Village Hill Northampton State Hospital Marketing StudyA. Overview of Project and Master Plan
The purpose of this study is to provide a market feasibility analysis for approximately 116.7
acres of land located in the City of Northampton, MA. The land is the former Northampton
State Hospital property which is proposed to be a mixed-use commercial, light industrial, and
residential development, to be known as The Village at Hospital Hill (Hospital Hill). The
location is in the south-central section of Northampton very close to the Easthampton town
line. The infrastructure in place provides adequate highway access. The developable portion
of the property is reported to be 95.4 acres, which is net of open space outside of the Planned
Village overlay. The campus/complex is listed on the State and National Registers of Historic
Places.
Northampton State Hospital (NSH) was a public psychiatric hospital that opened in 1858, and
operated until 1993. The property provided a campus setting that was largely self-sufficient,
with kitchen and laundry facilities, bakery, maintenance and carpentry facilities, gardens and
orchards, and amenities, such as stables, chapel, theater, beauty salon, and bowling alley.
Occupancy peaked in the 1950's at about 2,000 patients. The closing of NSH was a result of a
mandated de-institutionalization imposed on the State Department of Mental Health by the U.S.
District Court.
After its closure in 1993, the reuse process proceeded and certain buildings and land were
approved for transfer to the City of Northampton, the Northampton Housing Authority, and,
w the Department of Food and Agriculture. A process for the transfer of the remaining site and
building improvements (116.7 acres' and 880,000 square feet of building space) to a private
developer or developers was laid out by the MA Division of Capital Planning and Operations
(DCPO), then the owner of the facility, and respects the existing conditions of the subject.
(DCPO was renamed "DCAM", Division of Capital Asset Management in 1999.). In 1997 an
Environmental Notification Form (ENF) was filed for the implementation of the transfer of the
land and buildings. In response to a Request for Proposal, The Community Builders (TCB)
was designated to lead the redevelopment team and prepared a Master Plan for the reuse of the
property, to occur over a period of years. The Master Plan contemplates that redevelopment,
including infrastructure improvements, will proceed concurrent with demand for space.
Upfront development costs (remediation, utilities, selective demolition) will require use of
public funding as available. MassDevelopment, which is structured to facilitate State support
of redevelopment undertakings, has assumed responsibility for the site from DCAM.
' Throughout our analysis, we reference land area at 116.7 acres as per the Calthorpe Plan, the most recent site
mapping made available to us. It is of note that the Secretary of Environmental Affairs' Certificate (11/30/01)
references the subject site area at 124 acres and the Project Description of the Master Plan references a site area of
126 acres. Both references to site area can be found in the Draft Phase I Report (3/22/02).
Page 2
In order to move the redevelopment out of the Manning process and into the funding and
implementation stage, MassDevelopment and TCB in cooperation with the City and the
Citizen's Advisory Committee (CAC), decided to move forward with a Phase I of the project,
comprised of up to 109 dwelling units and up to 152,000 square feet of commercial space.
The implementation of Phase I is expected to take several years and ultimately overlap with the
"Full Build" Plan (overall Master Plan). The proposed project is divided into two phases,
primarily for the purposes of environmental review. The Secretary (EOEA)'s Certificate
established a Special Review Procedure for the project, which would allow Phase I, "to
proceed following the filing, review, and acceptance of a Phase I Document, which would be
tantamount to a Single EIR. The overall project, including the cumulative impacts of Phase I
and subsequent phases, would then be reviewed in a Draft and Final EIR ,2 . This Special
Review Procedure effectively allows the Project to move forward during the planning and
environmental analysis of the Full Build.
According to an Illustrative Site Plan prepared by Calthorpe Associates (Berkeley), dated
514199, the total developable acreage of Hospital Hill as proposed is approximately 95.4 acres,
and approximately 49.2 acres are proposed for buildout. At this time, there are 37 buildings
on the site, most of which are in dilapidated condition. The Project Description overview
(taken from Phase I Report-3/22/02) estimates gross building area of approximately 880,000
square feet. In response to civic pressures, certain buildings are targeted for rehab/reuse
within the Master Plan, however, most of the buildings are slated for demolition.
The Master Plan for the NSH site contemplates an ultimate buildout of up to 476,000 square
feet of mixed-use commercial space compromising a mix of retail, office, light industrial, and
research and development/multi-media space as well as space for live-work studios, a child
care center, a possible community center/museum area and the development of a 60-80 unit
assisted living facility for seniors. The Master Plan also includes 207 residential un'its', 100 of
which would be single-family homes and 107 of which would be mixed income rental housing.
Fifty percent of the residential units will be designated as affordable.
This market study assumes that the land or any rehabbed/reuse commercial space would be in
market ready condition when delivered to the p_rpect user with workable utilities and
corrLmunicatlons infrastructure in place and that there are no adverse oil or other
environmental conditions affecting the site or building improvements
2 Certificate of the Secretary of Environmental Affairs Establishing a Special Review Procedure (11/30/01)
3 A portion of up to 27 of the residential units may be located on an isolated site approximately one mile west of
the subject (main) site, the Ice Pond Site. The Phase I infrastructure plans take a conservative approach and
consider that traffic and utility requirements on the main site will be able to accommodate 209 residential units in r,
the event that the Ice Pond Site is not used.
Page 3
Methodol
This market study was undertaken by Crowley & Associates. The objective of the analysis is
to provide the client with our opinion of the anticipated demand for commercial sites and
improved space in view of underlying market conditions, as well as a prognostication of the
future need for commercial space, that will be driven by the area's economic growth. The
proposed commercial uses are defined as a mix of retail, office, light industrial, and research
and development/multi-media space. The objective of this analysis is also to form a conclusion
of whether it is economically feasible to rehab/reuse certain buildings on the site for a
commercial or residential reuse. Potential reuses considered were residential'condominium
and hotel/conference center. We have expanded the hotel/conference center prospect to test
whether this type of use on the site would be economically feasible if developed new.
All data included in this analysis has been fully verified. In the data collection process, the
consultants have relied upon, verified and reviewed the periodicals published by County
Comps, Bankers and Tradesman, local Multiple Listing Services, the Hampden, Franklin, and
Hampshire County Registries of Deeds, regional municipal offices, and our office files.
We have also reviewed publications compiled by the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission,
and market publications prepared by area brokerage firms such as Colebrook and CB
Commercial. Employment and population data was prepared using information from County
Business Patterns (U.S. Department of Commerce), and the MA Division of Employment and
Training. _
We have conducted interviews with representatives of the City of Northampton, as well as
representatives of private and public development corporations, planning commissions, local
and regional real estate brokers, and other informed sources. The following assumptions are
incorporated in this analysis:
1. The site area has been accurately defined and developable area is net of land development
constraints, such as wetland and conservation land, sloping topography, and any other
constraints. The consultants emphasize that detailed plans, such as site maps, topography
maps, wetland maps, or other surveys, have not been provided for our review. The site
area referenced in this report is as per information provided by Calthorpe Associates, an
architectural firm cooperating in the development. Information contained within the
Northampton Assessor's office is reported to be inaccurate and non-updated. The property
has historically been exempt from taxation.
2. The site will comply with all applicable environmental regulations, including Massachusetts
General Laws - Chapter 21E.
3. All regulatory approvals will be secured that are required to undertake the project,
including approvals from the MA Environmental Protection Agency (MEPA), and
Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).
Page 4
H. LOCATION, BACKGROUND, & SITE
DESCRIPTION
Page 5
The City of Northampton Market Area and Neighborhood
T-hem-it3~c~f-Nor-thampton-is4ocated-m-4ampsrhir-e-C-eunty-in- e- s ter- R- M-as sachu.-setts-'he-QVy
contains 35.62 square miles of land. Interstate 91, which has three interchanges in
Northampton, networks the City northerly to southern Vermont, and southerly to major
commercial regions of Springfield, MA and Hartford, CT.
iBasse
y
,,West B.
According to the Census estimates for 2000, Northampton is the second largest community in
Hampshire County and is listed as having a population of 28,978, which represents a 1.06 %
decrease from the 1990 U.S. Census population of 29,289. The most recent population
statistics from the 2000. U.S. Census for Northampton and the surrounding communities are in
the following grid.
Municipality
Population 2000
Population 1990
Percent Change
Northam t6n
28,978
29,289
-1.06%
Amherst
34,874
35,228
-1.00%
Easthampton
15,994
15,537
+2.94%
Westhampton
1,468
1,327
+10.63%
Hadley
4,793
4,231
+13.28%
South Hadley
17,196
16,685
+3.06%
Holyoke
39,838
43,704
-8.85%
Hatfield
3,249
3,184
+2.04%
Williamsburg
2,427
2,515
-3.50%
Page 6
~
Regional population, impacted most significantly by declining population in the City of
Holyoke, indicates a decrease in population in whole numbers over the last ten years however,
the more immediate Northampton area has indicated little change in overall population over the
last decade. The five educational institutions in the greater area result in Northampton having
a transient population, and a flat population growth rate. The per capita income in
Northampton is average compared to surrounding communities. The chart below indicates the
average annual salary for the employees of Northampton for the 15 year period from 1985-
1998. (There is no more recent compilation of the data by City than 1998). In addition the
chart also provides a breakdown of the employment sectors. The information was compiled by
the Massachusetts Division of Employment and Training.
EMPLOYMENT
Year
Total
Annual
Avg
Annual
Establish-
Agriculture
Forestry
Govern-
Const-
Manufac-
ments
_
Fishin
i
ment ruction
taring
TCPU
Trade
FIRE
Services
198
$267,307,813
$15,775
_
_ 856
39
3,477
•510
2,527
441
3,706
448
5,794
1986
$289,262,594
$14
908
1
52,
3,426
521
2,140
413
4,227
625
6,083
1987
$322,926,594
$17,786
_ 941
60
3,493
624
2,131
447
4,318
686
6,386
1988
$350,290,500
$19,076
978
69
3;587,
44
.2,235
465
4,311
520
6,529
1989
$366,982,506
$20,008
976;
70
3,53
484
1,965
494
4468
562
6,764
1990
5
$20,729
989
77
3;455
417
1,982
533
4,200
549
6,817
1991
$382,132,932
$22,465
975
7111.
III
76
3,446
319
1,917
468
3,862
492
6,430
1992
$367,300,460
$21,938
965
16,743 j
_ - 69,
3,328
206
1,791
325
3,905
456
6,663 ,
1993
$396,301,299
_$22,245
982
17,815
64
3;812'
218 j _
1,744
306
_4,075
460
7,136
_ 1994
$420,133,928
$23,111
- 1,022]
18;179
65
3,671
242
1,740
302.
4,246
491
7,422
1995
$440,375,480
$24,146
1,048
18,238
_ 75'
3,686
265
1,6391
280
4,337
449
_
7,507;
1996
$447,109,404 $24,994'
1,044
17,889
78
__3,633
287
1,457
23.9
4,365;
452
7,378 ~
1997
$444,665;021
$25,660;
1,025
17,329,
93~
3,071
-
291'
1,288
228
4,470
_
1
4455551
7433
1998
$466,828,529
$26,743
1,042
17,456
_ 94 j
3,033 ,
310,
1,347
260
4,434
471
7,507
1999•
$478,131,703,1
$27,022
1,0831
17,694;
102
2,996'
308
1,339,
252
4,400
462;
,
7,835;
TCPU = Transportation, Communication and Public Utilities
FIRE = Finance, Insurance and Real Estate
The above chart indicates that the majority of the labor force (44 is employed in the service
sector. Northampton has become a destination location that is known for its fine restaurants,
entertainment and eclectic retail shops. The economy is supported by its many college students
and is located within the five-college campus. The average annual salary has steadily increased
over the past five year period but the total number of people that have been employed has
remained relatively stable. This is partly due to the transient nature of the labor force, which
is partially comprised of college students.
Page 7
Recent trends indicate that Northampton's unemployment level is slightly lower than that
_ indicated for L Springfield area suburbs, and the most recent data pxoy_ided~ the MA Dent.
of Labor (March, 2002) reveals unemployment in the City of 2.5 This figure is lower than
the March, 2002 Hampshire County unemployment rate of 3.0 % and the State rate of 4.8
The City has historically held unemployment rates below that of the local region and State,
partly because of the employment generated by the number of colleges in the area, and also
due to the relatively healthy economy that the regional market has enjoyed over the last
decade.
The major employer in Northampton is Smith College. Smith College is one of the five
colleges located in the greater region (including the communities of Amherst and South
Hadley), and area students provide solicitation for the Downtown business district's retail and
restaurant trades. The lodging industry in the area has historically been stable as well,
primarily as a result of the presence, of the colleges in the area. Market participants are
reporting a softening in this market, particularly in the First Quarter, 2002, which is likely a
result of some weakening in the economy, but the amount of new inventory of lodging
properties in the market is also likely a contributing factor.
Downtown Northampton has historically held a strong commercial presence. The Downtown
area offers adequate parking and is very accessible to pedestrians. Investment in the real estate
in Downtown Northampton has been steady over the recent years with renovations to the
majority of the buildings along Main Street in the last five years. The popularity of the
Downtown area has resulted in sale and rental values for properties in Downtown that
generally exceed the greater Springfield market. The strength of the market has resulted in an
outflow of commercial users beyond Main Street to side streets such as Center Street and
Pleasant Street. The King Street corridor is also a prominent retail location, and typical
properties located there include national franchise retail, restaurant, and automotive service
uses. The improved properties are situated with good street visibility and the majority of the
buildings are. modern (franchise) signature properties with on-site parking. There are some
plans for expanded development on King Street and CVS will be the next market entrant,
however, Home Depot is also investigating the prospect of locating a prototypical store in the
location. This may impact the subject as the site targeted by Home Depot may result in a
relocation of a light industrial/R&D firm to the NSH site. Based on historical growth, it is
reasonable to project that there will continue to be growth along this corridor into the future.
In general, economic conditions in the City of Northampton overall are expected to remain
positive into the future. The potential redevelopment of the Northampton State Hospital site
should provide an economic stimulus to the City and region in general.
