Berkadia, a distinguished leader in the commercial real estate sector, announces it arranged a $56 million loan to recapitalize Wynwood Haus, a newly built 224-unit multifamily community with ground-floor retail located at the entrance to Miami’s Wynwood neighborhood.
Managing Directors Brad Williamson and Scott Wadler of Berkadia Miami and Senior Managing Directors Chris Ellis of Berkadia Denver and Mitch Sinberg of Berkadia Boca Raton, along with Managing Director Matt Robbins, Vice President Abigail Beauchamp and Director Jared Hill, arranged the financing on behalf of the joint venture sponsors, Miami-based real estate investment, development and design firm LD&D (in a joint venture with IGEQ), national real estate firm Black Salmon, and Salt Lake City-based Bridge Investment Group.
Fannie Mae provided the seven-year, fixed-rate loan with full-term interest-only. The property was 94% occupied. The deal closed on July 21.
Completed in 2024 at 1765 N. Miami Avenue, Wynwood Haus is a 20-story property located at the entrance of Wynwood and offers studios, one- and two bedroom-units, along with 6,824 square feet of ground floor retail. One hundred of the apartments are workforce housing for families earning 100 to 140% of area median income (AMI). Modern details and finishes include floor-to-ceiling windows, oversized balconies, full-size in-unit washer and dryer, wireless-controlled smart thermostat, 10-foot ceilings, walk-in closets in most units, a rain shower, and secure keyless entry. Community amenities include a pool and sun deck with bay views, a fitness center and outdoor terrace, a co-working area and conference room, library, resident lounge, pet grooming station, electric car charging stations, a smart locker package room and cold storage.
The property is a designated transit-oriented development (TOD) within walking distance of the School Board Metromover station, offering convenient access to downtown Miami, Brickell and Miami Beach, and other areas via the Metrorail and Brightline regional commuter train.
BERKADIA ARRANGES FINANCING FOR
FRACTURED CONDO COMMUNITY ACQUISITION IN TAMPA
Ambrus Asset Management acquired 248 out of 260 units at Serenity Lake, where it will undertake a full property renovation and repositioning
Tampa, Florida – July 28, 2025 – Berkadia, a distinguished leader in the commercial real estate sector, announces that it arranged a $28.535 million loan for the acquisition of 248 out of 260 units at Serenity Lake, a vintage garden-style community in Tampa, Florida.
Managing Director Scott Wadler of Berkadia Miami and Wes Moczul of Berkadia Orlando, along with Senior Managing Director Mitch Sinberg and Managing Directors Matt Robbins and Brad Williamson of Berkadia Boca Raton, secured the financing on behalf of the borrower, Ambrus Asset Management.
Ladder Capital provided the loan, which consists of $23.25 million initial funding, $4.1 million for CapEx, and $1.185 million for the purchase and renovation of the remaining condo units. Ambrus plans to implement a property-wide renovation and repositioning for Serenity Lake.
“Serenity Lake presented a unique opportunity to acquire a well-located value-add asset significantly below replacement cost with strong in-place cash flow and yield,” said Moczul. “The acquisition also gives Ambrus significant economies of scale since they own an adjacent property and two other multifamily assets within a two-mile radius.”
“The successful acquisition and repositioning of Serenity Lake marks a significant milestone in the continued expansion of Ambrus Asset Management,” said Eduardo Sanclemente, President of Ambrus. “Tampa’s dynamic growth, economic vitality, and strong fundamentals present an exciting environment for strategic investment. With Serenity Lake, we are not only gaining scale but also enhancing the quality of living for residents through thoughtful renovation and community-driven improvements. We’re confident in Tampa’s trajectory and proud to deepen our footprint in one of Florida’s most promising markets.”
Built in 1974 at 14508 Seaford Circle, Serenity Lake consists of 16 two-story, concrete block buildings and a single-story clubhouse/leasing office located on 15.58 acres. One- and two-bedroom units offer oversized closets, patios/balconies, and washer/dryer connections. Community amenities include two swimming pools with expansive sundecks, a fitness center, business center, bark park, gazebo and picnic area, grilling areas, and a fishing dock.
