The Manhattan office of Merchants Capital recently secured more than $37 million in funding for three supportive housing developments in New York City utilizing the Freddie Mac Unfunded Forward Commitment program, reported company officials.
“Merchants Capital was able to structure exceedingly beneficial terms on several developments this year by providing 35- and 40-year amortization,” said Ben Levine, senior vice president at the mortgage firm, in a statement. “Given the high cost of development in New York City, this loan structure can be an important tool to provide gap funding for both preservation and new construction projects.”
The redevelopment of T-Building, formerly the Triboro Hospital for Tuberculosis, will provide 200 units of supportive housing for special needs and homeless tenants, as well as affordable housing for low- to moderate-income households in the heart of Jamaica, Queens. The forward commitment of $21 million in permanent financing was secured on behalf of affordable housing developer Dunn Development. T-Building stands out as being the largest 9% low-income housing tax credit allocation ever made in New York City.
Woodlawn Senior Living will be a new 80-unit, age-restricted property located in the Woodlawn neighborhood of the Bronx. All of the units at Woodlawn Senior Living will be reserved for low-income tenants, with 30 units specifically reserved for formerly homeless residents. The property will also have space for tenant-based services. The development is designed to meet Passive House standards. Merchants Capital secured $10.5 million in funding on behalf of RiseBoro Community Partnership.
Castleton Supportive Housing will be a 48-unit mid-rise property on Staten Island. The ground floor of the development will include a 2,000-square-foot community center to provide services to the local community, including financial counseling, public benefits, health education, tutoring, family and legal services, and a food pantry. Castleton Supportive Housing will reserve 31 units for formerly homeless tenants who will also receive rental assistance via NY 15/15, a New York rental subsidy program. Merchants Capital secured $5.5 million in funding on behalf of The Hudson Cos. and Project Hospitality.