The residential sector is stable with average vacancy at less than 1 % historically and steady
demand for housing both within Downtown and in the suburban areas. The City has always
evidenced high demand for housing. Historically the number of artisans and academia, desiring
to live in the City has been a demand factor, and there is also a stable commercial element that
draws employment and subsequently residents.
Page 8
Our research also reveals that there has been stimulated demand for condominiums in the "
market, which, in our opinion, is partly a function of low interest rates over the last 12 months
pa-rtly-a fnnetion-o-f-pemed-up-demand--V~%at-ev-er-t-he-stimulusr-ec-eat-co-ndeminit es
activity has been at a pace that exceeds the historical average. In the future, we anticipated
continued gradual growth in all market sectors, and overall stability relative to market
conditions in the City of Northampton.
Neighborhood
The subject property is located on West Street, or State Highway Route 66, in the south-central
section of the City of Northampton, 0.6 miles from Northampton's downtown center. The
neighborhood is just north of the Northampton/ Easthampton town line. Route 66 extends
easterly through the neighborhood from Easthampton and turns into Route 9 at its intersection
with State Highway Routes 9 & 10 in Northampton center. Route 10 is an east-west roadway
that runs parallel to Route 66 on its south side, through the neighborhood.
The subject, former NSH site is the largest land user in the neighborhood. The other
significant land user in the neighborhood is Smith College. Smith College has its main campus
and housing throughout the neighborhood and the College's athletic fields abut the subject
property to the south. The College's Equestrian facility is located across Route 66 from the
subject.
Page 9;Y"'
1 .
a 4'
The neighborhood is predominantly built out with residential uses, and there are a number of
-
smaller sued,~er~nda ~ommPr,al, sffyijc.e, audlight industrial uses dalong-Routes
66, and 10 in the neighborhood, including auto sales and servicers, oil and gas facilities, and
others. The Department of Mental Health has offices in the Haskell Building, adjacent to the
subject, and formerly a part of the larger NSH property.
The subject site is proposed as The Village at Hospital Hill, a mixed-use development to
network commercial, light industrial, and residential uses. The diversity of existing property
uses in the neighborhood supports the development plans as proposed. The location offers
average access and visibility.
The subject location is not a "Class A" location, which is characterized by highway
accessibility and visibility, immediate highway access, and modem appearance buildings with
attractive. landscaping. However, the location benefits from the demand stimulated by the
cultural and artisan community, centered in the Northampton area. We expect the subject to
emerge as a market niche, to satisfy the space demands from the prominent cultural and artisan
community. The property/location would also be very suitable as incubator and research and
development space for area entrepreneurs and start-up businesses. Furthermore, there is little
inventory of developable land in the modern light industrial and office parks in the market, and
we believe that the subject will be marketable to conventional light industrial and office users.
As stated, the location is 0.6 miles from Northampton center, and the market's recognition of
Northampton center as a commercial district enhances the marketability of the property.
-4ccess
The highway access characteristics are average. Interstate-91 (north-south) is the regional
interstate to the neighborhood, and the nearest I-91 interchange is two miles southeast of the
property via Routes 5 and 10 (or Routes 5 and 9/66). The nearest MA Turnpike interchange to
the neighborhood is approximately 14, miles to the south (via I-91) in West Springfield (13
miles from Northampton center). The access routes'from the I-91 interchange are congested
with above average traffic counts and pedestrian activity.
The site area is on both the north and south sides of West Street (Route 66), and there are two
accesses. The southerly section of the site has access from Route 10 via Earl Street. At this
time, accessing the site entails a sharp turn near a retaining wall built into the street and this
detracts from utilizing Route 10 for truck access. However, a redesign of this area has been
contemplated, including altering the roadway to create a straight road/direct access to the south
section of the property from Route 10. The north (and central) sections of the site are accessed
from a curb cut off of the north side of West Street, or Route 66. Earl Street and West Street
have public water and sewer, however, the condition of the water/sewer on Earle Street is
reportedly uncertain.
Page 10
Mr. Wayne M. Feiden, A.I.C.P., the Northampton Planning Director, has confirmed that
Route 66 is under construction at this time, from Main Street (Northampton) to Westhampton _
The construction will be in phases with the Phase 1 consisting of updating utilities and water
and sewer, and the Phase 2 consisting of actual road construction and new sidewalks. The
timing for the completion of the reconstruction was proposed to be this year, however, there is
some uncertainty of the completion date at this time. The project is in Phase 1 at this time.
Mr. Feiden also confirmed that the "difficult" turn on Earle Street is targeted for
reconstruction, to create a direct access to the property from Route 10. Reportedly
MassDevelopment has hired Vanasse & Associates for the design process, which is expected to
be completed within one year. The actual construction will be a State project,Yhowever, due to
the lengthy design and funding processes, the time frame is uncertain.
Routes 10 and 66, are the main State highways through the location. The subject has good
visibility from Route 66. As stated, the travel to the subject location from the Interstate is
congested and slow. The location would be well suited to local tenants and solicitors,
however, the location is clearly inferior to the modern (Class A) locations that have been the
focus of the market's recent commercial development activity.
Physical Site Description
The gross land area of the subject site is reported (Calthorpe Associates) to be 116.7 acres, and
the gross developable area is reported to be 95.4 acres. The gross developable area is net of
areas of open space located outside of the zoning overlay, such as wetland and conservation
land located at the north of the site near the southerly bank of the Mill River, and land located
at the east of the site affected by sloping topography.
We noted that the site dimensional information is slightly inconsistent between the Master Plan
and the Calthorpe Associates plan, and we have relied upon the Calthorpe Associates plan in
this Report. The preliminary redevelopment plan (TCB 7/28/99) proposed 48 % of the gross
developable area for buildout (49.2 acres of the 95.4 acres) and we have maintained this
assumption in this Report. This 49.2 acre delineation is explicitly subject to change.
The developable portion of the site is generally oval shaped with the lengthiest side from north
to south. West Street, which turns into Prince Street at the locus of the property, bisects the
oval (and the site). The majority of the site area (73 acres) is on the north side of West/Prince
Street with the balance (22.4 acres) located on the south side of Prince Street.
S n•
11 i~
Page
Details of the proposed buildout for the land will be provided in the following section ("III..
the Master Plan and a density factor in the range of 30 % for buildout, we have estimated that
the breakdown of the 95.4 acres of developable land will be approximately 80.4 acres of
potential land for commercial and light industrial development, and approximately 15 acres for
residential development. The commercial land will be mostly contained on the north side of
Prince Street (58 acres), plus another 22.4 acres on the south side of Prince Street, for total
potential area for development for commercial and light industrial use space of 80.4 acres,
rounded to 80 acres. Throughout this Report, we will assume that the subject provides
approximately 80 acres of developable land for commercial and/or light industrial use buildout.
The Hospital Hill Master Plan at Full Build incorporates commercial and residential
development. The commercial development (capacity for approximately 476,000 square feet
of mixed-use commercial space) will be located on both the north and south sides of Route 66,
and there will be 207 residential units located on the north side of Route 66. A Phase I
Development Program calls 152,000 square feet of commercial space (retail, office, mixed-
use, light industrial) on the north and south sides of West Street, plus 109 residential units on
the north side of West Street. The buildable acreage calculation is also subject to change. We
note that according to the Full Build Master Plan, the density of the 49.2 acres dedicated to
buildout is in the 30% range, making certain assumptions for building area associated with
residential units. This is reasonable and consistent with our recommendations for the building
coverage for the site.
The preliminary plan call for 48 % of the gross developable area (or 46.2 A of 95.4 acres) to
remain as "open space" Based on our experience with somewhat similar developments in the
market, we recommend that the finalized plans maintain similar quantities of open space.
Flood Plain
The site area within the zoning overlay appears to be located in a Zone C flood plain, and
some of the land area outside of the zoning overlay appears to be in Zone A7 and Zone B.
Zone C is an area outside of the 500-year flood levels, and of least flood hazard. A Zone A7
is an area of 100-year flood; base elevations and flood hazard factors not determined, and a
Zone B is an area between the limits of the 100-year flood and 500-year flood. The site is
located on Flood Insurance Rate Map 250167-002A, dated April 3, 1978.
Utilities
Utilities available to the site include gas, electric, water, and sewer. As stated, Route 66 is in
the process of reconstruction and new utilities are being installed. According to the Planning
office, an evaluation of the condition of the water/sewer lines on Earl Street is also being
undertaken at this time. The client has informed us that there are no workable utilities on the
site at this time.
page 12
This Market Study assumes the site is in market ready condition. Implicit in this assumption is
that good condition workable utility and communications infrastructure will be installed in the _
subject property prior to its exposure to the market. This will assist in marketing the property
to a broad range of potential users, including the technology and telecommunications sectors.
Assessed Value and Tax Rate Information
The subject has.historically been exempt property. The City of Northampton does not have
accurate records respective to land area and building improvements and does not maintain an
assessment of the property.
Zoning
We have researched the City Zoning By-Laws and interviewed Mr. Wayne M. Feiden,
A.I.C.P., Planning Director for the City of Northampton. The subject land is zoned Planned
Village Overlay District (PV). The zoning designation allows for most commercial, office,
light industrial, tradesman, residential, and other miscellaneous uses, including civic. Most re-
uses of existing buildings require site plan review/approval and site plan review/approval is
also required of new developments (non-re-use). Business Planned Unit Developments
(BPUDs) with mixed residential and commercial/light industrial uses are permitted via Special
Permit, in accordance with specific stipulations for BPUDs.
The zoning by-laws stipulate more liberal use requirements for the re-use of existing buildings
with the intent to encourage retaining some of the historical buildings within the property. For
example, the gross floor area of retail/restaurant use is allowed at 10% of the gross floor area
of the building or complex of historical buildings being redeveloped. However, if the
development was not a re-use, the floor area of retail/restaurant use allowed is limited to 5 % of
the gross floor area of the building or complex. There is no maximum limit on the amount of
space dedicated to residential use in buildings that are a re-use, however, there is a maximum
limit on the amount of space dedicated to residential use relative to new development.
A summary of the dimensional requirements set forth by zoning follows on the next page. We
have included complete schedules of Use Regulations and Dimensional Controls in the
Addenda.
Page 13
M T R 1 n
III. THE VILLAGE AT HOSPITAL HILL AS
PROPOSED IN THE MASTER PLAN r
Page 15%.
_ -,cr,m;~.~ ~R~~1.m ~T•',c„`2°.,l't: ~c^ ,r„ct^mn~.-,:~r,~~v,~;~:n~°mi..,,.m;d;T.;r.1n'°,'n+.+^^;tS?;;lct::~•:~cm^?<<r.;;,;<;. _
___.._....,._.~,..m-.,.m~_.,,~-,,.:,,,T>m,<.,,..-gym,-,-,~,.-.~-..:~•~,.-: c~~:,,;r:•,:,;,~:r,r.,:a,.T. ~s;~-,~,r.,c~-s:~rsr;c ,,gin: ,,..,,,,,;,;~.rm~ar:~~,.,~ r-..,..~., - - - -
Dimensional requirements:
Minimum lot size - Residential:
Minimum lot size - Other/Mixed:
Maximum height:
Minimum lot depth - Residential:
Minimum lot depth - Other:
Minimum frontage - Residential:
Minimum frontage - Other:
Minimum front & side setback:
Minimum rear yard setback:
Percent building coverage:
Floor area ratio (FAR):
Open space (in percent):
Landscaped Area (in percent):
Screening, Buffers, Parking:
4,000 SF, plus 1,000 SF/Unit*
40,000 SF*
55 feet
80 feet
140 feet
75 feet
120 feet
0 feet, except 35 feet from collector streets and
from the edge of the PV overlay
20 feet, except 35 feet from collector streets and
from the edge of the PV overlay
not applicable
not applicable
not applicable
40 except 30 % for building reuses
Depending on use
* Minimum lot size requirements are between 10-15 acres for new development (non-reuses) allowed via Special
Permit.
Page 14
We have summarized the main elements of the Master Plan for Hospital Hill as per an
Illustrative Site Plan, prepared by Calthorpe Associates and MassDevelopment (3/19/02) _
presented in the Draft Phase I Report (3/22/02).
The Master Plan envisions a Village Center that would be located at the intersection of Route
66 and the present entrance to the campus. The area of the site south of Route 66, known as
the Memorial Complex, represents predominantly commercial uses including: office, research
and development, light industrial, and retail. These uses are deemed most appropriate for this
site based on their need for easy access. The developers contemplate buildout in response to
market demand. Two of the buildings within the Memorial Complex (Building F/eastern-most
building and Recreation Building/northern-most building) are being tested for the economic
feasibility of a potential rehab/reuse.
The area of the main campus just north of Route 66 will have a more mixed-use character.
This part of the development will include new construction plus the rehabilitation of existing
buildings, most for apartment use, and one building.(Male Attendant's ) is being tested for the
economic feasibility of rehab/reuse as office space. As currently proposed there will also be
approximately 45 newly constructed multifamily rental units (both market and affordable)
approximately 20 single-family home lots, and an assisted living facility. Depending on
market conditions and final assisted living design, it may be possible to create additional
commercial space along Main Street. An Illustrative Site Plan revealing the proposed buildout
scenario as per the Master Plan is inserted on the following page. The Plan includes a
commercial buildout totaling 463,000 square feet, and a reuse of the existing Laundry Building
(13,000 SF) to retail/ manufacturing, at the far north side of the site.
The site area on the south side of Route 66 in the locus of the Memorial Complex is proposed
.for a total of 321,000 square feet of. commercial and light industrial use space (prior to
allocating for Laundry Building to be discussed). The space is broken into 195,000 square feet
of office space (8 buildings), 44,000 square feet of mixed-use space (2 buildings), 11,000.
square feet of retail (1 building), and 71,000 square feet of light industrial (5 buildings). At
the far south end of the site., with frontage on Earl Street, there are two commercial buildings.