The property is well-located within the University submarket of Tampa with access and frontage along E Bearss Avenue. It is within minutes of several prominent employers including Veterans Hospital, AdventHealth Hospital, Moffitt Cancer Center, PepsiCo, Yuengling Brewery, and Busch Gardens, and over $2 billion in new developments including the $1 billion University Mall redevelopment.
Berkadia, a distinguished leader in the commercial real estate sector, announces today that it secured financing on behalf of Category Five Real Estate (CFRE), led by brothers Mike and Leon Peisach, to acquire the Sunrise Portfolio: four vintage multifamily communities totaling 185 units located in Sunrise, Florida.
Managing Director Brad Williamson, along with Senior Managing Director Mitch Sinberg, Managing Director Matt Robbins and Vice President Kyle Ryan of Berkadia Miami, arranged a $21 million loan for CFRE’s $32.28 million acquisition.
Santander’s Peter Triano provided a five-year, fixed-rate loan with two years interest-only and a 30-year amortization. The deal closed on July 28.
“The Sunrise Portfolio provided CFRE an excellent opportunity to expand its holdings of South Florida apartments located in great communities or close to major transit hubs,” said Williamson. “Our team identified a lender who could execute quickly and provide affordable capital to fund this acquisition.”
“Sunrise is undergoing a remarkable transformation,” said Leon Peisach, co-founder of CFRE. “The area has long been undervalued, but with its central location and the wave of new developments, we believe Sunrise is poised to outperform the broader market in the coming years.”
CFRE, a South Florida-based private equity real estate firm focused on workforce housing, has assets in the area that have achieved strong rent growth despite market softening.
“Rental demand in Sunrise is robust and growing. We are looking to invest more in this area, we believe strongly in this submarket,” Leon Peisach added.
The firm plans to enhance the newly acquired properties by adding modern amenities, improving both interiors and exteriors, and creating community-focused upgrades.
“Our goal is not just to improve the asset, but to invest in the long-term vitality of the broader Sunrise community,” said Mike Peisach, co-founder of CFRE. “We believe in responsible investments and thoughtful renovations can elevate the area for residents and stakeholders alike.”
Built between 1969 and 1973, the four properties in the portfolio are located less than a mile from each other in Sunrise, and are all one- or two-story garden-style concrete-block assets.
The properties in the portfolio are:
- Sunrise Gardens – 2117, 2113, 2108 NW 64th Avenue, Sunrise, FL 33313
- La Haina – 7041 Sunset Strip, Sunrise, FL 33313
- Lake Success – 6354, 6270 & 2551 NW 26th Street, Sunrise, FL 33313
- Riverview – 2650 NW 64th Avenue, Sunrise, FL 3313
Located at the intersection of I-75 and I-595, Sunrise offers exceptional access to corporate employers throughout South Florida, and is just minutes from the popular Sawgrass Mills Mall, and the Amerant Bank Arena, home to the NHL Stanley Cup-winning Florida Panthers.
About Berkadia®:
Berkadia, a joint venture of Berkshire Hathaway and Jefferies Financial Group, is a leader in the commercial real estate industry, offering a robust suite of services to our multifamily and commercial property clients. Through our integrated mortgage banking, investment sales and servicing platform, Berkadia delivers comprehensive real estate solutions for the entire life cycle of our clients’ assets.
To learn more about Berkadia, please visit www.berkadia.com.
Berkadia, a distinguished leader in the commercial real estate sector, announces today that it secured financing on behalf of Category Five Real Estate (CFRE), led by brothers Mike and Leon Peisach, to acquire the Sunrise Portfolio: four vintage multifamily communities totaling 185 units located in Sunrise, Florida.
Managing Director Brad Williamson, along with Senior Managing Director Mitch Sinberg, Managing Director Matt Robbins and Vice President Kyle Ryan of Berkadia Miami, arranged a $21 million loan for CFRE’s $32.28 million acquisition.
