Archives

Knightvest Fund

 

Domain Memorial (313 units)
Houston Texas

Maddox Luxury Living (356 units)
Dallas, Texas

Lydian Apartments (209 units)
Phoenix, Arizona

Steelhouse Apartments (326 units)
Orlando, Florida

Wesley Luxury Living (354 units)
Raleigh, North Carolina

The Fitz (224 units)
Houston, Texas (formerly Siena)

Ridley on Main (375 units)
Orlando, Florida

Eason and Cayman (598 units)
San Antonio, Texas

Clifton on 7th (336 units)
Phoenix, Arizona

Kade Luxury Living (348 units)
Dallas, Texas

Aventura Apartments (408 units)
Avondale, Arizona

109th Street Industrial Portfolio

PROPERTY DESCRIPTION

ACQUISITION PROCESS
We acquired 109th Street Industrial with Fort Capital on November 16, 2020, for $56.40 PSF, or an all-in acquisition price of $63.86 PSF. 109th Street is located one mile north of Panther’s other industrial property with Fort Capital, Arlington Industrial. Our original plan was to lease the one upcoming vacancy at the property and hold the property with a goal of selling it as part of a larger portfolio sale with Arlington Industrial in 3 to 5 years at a planned disposition price of $85.12 PSF (5.50% cap rate). This investment was underwritten to deliver a 16.8% average annual return and a 1.84x multiple on invested capital (MOIC).

PROPERTY HISTORY
Panther, with the sponsor, Fort Capital, contracted the property off-market at a price point well below market and replacement cost.The property completed a significant renovation in 2019 which included the transition from a single tenant space to a 3-suite building with new paint, dock doors and electrical throughout the property along with updated plumbing and expanded office space and demising walls in two of the three suites. It was well maintained although the roofs would eventually need to be upgraded (a large percentage of the potential cost was incorporated in our underwriting). Fort reserved $250,000 for roof repair, $110,000 for foundation repair in addition to a $50K price reduction, and an additional $220,000 for other tenant improvements (TI) including leasing commissions (LC). $100,000 of the capex was allocated for office buildout in the soon-to-be-vacant suite and $70,000 for a new, leasable, paved and fenced truck court. The proposed capital improvement budget represented 9.6% of total capitalization, most of which was put on hold pending the outcome of the sale process. The new Van/Trailer Parking Court was completed under budget and the space leased for $1.47 PSF on a 12-month term.

EXECUTION AND SALE
As a result of strong demand for industrial properties in the DFW Metroplex, Fort Capital and Panther agreed to market 109th Street for sale as part of a larger package which included Panther’s Arlington Industrial portfolio. The marketing process commenced mid-March. Our original underwriting called for a sale in year 5 at $89.73 PSF. The property sold on June 30, 2021, for $92.06 per square foot; Panther Investors receivedan 81.75% average annual return and 1.53x multiple on invested capital (MOIC) over the 8-month holding period.

This sale exceeded our pro-forma projections providing a 1.53x multiple to Panther FW Investors and an annual average return on investment of 81.75% over the 8-month holding period.

Casa Linda

PROPERTY DESCRIPTION
The Casa Linda Apartments (formally named August Park Apartments) is a 158 unit apartment complex built in 1986 and located in southeast Dallas. The property consists of a mix of one, two, and three bedroom apartments with an average size of 844 square feet located in 16 two and three story building on 5.12 acres. The apartments are brick and wood sidings construction with pitched roofs, washer-dryer connections, and other normal modern interior features.

ACQUISITION PROCESS
The property was identified as a potential “value add” opportunity by Knightvest Capital of Dallas through an off market transaction. Knightvest was then introduced to Panther Transaction Group by Northmarq Capital (Dallas mortgage broker) a long time acquaintance of Panther .We were presented the opportunity to provide the majority of the equity for the transaction with Knightvest responsible for arranging the debt component, providing the guaranty on the mortgage and funding the earnest money deposit and due diligence costs. Once an agreement was reached on the terms of our partnership with Knightvest we jointly began our detailed due diligence review. The contract called for a 30 day review and a closing at the end of 60 days. Once we approved our inspections we prepared an offering memorandum and presented the opportunity to our Panther Investor Group. The offering was fully subscribed and we closed on the acquisition on May 27, 2010.