One of the commercial buildings is slated for demolition (Power Plant) during Phase I,
however, there was an offer from a market buyer for the former "Laundry Building", which
reportedly has approximately 13,000 square feet of building'area. The buyer has proposed a
furniture manufacturing/retail use for the building. No transfer details have been finalized,
however, the client reports negotiations for a sale in the range of $60,000 to $70,000 for the
building, and we are assuming that the seller would be responsible for any required site clean-
up costs. The Laundry Building would not be retained in the event that Kollmorgen relocates
to the south end of the site, the details of which follow.
R 'R
Page 16
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Illustrative Site Plan
WE VILLAGE AT HOSPITAL HILL
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The developer has provided a preliminary site plan for a 6.7 acre development at the south end
of the site with frontage on Earl Street. The site plan illustrates a building footprint of 80,000
square feet, plus an allocation for 250 parking spaces. Reportedly, the City Planning Office
has required a two-story building be constructed with window bands. The topography of the
subdivided lot slopes upward to the rear (north) and reportedly, the_parking will on plateaus
gradually stepped-up. The facility will have loading and dock facilities at the southwest
corner, directly accessed from Earl Street. The business requires a 70 foot high tower for its
manufacturing process, and the sloping topography will assist is diminishing the appearance of
the tower's height from other vantage points on site. The developer feels that,there is a good
probability that this development will proceed.
The Illustrative Plan reveals a total of 142,000 square feet of commercial use space at the north
side of Prince Street, in the location of the "Main Street" center, with 122,000 square feet of
mixed-use space (5 buildings) and 20,000 square feet of office (Male Attendant's Building
rehab), intermingled with residential uses.
The "Old Main" complex is located at the far north and northeasterly edge of the land on the
north side of Route 66. The central section of the complex is the oldest part and includes a
porte cochere that has particular architectural significance, and the central section has been
targeted for rehab/reuse. Arrowstreet, Inc. in their 3/15/02' Stabilization Report. Executive
Summary, indicates that the Old Main complex is in, extremely poor condition",..., and the
central, oldest part is in the worst condition. Arrowstreet projects a cost of stabilizing the
building for the purposes of a potential future reuse to be $870,000. We have studied the
economic feasibility of a rehab/reuse of the central section of the building in a later section of
the Report. The Master Plan calls for a primarily residential development on the site in the
locus of the existing Old Main complex, however, the developer's are also considering a
hotel/conference center use for Old Main. Our opinion of the economic feasibility of a reuse
of Old Main is discussed in Sections V. and VI. later in the report.
The overall Master Plan incorporates proposed buildings for residential; office, mixed-use, and
retail along a central "traditional Main Street", with.mixed-use potentially encompassing most
community and conference type uses. The proposed light industrial use space will be located
at- the south end of the site (fronting Earl Street), which in our opinion, is the most logical
design, as the light industrial use will be separated from the rest of the development. As our
analysis will point out, market absorption trends indicate that there is higher demand for light
industrial space in the market than office space, and we recommend that the mix of space be
reconsidered to speed the property absorption rate.
Page 17
IV. MARKET ANALYSIS - COAEVIERCIAL
DEVELOPMENT COMPONENT OF MASTER PLAN
0
Page 18
A. DEVELOPABLE LAND
Study of Inventory, Absorption, and Pricing
The subject market is defined as the three-county region making up the greater Springfield
market. We clarify that this geographic area consists essentially of the Pioneer Valley region
("select cities in Hampden and Hampshire counties"), plus we have included the City of
Greenfield and Town of Deerfield in Franklin County. This Pioneer Valley Planning
Commission uses a statistical sample that. includes select cities in Hampden and Hampshire
counties.
Inventory
Available Acreage in Regional Modern Industrial Parks
Based on our research, there are approximately 667 -acres of industrial park land that are
available for sale, most of which is actively being marketed. A summary of the available .
acreage, identified by modern industrial park location, is provided. on the following page
(TABLE 1) . TABLE 1 provides a summary of the land acreage absorbed (by year and
location) and available (market ready) acreage. The table'includes a summary of the acres
absorbed since 1997 (5.3 year time frame).
1
11:
m
a
0
N
10
N
N
V
Q
80
60
40
20
0
1997
TABLE 1.
--iF~E-Y-fi~1R~~OhP'-T~Oi'~A3~Tfl3~~L~V~L,L-E INDUSTRIAL PARKS -
AND AVAILABLE ACRES AT (5/02)
Location
Agawam Regional
1997
16
5
1998
1999
2000
2001
@ 5/02
Total
Avail Acre
Agawam (Ma-Conn)
.
0
9.24
17
3
28.71
2
75
3.68
0
0
0
58.13
8,28 (1)
Agawam-Suffield St
0
.
1.77
.
0
0
0
0
S 0
0
5.92
0
AitparkNorth,Chicopee
8.1
0
7.12
0
Cr
0
1.77
1
12.08
Airpark Wes4Chicopee
0
17.62
0
2.703
0
8.71
5.22
29.033
11.97
7
6
Airpark East,Ludlow
1.5
1.5
0
0
0
0
.
Westover Center, Chicopee
0
0
7.29
0
0
0
3
19.65
Chicopee-Old Ludlow Rd(NEU)
0
0
0
0
7.29
0
Chicopee River Business Park
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
13.8
Deerfield Industrial Park
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
175 (2)
S Deerfield/Whately Industrial Park
0
0
17
0
0
0
0
0
Deerfield-Yankee Candle Way
h
u
0
0
.0
0
41.92
0
0
17
41.92
18
14
3 (3)
East
ampton Ind
strial Park
1.59
2.36
0
0
0
0
3
95
.
11
61
East Longmeadow-Deer Park
0
0
0
0
0
0
.
.
East Longmeadow State Line
0
0
0
5
07
0
0
0
1.7
Greenfield Industrial Park
0
0
0
.
0
0
5.07
0
Hadley-University Park
0
0
0
0
14.71
0
0
0
14
71
28.4(4)
42
Hadley-Westgate Center Drive
0
0
3.25
0
0
0
.
3
25
0
Hatfield Industrial Park
0
0
0
0
0
0
.
0
Holyoke-Signature Place
0
•0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Holyoke-Whiting Farms(HEDIC)
0
0
0
0
0
0
Ludlow-Carmelinas Circle
0
0
0
2
9
0
0
0
0
28
Northampton Industrial Park
0
0
0
.
0
0
2.9
0
Palmer Industrial Park
2.7
0
0
0
0
0
0
7(5)
Springfield-Carando Drive
0
0
0
0
0
2.7
2.7
Springfield Industrial Park
0
12.43
0
0
0
0
0
•0
5.25
Westfield-Summit Lock IP
129.4
0
0
0
0
0
12.43
0
Westfield-Servistar & Ampad
25.2
7.84
49.55
40.48
0
0
0
129.4
123
07
129.4 (6)
West Springfield Industrial Park
0
0
0
0
.
.
94.5 (7)
Wilbraham Industrial Park
0
0
4.55
0
0
0
0
0
0
32
Totals
184.99
55.93
120.22
54.83
56.63
8.71
4.55
481.31
4
667.24
(1) There is another 13 acres available, but development potential is limited.
(2) Brought on line in 1999. The first lot sale (6.7 A) pending sale at 5/02.
(3) The street is a private way that was developed in 2001. Available land abuts Yankee Candle Way and fronts Greenfield Rd.
(4) There is additional acreage available that is not market ready at this time.
(5) Brought on line in 1999 via subdivisions of two improved parcels.
(6) Avail acreage absorbed 1997, but not developed. Reportedly 55 A is in serious sale
negotiations at this time, and there is interest in the balance of the land. Considered inventory at 5/02.
(7) 36.5 A of avail acreage was absorbed in 1999, but never utilized and is available inventory.
T"' Rh
Page 2 0
I
In addition to the 667 acres identified, there is another 1,039 acres of large tracts of
- - -three--eount s~ a e supp y ut is not market ready at this
y time, however, some
of the land is being marketed. Adding the developable acreage at the subject (allocation for
Commercial/light. industrial use), which was estimated at 80 acres, would adjust the total non-
market ready acreage to 1,119 acres.
Again, the developable acreage at the subject was calculated by assuming a density factor for
the residential and commercial buildout in the 30 % range, then deducting an estimated land
allocation for the proposed amount of residential buildout from the total developable acres e
per the Calthorpe Associates plan (95.4 A). gas
From .a practical standpoint, the timing of the subject development will likely lag the
development of many of the'non-market ready sites identified. The majority of the competing,
non-market-ready sites do not have environmental issues, which is significant because
identification and remediation of environmental issues, including the reporting of such, is a
time consuming process. Additionally, one of the larger non-market-ready tracts identified
(Holyoke Crossroads) has already secured infrastructure
development approvals from the MA Environmental Protec on Agency and Deepvartment of
Environmental Protection. In an overview, the 1,039 (non-market ready) acres consists of the
following.
TABLE 2
INVENTORY OF INDUSTRIAL LAND
NON-MARKET READY
Additional Inventory
- Non-Market Ready (5/02)
Agawam .
Agawam
92 Acres
Frontage on Route 57
Agawam
13 Acres
198 Acres
Agawam Regional Ind Park/Limited Development Potential
Recent disposition of land f
rom Hampden County
E.Longmeadow
107.6 Acres
WMDC Acquisition 2002/Adjacent to East Longmeadow Ind. Park
Greenfield
55 Acres
Greenfield Industrial Park Non-market Ready
Holyoke
Holyoke
80 Acres
Holyoke Crossroads Development Park
17 Acres
Abuts Holyoke Cross. Owned by City Economic Develop (FDIC)
Springfield
85 Acres
Off Roosevelt Avenue (Smith & Wesson)
Westfield
Westfield
W
f
125 Acres
216 Acres
Ampad Rd & Servistar Industrial Way (Clark Sons Realty Trust)
Owen District & East M
est
ield
50 Acres
ountain Roads
Excess Land at Caldor (former Di
ital Pl
g
ant) Southampton Rd
Total
1,038.60 Acres
Non-Market Ready
Page 21
An analysis of the available inventory indicates that the majority is not competitive with the
subject. MnrP ti,-0ne, third of the-avaiiabie-inventory is ocate in Westfield. The City of
Westfield has targeted warehouse and distribution users who can benefit from the City's good
highway infrastructure with good access to both 1-91 and the Mass Pike, and a municipal
airport with easy access to most of the industrially zoned land in the City. Over the last three
to five years, Westfield has become an established light industrial location, partially as a
function of the inventory of developable land, however, it is our opinion that the available land
in Westfield is not directly competitive inventory to the subject.
In addition to the amount of non-market ready land previously indicated, we also recognize
that the City of Westfield owns approximately 300 acres of land adjacent to Bames Municipal
Airport, that we believe will.eventually be used for industrial development, however, at the
present time, the City has not determined a plan for the land. The data reveals that the largest
inventory of available land is within the City of Westfield, and as noted, we do not believe this
is competitive inventory to the subject. Recognition of this effectively reduces the' quantity of
competing inventory by more than one-third.
In fact, there are locational and utility (including zoning, topography, and others) constraints
associated with much of the land identified as available inventory at this time. For example,
45 of the 125 acres in Westfield owned by the Clark Sons Realty Trust, is bisected by a
WMECO transmission line. The 216 acres of land located on Owen District Road in Westfield
has. sloping topography, is encumbered by. two water line easements, has a brook on site, and
is partially located in an Acquifer Protection zone. One of the locations contributing a
significant inventory of available land (83 A total market ready and non-market ready) is the
Greenfield Industrial Park. The Greenfield area is a unique market sector outside of the
greater Springfield region as well as the Hampshire County area, and a potential tenant or
tenants interested in the subject market area will likely not be interested in a Greenfield
location.
In an effort to identify the most directly competitive sites to the subject, we have further
analyzed the inventory of land presented to isolate the most directly competing properties- to
the subject, and the data is presented on the next page.
M'V=~
Page 2 2
- i hwav xcess- --fib i
t Av ; abi it
Subject
2 Miles
No
UmverIityParkHard
-Hampshire County. Current tenants
5 Miles
No 42.0 Acres
communications/technology businesses.
Park marketed to technology-oriented
tenants for synergy with UMass.
Easthampton Indu_ *l park
-Hampshire County. Secondary
4 Miles
No 11
.61 Acres
park identity tenanted with local
businesses only. Primarily light
industrial.
NortbaTnpton Industrial park 0.5 Miles
-Hampshire County. Tenant mix Yes 7 Acres
includes local and region and
national based businesses. Target
market is transit/distribution users.
Park covenants recently amended to allow
office use. Location on high profile
commercial corridor and lot
pricing reflects commercial traffic.
S DeerFeld/Whately I d trial Park
-Hampshire County. Newer park 0.5 Miles No 18 Acres
with first lot developed in 1996. 1999
transfer of 16.9 acres to Comm. Of MA for
land preservation. Pending sale of 3.1 acres
proposed for 13,000 SF office/distribution
building (Western MA Regional Libraries).
Target market is transit/distribution users.
Good presence of national based tenants in
Deerfield industrial market.
Total
79.61
Page 23
Of the total market ready inventory identified, in our opinion about 80 acres
~a - u~~~-c:nn~ge~~on to me suoject. It is of note that there has been only
one lot transfer within the five properties identified in the last three years (TABLE 1), and the
market for developable parcels in Hampshire County, has, for the most part been irregular. It
is of further note that the inventory'identifed is "modern/garden industrial park" sites (80 A),
which may or may not be preferred to the "mixed-use village concept" proposed for the
subject property.
