Demand For Workforce Housing Drives Camden, NJ, MF Trade For $35M

by Steve Lubetkin, Globest.com
As Camden, the poorest city in New Jersey, experiences a business transformation, demand for workforce housing is driving attractive pricing for multifamily properties.

With the relocation of Subaru’s North America Headquarters here from nearby Cherry Hill, a $1 billion Brandywine Property Trust office complex under development on the waterfront, and more companies expanding through state tax incentives, the Crestbury Apartments, a 392-unit multifamily property in Camden, NJ, has been sold for $34.45 million, just under $88,000 per unit.

The seller was Brick, NJ-based Tryko Partners. The asset was purchased free and clear of debt by an affiliate of New York-based Lincoln Avenue Capital, owner and developer of low-income housing properties nationwide.

“The property was part of the RAD (Rental Assistance Demonstration) program and received a new 20-year subsidy contract. The seller recently upgraded the flooring, windows, roofs, and boilers throughout the property, which made the asset attractive and a great long-term investment.”

After purchasing Crestbury Apartments in 2013, Tryko Partners invested $3.6 million in capital improvements. This included the incorporation of an innovative, high-tech security initiative in conjunction with the Camden Police Department; a playground; updated lighting, landscaping and sidewalks.

“We are seeing a tremendous amount of interest in well-maintained, workforce housing both market-rate and affordable in South Jersey due to solid economic drivers and its proximity to Philadelphia."

The apartments are a mixture of one- and two-bedroom units. The Crestbury is situated on over 18 acres at 2552 South 8th Street in Camden. The property is minutes from the Walt Whitman and Ben Franklin bridges, Cooper Hospital, Campbell’s Soup headquarters, and the Camden Waterfront.
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