Merchants Capital Secures $100+ Million to Renovate Affordable Housing in Austin, Texas

“Merchants was able to demonstrate our array of innovative affordable housing financing products economically and efficiently to deliver for Sena Affordable Communities in an expedited timeframe.”
Michael Milazzo SVP, Originations

Merchants Capital provided a $69.15 million Freddie Mac 4% Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) Immediate TEL loan and $37.6 million in LIHTC equity as the syndicator. Merchants Bank provided a $29 million equity bridge loan during the rehab period.

“We are excited to continue our relationship with L+M Development Partners and TCC Hill Country Development Corp—and close our first transaction with Silver Tree,” said Marcin Dzido, Vice President of Acquisitions at Merchants Capital. “The Travis Park renovation ensures that 199 low-income families have safe, high-qualify housing for years to come.”

Sena Affordable Communities, an affiliate of L+M Fund Management (LMFM), is a dedicated acquisition rehabilitation business known for strengthening communities with innovative affordable housing solutions to significantly reposition assets with Low-Income Housing Tax Credits and tax-exempt bond financing.

The Travis Park Apartments rehabilitation will involve improvements to the grounds, building exteriors, unit interiors and deferred maintenance across 22 buildings. The scope of work includes the addition of new outdoor recreation areas, playgrounds, extensive accessibility upgrades, window replacement, new boiler and cooling towers, kitchen and bathroom improvements, new energy star appliances, replacement of original fan coil units for heating and cooling, building envelope upgrades, roof replacement and signage.

A Freddie Mac Impact Sponsor, L+M Development Partners and its affiliated companies, including LMFM and Sena, have more than 55,000 high-quality residential units in construction or acquired, preserved or completed in markets across the United States.

“With funding now secured for Travis Park Apartments, we look forward to protecting its long-term affordability and delivering critical improvements that will enhance the quality of life for all residents,” said Jeffrey Moelis, Managing Director, Sena Affordable Communities. “Our planned upgrades, combined with Travis Park’s optimal location near downtown Austin, will ensure this community can thrive for decades to come, especially as the area continues to boom. We are grateful to our partners at Merchants Capital for their work in helping us reach this milestone.”

Travis Park Apartments is located in South Central Austin, with regional access to Interstate 35, US Highway 290 and MoPac Expressway, and near downtown entertainment districts and outdoor attractions, including the riverwalk.

Renovations are expected to be completed in 18 months. To learn more about Merchants Capital and its services, visit www.merchantscapital.com or find Merchants Capital on Facebook, X, LinkedIn and Instagram.