The parks identified have distinct markets. The Hadley University Park is marketed to
technology and office users for an intended synergy with the University of MA. The South
Deerfield/Whately park is targeting light industrial/distribution users, and the Northampton
Industrial Park is marketed primarily to light manufacturing and light industrial tenants The
market for the Easthampton Industrial Park is primarily limited to local based service, light
industrial, and office use It is our opinion that the subject's target market will be much
more diverse to include local and regional based companies engaged in light industrial, service,
office, research and development and other areas. While the subject is much larger than the
competing properties, we believe its more diverse market will result in an absorption rate that
is likely superior to that achieved in the, industrial parks in Hampshire County over the recent
five years.
h;= c1 While we noted that the demand for land in Hampshire County has been "irregular" over the
last five years, we believe it is important to recognize the success of the Carlon Drive
subdivision located off of King Street. This is a commercially zoned subdivision located off of
a high profile commercial corridor on. the perimeter of downtown Northampton, and its success
was directly tied to the commercial location. The subdivision consists of 13.9 acres (4 lots),
which achieved total sellout over three years with pricing at the absolute high end of the
regional area market. The absorption of the Carlon Drive subdivision was by retail, service,
and office users that benefited from a location on the perimeter of downtown, and we are not
attempting to correlate a projected absorption rate for the subject from this data. The data is
presented for background purposes only.
We have concluded that the Hampshire County area presents the most directly competitive
inventory to the subject. However, we also believe the proposed Holyoke Crossroads will
provide significant competition for tenants due to a similar planned target market. Holyoke
Crossroads will be target marketing research and development, and communications/internet
firms, and related, and it is our opinion that this business/industrial park will pose significant
competition to the subject. Holyoke Crossroads has very good access and visibility. attributes,
superior to the subject. However, the subject possesses a niche in its Northampton'location, as
discussed, which should provide competitive advantages in attracting certain types of tenants.
Page 2 4
Holyoke Crossroads Development Park Holyoke VA
The Proposed Holyoke Crossroads Development Park (HCDP) will encompass approximately
80 developable acres. An adjacent parcel containing 17 acres is owned by Holyoke Economic
Development Industrial Corporation (HEDIC). The location has direct access and visibility to
Interstate 91 and there is approximately 1.5 million square feet of modem office and light
industrial buildout contained in three modern industrial parks within the immediate
neighborhood. The proposed HCDP is a six lot subdivision consisting of a combination of
light industrial/office space and dedicated office space comprising approximately 492,000
square feet of gross building area. The majority of the buildout will be centered in light
industrial/manufacturing use space with ancillary office, and the amount of dedicated office
will be in the 60,000-100,000 square foot range. Zoning by-laws and deed restrictions
encumbering the property require that the light industrial use space be used in a capacity other
than warehouse/distribution, and warehouse use is allowed only ancillary to manufacturing
use. The developers have secured State infrastructure funding and plan to break ground in
1999.
Another modem industrial park that will compete for R&D, communications, and similar types
of office and hybrid office/R&D tenants with the subject is the Chicopee River Business Park
(CRBP) that came on line in 1999.
Chicopee River Business Park Chicopee 64
The Chicopee River Business Park (CRBP) is a 175 acre site that is being marketed to research
and development, manufacturing and office users involved in telecommunications and
technology businesses. The location has direct access and visibility from I-291, a connector to
I-91 and the Mass Turnpike and the locational attributes are very positive. The proposed
buildout is approximately 700,000-735,000 square feet, which will include 190,000 square feet
of dedicated office at a minimum according to initial plans. The developers envision a campus
type setting. The CRBP is a MA Economic Target Area (ETA) qualified project and potential
tenants of the park will have the ability to apply for favorable financing via tax exempt bonding
(manufacturing only), less rigid collateral or debt service requirements, and/or interest rate
concessions, from MA Development and Finance Authority (MDFA). This serves as a
competitive advantage for the CRBP.
The CRBP reportedly has seen good market interest, but has accomplished only one lot sale to
date (pending at 6/1/02). The buyer is a local investor who will build-to-suit and lease-back an
office/light industrial building for a laser manufacturing business currently headquartered in
Sturbridge. The company will receive municipal tax incentives for the relocation. The lot size
is 6.7 acres and will be improved with a 63,000 square foot office/light industrial use (a
portion of the SF will be mezzanine space). The buildout will contain approximately 40%
office. The lot was priced on the basis of the building area of the footprint, and a
representative of the seller indicated a price in the range of $6-8 per square foot (per acre price l
estimated at $55,000-60,0001A).
Page 2 5
The fact that the CRBP has only accomplished one lot sale over a two year n
at the CRBP is
AFT'
fairly liberal, and the fact that the project is ETA qualified is a financial benefit to prospective
tenants. On the other hand, as emphasized throughout the report, the Northampton market has
proven to be a niche market for incubator businesses, artisans, and some light industrial firms
and we believe that the subject's Northampton address will likely assist in the marketing effort.
Absorption
In order to formulate a projection for future land absorption, we have looked to the historical
patterns evidenced in the market (TABLE 1). In forming conclusions from the data we have
broken out the 129.4 acre lot transfer from the Summit Lock Industrial Park (SLIP) in 1997.
The land was intended to be developed with an 850,000 square foot distribution building for
Toys R' Us, however, the development never occurred. The lot size and proposed building
were not typical to the market and, including the lot sale in the data tends to distort the average
absorption rate indication. Two other large transactions, that do not typify typical market
activity, occurred between 1994-1995 (Hatfield Industrial Park and SLIP) and these lot
transfers are excluded from the total land absorption for the 10 year period from 1992-2001.
Market Absorption (1)
Period
Years
Acreage
(1) Net of three transfers totaling 378 acres (1994, 1995, 1997), which are believed to distort average annual
absorption rate calculations indicated by more typical sized lot sales.
1992-5/2002 1997-5/2002 1999-5/2002
10.3 Years 5.3 Years 3.3 Years
570.6 A 351.91 A 240.39 A
Acres/Year
(Average) 55.34 A ' . 66.40 A 72.85 A
Our firm has been tracking market absorption since 1989. It is very interesting that market
absorption trends since 1992, of 55-73 acres/year, reflects a fairly tight range of average per
year absorption, that brackets the average rate of absorption over the 13 year period from
1989-2001, at 57 acres per year. There was a period between 1994-1998 when the market
revealed higher average annual absorption rates, in the range of 73-81 acres per year. We
Attribute the increased activity in those years to advanced market reception to the Agawam
Regional Industrial Park (ARIP) brought on with extension of Route 57 to that Park, and two
above average sized lot transfers in Airpark-North and Airpark-West. Overall, we believe that
the last five to ten years is the best benchmark for projecting future land absorption and based
on historical data, we have projected a future land absorption rate for the Pioneer Valley
market area into the future, in the range of 55-73 acres per year.
Page 2 6
From a regional standpoint, recent absorption trends indicate that the competitive (market-
ready) inventory of 667 acres is not a large supply to be absorbed. Rep6rted1355 acres o -the
129.4 acres of land in the Summit Lock Industrial Park is very close to coming under
agreement for sale and another tenant is interested in the remaining 74.4 acres. The sellout of
the SLIP would reduce the amount of available inventory by 19 % to 534 acres.
The amount of inventory of modern industrial park sites for development is not sufficient to
meet future market demand assuming continued absorption rates into the future that are equal
- to historical averages. The non-market-ready sites identified are added supply, but "as is" are
adaptable to single lot users due to lack of infrastructure to demise the land into smaller lots.
Estimated Land.4bsorption for Hospital Hill
To meet future market demand, we estimate that the non-market ready sites will gradually be
developed and brought on line. This occurred in 1998 when a 17.62 acre section of non-
market ready land located in Westover Airpark-West (Chicopee) was developed for a
distribution user. Another non-market ready site was brought on line in 1999 when 16.15
acres (two lots) of residentially zoned land were assembled and converted to industrial land for
a natural gas storage facility for Berkshire Gas Co. in Whately, and in 2001 with the
development of a private way, Yankee Candle Way in South Deerfield, to accommodate a
distribution and office use (41.92 A). On a larger scale, the CRBP came on line in 1999,
injecting market ready inventory of 175 developable acres, all speculative land development.
In projecting a rate of absorption for the subject, we think it is reasonable to assume that the
overall market continues to achieve historical levels of absorption, and that a portion of the
land absorbed will be attributed to the subject property. Considering the strength of the
Northampton area market, and the lack of land for development within the City in general, as
well as the relatively small inventory of sites that we feel are directly competitive with the
subject, we estimate that the subject property should be able to capture between 10 % and 15 %
of the annual land absorption evidenced in the region over the last three to ten years (55-73
acres). This results in an absorption projection for the subject in the range of 6 acres to 11
acres per year, which we have rounded to 8 acres per year.
Conclusion of Projected Absorption of Land/Year at Hospital Hill: 8 Acres/Year
Assuming that there is 80 acres of land available for the development of commercial and light
industrial use space, the data indicates a projected sellout or absorption period of 10 years (80
acres/8 acres per year).
Conclusion of Projected Sellout of Hospital Hill on the Basis of Land Absorption: 10 Year
Page 2 7
Our absorption projection recognizes that there will be added competition posed by currently
vacant u gs in the market, which Will be addressed in e aa4ysis o commerce space
absorption. Our absorption projection explicitly assumes that the land will be marketable for
commercial and light industrial use and we have not considered the proposed mix of buildout
as per the Master Plan.
Pricing
We have projected the pricing for the subject on the basis of average per acre lot prices
indicated by the most similar sales from the market area. Because we have not considered the
potential mix of the space (office and mixed-use versus light industrial), we have not looked to
pricing on the basis of square feet of building area developed, which is sometimes the basis of
land pricing for office space.
The grid on the next page provides a summary of a sampling of market land sales that were
subsequently improved with office or light industrial use developments. In our opinion the
data presents a reasonable comparison to the subject land. Both regional industrial park sites
and non-park sites are represented. The office development activity from Route 9 (and
Westgate Center Drive) is intentionally excluded.. The commercial locations have high value
and per acre prices reflected by the developments averaged, $150,000, which is beyond a
reasonable expectation of land value for the subject. There has not been recent sale activity in
the Easthampton Industrial Park which has held asking prices in the range of $40,000 to
$50,000_per acre for the last two to three years. The market sale data used to form a per acre
price estimate for the subject follows.
Page 2 8
University Park
Hadley
Whately/South
Deerfield
Agawam Regional
Industrial Park
Westover Center
Chicopee
Airpark North &
Airpark-West
Chicopee
880 Burnett Road
Chicopee
Chicopee River
Business Park
East Street
Chicopee
Avg Prices Last 5 Years
Asking Price
Remarks
$69,3361A
$IO/SF
One lot sale in 2001 (14.711 A).
Developable
Only other lot sale was in 1995
Building Area
.
Reconciles to range:
$60,000-70,000/A.
$40,000455,0001A
$55,000/A
Two lot sales in last six years.
First sale in 1996 was at a
discount ($40;000/A) because
infrastructure was not
completed. Second transfer was
to Comm of MA for land
preservation. Currently 3.1
acres under agreement at a price
in range indicated.
$50,000460,0001A
$55,0001A
Managed and marketed by area
development corporation. Avg
lot sizes 4.4-10.9 acres. All
developed with light industrial
uses.
$55,000/A
$55,000460,0001A
$44,000
N/A
$59,500-$67,500/A
(1)
N/A
Park is sold out. First lot sale
1995. Absorption of 16.6
developable acres required 4
years.
Managed and marketed by area
development corporation.
Majority of lots developed with
light industrial uses.
Industrial zoned land (30.69 A)
that was subdivided by the buyer
into a frontage lot for
Industrial/distribution use, and a
rear lot with limited utility. Sold
in 2000.
$55,000-60,0001A
$70,000-$75,000/A
First lot sale (pending)-6.7 acre
lot to be improved with 63,000
SF building. Pricing is based 'on
SF of footprint, and sale price
will reportedly be in the range of
$6-81SF. Asking prices are $8-
$12/SF). Target market is
office, R&D, high tech.
(1) 1998 sale of 17.6 acre parcel indicated effective sale price of $77,023, above the average Airpark-West pricing.
Page 2 9
In terms of the immediate Northampton area market we note that there has been some recent
development activity, and the subdivision and sellout of the Carlon Drive (Business zoned) lots
was previously discussed. The pricing in this neighborhood was as high as $340,000 per acre,
which reflects the commercial identity of the location and the sale, data has virtually no
relevance to estimated pricing for the lots at the subject. Other activity in the Northampton
market, such as the asking price at the Northampton Industrial Park ($175,000/A) and some
recent sale activity on Atwood Drive, immediately off of the I-91 interchange is also not
relevant. Like Carlon Drive, Industrial Drive in Northampton benefits from the commercial
influences of King Street, and the lot pricing reflects the very good utility of the available land
to adapt to commercial uses, in addition to light industrial.
There were two lot transfers on Atwood Drive between 1999 and 2000. The land is zoned
Business and transferred for assemblage with other land on the street owned by an affiliate.
The pricing was over $300,000 per acre, which was a function of the buyer's motivations to
achieve an assemblage of land on the street that comprised all but one corner piece.
Estimated Pricing for the Subject
The data presented in the grid is considered the most relevant indication of market pricing for
land like the subject provides. The data points to a (rounded) range of per acre pricing from
$40,000 to $70,000 per acre
The subject has the advantage of a "Northampton" location and there is little supply of
available land in the Northampton market which will support a premium in pricing for the
subject land. The access is inferior to the other parks outlined, however, assuming that open
area allowances similar to that in the preliminary plans are maintained, we foresee a garden
park setting, that will be attractive and have good overall marketability. We have projected
land pricing at the upper end of the range indicated by the regional industrial parks (excepting
the Northampton Industrial Park) for estimated land pricing in the range of $60,000-70,000 per
acre.
