DJM Capital Partners, Inc. has signed Harris Stratex Networks, Inc. (NASDAQ:HSTX) to a 10-year lease for a 128,500-square-foot building in the Great America Place office campus in Santa Clara, Calif. Harris Stratex Networks, a leading provider of wireless solutions that enable the evolution of next-generation fixed and mobile broadband networks, has selected Great America Place as its new Silicon Valley office location and will relocate its operations here from its current San Jose facilities.
“Our new Santa Clara office building has been designed to both consolidate and expand our specific operational needs as well as provide for future growth. Our requirements for a new location included an objective to reduce our carbon footprint by using clean alternative energy and DJM Capital helped us achieve this vision. Its central location in the heart of the Golden Triangle in Silicon Valley gives Harris Stratex outstanding access to our suppliers and partners and many nearby amenities,” said Harald Braun, president and Chief Executive Officer of Harris Stratex Networks. “The location and the turn-key improvements will also offer a creative and productive environment for our staff and an attractive and inviting space to welcome our global customers.”
DJM Capital completed an extensive renovation of the building in the third quarter of 2008 creating a soaring, two-story glass and steel lobby that creates a bright, modern entry as well as updated landscaping throughout the campus. DJM and Harris Stratex have agreed to convert the building to Green Power including on-site solar power and to incorporate additional sustainable programs that will position it to secure a LEED certification.
“We recognize that businesses have many choices in today’s office market and are proud to have signed a lease for the entire building with a major global company such as Harris Stratex. This is a strong validation of our original investment decision as well as DJM’s ability to work through complex transactions. To be able to attract a tenant such as Harris Stratex in the current market environment proves both points,” noted Dennis Randall, Vice President of Acquisition and Development with DJM Capital Partners.
DJM Capital acquired the 224,000-square-foot, three-building Great America Place, located at 5200 Great America Parkway, in January 2007. It is considered to be one of the premier locations in Silicon Valley and is directly across from the Santa Clara Convention Center and the Tech Mart. Harris Stratex is expected to move approximately 300 employees to Great America Place in May, 2010.
Harris Stratex Networks was represented by Marty Morici of Colliers International. DJM Capital was represented by Duffy D’Angelo of Colliers International.
Concurrent property refinancing
Simultaneous with the leasing of the building, DJM Capital also completed a refinancing of the property that allowed the company to purchase its loan on Great America Place from Marathon Asset Management at a significant discount. With a strong real estate asset and solid financial position, DJM Capital was able to structure new financing with its existing mezzanine lender, American Realty Advisors.
“Completing a sophisticated financial transaction in this environment is a rare occurrence. As any real estate owner or developer can attest, it’s difficult to secure even the simplest, most straight forward loan,” said D. John Miller, founder and CEO, DJM Capital Partners. “Our firm’s investment approach has yielded significant returns without over-leveraging. We also have long-standing relationships with numerous lenders, institutional investors and other capital sources. This positioned us to achieve a reduced debt position and enhance the value of this asset.”
DJM and its affiliate companies own more than 3.3 million square feet of office, retail and industrial property in both the northern and southern California real estate markets.
About Harris Stratex Networks, Inc.
Harris Stratex Networks, Inc. is a leading provider of wireless solutions that enable the evolution of next-generation fixed and mobile broadband networks. The company offers reliable, flexible and scalable wireless network solutions, backed by comprehensive professional services and support. Harris Stratex Networks serves all global markets, including mobile network operators, public safety agencies, private network operators, utility and transportation companies, government agencies and broadcasters. Customers in more than 135 countries depend on Harris Stratex Networks, which is recognized around the world for innovative, best-in-class wireless networking solutions and services. For more information visit www.harrisstratex.com.
About DJM Capital Partners
Founded in 1992 by D. John Miller, DJM Capital Partners, Inc. is a leading private equity real estate investment group that focuses on enhancing undercapitalized real estate assets. DJM provides its own development and asset management services. With expertise encompassing nearly all product types, DJM’s West Coast portfolio is valued in excess of $1 billion. Known for its aggressive growth strategy and entrepreneurial investment approach, DJM specializes in identifying and acquiring undervalued commercial properties throughout California.
Contacts:
Karen Diehl
310-473-8090