Santander’s Peter Triano provided a five-year, fixed-rate loan with two years interest-only and a 30-year amortization. The deal closed on July 28.
“The Sunrise Portfolio provided CFRE an excellent opportunity to expand its holdings of South Florida apartments located in great communities or close to major transit hubs,” said Williamson. “Our team identified a lender who could execute quickly and provide affordable capital to fund this acquisition.”
“Sunrise is undergoing a remarkable transformation,” said Leon Peisach, co-founder of CFRE. “The area has long been undervalued, but with its central location and the wave of new developments, we believe Sunrise is poised to outperform the broader market in the coming years.”
CFRE, a South Florida-based private equity real estate firm focused on workforce housing, has assets in the area that have achieved strong rent growth despite market softening.
“Rental demand in Sunrise is robust and growing. We are looking to invest more in this area, we believe strongly in this submarket,” Leon Peisach added.
The firm plans to enhance the newly acquired properties by adding modern amenities, improving both interiors and exteriors, and creating community-focused upgrades.
“Our goal is not just to improve the asset, but to invest in the long-term vitality of the broader Sunrise community,” said Mike Peisach, co-founder of CFRE. “We believe in responsible investments and thoughtful renovations can elevate the area for residents and stakeholders alike.”
Built between 1969 and 1973, the four properties in the portfolio are located less than a mile from each other in Sunrise, and are all one- or two-story garden-style concrete-block assets.
The properties in the portfolio are:
- Sunrise Gardens – 2117, 2113, 2108 NW 64th Avenue, Sunrise, FL 33313
- La Haina – 7041 Sunset Strip, Sunrise, FL 33313
- Lake Success – 6354, 6270 & 2551 NW 26th Street, Sunrise, FL 33313
- Riverview – 2650 NW 64th Avenue, Sunrise, FL 3313
Located at the intersection of I-75 and I-595, Sunrise offers exceptional access to corporate employers throughout South Florida, and is just minutes from the popular Sawgrass Mills Mall, and the Amerant Bank Arena, home to the NHL Stanley Cup-winning Florida Panthers.
About Berkadia®:
Berkadia, a joint venture of Berkshire Hathaway and Jefferies Financial Group, is a leader in the commercial real estate industry, offering a robust suite of services to our multifamily and commercial property clients. Through our integrated mortgage banking, investment sales and servicing platform, Berkadia delivers comprehensive real estate solutions for the entire life cycle of our clients’ assets.
To learn more about Berkadia, please visit www.berkadia.com.
Berkadia, a distinguished leader in the commercial real estate sector, announces that it secured a $32.41 million loan on behalf of Robbins Property Associates and Hartford Investment Management Company (HIMCO) to refinance Lakeside Central Apartments, a 228-unit garden-style apartment community located in the Tampa suburb of Brandon, Florida.
Senior Managing Director Mitch Sinberg, Managing Directors Scott Wadler and Brad Williamson, and Vice President Hugo Hernandez of Berkadia Miami and Boca Raton secured the financing.
Berkadia originated the Freddie Mac-backed five-year, fixed-rate loan with a 70% loan to value. Berkadia also financed the property’s acquisition in 2018 with a floating-rate, Freddie Mac loan.
“After completing an extensive value-add program, the Sponsors sought to put fixed-rate financing in place,” said Sinberg. “Demand for high-quality apartments in Tampa’s suburbs remains strong in large part to a robust economy and high-interest rates that are encouraging renting.”
Buit in 1985 and located at 529 S Parsons Avenue, Lakeside Central offers one- and two-bedroom apartments ranging from 600 to 900 square feet. Individual units feature gourmet kitchens outfitted with designer cabinetry, wood-style plank flooring, and abundant storage. Community amenities include a newly renovated clubhouse; renovated and expanded 24-hour fitness center with a cross-training gym; resort-style pool and summer kitchen with grills; newly renovated bark park and pet spa; car care center and 24-hour maintenance; and lake views with fountains and a gazebo.
The property is conveniently located just 25 minutes east of downtown Tampa.
