To learn more about Merchants Capital and its services, visit www.merchantscapital.com or find Merchants Capital on Facebook, X, LinkedIn and Instagram. 67 Flats rendering courtesy of Dominium, Inc.

NEW YORK (Aug. 18, 2023) – The New York office of leading financial services provider Merchants Capital today announces it has provided more than $320 million in financing to support comprehensive renovations at Edenwald Houses in The Bronx. The second largest New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) property in the state and the largest in The Bronx, Edenwald Houses dates back to the 1950s and currently provides affordable housing to more than 5,000 residents. “Maintaining the integrity of developments like Edenwald Houses is critical for the people of New York City, creating a haven where residents can forge their lives and futures in dignity,” said Mat Wambua, Vice Chairman and Executive Vice President, Agency Lending at Merchants Capital. “We appreciate the opportunity to collaborate with our public partners, including NYCHA, HDC, HPD and Freddie Mac, on pivotal NYCHA Permanent Affordability Commitment Together (PACT) deals. Our goal as one of the nation’s top lenders is to provide innovative financing solutions that match the specific needs of our clients. Structuring this intricate deal is a testament to the creativeness of our New York originations team and our commitment as a firm to support developments of every caliber.” Merchants Capital secured a $320 million New York Housing Development Corporation (NYHDC) Freddie Mac Risk Share Loan on behalf of the property developer, Camber Property Group. The funds will support an intensive, four-year construction period to fully rehabilitate the property, one of New York City’s oldest housing developments. “The investment from Merchants Capital, Freddie Mac and the NYC Housing Development Corporation in Edenwald Houses will positively impact the lives of over 5,000 people,” said Rick Gropper, Principal at Camber Property Group. “Through our partnership with NYCHA, we will make the most of this opportunity, improving the complex and demonstrating what happens when people come together to preserve and elevate the affordable housing so many New Yorkers rely on. We are looking forward to putting these funds to good use and are grateful for Merchants Capital’s commitment to Edenwald Houses and the community it represents.” As part of the larger Edenwald Community Plan, the property will be registered on the New York state and national historic registries in an effort to unlock additional necessary funding through the Federal Historic Rehabilitation Investment Tax Credit. Also, as a new development under the PACT program, Edenwald Houses will transition to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Section 8 program enabling supplemental federal funding. To date, Merchants has provided approximately $1 billion in financing towards more than 5,300 units as part of PACT projects throughout New York City. “We are very pleased to provide financing to support the transformation of Edenwald Houses, a historic property that plays an incredibly impactful role in this community,” said Stephen Johnson, Senior Vice President, Head of Production and Sales at Freddie Mac. “Working alongside Merchants Capital, Camber Property Group, and the New York Housing Development Corporation, Freddie Mac helped ensure that one of the largest affordable rental communities in the Bronx can remain home for more than 5,000 families. At Freddie Mac, everything we do is grounded in supporting affordability and equity in the rental market, and this transaction demonstrates the critical role our renovation financing can play to revitalize communities across the nation.” Over the last several years, Edenwald Houses residents, NYCHA and the PACT team worked collaboratively to identify the scope and design of the property’s renovation. Currently underway, the $530 million scope of work for property upgrades includes masonry and facade repairs, mechanical building modifications such as improved heating and cooling systems, elevators and solar panels, strengthened security through new surveillance systems and more. Merchants Capital proudly worked alongside notable industry partners, including project sponsors Camber Property Group, SAA | EVI and Henge Development in addition to NYHDC, Freddie Mac, JP Morgan Chase, Sidley Austin, Ballard Spahr LLP, and Nixon Peabody. To learn more about Merchants Capital and its services, visit www.merchantscapital.com or find Merchants Capital on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.

