#United States #New York #Real Estate Investment #Lightstone DIRECT #Multifamily Offering

Lightstone DIRECT Achieves Major Milestone

In an impressive display of commitment to real estate investing, Lightstone DIRECT has successfully completed the first close of its initial fundraising round, attracting over 70 accredited investors to participate in an industrial investment at Abernathy Industrial Park in South Carolina. This move is a significant step for the platform, which focuses on providing high-net-worth individuals access to institutional-quality real estate opportunities.

Launch of the Multifamily Offering

In addition to this industrial investment, Lightstone DIRECT has launched its first multifamily offering, named Hidden Lakes. This light value-add apartment complex in Grand Rapids, Michigan, is positioned to deliver an anticipated average cash-on-cash return of 7.4% over a projected hold period of four years. The investment opportunities reflect the growth and innovation within the real estate sector, aiming to meet the increasing demand from individual investors seeking avenues for wealth growth.

Strategic Investments and Alignment

Mitchell Hochberg, President of Lightstone, underscored the importance of this investment strategy, stating, "By investing over 20% of the equity in each transaction, we demonstrate clear conviction in the investments we pursue, extending the kind of alignment that individual investors seek." With Lightstone's extensive history and expertise in real estate, its model resonates well with a burgeoning investor base eager for trustworthy and meaningful investment paths.

Lightstone is widely recognized in the industry for its diversified portfolio exceeding $12 billion in assets under management (AUM). This success is underscored by a four-decade-long track record that includes various sectors, from industrial properties to multifamily assets.

Hidden Lakes: A Multifamily Investment Gem

With Hidden Lakes already boasting a commendable 91.9% occupancy rate, it fits seamlessly into Lightstone’s broader multifamily strategy. This approach is aimed at value-adding existing assets and ensuring stable cash flow for limited partners. The Grand Rapids market is particularly attractive, boasting strong economic fundamentals, continuous population growth, and a limited supply of new housing—all of which contribute to a robust investment climate.

Greg Fink, CIO of Lightstone DIRECT, commented on the investment potential, stating, "Abernathy Industrial Park represents a strong, high-conviction investment for our platform. This type of single-asset industrial investment—backed by a general partner with deep market expertise—is hardly accessible to individual investors." He further emphasized that Hidden Lakes offers a compelling multifamily opportunity, illustrating how Lightstone DIRECT is positioning itself within the broader real estate market.

As the platform continues to build momentum, accredited investors can expect a robust range of single-asset opportunities across various markets. This diversification includes investments in industrial, multifamily, and potentially other commercial real estate asset categories.

Future Directions for Lightstone DIRECT

Looking ahead, Lightstone DIRECT is poised for growth. The firm aims to consistently tap into institutional-grade deals, ensuring that individual investors not only have access but also a stake in quality real estate investments. The dual focus on partnerships and alignment with investors signifies a promising direction for the platform, one that fosters shared goals and mutual benefits.

Investors interested in exploring these opportunities and leveraging Lightstone’s proven success can do so by visiting lightstonedirect.com.

About Lightstone DIRECT

Founded in 2025, Lightstone DIRECT operates as a dedicated investment platform aimed explicitly at accredited investors seeking to navigate the complexities of private-market real estate. With its foundation established on Lightstone's extensive operating history, it empowers investors by allowing them to invest in the same opportunities the firm pursues with its own capital. The direct investment approach not only demystifies real estate investing but also enhances investor confidence through shared risk and reward dynamics.

About Lightstone

Lightstone is one of the foremost diversified real estate companies in the United States, headquartered in New York City. Active across 26 states, the firm engages in developing, managing, and investing in various real estate sectors, encompassing residential, hospitality, commercial, and retail. With an extensive portfolio of 235 properties and over $12 billion under management, Lightstone underscores its leadership in the real estate market, serving investors, tenants, and communities alike.