Nov 6 2009
The Dallas office of HFF (Holliday Fenoglio Fowler, L.P.) announced today that it arranged a $120 million recapitalization for the W Hotel & Residences, a luxury mixed-use project under construction in Austin, Texas.
Working on behalf of Stratus Properties, Inc. and the Canyon-Johnson Urban Fund, HFF senior managing director Whitaker Johnson placed a new five-year construction loan originated by CLG Hedge Fund, LLC, a hedge fund affiliated with Beal Bank Nevada. This loan is replacing an original $165 million construction financing through Corus Bank that HFF secured on behalf of the borrowers in 2008. As part of the recapitalization, Stratus and Canyon-Johnson are also contributing $45 million to the project.
Due for completion in December 2010, the W Hotel and Residences will have 252 guest rooms and suites. In addition, approximately 159 residential units, in one- to four-bedroom layouts, will be located on floors 18 to 37 and will feature views of Lady Bird Lake, the Hill Country and the city skyline. Hotel guests will have access to the W’s signature Living Room experience and Whatever/Whenever, the hotel’s 24-hour concierge service that provides guests with the ultimate in amenities at any hour. On-site amenities will include an elevated garden incorporating a swimming pool and bar, a spa, and approximately 54,000 square feet of retail and office space. There will also be an entertainment venue operated by Live Nation and a new studio for KLRU-TV’s Austin City Limits show. The W Hotel and Residences is located at 2nd Street and Lavaca in downtown Austin’s 2nd Street District.
“HFF was pleased to line up new construction financing to mitigate any risks associated with the health and stability of the in-place senior construction lender, Corus Bank. Construction never wavered throughout the process and upon completion, the W is going to be an outstanding addition to the downtown Austin area,” said Johnson.
Source: http://www.hfflp.com/