NEW YORK (July 6, 2023) – The New York office of leading financial services provider Merchants Capital today announces it has secured $11 million in debt and Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) equity financing for the construction of Cedarwood Homes in Pittsburgh, marking the firm’s continued expansion into new markets. The new-build property will bring 46 age- and income-restricted units to Fairywood, one of Pittsburgh’s most western neighborhoods. Together, Merchants Capital’s debt and equity teams secured an $11 million construction and equity bridge loan on behalf of the property developer, Tryko Partners. The funds will provide tax credit equity bridge financing to support construction development costs. “Securing the financing for this property represents a significant milestone for us at Merchants Capital,” said William Jones, Senior Vice President with Merchants Capital. “Since launching our tax credit syndication platform in 2021, we have been searching for projects that allow us to exercise our talents as a full-service lender. Cedarwood Homes granted us that opportunity, and it is also the first LIHTC-financed, senior affordable property in Pittsburgh’s West End in history. We are honored to have worked alongside several of the city’s top housing agencies on such an important property for the people of Pittsburgh.” Situated at the intersection of Broadhead Fording Road and Village Road, and at the former grounds of the Fairywood School, Cedarwood Homes will feature 46 one-bedroom apartments across 12 one-story buildings. Each unit will host a private, ground-floor entrance. In-unit amenities include a washer and dryer and modern, vinyl plank flooring. The property will also feature a community building with management offices, as well as a fitness center, meeting area, kitchen and multi-purpose space reserved for residents. All units at Cedarwood Homes will be age-restricted to individuals 62 years of age and older. Within the 46 total units, 39 units will be income-restricted, with five units reserved for residents earning 20% of the area median income (AMI), 19 for those earning 50% AMI and 15 for those earning 60% AMI. The remaining seven units will be offered at market rate. Merchants Capital was proud to work alongside Tryko Partners and together with Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh (URA), Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh (HACP) and Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA). “The Cedarwood Homes housing development marks a milestone for the Fairywood neighborhood and its residents,” said Susheela Nemani Stanger, Executive Director of the URA. “After the neighborhood has experienced years of disinvestment, the URA seeks to set things right by beginning a new phase of development and reinvestment into this community. This starts by providing affordable and livable housing to its senior population. We want to thank Tryko Partners, Merchants Capital, HACP, PHFA and all other involved parties that made this project possible.” "We're proud to be working with Merchants Capital, the URA and PHFA to bring sorely needed affordable, senior citizen housing to the West End," said Caster D. Binion, HACP Executive Director. "Funding from HACP's Project Based Voucher/ Gap Financing program is supporting innovative affordable housing developments like Cedarwood Homes in neighborhoods throughout the city, as we continue to use every tool at our discretion in order to meet the growing demand for affordable housing."  Upon completion of construction, Cedarwood Homes will certify to the 2020 Enterprise Green Communities criteria and the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Zero Energy Ready Home Program, which indicates the units will be designed and built at a high performance to ensure maximum energy efficiency and savings. The property is set to debut Spring 2024. To learn more about Merchants Capital and its services, visit www.merchantscapital.com or find Merchants Capital on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram. Property rendering courtesy of Tryko Partners.

NEW YORK (April 3, 2023) – The New York office of leading multifamily financier Merchants Capital today announces it has secured more than $25.9 million for the renovation and upgrade of Mirador Las Casas, a Section 8 and Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) multifamily development located in San Juan, Puerto Rico. This project is notable as a return by the Puerto Rico Housing Finance Authority to 4% LIHTC housing bond issuance. The property features 294 units across 21 three-story buildings, with a variety of two-, three- and four-bedroom floor plans. Long term Section 8 and LIHTC agreements ensure the extended affordability for the residents of Mirador Las Casas. The planned renovation will preserve quality living standards in addition to providing residents with new amenities and services. Sixteen of the total units will be reserved for people with functional diversity, including three units marked as “sensory accessible” for those with hearing impairments. Less than four miles from the highly sought after Isla Verde Beach, Mirador Las Casas provides critical affordable housing for low-income families of San Juan. The property is one of 22 owned across the island by the accomplished local developer and investor Fernando L. Sumaza & Co., LLC. Funded sources will support an extensive renovation of the property, including in-unit amenity improvements of kitchens, baths, balconies and installation of in-unit washer and dryer appliances. Additional improvements will include construction of a leasing office, community building, digital library building, basketball court, playground, maintenance building and storage sheds. New sidewalks will be installed throughout the property, and all parking areas will be resurfaced. Merchants Capital New York secured a $25.9 million Merchants Bank of Indiana (MBI) bridge loan on behalf of the property owner. The revolving MBI bridge loan will cash collateralize a $56 million publicly offered housing bond issuance by Puerto Rico Housing Finance Authority and enable the project to comply with federal LIHTC regulations. LIHTC equity for the project was syndicated by The Richman Group. Purchaser’s/Underwriter’s counsel was provided by Tiber Hudson and bond underwriting by Stifel. “Merchants was able to provide an innovative cash collateralized structure for Mirador Las Casas. This loan complies with federal LIHTC 50% test requirements and reduces required interest reserve development costs. Providing a cash collateralized financing product in Puerto Rico represents a major milestone for our team and the affordable housing finance industry,” said Ben Levine, Senior Vice President of Originations at Merchants Capital New York. “Communities in Puerto Rico are still recovering from the devastation of Hurricane Maria in 2017. We are hopeful that by working alongside the Puerto Rico Housing Finance Authority and the development team for Mirador Las Casas we can make a positive contribution to the Puerto Rican community.” “It has been a grateful experience working with Merchants and the other professionals that made this deal possible,” said Alexandra Domenech, President of Fernando L. Sumaza & Co, LLC.  “Merchants' entry into the Puerto Rico financial market provides new opportunities for the development of affordable housing on the island, and we are glad that they started with our project. The Sumaza team is eager to see the families of Mirador Las Casas Apartments enjoying the renovated and modern housing.” To learn more about Merchants Capital and its services, visit www.merchantscapital.com or find Merchants Capital on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.

