Two Plainfield Multi-Family Bankruptcy Portfolio Sales Net More Than $22.1 Million

Nov. 1, 2010 - PRLog -- The economic aftermath of over-leveraged multi-family properties continues to yield a number of bankruptcy sales throughout Northern New Jersey, including two recent Plainfield portfolio dispositions for more than $22.1 million involving a total of 409 units. Gebroe-Hammer Associates, a leading commercial real estate brokerage firm specializing in the sale of apartment-rental buildings as well as office and retail properties, orchestrated the complex bankruptcy sales as the exclusive court-approved brokerage firm.

The larger portfolio package, acquired for $16.082 million by a private investor who is a long-time Gebroe-Hammer client, includes 108 units at Netherwood Village, 825 E. Front St.; 102 units at Watchung Gardens, 802 E. Front St.; and 58 units at Greenbrook Village, 733 E. Front St. Offering a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom units, the garden-apartment complexes are well-situated in the heart of the city. As the U.S. Bankruptcy Court-approved broker, Gebroe-Hammer's Steven Tenenbaum, assistant vice president and Plainfield market specialist, identified the buyer who owns several apartment-rental buildings in the surrounding area.

Nearby, Executive Vice President Joel Schwartz was retained by the owner, who was in Chapter 11 Bankruptcy, to market a three-property portfolio, Cornell Apartments, Pingry Arms and Executive Arms, comprised of 141 units. As the U.S. Bankruptcy Court-approved exclusive broker, Schwartz conducted a Section 363 sale in accordance with the Bankruptcy Court's order. After receiving several non-contingent bids with non-refundable deposits, the Gebroe-Hammer veteran broker closed the sale in 35 days with the winning bidder.

The buyer, Plainfield Park, LLC, had previously owned the two mid-rise buildings and single garden-apartment complex located at 735 Park Ave., 606 Crescent Ave., and 315 W. 8th St. in Plainfield, respectively, several years ago. The all-cash, complex transaction required the cooperation and approvals of numerous involved parties, including the existing lender and other unsecured creditors and their respective attorneys.

"Both buyers seized the opportunity to acquire these distressed assets and add value in order to bring them up to competitive market standards through substantial exterior and interior upgrades," said Ken Uranowitz, managing director. "The use of 363 Bankruptcy Sales has become more prevalent because it streamlines the sale transfer process free and clear of liens, claims and other encumbrances associated with a Chapter 11 Bankruptcy." Gebroe-Hammer closed these Plainfield bankruptcy transactions within a few weeks of finalizing the $10.5 million bankruptcy sale of an East Orange multi-family portfolio comprised of four buildings with 270 total units.

Legal counsel for the Netherwood Village/Watchung Gardens/Greenbrook Village portfolio was provided by Edward Bortz, Esq., of Englewood Cliffs, N.J., on behalf of the buyer. Representation for the Cornell, Pingry and Executive Arms sale was provided by Allen Popowitz, Esq., of Brach Eichler LLC, on behalf of the seller/debtor; Timothy Duggan, Esq., of Stark & Stark on behalf of the buyer; and Thomas Walsh, Esq., of Trenk, DiPasquale, Webster, Della Fera & Sodono, P.C., who represented the seller's bankruptcy interests.

Gebroe-Hammer Associates is New Jersey's dominant, most experienced commercial real estate brokerage firm specializing in multi-family, retail and office property investment sales. With a concentration on suburban and urban high-rise, mid-rise and garden-apartment properties, the company also markets mixed-use and free-standing office and retail properties throughout New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania.

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About Gebroe-Hammer Associates: An industry leader for 35 years, Gebroe-Hammer is among the tri-state region's most influential brokerage firms, specializing in the sale of multi-family, retail and commercial investment properties. The company provides innovative brokerage services to a wide range of private owners, REITS, private equity firms and other institutional investors. Gebroe-Hammer's proven track record on behalf of its clients has resulted in consistent growth every year since its inception, with a large percentage of repeat business from owners and investors. The firm's brokerage activity encompasses diverse property categories, ranging from suburban high-rise, mid-rise and garden-apartments to retail and office properties including real estate in urban areas undergoing revitalization and redevelopment initiatives.