#United States #Lake Forest #Prairie Hill Holdings #Net Lease Fund #Appleton Market

Prairie Hill Achieves 17.41% Net Return in 2025

Prairie Hill Holdings, a prominent real estate investment manager specializing in industrial and retail net lease properties, reported an impressive 17.41% net return on investment for the year 2025. This noteworthy achievement marks the fourth consecutive year of performance reporting for the firm, underscoring its established reputation within the net lease real estate market.

Since its inception, Prairie Hill has maintained a robust average annual net return of 12.3%, positioning itself as a leader among peers in the private markets sector. The company continues to thrive amidst intense competition, and the last year saw a significant success that notably enhanced its portfolio's value.

One of the standout achievements of 2025 was the successful repositioning of the Fox River Shopping Center located in Appleton, Wisconsin. Prairie Hill strategically transformed the shopping center’s anchor store from a craft retailer, Joann Fabrics, to a grocery store. This transition is expected to yield substantial increases in foot traffic and sales, as grocery stores typically draw frequent visits from households—estimated at one to two times per week—compared to craft stores that garner far less footfall.

According to data from Placer.ai, shopping centers anchored by grocery stores see 34% more visits to other stores in the center, versus only 10% for their non-grocery counterparts. The shift not only elevates the shopping center's market value but also strategically positions it for increased resilience and profitability.

Matthew Sandretto, Chief Investment Officer at Prairie Hill, emphasized the foresight that led to this repositioning. “We were able to attract a nationally recognized brand due to the quality of our underlying real estate. Our long-term investment perspective, taken as far back as 2022 when we recognized Appleton's growth potential, has proven instrumental,” he stated. By early 2026, Appleton emerged as one of the most sought-after residential housing markets in the United States, reflecting the region's robust economic trajectory.

The strong performance of Prairie Hill’s portfolio can be attributed to a disciplined investment strategy with a focus on long-term value creation. The firm prides itself on keeping fund and management expenses exceptionally low. While many rivals in private markets have become larger and further detached from the assets they manage, Prairie Hill has done the opposite. The company operates with an integrated structure that removes unnecessary layers between investors and income-generating assets. This approach ensures maximum accountability and operational efficiency.

Sandretto noted, “We perform all critical investment and property operations in-house. This not only fosters alignment but also drives efficiency. We save costs and enhance our accountability—if any property underperforms, we have no one to blame but ourselves.”

As Prairie Hill looks to the future, it remains committed to growth, with plans in 2026 for over $20 million in net lease acquisitions. The company aims to continue diversifying its portfolio while achieving substantial returns for its investors.

Prairie Hill actively serves a diverse range of investors, from institutional clients to individual wealth management firms, aiming to provide strong quarterly income and long-term investment returns. For more information about Prairie Hill Holdings and its investment strategies, visit www.prairie-hill.com