SAINT PAUL, Minn. (Feb. 23, 2023) – Leading financial services provider Merchants Capital today announces it has provided approximately $90 million in construction, permanent financing and Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) equity for the development of Solana Villas, a federal LIHTC community to be built in Buckeye, Arizona near Phoenix. The community will be developed by prominent commercial real estate developer Roers Companies, with financing provided by Merchants Capital and Merchants Bank of Indiana (MBI). Solana Villas will be set on approximately 10.7 acres of land and include 200 total units across eight garden style apartment buildings. Upon completion of construction, the complex will include eight three-story buildings and one two-story building consisting of a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom floor plans. All units will be restricted to individuals earning no greater than 60% of the area median income (AMI). Merchants Capital secured financing for the property consisting of a $33 million MBI tax-exempt construction loan, a $24 million MBI taxable construction loan and a $31.5 million Freddie Mac Tax-Exempt Loan (TEL) forward commitment for the permanent loan. A 4% LIHTC equity investment of $27.8 million was provided by Merchants. “In the past several years we have focused on expanding our presence as an affordable and multifamily financier nationally, and this new property contributes to our overarching goal,” said Marsha Goff, Executive Vice President of Merchants’ St. Paul office. “Solana Villas is a critical piece of the redevelopment landscape in this community, and it has been an honor to partner with Roers Companies to support their first affordable housing build in Arizona.” Roers Companies’ contributions to design and execution of Solana Apartments proved to be pivotal in the initial development process. “This deal represents an exciting opportunity to deliver much needed affordable housing to the Buckeye area,” said Kevin Sturgeon, Senior Development Consultant at Roers Companies, the property developer. “We appreciate our partnership with Merchants Capital and value their creativity in getting this transaction done.” To learn more about Merchants Capital and its services, visit www.merchantscapital.com or find Merchants Capital on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn and Instagram.

CARMEL, Ind. – Leading multifamily financing provider Merchants Capital today announced it has secured a $15.5 million U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) loan for Lakeshore Manor in East Chicago, Indiana. Located on the corner of 136th and Main Street on the northwest side of the city, the new development will bring 206 units of income- and age-restricted housing to the area. Originally designed to replace the now-closed John B. Nicosia senior building, Lakeshore Manor will be entirely new construction, consisting of two four-story buildings that comply with National Green Building Standards (NGBS). The 221(d)(4) new construction deal will allow the property to feature 206 one- and two-bedroom apartment units reserved for seniors 62 years of age and older and/or disabled residents, with rent restricted at 60% of the area median income (AMI). Merchants Capital secured $15.5 million in HUD financing to support development of the project, along with a $13.5 million equity bridge loan through its parent company Merchants Bank of Indiana. Cinnaire, the property’s equity investor, provided a $21.7 million LIHTC investment in the project for a total development cost of $51 million. Upon completion of construction, all units at Lakeshore Manor will feature electric ranges, refrigerators, laminate countertops, ceiling fans, window treatments, central air conditioning and walk-in closets. As a senior housing complex, the development will be subject to Section 100-2 Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Minimum Property Standards and thus will include automatic temperature limit controls in the shower, electrical outlets for night lights between the bed and bathroom, handrails on at least one side of all interior corridors and an emergency call system in each unit. Additionally, 12 of the 206 total units at Lakeshore Manor will be designed as fully accessible, hearing-impaired units and will comply with the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards (UFAS) requirements. The property’s location in East Chicago makes it part of the city’s ongoing North Harbor Redevelopment Area project, an effort to improve public spaces including streets, playing fields, playground equipment and concert stages at Nunez and Callahan parks. With these proposed upgrades, and the new Lakeshore Manor housing development, the city hopes to provide major economic contributions that will support the long-term sustainability of the area. “Cinnaire has been changing lives and transforming neighborhoods in Indiana for more than 25 years,” said Keith Broadnax, Cinnaire Senior Vice President, Business Development. “We remain focused on creating housing opportunities to ensure seniors can live affordably in the communities they call home. Lakeshore Manor residents will enjoy living in the heart of the revitalization taking place in East Chicago. We’re proud to join our partners at Merchants Capital to make the vision of Lakeshore Manor a reality.” The new property is expected to debut in February 2024. To learn more about Merchants Capital and its services, visit www.merchantscapital.com or find Merchants Capital on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn and Instagram.