The Master Plan contemplates a total of 16 buildings on the land area on the south side of
Prince Street (locus of Memorial complex). Considering that there is a total site are of 22.4
acres, the site area dedicated to each building would reasonably be in the range of 1-1.5 acres
per building, however, the eventually configuration of the land has been indicated to be subject
to change, and the possibilities for a potential assemblage of land are numerous. Our projected
pricing considers a wide range of lot sizes, from one acre, up to 6-7 acres, with an average in
the range of 3 acres.
erc~
y~t~4
Page 3 0
TABT Fa
Springfield Regional Industrial Park
-
Occupancy By Park (inlay, 2002)
Location
Gross Building Area
Gross Building Area
Percentage Vacancy
Developed (Square Ft)
Occupied (Square Ft)
E*ting Buildings
Agawam Regional
1,418,807
1
409
I
Mass-Coin, Agawam
34,150
,
,
150 150 'S
34
0.69% '
Suffield St, Agawam
45,200
,
200
48
Q
.00%
Airpark North, Chicopee
730,530
'
730
530
0.00%
Airpark West, Chicopee
1,939,921
,
1
833
901
0.00% i
Airpark East; Ludlow
350,089
,
1
350
089
5.47%
Westover Center, Chicopee
127,311
,
127
311
{
0.00%
'
Servistar&Ampad.Rd, Westfiel
928,390
,
32$
320
0.00%
Summit LooklP, Westfield
336,128
'
33
0.00%
University Park, Hadley
140,570
8570
138
570
Q.00%
Westgate Center, Hadley
80,800
,
80
800.
1.42% j
Signature Place, Holyoke
421,605
,
399
465
0.00%
Whitney Ave, Holyoke
I-91, West Springfield
451,435
,
423,995
5.25%
%
East Longmeadow Ind. Park
524,631
3
284
084
518
,631
L-14
1:14%
Deer Parks East Longmeadow
,
,
97
500
3,07
6.47%
State Line, East Longmeadow
,
60,050
,500
97,500
60
050
0.00% }
Northampton Industrial Park
358,596
,
358
596
0..00%
Hatfield Tndustilal Park
508,639
,
- 508
639
.0
0
Deerfield Industrial, Park
D
442,865
•
44Z, 865
0
0%
.00
S
eerfield/WhatelyIndustrial
-
107,000
.
107
000
%
0.00%
Deerfield
Yankee Candle Way
331,580
,
331
580
- 0.00%
Easthampton Industrial Park
96
743
,
0
0.00 /o
Grdenfield Industrial Park
,
284
295
96,743
0.00% j
Palmer Industrial Park
,
• 432
203
284,295
0.00%
Carmelmas Circle, Ludlow
,
108,360
432,203
108
360
0.00%
Wilbraham Industrial Park
29
750
,
0.00%
Carando Drive, Springfield
,
210
438
29,750
0.00%
Springfield Industrial Park
,
• 2,409,857
210,438
2
273
357
0.00%
,
,
5,66%
Totals
16,291;527
15,769,262
a
3.21 /o
i
The Master Plan contemplates a total of six mixed-use and office buildings on the north side of
Prince Street, intermingled among 207 residential housing units. Making certain assumptions
for the size of the residential units, and density of buildings to land area, we estimate that the
buildings on the north side of Prince Street will have- a similar land allocation of approximately.
1-1.5 acres per building, however, these allocations are subject.to change and there are clearly
many different possibilities for buildout.
our estimated pricing assumes that the average lot size would be between 1.5 and 3 acres per
lot. If a large parcel (say, 10 acres or more) is conveyed, it is likely that the per acre pricing
would be far less than $60,000 to $70,000 per acre. When large lots are conveyed, there is
usually some portion that has irregular topography.or other constraints, and the pricing would
be adjusted to an effective price based on the usable area.
The client has reportedly offered a 6.7 acre parcel at the far south end of the Memorial
complex site to Kollmorgen at a price of $60,000 per acre. The land is affected by sloping
topography and the costs associated with remedying topographical issues may be at the expense
of the seller, reducing the effective price. These types of issues have not been negotiated: We
believe that there are a number of influences affecting land value of the parcel (6.7 acres)
proposed for KoRnorgen. The exact pricing of the land will depend on the size of the site and
the type of building and site improvements to be developed. However, as a general estimate,
we believe pricing in the range of $50,000460,000 per acre is reasonable, depending on the
extent of added costs to the developer associated with the topography. Overall, considering. the
Master Plan as presented and market data available, per acre pricing for.the larger main site,
considering average lot sizes between one and 6-7 acres (rounded 3 acres per site), is estimated
to be in the range of $60,000-$70,000.
Conclusion of Pricing for Standard Developable Acre at Hospital Hill: $60,000-470,0001A
We have not distinguished between pricing for land targeted for light industrial use, and for
commercial. (office or mixed-use) use, however, as we will conclude, it is our opinion that
market interest will be greater relative to light industrial use prospects. Data extracted from
the: market, in general points to higher pricing for land developed by office use than land
-.developed by industrial.use. 'The increased value is supportable due to the fact that office
space is capable of higher per square foot rents-and overall (sale) value. In general, it is
reasonable to assume that land to be improved by office should be capable of achieving higher
per. acre pricing than land to be improved by industrial or light industrial.
Our per acre value estimate assumes that the land is in market ready condition, with utilities in
place and essentially level topography, and that there will be no extraordinary development
costs to the potential buyer.
- In -4
B. COMMERCIAL AND LIGHT INDUSTRY T SPA F
1. Modern Industrial Parks, Suburban Market & Springfield CBD-
Study of Inventory, Absorption & Vacancy, and Market Pricing
Inventory
The "market" consists of approximately 16.3 million square feet of light industrial and office
space contained within 28 modern industrial parks. There is additional inventory of
approximately 1.2 million square feet of Class A office space in the market area to include the
Springfield CBD (1,000,000 SF), Westfield CBD (86,000 SF), and space off of Route 9 in
Amherst and Hadley (130,000 SF).
While the "greater Springfield region" is defined as the "market", we note that the City of
Northampton is a micro-market with a distinct identity. As stated in the neighborhood
analysis, there is approximately 500,000 square feet of modern light industrial and office space
within the City of Northampton. While the market reveals ongoing rehab and reinvestment in
existing commercial inventory, there has been limited growth of office and/or light industrial
use space in the market over the last five years, which we expect is largely due to a lack of
developable land.
In analyzing the inventory of office and light industrial use space that will compete with the
subject as proposed, we have first looked to the vacancy levels in the regional industrial parks.
These locations present an inventory of modem light industrial and office use properties that
have similar amenities to the subject as proposed, with adequate utility and communications
infrastructure, parking, and other amenities. The majority of the industrial park locations
identified have superior highway access to the subject. We have also identified certain
speculative Class A office projects recently added to the market in order to present absorption
(and stabilized occupancy) trends for speculative Class A space in the market area.
After analysis of vacancy trends in regional industrial park locations and speculative Class A
properties, we will look to the more immediate market area for an indication of vacancy and
market demand indicated in the Northampton City market. We will also identify certain
"Reuse Properties" in the market area that consist of former mill, manufacturing, or
institutional use buildings that have been converted to commercial and/or mixed-use space.
Based on our research, there is inventory of approximately 16.3 million square feet of modern
office and light industrial uses in modern industrial parks in the region, and overall vacancy is
currently 3.2 % (TABLE 3 facing page). The current vacancy level of 3.2 % is within the
range of market vacancy evidenced by our surveys over the last 10 years, from 2-4%. The
stable occupancy rates are a result of the large amount of owner-occupied space and the fact
that there has been virtually no speculative development in the light industrial sector, which
comprises 97 % of the building area presented. Vacancies that exist are typically the result of
business closings or relocations out of the area.
Page 3 2
- - ----Th-e--lmi-d-mm--abso'b-ed- over-they 3-y-ears-getweeir1997--2002-tc-date,--plus-soiree-reuse-ef - -
parcels that were originally absorbed but never developed, and some expansion on existing
sites, has resulted in new construction of approximately 1,988,545 square feet of office and
industrial space. The majority of the locations which witnessed growth are the industrial parks
identified in TABLE 1, plus sites in Westfield and West Springfield, and two sites alongRoute
9 in Hadley.
The introduction of new market projects indicates a substantial slowdown compared to the five
years between 1993-1998. During this period new development totaled 2,943,328 square feet,
or nearly 950,000 square feet of increased development compared to the most recent five year
period. Note that 783,664 square feet of the growth 128 SF and)44between. 1993-4998 7 536 SF) in the Summit Lock
two above average sized distribution uses (336,
Industrial Park in Westfield, and the Hatfield Industrial Park. This compares to the largest
project in the regional market between 1997-2001, which was a 256,000 square foot
distribution use on a privately developed street in Deerfield (2001).
There are a number of projects in the planning stage and a development which is underway in
the CRBP, which will increase the amount of new the emoaprmtnar in the donext year, however, wn compared to priorer
the five years ending at 5/02, new development in h
five year periods of comparison.
Proposed projects expected to materialize in the next year include the following:
-New distribution facility (up to 400,000 SF) for Springfield Food Corp. in the Summit Lock
Industrial Park
-New light industrial/R&D facility for Kollmorgen (Northampton) with approximately 160,000
SF
-New 13,000 SF office/distribution facility for Western MA Regional Libraries in
Whately/South Deerfield Industrial Park
The project that is underway in the CRBP in Chicopee consists of a 63,000 SF light
industrial/R&D facility for Convergent Prima that is expected to be completed in 1/03.
With the exception of the existing facility being used by Springfield Foods (200,000 SF, older
condition, Springfield location), the other projects will not result in a vacancy from a
relocation situation and therefore, there will not be added market vacancy as a result of three
of the four projects.
Springfield Food Corp. is reportedly negotiating for 55 acres of the currently available 129.4
acres in the SLIP, and there are reports that there is another interested distribution user who
may develop another 350,000 square feet on the balance of the land. This prospective tenant
has not been confirmed, and we assume that this information is very preliminary.
Page 33
Any new growth that comes on line in the market area would improve the amount of market
- r-ovvx -he_lar- e distribution-p-r-ojects,such as-the_wamhouses-constmcted-in the-Summit-_-___.-
Lock Industrial Park and Hatfield Industrial Park between 1994 and 1995, tend to have a
substantial influence on the overall inventory and measures of growth in a market the size of
the Pioneer Valley regional area.
It is of note that the total growth calculated (1,988,545 SF) does not include new medical office
space added to the market since 1997. Our research indicates that there was development of
approximately 120,000 square feet of good condition medical office space in the regional
market between 1997-2001, plus another 218,000 square feet of office and ambulatory services
use space developed by Baystate Medical Center in 1998-1999. The medical office market is
a distinct market and is not included in the regional statistics for new development and
vacancy.
A summary of the new development of office and light industrial use space from the regional
market area is outlined on the next page (TABLE 4).
,11cti,,,
Page 3 4
TABLE 4
- ew ce & Liglit in ustna eve opment Activity Last Fiv Yee s
(1997-5/2002) - Pioneer Valley Market Area
Agawam Regional Industrial Park
Agawam Mass Conn
Agawam-Suffield Street
Amherst - University Drive
Airpark West-Chicopee
Airpark North-Chicopee
Airpark East-Ludlow
Chicopee - 880 Burnett Road
Chicopee - Chicopee Street
Chicopee - Westover Center Drive
Deerfield - Yankee Candle Way
East Longmeadow-State Line
Hadley - 232-234 Russell Street
Hadley - 380 Russell Street
Hadley - University Park
r, Hadley - Westgate Center Drive
Holyoke - 40 Bobala Road
Holyoke Bobala Road (Lot 5)
Holyoke Whitney Avenue
Springfield - Brookdale Drive
Westfield - Servistar &Ampad
Westfield - 94 Elm Street
West Springfield -103 Myron Street
West Springfield Industrial Park
11111~
Office SF Vacant Industrial SF Vacant
214,956
22,550
10,000
50,000 50,000
40,000
75,580
13,275
12,000
12,000
62,676
11,000
85,570
18,000
12,000
-
6,040
32,200
16,100
86,000
86,000
28,000
28;000
16,200
531,501
209,140
39.35%
293,835
120,000
27,500
87,052
45,511
256,000
45,350
119,000
215,290
1,457,044 1,988,545
Page 3 5
Two projects, the 190,000 square foot built-to-suit distribution use constructed in Airpark
west in-199.8, andhe 331~SSOquare_feet_buiat=to=sui# far_Yankee Candle IncTin Deer_fielin--- . .
2001 absorbed 26 % of the new inventory brought on line. In fact, all of the new industrial
development brought on line was built-to-suit or for owner-occupants, which is consistent with
market trends historically. The industrial sector in the region has witnessed virtually no
speculative development over the last decade.
Other than the two projects noted, the growth in the industrial market was centered in the
ARID (Agawam), and in modern park locations in Chicopee and Westfield. In general, the
locations that experienced growth reflect those that had the abundance of available land.
Absorption & Vacancy
Average annual buildout absorbed by office and light industrial use is broken out below.
Market Absorption (Industrial Sector)
Period 1997-512002
Years LJ-Y-ear~
Total SF 194579044 SF
SF/Year (Avg) 274,914 SF/Yr
Expanding the period of study to the 8.3 years from 1994-5/02 reveals an average rate of
absorption of 387,347 square feet per year. Excluded from the 8.3 year study are the above
average sized distribution uses developed in Hatfield and Westfield as discussed, because these
very large projects tend to decrease the meaningfulness of the data as an indicator of typical
market activity.
We noted that new growth has slowed in the recent five years. We attribute this partly to
overall economic conditions which began a slowdown in 2001, and also to the fact that the
market indicated aggressive growth in the mid-1990s that may or may not be able to be
maintained into the future. The regional market has not achieved good success in attracting
new market entrants and much of the market growth in the mid-1990s reflected expansions
and/or relocations by existing area businesses. It is our opinion that the overall size of the
market tends to place a limit on the amount of growth that will be achieved. We believe it is
most reasonable to project growth in the industrial sector into the future in the range of
250,000 to 300,000 square feet per year, which is consistent with the rate of absorption
evidenced in the recent five years. The subject should be able to possess some share of this
market based on the strength of the Northampton location, and the overall lack of industrial
zoned inventory in the City.
n
Page 3 6
A review of the new market growth indicated by TABLE 4 reveals that approximately' 73.3 %
of the inventoy~hat has-e me m l n . has-consisted-oflightindustrial-use-space,_and-the
remaining 26.7 % is office space. This reflects a noticeable shift in the type of space developed
compared to 1993-1998 when only 3.5 % of the new development was for office use.