PROPERTY HISTORY
The previous owner paid approximately $7,000,000 ($44,300 per unit) and financed $5,300,000 with Fannie Mae. The owners overpaid for the asset and defaulted on the loan in 2009. Fannie Mae subsequently foreclosed on the asset and turned management over to Greystar Management to run the asset until it could be sold. Panther and Knightvest were able to negotiate a 50% discount to the original note balance and purchased the asset for
$2,650,000 or $16,722 per unit. Panther’s total budget for the property was $3,275,000 including renovation, repairs, and soft costs for an all in cost per unit of $20,728. The property was 78% occupied at closing and dropped to 70% due to our more stringent leasing requirements. After repairs and upgrades, changing the onsite management, and improving security we were able to increase occupancy to 90%+ within 6 months and began paying the investor preferential return beginning in November 2010. The investors received a onetime extra distribution in September 2011 which paid all their accrued preference to date and returned a portion of their initial investment. Monthly distributions of the 12% preference have been made every month thereafter. Current occupancy is now 94% and rental rates have been increased as planned.

BUSINESS PLAN
Our original business plan was straight forward.

  • Change on-site management
  • Increase security
  • Make necessary improvements and upgrades
  • Purge the tenant rent roll of undesirable tenants
  • Institute strict leasing requirements for all new tenants
  • Market to the growing Hispanic population in the submarket
  • Make the property family friendly
  • Increase occupancy and rental rates
  • Sell the property when stabilized
  • Target return to investors of 20% over a three to five year hold period

EXECUTION
Casa Linda reached stabilization during our first year of ownership and proceeded to meet all occupancy and rental projections for the following year. It was decided by all of the partners that the property was positioned to sell into a robust multifamily market. In the spring of 2012 Transwestern Commercial was engaged to market the asset. After a 60 day marketing campaign an out of state buyer was selected as the winning bidder. The property went under contract and after the buyers’ due diligence review sold on August 31, 2012.

The sales price was $5,065,000 or $32,056 per unit. The overall IRR to the Panther investors was 23.94% with an equity multiple of 1.53 over a 27 month hold period.

Glen Arbor Apartments

PROPERTY DESCRIPTION
Glen Arbor Apartments is a 320 unit apartment complex built in 1981 and located on 12.86 acres in Irving, Texas. The apartments are two story wood frame with a combination of brick veneer and stucco exterior with pitched composition shingle roofs. All units are individually metered for electricity and have individual HVAC units providing for low maintenance.

ACQUISITION PROCESS
The property was put under contract April 3, 2012, by Knightvest Capital of Dallas who has been Panther’s partner in most of our multifamily acquisitions. Knightvest provides onsite property management services and invests alongside Panther who provided 72.7% of the acquisition equity. Knightvest also obtains the third party debt component for the transaction and provides any guaranties required by the lender. Panther FW Investments and its’ investors provide no guaranties on the debt.

PROPERTY HISTORY
Panther closed the transaction on May 24, 2012. Glen Arbor was located in a high occupancy sub-market but was undermanaged resulting in below market rents along with sorely needed capital improvements.

The acquisition offered immediate 10% annual distributions to our investors. Glen Arbor was purchased for $10,700,000 ($33,437 per unit). This transaction was a value-add project scheduled to take approximately 36 months. Knightvest was able to capture this value-add component in 29 months. Overall occupancy remained in the mid-90s while growing rents over $138 per month on average. Knightvest implemented a modest interior upgrade program, including resurfaced countertops, new hardware, flooring and some new appliances.

EXECUTION AND SALE
Harvesting the added value with some future profit left for the next owner was commenced in the summer of 2014. Call for offers occurred July 1, 2014. We received 7 serious offers to purchase the property. Glen Arbor was sold for $45,842 per unit.

Panther’s original presentation projected hold period was 3 to 5 years with an exit cap of 7%. At the time of sale, we had owned the property 29 months and sold at 6.84% cap rate.

Panther FW investors achieved an annual return on investment in excess of 20%.