CHICAGO – The Chicago office of Merchants Capital recently secured a $35.6 million construction loan on behalf of HomeRise for the rehabilitation of San Cristina, a historic 58-unit single room occupancy (SRO) rental property located in San Francisco, which provides housing and support services to formerly homeless residents. The construction loan was provided by Merchants Bank of Indiana (MBI) with participation by the AFL-CIO Housing Investment Trust (HIT). Originally constructed in 1913 as an office building, San Cristina was acquired in 1991 by HomeRise and converted into one of the earliest permanent supportive housing communities in San Francisco. Upon completion, San Cristina will continue to provide affordable housing to the formerly unhoused and improve residents’ quality of life through enhanced support services offered by HomeRise. “We are excited about the opportunity to restore our San Cristina housing to its historical glory. Our funding partnership with Merchants Capital is a vital part of our ability to continue to provide supported housing opportunities,” said Rick Aubry, CEO of HomeRise. San Cristina was one of 27 projects to receive a 2022 California Housing Accelerator Award which allocated $24.2 million to the project as part of the state’s comprehensive strategy to address housing affordability for the state’s lowest-income households. In addition to the award, the project also received funding from the California Department of Housing and Community Development Multifamily Housing Program, the Mayor’s Office of Housing and Community Development and the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco’s Affordable Housing Program through Century Housing Corporation. “Our participation in the rehabilitation of the San Cristina property is part of the AFL-CIO Housing Investment Trust’s continuing commitment under its billion-dollar Bay Area Initiative launched in 2020,” said HIT CEO Chang Suh. “This infusion of capital creates union jobs and provides much-needed housing for people who are at risk and experiencing homelessness.” This investment by Merchants Capital and the AFL-CIO HIT marks the two firms’ second investment with HomeRise, after the recently completed Jazzie Collins Apartments located at 53 Colton Street in San Francisco’s Hub neighborhood. To learn more about Merchants Capital and its services, visit www.merchantscapital.com or find Merchants Capital on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.

CARMEL, Ind. – Leading financial services provider Merchants Capital today announces the completion of the rehabilitation of a federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) project located in Houston, Texas, known as Knolls at West Oaks Apartments, by prominent affordable housing developer, Dominium. Merchants Capital provided $10.8 million in tax credit equity in exchange for the LIHTC. It also originated debt financing for the project under its Government-Sponsored Enterprise (GSE) license. The comprehensive financing package offered by Merchants supported the acquisition, rehabilitation and re-syndication of the residential development, which is an existing, income restricted, LIHTC property originally constructed in 2003. Set within a larger mixed-use neighborhood with commercial, residential and educational spaces, Knolls at West Oaks consists of 168 total units (84 two-bedroom and 84 three-bedroom floor plans). All units are restricted to individuals earning no greater than 60% of the area median income (AMI). For the project financing, Merchants Capital originated and will service a Freddie Mac tax exempt loan, a Merchants Bank of Indiana equity bridge loan and a 4% LIHTC equity investment. The renovation included an extensive remodel of the existing clubhouse, a new fitness center and supportive services room, the construction of a new bus stop, installation of a new playground and the addition of a new pavilion and grilling area. Resident units will receive new appliances, quartz countertops, flooring, low-flow plumbing fixtures, a full cabinet replacement and energy-efficient light fixtures. As part of the renovation, all units were modified to meet current accessibility standards. Five units were converted into ADA units, and an additional four units were modified into audio-visual impaired units, for a total of nine ADA-compliant units. “We appreciate the partnership and collaboration from Merchants Capital on this rehabilitation that keeps 168 affordable apartment homes in the Houston area,” said Neal M. Route, Vice President and Project Partner at Dominium, the property developer. Rehabilitation began in August 2021 and was completed in September 2022. Merchants Capital extends their sincere congratulations for the successful completion of the project. To learn more about Merchants Capital and its services, visit www.merchantscapital.com or find Merchants Capital on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.