Artist’s conception of the finished renovations at Nexus REIT’s 1751 and 1771 Savage Rd. property in Richmond, B.C. (Courtesy Nexus REIT)

Nexus REIT (NXR-UN-X) says it is has signed two new tenants at substantially increased rents, and is now planning a major renovation and expansion at its industrial/commercial property in Richmond, B.C.

The site, at 1771 and 1751 Savage Rd., had been occupied by several tenants in one building utilized as a sports mall, and by an industrial tenant in the other structure. In total, the existing space is 177,490 square feet (117,490 square feet in the larger building, 60,000 square feet in the other).

When the expansion project is completed, it will comprise an additional 70,000 square feet. An existing industrial tenant has been replaced by two new tenants, leasing about 60,000 square feet of space.

“Net rents under these leases are approximately $23 per square foot higher than the rents the REIT was receiving from the former industrial tenant prior to early termination,” says a press release issued by Nexus.

“The leases are expected to commence in early 2021, following build-out and improvements to the space to ready it for occupancy by the new tenants.”

The increased leasing rates are expected to add $1.4 million annually to Nexus’ net operating income, the company said.

Nexus did not release additional financial details and did not immediately respond to a request from RENX seeking more information about the project.

Property purchased in 2018

Nexus purchased the property, which consists of two single-storey structures and adjacent parking areas, from 104 Investments Ltd., in early 2018 for $57.4 million.

At the time, Nexus said one of the key components of the transaction was the opportunity to add to the existing structures.

It immediately set out to clear up permitting issues and begin “tenant improvements” for existing occupants, Nexus CEO Kelly Hanczyk said at the time. It also began planning for the second phase of improvement.

The vendor of the property will continue to manage the development and remain involved in leasing it jointly with Nexus. The REIT says its partner “has relationships with tenants interested in leasing the space when complete.”

Subject to market conditions and  pre-leasing, the REIT hopes to begin construction of the addition in 2021.  

In accordance with its purchase agreement, Nexus and its partner will share in the benefits of the upgrades.

The first $20 million of value enhancement is for “the benefit of the REIT,” while the next $20 million will be for the benefit of the partner. All increases in value exceeding $40 million will be split equally between the partners.

Nexus’ partner will receive its share of the increased value via REIT units, valued at the greater of $2.30/unit or the minimum price allowed under stock exchange rules and policies.

About Nexus REIT

Nexus is a growth-oriented real estate investment trust focused on the acquisition, ownership and management of industrial, office and retail properties located in primary and secondary markets in North America.

The REIT currently owns a portfolio of 72 properties comprising approximately four million square feet of rentable area.