Westgate Apartments

PROPERTY DESCRIPTION
Westgate Apartments is comprised 256 units in 18 buildings on 10.25 acres in Irving, Texas. The property was originally built in 1982 as Phase II of our prior acquisition, Glen Arbor Apartments. The apartments are quality construction of two story wood frame with a combination of brick veneer and stucco exterior with pitched composition shingle roofs. All units are individually metered for electricity and have individual HVAC units providing for low maintenance.

ACQUISITION PROCESS
The property was put under contract June 8, 2012, for by Knightvest Capital of Dallas, Panther’s multifamily partner. Knightvest provides onsite property management services and invests alongside Panther who provided 76% of the acquisition equity. Knightvest also obtains the third party debt component for the transaction and provides any guaranties required by the lender. Panther FW Investments and its’ investors provide no guaranties on the debt.

PROPERTY HISTORY
Panther closed the transaction on July 27, 2012. Westgate was located in a high occupancy sub-market but was undermanaged resulting in below market rents along with sorely needed capital improvements.

The acquisition offered an immediate 10% annual distribution to investors. Westgate was purchased for $8,775,000 ($34,277 per unit). This transaction was a value-add project scheduled to take 36 months. Knightvest was able to capture this value-add component in 27 months. Overall occupancy remained in the mid-90s while growing rents over $141 per month on average. Knightvest implemented a modest interior upgrade program, including resurfaced countertops, new hardware, flooring and some new appliances.

EXECUTION AND SALE
Harvesting the added value with some future profit left for the next owner was commenced in the summer of 2014. Call for offers on July 1, 2014. We received 7 serious offers to purchase the property. Westgate was sold for $45,920 per unit.

Panther’s original presentation projected hold was 3 to 5 years with an exit cap of 7%. At the time of sale, we had owned the property 27 months and sold at 6.78% cap rate.

Panther FW investors achieved an annual return on investment in excess of 20%.

Diamond Loch

PROPERTY DESCRIPTION
Purchased in December 2011, Diamond Loch Apartment community consists of 138 units in 18 buildings sited on 6.51 acres in North Richland Hills, Tarrant County, Texas. Value was identified in the large average unit sizes of over 1,000 square feet, as well as needed, extensive exterior and interior upgrades via a capitalization program.

ACQUISITION PROCESS
The property was put under contract September 30,, 2011 by Stillwater Capital Investments (SCI). Panther raised $1,850,000, of which $1,800,000 equity was directly invested in the acquisition. SCI also obtained the third party debt component from Fannie Mae for the transaction and provided any guaranties required by the lender. Panther FW Investments and its’ investors provided no guaranties on the debt.

PROPERTY HISTORY
Diamond Loch possessed a strong historical operating occupancy exceeding 90% over the previous five (5) years. Occupancy during Panther’s hold period held up well and was 97% at time of sale. Stillwater Capital Investments (SCI), was the original general partner. The property was owned and managed by a family and thus was believed to be a prime candidate to benefit from professional property management.

Having paid the full preference of 10% for the initial 14 months of ownership, it became clear to Panther that the original capital budget was insufficient and that property management of this property did not fit the experience and expertise of our general partner.

In order to regroup and reset the performance of Diamond Loch, current distributions were suspended in May 2013. Additional capital was arranged through placement of ‘preferred equity raise’ and Knightvest Capital was brought in as Property Manager and General Partner.

Although admittedly a struggle, needed interior and exterior upgrades and repairs were accomplished resulting in an increase in average, in place, monthly rents of just under $300.

EXECUTION AND SALE
Knightvest completed interior upgrades on approximately 64% of the property. Harvesting the added value with future upside left for the next owner marketing for sale was commenced in the fall of 2015. Diamond Loch was under contract once in early 2015 but that contract fell out. Going to an out of state buyer, the property was put under contract again in March of 2015. The loan assumption process was tedious and slow. The property successfully sold in September 2015 producing an overall, average annual return to the individual limited partner of 10.28% or a 1.38 multiple.

Panther FW investors achieved an annual return on investment of 10.28% or a 1.38 multiple over 45 month hold period.

Normandale Apartments

PROPERTY DESCRIPTION
Normandale Portfolio, comprising of 528 units, located in two communities: Stratton Park Apartments (previously named Country Place) and Somerset Apartments (previously named Bent Tree). Both properties, located in west Fort Worth, were built in in 1985-1986. Unit sizes averaged 735 square feet. Construction is two story wood frame with a combination of brick veneer and hardi plank exterior siding with pitched, composition shingle roofs. All units are individually metered for electricity and have individual HVAC units providing for low maintenance.

