JLL Secures $28.5M Construction Loan for The Lofts in Downtown Santa Monica

Santa Monica, Calif., August 20, 2025

News Summary

JLL Capital Markets arranged a $28.5 million construction loan on behalf of Vernon Group to convert the existing building at 201 Town Center East into The Lofts, a 104-unit Class A multifamily project in downtown Santa Monica. Units will range from 600 to 1,200 sq ft and be organized around a central courtyard with double-loaded corridors. The financing supports Phase I of the Santa Maria Town Center master-planned redevelopment, intended to add housing, activate the streetfront, and strengthen walkable urban living in the downtown core, with construction targeted for completion in June 2027.

JLL Capital Markets Secures $28.5M Construction Loan for The Lofts, a 104-Unit Conversion in Downtown Santa Monica

SANTA MONICA, CALIF. — JLL Capital Markets, acting on behalf of Vernon Group, has secured a $28.5 million construction loan for The Lofts, a Class A multifamily conversion slated for downtown Santa Monica. The financing supports Phase I of the Santa Maria Town Center master-planned expansion, a City of Santa Monica-initiated redevelopment effort aimed at revitalizing the downtown core.

Top-line project details

The Lofts will convert the existing structure at 201 Town Center East into 104 loft-style apartments. Unit sizes will range from 600 to 1,200 square feet, and the remodeled building will adopt a courtyard format with double-loaded corridors to maximize apartment layouts and circulation. Construction is scheduled for completion in June 2027.

Financing and representation

The construction financing was arranged by JLL Capital Markets on behalf of Vernon Group, which is based in Santa Barbara, Calif. The JLL team representing the borrower included Matt Stewart, Alex Olson, Ace Sudah, Kyle White and Jacob Michael.

Where the project sits in the larger plan

The Lofts is a component of Phase I in the Santa Maria Town Center redevelopment. The broader redevelopment is a master-planned expansion initiated by the City of Santa Monica to strengthen and revitalize the downtown core. Phase I includes adaptive reuse and new development intended to add housing, activate the streetfront, and support walkable urban living in the heart of the city.

Design and building conversion specifics

The project converts an existing building into a low- to mid-rise multifamily property organized around a central courtyard. The conversion emphasizes loft-style living with open floor plans and larger unit footprints for a Class A rent and amenity profile. The use of double-loaded corridors indicates apartments will line both sides of interior hallways, improving unit efficiency and circulation while the courtyard provides a shared outdoor amenity and natural light for interior units.

Timeline and delivery

With financing in place, construction will continue toward a projected completion date of June 2027. The schedule anticipates substantial construction and conversion work to transform the existing structure into modern residential units designed for downtown Santa Monica demand.

Market context

The Lofts adds to downtown Santa Monica’s pipeline of new and repurposed housing. The project aligns with municipal goals to inject housing into the downtown core through public-private planning and master-planned redevelopment. The 104-unit count and unit size range target a mix of residents seeking loft-style apartment living close to transit, retail, and employment nodes in Santa Monica.

Industry events and broader activity

Industry gatherings this year provide forums for developers, investors and lenders to track trends that influence projects like The Lofts. Events covering industrial, multifamily, seniors housing, student housing design, medical office and retail markets are scheduled across several regions. These events gather decision-makers to share insights on development, financing, operations and market outlooks that help shape local projects and financing strategies.

Why this matters

The secured construction financing moves a significant downtown conversion forward and supports local planning goals. The project demonstrates continued investor and lender interest in adaptive reuse and mid-market multifamily product in high-demand coastal cities. For Santa Monica, the conversion supports the City’s effort to invigorate the downtown core with new housing and street-level activity.


Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Lofts project?

The Lofts is a Class A multifamily conversion at 201 Town Center East in downtown Santa Monica that will deliver 104 loft-style apartments as part of Phase I of the Santa Maria Town Center redevelopment.

How much financing was secured and who arranged it?

JLL Capital Markets arranged a $28.5 million construction loan on behalf of Vernon Group to fund the conversion work.

When is construction expected to be finished?

Construction is slated for completion in June 2027.

What types and sizes of units will be offered?

The project will include 104 loft-style apartments with unit sizes ranging from 600 to 1,200 square feet.

Who is the developer or owner behind the project?

The borrower for the financing is Vernon Group, a development firm based in Santa Barbara, Calif.

How does The Lofts fit into the Santa Maria Town Center plan?

The Lofts is part of Phase I of the Santa Maria Town Center master-planned redevelopment, an initiative launched by the City of Santa Monica to revitalize the downtown core through mixed-use development and housing.

Key Project Features

Feature Detail
Project name The Lofts
Location 201 Town Center East, Downtown Santa Monica, Calif.
Financing $28.5 million construction loan
Borrower/Developer Vernon Group (Santa Barbara, Calif.)
Arranging firm JLL Capital Markets (team: Matt Stewart; Alex Olson; Ace Sudah; Kyle White; Jacob Michael)
Unit count 104 loft-style apartments
Unit sizes 600 – 1,200 sq ft
Design Courtyard format with double-loaded corridors
Project role Phase I of Santa Maria Town Center redevelopment
City involvement City of Santa Monica-initiated master-planned expansion
Estimated completion June 2027

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

Additional Resources

Author: Construction FL News

FLORIDA STAFF WRITER The FLORIDA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at constructionflnews.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Florida and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Florida Build Expo, major infrastructure projects, and advancements in construction technology showcases. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Associated Builders and Contractors of Florida and the Florida Home Builders Association, plus leading businesses in construction and legal services that power the local economy such as CMiC Global and Shutts & Bowen LLP. As part of the broader network, including constructioncanews.com, constructionnynews.com, and constructiontxnews.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into the dynamic construction landscape across multiple states.

Construction FL News

FLORIDA STAFF WRITER The FLORIDA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at constructionflnews.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Florida and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Florida Build Expo, major infrastructure projects, and advancements in construction technology showcases. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Associated Builders and Contractors of Florida and the Florida Home Builders Association, plus leading businesses in construction and legal services that power the local economy such as CMiC Global and Shutts & Bowen LLP. As part of the broader network, including constructioncanews.com, constructionnynews.com, and constructiontxnews.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into the dynamic construction landscape across multiple states.

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