New Development - Pioneer Valley Region
(1993-5/2002)
Time Frame
New
Development
New
Office SF (1)
% of New
Development
New
Industrial SF
% of New
Development
1997-2001
1,988,854 SF
531,501 SF
26.7%
1,457,044
71.3%
1993-1998
2,943,328
101,730 SF
3.5%
2,841,598
96.5%
(1) Data does not include medical office space.
The increase in the amount of office space development is likely attributable to some penned-
up demand, which materialized into development in the recent years. Also, the
Amherst/Hadley area has emerged as a more distinct office location, and with little inventory
of existing Class A space, that market has nearly doubled in the last five years. Of the
531,501 square feet of new office use space developed between 1997-2001, 228,247 square
feet (42.9 consists of projects in Hadley and Amherst.
Other dynamics affecting the percentage of office space developed include a slowdown in the
amount of new light industrial space added, as well as the willingness of market investors to
develop speculative office projects, which was not a prevailing trend in the last decade.
Speculative development has been poorly received by the market, as the following vacancy
survey respecting the speculative development verifies. Some of the space was speculative
space added to buildings that were partially preleased prior to development.
catio Rentable Space
94 Elm Street, Westfield
University Drive, .Amherst
103 Myron Street,'W Springfield
380 Russell Street, Hadley
40 Bobala Road, Holyoke
Lot 5, Bobala Road, Holyoke
86,000 SF
50,000 SF
28,000 SF
11,000 SF
6,040 SF
16,100 SF
Total 197,140
Property Vacancy (of Tl Buildout)
100%
100%
100%
17.5%
50.3%
50% (1)
73%
(1) A 32,200 SF development (two buildings) was approved by the City. We are aware of only one 8,000 SF+/-
tenant for the space, but have been unable to ascertain complete details of how much of the space is preleased and
how much is speculative, therefore, we have made an estimate that 50 % is speculative development.
Page 3 8
Absorption & Vacancy (Office Sector)
The office market reflects growth of 531,505 square feet over the same period. Of the new
inventory, 209,140 square feet is currently vacant. This consists mainly of speculative space
thatIas been developed, but has not been well received. The speculative space at 380 Russell
Street in Hadley and on University Drive in Amherst (TABLE 4) has been marketed for over
two years, as well as the 6.,040 square feet in 36-40 Bobala Road that was built as speculative
space in 2000 and never absorbed. The Westfield project is the most recent Class A
development to come on line and to-date there has been no leasing activity.
Market Absorption (Class A Office Sector)
Period 1997-5/2002
Years Y ar
Total SF Developed 531,501 SF
Total SF Absorbed 3229361 SF
SF/Year (Avg) Absorbed 60,822 SF/Yr
Considering the current rate of growth, it is reasonable that the balance of the Class A space
that has been brought on line since 1997 could be expected to be absorbed in a period of 3.4
years (209,140 SF Vacant/60,822 SF), however this implies that there will be little or no new
inventory to compete with the existing vacant space.
It is our opinion that the property at 94 Elm Street in Westfield will not achieve absorption
over that period of time. We believe that there is an uncertain tenant base for this property,
primarily due to its size and location. Therefore, the other properties on line may benefit from
a more rapid rate of absorption.
It is of interest that 65 % of the new office inventory is in locations "north-of , the Springfield
market, with a focus on the University of MA. This is most likely a function of the intended
synergy of emerging office users with a high tech environment, such as would exist in the
University of MA setting. However, we also note that there is a shortage of developable land
sites in the Springfield market and therefore, it is logical that the locations to the north of
Springfield, which have a greater inventory of land, would benefit from new projects.
In terms of total absorption, the data clearly supports that the overwhelming market demand
has been in the light industrial sector since 1997. An analysis of the development that took
place over a 10-13 year period of study (beginning in 1989) reveals a similar dominance of
light industrial use development versus office, accompanied by better rates of absorption and
occupancy.
L~
Page 3 7
Outside of the new inventory of speculative space, occupancy levels of the Class A o ffice
---m ar-ket~x-e-good.-T-he-Springfield-C-BD ,with-4-0-mill-lon square-feet-o-f-C-lass- -spae -
currently indicates vacancy of 5 The Class A properties developed along I-91 in office
parks on the West Springfield/Holyoke line offer another 350,000 square feet of Class A space
that is 9.5 % vacant (included in regional vacancy summarized in TABLE 3.).
Overall, including the Class A Towers in the CBD as well as suburban Class A properties and
the speculative office properties listed above, the market totals approximately 1.85 million
square feet at this time, and 15.6 % is vacant. This compares to average market vacancy over
the last ten years (1992-2002) of 10
There appears to be sufficient inventory of modern condition space to satisfy any increasing
demands that the market may experience. Expansion of existing firms may result in some
increased demand for office space. Also, there may be some tenants at 330 Whitney Avenue
in Holyoke that will not be able to renew their leases because the owner, an affiliate of
People's Bank (and partial occupant), may be increasing its amount of owner-occupied space in
the building as existing leases expire. Further, if there is growth in the services industries as'
projected by the Department of Employment and Training, this may stimulate some demand
for space.
Summary/Conclusion Inventory and Absorption & Vacancy-
`'=3 Modern Industrial Parks, Suburban Market & Springl7eld CBD
The market consists of approximately 16.3 million square feet. Since 1997 (5.3 years) there
has been new development of approximately 1.95 million square feet. The mix of new
inventory brought on line was 73% industrial use, 27% office use. Current vacancy for office
and industrial space in the regional industrial parks is impressive at 3.2%. Current vacancy in
the modem regional parks is consistent with market vacancy over the last ten years.
Total Inventory Regional Industrial Parks - Office and Industrial
16.3 Million Square Feet
Vacancy at 5102 - 3.2%
Average Vacancy 1992-2002 - 2% - 4%
Including the Springfield CBD, there is an inventory of approximately 1.85 million square feet
of Class A office space in the Pioneer Valley market area. Approximately 638,000 square feet
of the space is contained in the 16.3 million square feet in the modern industrial parks.
Current vacancy in the Class A sector„is 15.6 Of the total vacant space, 68 % reflects
speculative space brought on line in the last five years.
r: nn
Page 3 9
Current vacancy in-the Class A sector exceeds the historical average between 1992-2002 of
Total Inventory Class A Office - Industrial parks, CBD, Suburban
L 85 Million Square Feet
Vacancy at 5102 -15.6%
Average Vacancy 1992-2002 -10%
Historical absorption patterns point to a predominance of demand for industrial space over
office space in the subject market area. The subject market indicated an annual rate of
absorption over the last 5.3 years of 267,555 square feet.
Estimated New Space Absorption Rate for Hospital Hill
In reconciling our projections for the market to an absorption projection for the light industrial
use space at the subject, we have projected that the subject property should be able to capture
between 10 % and 15 % of the projected absorption (light industrial use space) for the market in
general. Our market share projection recognizes that there is little available inventory of
industrially zoned land in the Northampton market area at this time, and we believe that when
inventory is made available, the market will respond with demand. A projected market share
of 1045 % results in a projected absorption of light industrial use space of 25,000 to 45,000
square feet per year (10-15% of 250,000-300,000 SF), which we have rounded to:
A Projection for Annual Absorption of Light Industrial Use Space of 35, 000 SF/Year
We have also considered the average annual absorption evidenced by the regional office sector
over the last 5.3 years, at 60,822 square feet. There was very little development between
1994-1998 (101,730 SF), and expanding the period of study to the 8.3 year period from 1994-
5/2002 reveals an average annual rate of absorption for the 8.3 year period of 51,095 square
feet per year. Complicating an absorption projection is the amount of vacant space in the
market, however, as stated, certain speculative projects are not considered to be competitive
with the subject, and in our opinion have uncertain overall marketability. We believe that the
market may be capable of continued absorption of new inventory in the range of 50,000 to
60,000 square feet per year, and considering that there is vacancy of existing space, we have
rounded our projected rate of absorption down to 50,000 square feet per year.
Page 4 0
l
The subject should benefit from the good marketability of its Northampton location, and the
- - -mixed=use V- liage-concept-Office-space-development-will-ai-so-tinclud.-e-less-conventinnad
office, R&D, and mixed-use space, which may expand the share of the market that the subject
achieves. We believe it is reasonable to project that_the subject should be capable of gaining a
market share of 20-25 % of the market of office (and mixed-use) space development. Applying
a market share projection of 20-25 % for the subject results in projected absorption of the office
space of 10,000-12,500 square feet per year (50,000 SF X 20-25
A Projection for Annual Absorption of Modern Office Use Space of 10, 000 -12,500 SF/Year.
Market data has been relied upon for support for our projected absorption rates for commercial
and light industrial use space. The mix of the proposed 476,000 square feet to be developed as
per the Master Plan is 85 % commercial use (office, R&D, mixed-use) and 15 % light
industrial. It is vital to this analysis to recognize that we have projected a substantially
different mix of space for development at 75 % light industrial and 25 % commercial use.
Market Pricing - Modern Industrial Parks, Suburban Market & Springfield CBD
We have researched the market for an indication of market rent in the well recognized light
industrial and commercial locations, and the regional industrial parks are well represented.
The data is outlined in the grids on the following page. For confidentiality reasons, tenant
names are excluded.
Page 41
MARKET RENT SURVEY - LIGHT INDUSTRIAL SPACE REGIONAL I
NDUSTRIAL PARKS
Location Lease Date Tenant
Rent/SF Expenses Remarks
r' Size (Avg)
(Avg)
1 Airpark-West 1997-2000 14,000-
and Airpark-North
$3.75-6.50 NNN Range is reflective of four leased
74,400
Chicopee
properties. Some of inventory was built
to suit. Lease lengths average five to
ten years. The Parks also have
substantially larger tenants that are not
included in the sample.
2 Carando Drive Industrial 2000
Park, Springfield
15,000 $4.00
NNN Two leases of modern light industrial
3 Brookdale Drive
use space with good highway access.
2002
Springfield Industrial
25,908-
$4.50-6.00
NNN One of the properties represented was
Park
41,192
recently vacated; and the asking price is
within the range represented. The
sample respects two modern light
industrial use properties with good
highway access.
4 Springfield Industrial 1997-2002
Park Neighborhood
16,390-
$3.25-5.00
NNN Location along access ways to
Page Boulevard, Cottage
44,000
subdivisions which make up the Ind.
Street, Cadwell Drive
Park, however, not garden park settings.
Eight modern light industrial properties j
with good highway access.
The comparables present a rental range from $3.25 to $6.50 per square foot, with net, net, net
expense terms (tenant pays all operating costs). The upper end of the range respects built-to-
suit space. The locations provide good highway access and are recognized industrial use
locations. The majority of the light industrial use properties that we expect would be most
similar to the type of property anticipated for Hospital Hill, indicate rents ranging at $4.00-
$5.00 per square foot. The subject benefits from a Northampton location, and there is value in
the fact that there is little inventory of modern light industrial use properties. However,
highway access is about two miles away via congested commercial streets. It is also necessary
to consider the average building sizes as per the Master Plan, which range at 14,000 to 35,000
square feet. The market does indicate economies of scale relative to this type of property use,
and we believe it is reasonable to project market rent for light industrial uses at the subject at
$5 per square foot. We note that buildings the size proposed are typically marketed to smaller
sized local businesses with a locally geared client base, and we believe that the subject will
have good marketability to this type of user.
Conclusion of Pricing Light Industrial Space - $51SF, Net, Net, Net
Page 4 2
1 .y
2. Local Office Market - Northampton.
In order to present a complete overview of the market, we have researched the inventory of
office space in the City of Northampton, most of which is not classified as Class A space. We
have included only investment properties that are in modern condition, are handicapped
accessible, and offer on-site parking. Intentionally excluded are smaller sized stand-alone
buildings constructed to suit medical office or service uses.
We note that our market research has revealed'one proposed project for two buildings with
approximately 29,000 square feet in total. The location is confidential, however, the developer
indicates that the proposal is for a Class A property with on-site parking.
In our discussion of land value in Northampton, we indicated that there was a recent
assemblage of land on Atwood Drive in Northampton. The owner is currently considering a
30,000 square foot office use for the site, but also submitted plans to the City in 1999 for a
hotel use. The owner reports no firm plans to date.
The office properties within Northampton that we believe are reasonable competition to the
subject are outlined on the next page. Two of the properties are office condominium units and
we note that condominiumization was a common trend in the Hampshire County market in the
mid 1980's. Two modern condominium developments aggregately comprising approximately
20,000 square feet of modern office space contained within nine units (64 Gothic Street,
Northampton and 90 Conz Street, Northampton) have not been included because both
properties reflect small sized, owner-occupied units. We note that there is additional inventory
of modern office condominiums in Hadley and Amherst. The majority of the units are owner-
occupied, or largely owner-occupied, and are not included as competitive inventory. It is of
interest that there will be a large vacancy at Echo Hills commercial condominiums on
Belchertown Road in Hadley (28,444 SF three assembled condominiums). The former tenant,
National Evaluation Center, is relocating to a new owner-occupied building in the Hadley
University Park. The Echo Hills units are older condition with some utility constraints due to
numerous additions to suit the former tenant, and the location is inferior to the subject's.
The Northampton office properties that we believe to be competitive inventory to the subject
follow. We have also outlined average rents and occupancy by property in the grid.
il
lw~
Page 4 4
-
- ~E-AS'•~DA-2'A = C~~-SS~-OFFiC~R~PER3'IE
-
Location
Lease Start Tenant
Rent/SF (Avg)
Expenses
Rent/SF
1
Dates
Size (Avg)
NNN Equivalent
Hadley University Park
Venture Wa
Way
1996-2001
3,000-
$15.24
NNN certain
$11.00/SF
19,700
Avg PSF Rent
tenants. Others
(Occ. space)
are gross with
increases over
exp. Stqp.