ACQUISITION PROCESS
The property was put under contract February 27, 2013, by Knightvest Capital of Dallas who has been Panther’s partner in a majority of our multifamily acquisitions. Knightvest provides onsite property management services and invests alongside Panther. Panther FW Investments provided 73.51% of the acquisition equity. Knightvest obtains other third party equity and assumes 100% responsibility for acquisition financing including any recourse required by the lender. Panther FW Investments and its’ investors provide no guaranties on the debt.

PROPERTY HISTORY
Panther and Knightvest closed the transaction on April 26, 2013. The portfolio was 90% occupied at time of purchase and had some of the lowest rents in Dallas/Fort Worth averaging $423. The business plan included extensive interior capital improvements; plus, minor exterior improvements. This was a value-add project scheduled to take approximately 36 to 60 months to produce a 2.04 multiple to the individual investor.

The Portfolio purchase price was less than $24,000 per unit. The acquisition projected 10% annual distributions to investors starting month 13; however, upon takeover it was evident that the existing resident profile needed to be re-qualified. In October 2014, Knightvest negotiated an attractive refinancing of the properties enabling a payout distribution of 100% of the accrued unpaid preferred return. Post refinancing, monthly distributions of 10% continued through closing.

EXECUTION AND SALE
Exceeding income projections for the first quarter of 2016, the property was listed for sale in April, 2016 with call for offers due June 10th, 2016. There were a total of seven offers and three companies competed in “Best and Final”. The property contract was awarded to Nicholas Residential, LLC on June 20th, 2016. The contract was fully executed on Tuesday, July 12th and closed on October 27, 2016.

Panther’s original presentation projected hold period was 3 to 5 years with an exit cap of 8.5%. Knightvest was able to capture this value-add component in 42 months at an exit cap rate of approximately 6%.

This sale surpassed our pro-forma projections offering a 2.79 multiple to Panther FW Investors and achieving a record for Panther of an annual average return on investment in excess of approximately 39.0%.

Arbor Vista

PROPERTY DESCRIPTION
The Arbor Vista Apartments (formerly named Timmaron Ridge Apartments) is a 196 unit apartment complex built in 1980 and located on 8 acres in the Lake Highlands area of Northeast Dallas. The apartments are two story wood frame construction utilizing a combination of brick veneer, stucco and painted siding with pitched composition shingled roofs. All units are individually metered for electricity and have separate, individual HVAC units.

ACQUISITION PROCESS
The property was put under contract in February 2011 by Knightvest Capital of Dallas who has been Panther’s partner in most of our multifamily acquisitions. Knightvest provides onsite property management services and invests alongside Panther who provides the majority of the acquisition equity. Knightvest also obtains the third party debt component for the transaction and provides any guaranties required by the lender. Panther FW Investments and its’ investors provide no guaranties on the debt. The acquisition was closed in April 2011.

PROPERTY HISTORY
At the time of closing the property was in receivership with its lender and managed by a third party management company. Occupancy was at 60%. The prior owner had a debt basis of $5.9 million ($30,358 per unit) and paid approximately $7.5 million ($37,878 per unit). The existing debt level was simply unsustainable. Our partnership acquired the property for $2.9 million ($14,795 per unit) and our renovation budget was $750,000. The property exterior was painted, down units were renovated and additional resident amenities were added. The onsite staff was replaced with new personnel and the property name was changed to Arbor Vista as part of the overall repositioning of the asset.

Typical of many lender controlled properties, Arbor Vista’s performance deteriorated during the foreclosure process (thus providing an opportunity for Panther and Knightvest). The tenant base was purged of unqualified residents with occupancy falling to less than 30% at the low point. Stringent background checks and income verification were instituted and a turnaround began which resulted in the property achieving 95% occupancy within 18 months and substantial growth in revenue. We received a commendation from the City of Dallas and the Dallas Police Department as an example of how properties can undergo successful repositioning which benefits the neighborhood, tenants, and property ownership.

