New York Real Estate Journal

Winthrop Realty Trust increases commitment to 701 Seventh Avenue Times Square Venture

August 26, 2013 - Brokerage
Winthrop Realty Trust has agreed to increase its financial commitment to its venture that owns the property located at 701 Seventh Avenue in the Times Square submarket of New York City, from up to $68 million to up to $120 million. The increased commitment reflects Winthrop's election to participate in the ownership of the hotel to be developed at the property and an increase in its preferred equity ownership from 45.85% to 61.1%. In connection with its increased commitment, Winthrop will contribute on July 23, 2013 an initial additional $4.9 million to the venture and has agreed to make a second payment of $4.7 million (assuming no further additional capital contributions) upon refinancing of the existing mortgage and mezzanine debt. Inclusive of the initial additional payment, Winthrop will have contributed $35.6 million to the venture and is entitled to a 12% preferred return on its contributed capital of which 8% is paid currently, and 4% is accrued. Winthrop also announced that it recently completed the following transactions: * Sold its Denton, Texas retail building for a gross sales price of $1.85 million and net proceeds, after costs and closing adjustments, of approximately $1.7 million. Winthrop's most recent reported net asset value range for this property was $1.725-$1.913 million. * Obtained a $5.1 million loan secured by its Churchill, Pennsylvania property, which loan bears interest at 3.5% per annum, requires monthly debt service payments of interest and principal based on varying amortization schedules and matures on August 1, 2024. After giving effect to the financing, it is expected that Winthrop will receive approximately $464,000 in annual cash flow to Winthrop's resulting net asset value range of $825,000 - $2.567 million which reflects receipt of the loan proceeds.