About HIMCO:
Hartford Investment Management Company (HIMCO) is the asset management arm of The Hartford Insurance Group, Inc. (The Hartford). HIMCO is an insurance asset manager with approximately $116 billion in assets under management across the public and private markets (as of March 31, 2025). The firm manages assets on behalf of The Hartford, as well as insurance, sub-advisory and other institutional clients.
About Robbins Property Associates:
Robbins Property Associates (RPA) is a vertically integrated real estate private equity firm that combines experienced and proven investment capability with a best-in-class team of real estate operations professionals. Founded in 2009 with the objective to provide superior resident service, it has become a leader in the multi-family housing investment and management industry. The company currently owns and operates 21 properties totaling over 5,000 units in Florida. For more information about Robbins Property Associates, visit https://www.robbinspropertyllc.com/
Berkadia, a distinguished leader in the commercial real estate sector, is pleased to announce the sale and financing of Sage Creek Apartments, a 120-unit, garden-style multifamily property located in Augusta, Georgia.
Berkadia Atlanta represented the seller, Jan investor group led by JJM Realty Holdings, LLC, and Berkadia DC Metro secured a $11.375 million Fannie Mae acquisition loan on behalf of the buyer, Blackfin Real Estate Investors, LLC. The full deal team is listed below.
"The seller did a great job of maintaining the asset and setting up the buyer to implement the next phase of renovation,” said Mike Riley. “Sage Creek’s location, year built, and interior scope make for the ideal light value add play. It was a pleasure working with both parties.”
“It was a pleasure to work alongside Blackfin Real Estate Investors on their acquisition of Sage Creek Apartments." said Patrick McGlohn. "We focused on structuring the financing to support their investment objectives and on providing guidance throughout the process. We appreciate the trust Blackfin placed in us and look forward to seeing Sage Creek’s continued success.”
Located at 1315 Marks Church Road, Sage Creek Apartments was thoughtfully crafted to provide residents with exceptional living, enhanced by its central location in Richmond County. Comprised of 120 contemporary units, Sage Creek Apartments offers a distinctive rental experience complemented by a robust amenity package. Featuring granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, wood-look flooring, and a suite of community amenities including a swimming pool, fitness center, and clubhouse, Sage Creek caters to discerning renters seeking both comfort and convenience; the property was constructed in 2016.
Senior Managing Directors Andrew Mays and Paul Vetter, Senior Director Mike Riley, and Director Ian Shaw represented the seller. The financing efforts were led by Senior Managing Director Patrick McGlohn, Managing Directors Brian Gould and Ted Hermes, Senior Director Miles Drinkwalter, and Associate Director Natalie Hershey.
Property photos available upon request.
About Berkadia®:
Berkadia, a joint venture of Berkshire Hathaway and Jefferies Financial Group, is a leader in the commercial real estate industry, offering a robust suite of services to our multifamily and commercial property clients. Through our integrated mortgage banking, investment sales and servicing platform, Berkadia delivers comprehensive real estate solutions for the entire life cycle of our clients’ assets.
To learn more about Berkadia, please visit www.berkadia.com.
About Blackfin Real Estate Investors
Founded in August 2016 by Andrew Buchanan and Doug Root, Blackfin Real Estate Investors is focused on acquiring Class B and Class C value add and core plus apartment communities across the East Coast of the United States. Blackfin’s hands-on asset management approach and full-service general contracting company enable it to take an active and wholistic approach to every aspect of the investment. Blackfin’s 4 key executives have over 110 years of combined experience and complimentary skills acquiring, financing, renovating, and operating multifamily real estate. Blackfin’s portfolio currently consists of 10,000 units that represent a total asset value of over $2 Billion. The portfolio geography spans from Boston through Florida and includes assets in Boston, Suburban Maryland, Northern Virginia, Richmond, Hampton Roads, Charlotte, Raleigh-Durham, Greensboro, Wilmington, Charleston, Orlando, Tampa, and Nashville. For more information contact 703-778-7641 or visit www.blackfinrei.com.