2 Hadley-Route 9
2000
50,849 SF
$16.45/SF
Net of pro rata
$12.60
increases over
Base Year
3 Deerfield-Yankee Candle
Way
2001
75,580 SF
$14.00
NNN
$14.00
4 Holyoke-Signature Place
Bobala Road
2000
7,900 SF
$12.-13.50/SF
NNN
$12.00-13.50/SF
5 Holyoke-Whitney Ave
2000-2001
10,000-
$16.50-
Net of pro rata
$9.00410
00
25,000 SF
17.75/SF
increases over
.
6 West Springfield Industrial
1997-2002
6,000-
$12.50=
Base Year
Park
15,000 SF
13.501SF
NNN
$12.50-13.50
Interstate Drive
7SpriI
gfield Ind
ustrial Park
kdale Drive
1998
6,000-
11.50-
et of pro rata
9.50-11.80
kT
15,525 SF
12.63/SF
increases over
operating costs
r Square & Sovereign
Bank Buildings (Class A)
1996-2002
4,000-
$15.00-$17.00
Net of pro rata
$9.00411.00
Springfield CBD
32,000 SF
increases over
(Tenant sizes intended to
operating costs
reflect proposed space
omparable sized to subject
The data indicates a range of market rent for Class A space from $9.00-$13.50 per square foot
on a net, net, net, expense basis. The subject reflects a mixed-use location with inferior access
and identity to each of the comparables and we estimate that market rent for modern condition
office space at the subject property would be at the low end of the range indicated. Therefore,
we project reasonable pricing for modern office space at the subject of $9.00 per square foot
on a net, net, net expense basis.
Conclusion of Pricing for Modern Office Space at Hospital Dill. $9.001SF, Net, Net, Net
Page 4 3
C-r4Y-OF-N4DRTHLiAVPT-0N-MODF N-OMC-FrSPAC-F -
Address
Rentable
Avail
%
Average
Remarks
SF
SF
Vacant
Rent/SF
Roundhouse Plaza
25,920
0
0%
$12-13
Downtown rehab late 1980s.
Old South St
Metered parking on site. NNN
(Downtown)
expense terms.
Old School
28,242
6,475
23%
$12
There is another 7,918 SF of office
Commons
space that'is occupied for $0 rent via
21-31 New South St
an Agreement with the City of
(Downtown)
Northampton. Occupied space
includes 2,511 SF rented to Tenants
At Will. Gross expense terms.
7 Pearl St
15,814
0
0%
$16.50
Built-to-suit single tenant. Adjacent
(Downtown)
municipal lot. Gross expense terms.
47 Pleasant St
16,204
16,204
100%
$14.75
Single tenant vacated 2001. Rent
(Downtown)
was $14.75/SF NNN. Very good
condition. 20 spaces, plus adjacent
municipal lot.
228 Pleasant St
11,333
0
0%
$16**
**The property sold in 11/00 to an
(Downtown)
owner-occupant, and is no longer an
investment property, but is included
as an indication of prior market
behavior (lease was from 1995-2000,
NNN). The building was a 1995
rehab/reuse from a former auto use,
built-to-suit the former tenant.
Potpourri Mall
59,291,
10,000
17%
$13
Mixed-use retail/office property.
224 King Street
Gross expense terms. Vacancy had
(Commercial
averaged 10% until anchor tenant
District)
vacancy in 2000. 5 parking
spaces/1,000 SF NRA. Non-
downtown location.
Total
156,804
32,679
21%
$7-16/SF NNN
(NNN rent equivalent incorporates
Rent Equivalent
certain assumptions for property
operating costs.)
The data reveals that there is not a significant inventory of modern office space in the local
market and we believe the local market would be responsive to new inventory of space priced
within the range indicated above. The market has demanded new medical office space and
there were two new office projects developed between 1998-2001 with a total of 15,460 square
feet. This complemented a significant inventory of modem medical office space already
existing in Northampton, which based on our research, comprises approximately 100,000
a square feet, mostly centered in the Cooley-Dickinson Hospital neighborhood in Florence.
Page 4 5
We project that there will continue to be slow, stable growth in this market sector, however,
-the most suit a Ze oca ons wo e near ooley-Dickinson Hospital (Florence). It is also
reported that there has been some interest in the Atwood Drive location, immediately off I-91
Interchange 18, by certain medical practices, however, this project is still in preliminary
discussion stages only. We do not believe the subject location would be suitable for modem
medical space,
The Northampton office space survey reveals 21 % vacancy (32,679 SF) at this time and it is
likely that'there will be an addition of at least one new Class A office property (preleased) in
the foreseeable future in the size range of 30,000 square feet.
With the exception of any new Class A inventory and the vacant property at 47 Pleasant Street,
we feel the subject would have superior marketability to the vacant space outlined. The.
Potpourri Mall is a mixed-use property that was built in phases beginning in the 1970s. It is in
older dated condition with some evidence of physical and functional depreciation. Old School
Commons is another mixed use property with some signs of physical depreciation (1987 rehab)
and the commercial space has some utility constraints. Vacancy of the commercial space has
historically been above the market average.
In conclusion we believe that the local market could absorb new inventory of office space.
However, based on the existing inventory, it is unlikely that there will be substantial demand
from the local market, and we estimate a reasonable development to suit the local market
would be in the 20,000 to 30,000 square foot size range at a maximum.
3. Rehab and Reuse Properties
There is also an inventory of available space in renovated former manufacturing buildings in
the market, particularly the Hampshire County market. We believe that this type of space
competes directly with the subject as proposed as there is pressure on the developers to retain
some of the buildings within the proposed development for commercial, residential and/or light
industrial "reuses". We have detailed five mixed-use properties on the following pages that
were selected for comparison because the improvements are used for office space, research and
development (R&D) or incubator space, and/or to house various entrepreneurial enterprises,
such as light assembly, artisan, light industrial, and/or other. After detailing these five
properties, we have also made note of two specific rehab/reuse properties in Springfield, and
North Adams, MA, in order to present alternative reuse scenarios demonstrated by the market.
We do not consider the Springfield and North Adams properties to be true competition to the
subject, nor a relevant reflection of proposed absorption for the subject under a "reuse"
scenario, and these properties are presented for informational purposes only.
Page 4 6
Eastworks _ -
~--76 Pleas-an S ee
Easthampton, M4
w e i : Eastworks, LLP, Corp.
Property Description
Former Stanhome, Inc. Industrial/Office Property. Conversion to Industrial, Office,
Incubator, and Residential Use in 1997.
7.6 Acres of Land. Approximately 500,000 Square Feet of Gross Building Area.
Rem rk
The buildout consists of a main four story building, plus a number of attached multi-story,
mixed-use buildings originally constructed for industrial and office use, circa 1900-1920.
Conversion of the building to commercial and residential space' commenced in 1997. The
property is multi-tenanted. Condominiumization is being contemplated.
The net rentable area of the commercial space is 375,000 square feet. The commercial space- is
currently 50% occupied, which compares to 66% occupancy in 2001. The decrease represents
the loss of one, 60,000 square foot warehouse user (Cain's). In its first five years of lease-up,
247,500 square feet was absorbed, which is inclusive of 100,000 square feet of owner-
occupied basement storage space, that is not true "absorbed" space, but does reflect occupied
space, and market "demand". The basement, first, second,'and third floors of the main
building are being used as commercial space, and the fourth floor is built out as residential
units. The attached buildings are commercial use. The industrial and storage space has
concrete and wood floors and exposed wood (truss) ceilings. The office space has a higher
degree of finish with drywall walls, finished ceilings, and carpeted floors. The property has
approximately 30 tenants which currently occupy a total of 187,500 square feet of
commercial/industrial, and office space. The commercial tenants are primarily office users,
however, there are some crafts persons, artists, and miscellaneous trades persons occupying
space. The majority of the office and commercial tenant spaces range between 1,000 and
2,200 square feet. Rents for average sized space (1,000 to 2,200 SF) are in the range of $4-
$6.50 per square foot, and storage space is rented on a per pallet basis.
There is the.potential for 48 residential units. The initial completion date for full buildout was
July 1, 1999, however, the property manager/developer reports that there is the need for
additional capital to complete the buildout, and 32 units have been completed/rented to date.
The manager/developer reports that the apartments could have been easily absorbed by the
1999 completion date if there was the capital to complete buildout as demand is prevalent, and
there has been waiting lists for units since the inception of the project. Currently there are 32
finished residential units, all occupied. The apartments range in size from 750 to 2,300 SF,
inclusive of lofts. The monthly rents range from $650 to $1,250, depending on unit size:
Absorption has been steady with each unit leased-up (1 year. leases) upon completion of the
interior finish.
Page 4 7
Arts and Industries Building ^
f-- 227-Pane treet
Northampton, MA
wn s '
Pine Street Enterprises, Inc.
Property Descripdo~
Former Pro Corporation Industrial/Office Property. Conversion to Industrial, Office, and
Incubator Space in 1994.
8.46 Acres of Land. Approximately 139,257 Square Feet of Gross Building Area Contained
Within Nine Buildings.
Rem
The buildout consists of a single and multi-story building, utilized as warehouse, light
industrial, and incubator space. The building was originally constructed for industrial and
office use, and the majority of the building improvements were constructed in phases between
1843 and 1920. Conversion of the building to its current mixed-use commenced in 1994. The
property is multi-tenanted.
The net rentable area is 115,000 square feet. Vacancy has averaged 10% over the last five
years. Lease-up to 90% occupancy was accomplished in two years (1994 and 1995).
The property has 84 tenants which occupy a total of 103,150 square feet of commercial space
at this time (10% vacant). The finish is considered to be older dated, however, some of the
office space has been updated to semi-modem, functional condition. In general, the industrial
space has masonry walls, wood floors, and exposed wood (truss) ceilings, and the office and
studio spaces have drywall walls, finished ceilings, and flooring consisting of carpet and/or
vinyl tile. The majority of the tenant spaces are less than 1,000 square feet, with a few
exceptions. The tenants are primarily artists, crafts persons, dealers of books and antiques,
and similar trades persons. Rents for average sized space (1,000 SF and smaller) are in the
range of $2.50 to $6 per square foot. The average rent calculation is in the range of $4 per
square foot, gross.
Page 4 8
Old School Commons
- - 17-3 ew South Street
Northampton, M4
Ownership
Gilbert Cohen and Andrew Cohen, Trustees of Conefam Realty Trust
Property Description
Former Hawley & Sullivan School Properties. Conversion to Residential/Commercial in 1987.
2.92 Acres of Land, Approximately 110,204 Square Feet of Gross Building Area
Remarks
The buildout consists of a four story building and a three story building that are connected by
an annex. The buildings are currently built out as residential and commercial space, but were
originally constructed for use as a school, between 1895 and 1913. Conversion of the building
to mixed-use commercial/residential space was completed in 1987. The property is multi-
tenanted. The net rentable area of the commercial space is 36,160 square feet, and there are
54, one and two bedroom apartments. The property also includes an art center/theater (7,918
SF), which is occupied rent-free by the city s (30 years, 1984-2014) as a condition of the
property sale.
The commercial space is currently 23% vacant (including some tenants-at-will). Average rent
for the commercial use space is $12 per square foot, gross. The commercial space has
averaged 10-20% historically. Initial absorption required one year (30,000 SF inclusive
of the art center, which is not "true" absorbed space, but does represent occupied space.
The commercial space is located on the two lower floors of the "Sullivan Building", which
also houses the art center and theater. The finish is average condition with plaster and drywall
walls, carpeted and vinyl flooring, and finished, dropped tile ceilings. Ten of the residential
apartments in the "Sullivan Building Annex" are large units (750-1,300 SF) which were
designed as work-live studios, however, there has not been demand for this type of living
space and the units have been occupied as conventional apartments. The commercial space is
occupied by local professionals and social services agencies, and there are some single room
units that rent for $200 per month. The majority of the tenant spaces range between 1,000 and
2,000 square feet.
The apartments are luxury units ranging in size from 600 to 1,900 square feet. The rents are
at the high end for the market and range from $700 to $1,725 per month. Residential
occupancy has been 95 % or better since the units were completed. Absorption (residential)
was completed in one year.
Page 4 9
The Felt Building
136 West Street - -
Northampton, MA
Ownershi12
Northampton Properties, Inc.
Property DeseriptlOn
Former National Felt Industrial/Office Property. Conversion to Office Space? in 1998.
1.30 Acres of Land. Approximately 53,223 Square Feet of Gross Building Area and 47,116
Square Feet of Net Rentable Area.
Remarks
The buildout consists of a two story building with a full basement that has windows at grade,
and is included in gross building area. The space is 100 % office. The building is currently
undergoing a rehab project that commenced in 1997. The building was originally constructed
for use as manufacturing and office circa 1900. The current owner purchased the property in
1995 for $325,000 ($6.11/SF) as a potential investment.
Property representatives were not,willing to provide any significant lease information,
however, we are aware that there is approximately 20,000 square feet of available space in the
building.
Absorption of 28,270 square feet was accomplished between 1997-1999, but was not gradual.
Rather, an anchor tenant was-contracted in 1997 that occupies a large portion of the occupied
space. Asking rent is $8 per square foot. Tenant alterations can be negotiated as part of the
lease or completed at the cost of the tenant. The property manager indicated that the tenant
base is mixed, but is centered in local tenants.
Page 50
The Cutlery Building
J_/U Alve s ae rive
Northampton, M4
Owners i
Condominiums
Property Description
Former manufacturing property. Converted to Office Space and Condominiumized in 1985.
Approximately 61,778 Square Feet of Gross Building Area (3 Condominiums)
Remarks
The buildout consists of approximately 12 multi-story buildings that were originally
constructed circa 1900 as manufacturing space. The building was purchased in 1985 and
gradually converted into office, research and development, and light assembly space in 1985.
The property is multi-tenanted. The property is located approximately two miles northwest of
downtown and benefits from the artisan and cultural draw to downtown Northampton.. Two .
converted office units with combined building area of approximately 16,500 square feet,
recently sold for approximately $31.50 per square foot of building area ($520,000). The seller
and buyer were both majority owner-occupants. The space reportedly had superior finish to
much of the office space in the property.
