National CORE Closes $103 Million Financing for Hyatt Regency Ontario Transformation to Boost Community Growth
National CORE Secures Financing for Hyatt Regency Ontario
National CORE, a prominent player in the affordable housing landscape, has successfully finalized a bond financing deal worth approximately $103 million. This funding will support the ambitious transformation of the Ontario Airport Hotel and Conference Center into the upscale Hyatt Regency Ontario, strategically located adjacent to Ontario International Airport. The financing will catalyze a transformation that is anticipated to reshape hospitality in the Inland Empire while also stimulating economic growth in surrounding regions.
Investor Interest and Project Details
The initiative signifies a renaissance for a historically significant property, as noted by Jeff Burum, the chairman of National CORE's board of directors. Burum underscored that this venture is not merely a construction project but an investment in the people and businesses of Ontario, presenting opportunities for both residents and travelers alike.
The development integrates a team of seasoned professionals, comprising Hyatt as the franchisor, Manhattan Hospitality Advisors as the operator, and M. Arthur Gensler Jr. & Associates, Inc. as the architectural firm. National CORE takes on the roles of owner and developer. Interestingly, investor interest exceeded expectations during the bond offerings, allowing JP Morgan, the sole underwriter, to lower the interest rates to an overall rate of slightly above 6%.
According to Robert Diaz, National CORE's executive vice president, the favorable response from investors was attributed to the organization’s robust financial standing and its established presence within the Inland Empire. This creative financing model aligns long-term community investments with a transformative hospitality initiative poised to benefit the area for years to come.
Financing Structure and Energy Efficiency
The financial structure consists of approximately $27.3 million in Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) bonds tailored to support energy-efficient enhancements, alongside nearly $74.5 million in hotel revenue bonds dedicated to covering renovation, construction, and project-related expenses.
Fred Schuster of FGS Realty Advisors emphasized the uniqueness of the financing approach, which arose from a collaborative effort from various partners, including Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL), GreenRock Capital, and JP Morgan. The endeavor necessitated innovative thinking and teamwork among top experts, highlighting National CORE's A+ credit rating as a pivotal aspect of securing this financing.
Joe Euphrat, Managing Principal of GreenRock, expressed excitement about aligning with National CORE, praising its commitment to developing high-performance facilities that minimize environmental impacts.
Bringing Value to the Community
Patrick Schumm, Senior Vice President of Franchise Operations for Hyatt, shared his enthusiasm for the project, emphasizing its potential to deliver a unique value proposition rooted in connectivity, convenience, and premium hospitality services.
For National CORE, this undertaking forms an integral component of its overarching strategy to diversify revenue while bolstering organizational stability to enhance affordable housing solutions and resident support services.
In addition to hospitality offerings, National CORE envisions the hotel as a multifaceted resource for workforce development through its