EXECUTION AND SALE
Arbor Vista reached stabilization at the end of the second year of ownership and proceeded to meet and exceed original occupancy and revenue growth projections. It was decided by all of the partners that the property was positioned to sell into a healthy multifamily market. The property was listed with a national brokerage company and went under contract the summer of 2013 and closed in October 2013.

The property was 95% occupied at the time of closing and sold for $7,550,000 ($38,520 per unit). The investment exceeded our projections in both annual return and investment holding time. The Panther limited partners received an annual return exceeding 27.00% and a multiple of 1.69 over 30.5 months.

San Antonio Industrial

PROPERTY DESCRIPTION
San Antonio Industrial Portfolio is a ten building institutional quality Class B industrial portfolio located in San Antonio, Texas, consisting of multi-tenant office/warehouse facilities totaling 691,866 square feet. The assets capitalize on the demand generated by a broad range of tenants servicing their respective regions and trade areas. The buildings were built from 1983 to 2008 (with the exception of one building built in 1967) and have benefitted from capital improvements and upgrades throughout the prior institutional ownership. Clear heights range from 16 to 28 feet, with an average office finish below 13% of the total area. The portfolio is situated in the most desirable North East industrial corridor, positioned at the cross roads of major transportation arteries providing a diverse and competitive edge for each respective location.

ACQUISITION PROCESS
The portfolio was put under contract by ATCAP of Dallas, Panther’s industrial partner. ATCAP negotiated a significant discount in purchase price. Panther provided 27.49% of the equity. The debt was provided by NXT Capital. Panther FW Investments and its’ investors provided no guaranties on the debt.

PROPERTY HISTORY
Panther closed the transaction on December 4, 2012. The portfolio was 69% occupied upon purchase with underwriting projections of 83% occupancy within the first year. Atlas had timed this acquisition perfectly. The turnaround in San Antonio’s economy plus several years without multi-tenant, speculative industrial construction had significantly tightened the market. Leasing and renewals propelled the portfolio to 98% occupancy within 8 months while achieving projected rents with lower tenant improvements than budgeted. The dominant tenant in the portfolio occupying over 200,000 square feet, exercised a renewal for 5 years preparing the portfolio for an advantageous refinancing, rollup, and ultimately an outright sale.

EXECUTION AND SALE
ATCAP approached Panther FW with plans to roll up the San Antonio portfolio with an existing Oklahoma portfolio purchase. The option was to either cash out or roll proceeds into a new acquisition. Panther advised to accept the cash out given the tremendous return to the individual investor. A Broker’s Opinion of Value (BOV) was obtained and evaluated that the potential exit sales price was market. During the process to find new investors to participate in the rollup entity, ATCAP principals were approached by a national buyer. As negotiations were concluded, it was clear that this large company wanted the property but preferred to own 100% without partners. This played to everyone’s advantage.

Panther FW investors achieved an annual average return on their investment in excess of 38%.

Plaza Del Oro Retail Center

PROPERTY DESCRIPTION
Plaza Del Oro (PDO), a new construction 83,400 square foot neighborhood retail shopping center located in a predominately Hispanic area of Dallas County. PDO is situated on approximately 9 acres.

BUSINESS PLAN
Plaza Del Oro had a total project budget of $12,910,000 or $154.80 per square foot. Panther provided $1,560,000 of the required equity. This investment qualified for Federal New Market Tax Credits to encourage new development in lower income areas. This enabled Wachovia Bank to provide an A Tranche loan in the approximate amount of $8,960,000 at market rates and a B Tranche loan in the approximate amount of $2,000,000 at 0.5% interest. In addition, the B loan is effectively fully amortized at the end of the seventh year by applying a heavy annual discount rate to the payoff calculation. The loans have a term of 7 years. The loans were guaranteed by the sponsor with Panther waiving liability for their repayment. The projected hold period was originally proposed for 3 years.

EXECUTION AND SALE
The sale of our Plaza Del Oro retail center was completed and funded on Friday, January 22, 2016. This succeeded in spite of numerous, complex facets to the investment including a New Market Tax Credit note, bankruptcy dealings with the lead lender (inherited by purchase of the originating bank entity), and fractured ownership of the primary center.

While not achieving the underwritten annual return to the individual investor, the transaction returned 100% of invested equity with an annual average return on invested equity over seven years of approximately 10%.