Dealmaker: Phillips Realty Capital Arranges $96M for Boston-Area Apartments

Phillips Realty Capital, Bethesda, Md., structured loans totaling $96.2 million for its client, The Hamilton Co., to refinance and renovate two apartment properties located within close proximity to Boston University and Harvard University.

PRC Managing Director Adam Bieber led the capital raise along with Harmon Handorf, with underwriting support from Emily Beeler and Bill Wrench.

Voya Commercial Mortgage LLC, a PRC correspondent lender, provided funding for the 187-unit Atrium on Commonwealth, located a quarter mile from Boston University. Originally built as a Packard Motors assembly plant and dealership in the early 1900s, the building was renovated in the late 1970s into a rental apartment building, with indoor parking, courtyard with swimming poo, and retail space. The current renovation consists of replacing the entire façade, structural repairs in the two garage levels, a new roof and window systems, pool deck repairs and apartment renovations including high end kitchen and bathroom upgrades, ceramic tile walls and floors in bathrooms and hardwood flooring throughout living areas.

Hingham Institution for Savings provided funds secured by the 92-unit Longfellow Apartments located just off Harvard Yard in Cambridge. Originally built in 1917, Longfellow offers a variety of studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom floor plans.

Renovation plans include restoring historic decorative façade elements, updating major systems and refreshing all unit interiors. Unit upgrades will be commensurate with finishes in other recently completed Hamilton projects including semi-custom cabinetry, granite or marble countertops, stainless steel appliances, high end plumbing fixtures, ceramic bathroom tiles and new engineered flooring throughout living areas.

Surrounded by abundant shops, restaurants and entertainment options, Longfellow Apartments offers a WalkScore of 98 (Walker’s Paradise) and a TransitScore of 82 (Excellent Transit).

“The Atrium and Longfellow Apartments represent two important legacy assets within the Hamilton portfolio,” said Jameson Brown, Co-CEO of The Hamilton Co. “These loans will enable us to capture the low interest rate environment and allow us to position these assets for the next generation and chapter of our company.”