LL We have contacted Atty. Alan Verson, a principal of Cutlery Building Associates, which owns
approximately 45,000 square feet of rental space contained within a third office condominium
in the building. Atty. Verson indicated that the average rents in the property range
substantially and rent is generally based on a flat monthly rate (net of utilities) rather than on a
per square foot basis, however, this owner indicated that the low end of rent is likely in the $5-
$6 per square foot range, with better condition space indicating higher rents.
The property reportedly required an absorption period of seven to eight years (1985-1992) with
space renovated in gradual phases to suit demand. There is no vacancy at this time, and the
owner reports that there is continual interest from the market for smaller start-up companies
looking to rent spaces in the 500 square foot range.
The tenant base is mixed "and diverse, and includes significant tenants such as " Motherwear",
a maternity clothing manufacturer and retailer with a national customer base, as well as locally
geared office users, local dance studios, and others.
Page 51
Springfield Reuse Proz~erty o Interest
- przn zed Te--c-hn---zca ommunity College Tec no og -Park One Federal Street
Springfield, AIA
wn r i
Springfield Technical Community College Assistance Corporation
Prope Description:
Circa 1900 manufacturing facility renovated by Digital Equipment Corporation to good
condition light industrial/office in early 1980's. Converted to Multi-Tenanted Office, Light
Industrial, and Research & Development Space in mid-1990's,
16.71 Acres of Land. Approximately 392,746 Square Feet of Gross Building Area.
Remarks:
The buildout consists of a multi-story turn of the century mill building complex that was
originally constructed as an armaments factory circa 1890-1900. DEC reportedly invested
about $40 million to renovate the property's interior and exterior in the early 1980's.
Currently, the property provides flex and R & D space as well as new business incubator and
office/assembly space for employment training.
The property is located on the periphery of the Springfield Central Business District in very
close proximity to the subject. The Springfield region has a significant telecommunications
infrastructure in place, and the property has had success in attracting communications firms
such as internet and software companies. There is an intended synergy between Springfield
Technical Community College (STCC) and the tenants of the technology park. The net
rentable area is 354,656 square feet.
Occupancy was 60% (190,335 SF) until mid-1999, and the anchor tenant occupied 125,000 of
the space. The anchor tenant is a technological/computer components firm that began
occupancy in 1996.
In 1999-2000, occupancy improved to the current level of 96%. The available space is being
offered for $15 per square foot, net, net, net, which is well in excess of the average office
rents in place at the property, however, heightened recent demand has impacted the asking
price. The improvement in occupancy was largely the result of the expansion of an existing
tenant that increased its space from approx. 16,000 square feet to approx. 78,000 square feet in
1999. Two other tenants with rentable space of 12,000 square feet or more were contracted in
1999. The Year 1 rents of these major tenants ranged from $7 to $8.80 per square foot,
however, significant step-ups were built into the leases, with Year 2-3 rents in the $10 to $12
per square foot range.
Page 52
In general, average per square foot rents range from $8-$12 per square foot, with exceptions.
Most tenants are reportedly leasing space on 'net, net, net terms, with some tenants responsible
for electricity costs and a pro rata share of increases in general operating expenses over a base
year. The tenant base is centered in communications and technology affiliated businesses.
Net rentable area is 354,646 square feet, however, 43,889 square feet is occupied by STCC,
reducing the amount of space available to the market to 310,757 square feet. The space was
made available for multiple tenants in 1994, and with an occupancy rate of 96 % at year=end
2000, the average annual absorption is 51,793 square feet per year. The anchor tenant space is
mostly warehouse and the rent respects the warehouse quality of the space. Excluding the
warehouse lease as non-office use, annual absorption averaged 32,793 square feet per year.
The space is marketed as incubator space to office and R & D users and there is the availability
of telecommunications infrastructure and an ability to install high tech machinery and
equipment. The property offers around the clock security-due to the value of the tenants'
equipment and the irregular business operations of the call centers, internet, and other 24-hour
business tenants.
It is of particular note that approximately 40 % of the lease-up occurred between 1999 and 2000
and respects internet/ telecommunications users that have not indicated good longevity in the
marketplace. We believe that the timing of the lease-up, consistent with positive economic
conditions and a emergence of internet companies impacted lease-up and that the property will
`~1...
eventually stabilize at lower average occupancy than the 95 % level indicated today. According
to the property manager, the demand from "dot com" and internet based businesses dried up
entirely by 2001, which is largely a function of economic conditions and the lack of access to
capital that the industry is experiencing. We expect that a property relying on a similar niche
for lease up today would not experience similar success compared to the rate of absorption
achieved at STCC between 1999 and 2000.
Page 53
North Adams Reuse Property oflnterest
Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art (Mass MoCA)
87 Marshall Street
North Adams, M4
Ownership
Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art Cultural Development Commission
Pxoperty Description
Circa 1872 Manufacturing. Property Purchased by Sprague Electric in 1940. Converted to
Museum and Office/Research & Development Space Between 1996-1999.
12 Acres of Land. Approximately 700,000 Square Feet of Gross Building Area. 220,000
Square Feet Refinished to Date (Mass MoCA).
Remarks
MASS MoCA is a multi-disciplinary center for the visual, performing, and media arts. The
property is located.in the North Berkshire County region, which is outside of the market area
defined for the subject. However, the dynamics of this project are of interest because, similar
to Northampton/Hampshire County, the Berkshire County area also has a concentration of
cultural and artisan attractions, such as Tanglewood (performing arts center), the National
Music Center, and other summer music and theater facilities.
The property is a campus setting with 27 buildings (700,000 SF that were originally
constructed by an international cloth manufacturer. To date, 220,000 square feet contained
within six buildings, has been rehabbed and converted to museum and commercial space. This
constituted Phase I, and specifically includes art galleries, performing arts facilities, rehearsal
spaces, office spaces, fabrication facilities, live studio space for artists in residence, pre-and
post production facilities, multi-track audio, video, and film, restaurants, cafes, and retail
shops. Of the Phase I buildout (220,000 SF), 150,000 square feet is museum and gallery space
and 70,000 square feet is office and R&D space. There are currently nine tenants occupying
70,000 square feet in a diversity of tenant sizes and average rents are from $11413 per square
foot, plus $1 per square foot for utilities on average. The tenant base is centered in
communications and internet affiliated businesses, plus there is conventional general office
space. There is no residential, private gallery or artisan space on the campus, and none is
planned. All of the commercial space was built out in 1999 at the cost of the tenants, and the
absorption of Phase I (70,000 SF) required less than one year.
Page 5 4
Phase II is scheduled to commence this year, and the Phase H Announcement is planned for
- late June (2002). Phase II will consist of the rehab of another 40,000 square feet of
commercial space and 55,000 square feet of gallery space. The commercial space respects a
new rehab for the County Courthouse, which is being relocated to a property across the street
from Mass MoCA, that was acquired by Mass MoCA subsequent to the acquisition of the
Sprague facility. - Future plans include rehabbing another 75,000 square feet of commercial
space on the museum site, partly to suit smaller, local professional tenants, which have
reportedly expressed steady interest.
The property's target market is tenants from information technology and high=tech industries,
particularly firms active in electronic media content production and distribution, publishing,
internet service, design, film; video, and high bandwidth network management and
administration. The plan is to develop and market content for the arts, education, and
entertainment industries via "live" presentations and/or multi-media formats.
The museum is potentially the largest museum in the United States. Its size allows for
exhibiting works that other, very prominent museums cannot accommodate due to building
area and ceiling height constraints. The building's industrial buildout and appearance
reportedly provides a very suitable synergy with the minimalist works to be displayed, many of
which utilize industrial materials. The large balance of unfinished space will be renovated in
phases at a future time.
Construction required a three-year time frame, however, the planning stages for the project
began in the mid-1980s. The lengthy planning was the result of the State's participation in the
construction costs (70 To date the project has cost $26 million.
Summary and Conclusions
Northampton Local Qjfzce Market and Reuse Properties
In addition to the inventory of modern office and industrial space located in the regional
industrial parks, select suburban sites, and the Springfield CBD, we have identified an
inventory of modern (mostly non-Class A) office space in the local Northampton market area,
and the data reveals that there is available space in the market with 21 % vacancy of a total of
156,804 square feet surveyed.
We have also identified an inventory of reuse properties that are former mill and institutional
properties that offer office, service, R&D, light industrial, office, residential, storage, and
other types of space.
Page 5 5
Within five comparable Hampshire County properties, we have identified 864,462 square feet _
-ufrenovaterl bnrtiings~ha were orig y constructed about 1900 for alternative uses (mostly
manufacturing) to their current use. We have not included the STCC or MASS MoCA, which
in our opinion do not directly compete with the subject as proposed. Of the rentable space
identified, 219,000 square feet (54 is vacant and available for lease up. (Old School
Commons commercial space vacancy was included in the "Northampton Local Office" data,
and is not included in the vacancy rate of the reuse properties.)
Of the currently vacant space, 187,500 square feet (86 % of the total available space) is
contained within Eastworks (Easthampton), which is outside of Northampton: Geographically,
Easthampton is within five miles from many of the properties outlined, however, there is
clearly market demand for a "Northampton" address due to the cultural/artisan and
entrepreneurial dynamic there, and the subject property may have a competitive advantage over
Eastworks even though Eastworks is already established.
Another competitive advantage that the subject may have is that it may be better received by
the market in its initial phases due to its "newness". Also, the subject has a substantial
quantity of land available for development and there will be an opportunity for suppliers to
locate near their main customers, which would be particularly attractive to technological firms
that experience continually changing industry dynamics.
Most of the reuse properties identified (Arts & Industries Building, Old School Commons, and
Cutlery Building) realized absorption in the early 1990s, and the rate of absorption indicated
by those properties is not relevant to an indication of absorption today. Eastworks and The
Felt Building came on line in 1997, and over the five years between 1997-2001, revealed an
average rate of absorption of office, and light industrial use space (including combination
space) of 23,000 square feet per year, before adding the amount of storage space absorbed at
Eastworks.
It is important to note that the absorption evidenced was not gradual and/or stable, and the
absorption in the Felt Building was actually accomplished by one major tenant in 1997.
However, for analysis purposes and for projecting future trends, it is reasonable to project
future absorption based on a stabilized annual average. The market was clearly more receptive
to this type of space and to incubator and entrepreneurial activities in the late 1990s (1997-
2000). After that time, the market interest that had stemmed from dot. com companies, as well
as telecommunications, and internet start-ups has, according to market participants, dried up.
The light manufacturing/light industrial sector remains mostly stable, and is likely to be the
most active market for this type of space into the future.
"ON
Page 5 6
We have estimated a total
ection in the range of 45,000 square feet
square 'feet per year to be centered (85 in light industrial use space. The activity in the
reuse properties noted helps support our absorption projections to the extent that any existing
buildings on site could be put to a reuse that may capture some of the demand that has flowed
to these types of properties over the last five years. We do not believe that the reuse properties
in the market will continue to evidence the levels of absorption experienced in the last five to
ten years. due to a general softening in the economy and the lack of capital available to internet,
dot.com, and related industries.
We also recognize that there is a large amount of inventory of this type- of space in the market
and, by the time the subject comes on line, the amount of inventory of this type of space may
have largely satisfied any existing market demand. We believe the most logical prospective
tenants for a reuse of an existing building at the subject are crafts, artisan, trade, light
industrial, and similar users, versus telecommunications and dot.com tenants. These types of
tenants are the most common in the local area reuse properties noted, excepting 5TCC and
Mass MoCA which have mostly become specific niche properties.
It is also our opinion that the plan for a reuse/rehab of any existing buildings should be focused
on this artisan/light industrial type of tenant, including storage and warehouse because this
would limit the alteration costs to a level that may yield an economically feasible reuse. It is
important to note that, much of the absorption indicated in the "reuse" properties outlined is
for storage and warehouse space, as opposed to "office", and we believe that the market for
"storage" uses should be considered for the subject property, particularly when it can be
affiliated with an on-site tenant.
We have looked at the pricing indicated by the reuse properties noted (excepting 5TCC and
Mass MoCA) for an indication of projected rental pricing for a reuse at the subject, and/or for
new or substantially rehabbed light industrial and artisan/studio type space. A summary of the
data follows on the next page.
Page 57
1
MARKET LEASE DATA - REUSE PROPERTIES
Property
Avg Per Square Foot Rent
Remarks
Eastworks
Easthampton
Commercial: $4.00-6.50
Light Industrial: $2.00-4.00
Commercial and residential. Commercial space
is office, R&D, and combination space. Storage
space`is reportedly rented on a per pallet basis.
Low end rent for light industrial space is $1.33-
$3/SF. Rents range to $6.19/SF with pricing
based on finish.
Arts & Industries Building
$2.50-6.00
Office, service, retail, light industrial
craft and
Northampton
,
artisan.
OId School Commons
$12
Modern office and residential. Commercial
Northampton
space is office only, and has experienced 10-
20% vacancy since it was brought on line in
1987.
Felt Building
Avg rent not avail. Ask rent $8.
Office space, 42%o vacant.
Northampton
Cutlery Building
Northampton
Avg rent not avail. Low end
rents $5-6.
Office, service, retail, light industrial, craft and
artisan. Rents are negotiated at flat monthly rate
based on tenant size and finish of space.
Based on the available data, we have projected market rent for storage and light industrial
space in the range of $1-4 per square foot, or on a per pallet basis. Office and R & D spaces
indicate rents ranging from $6 to $12 per square foot, depending on the extent of buildout and
it is our opinion that this type of space would rent for $6 to $9 per square foot at the subject
property. Net, net; net expense terms are not typical due to the age and design of most of the
properties, however, we estimate that any reuse properties at the subject would be single
tenanted, and therefore, net, net, net expense terms are most logical.
Conclusion of Pricing for Reuse of Existing Building at The Vllage at Hospital Hill:
StoragalWarehouse and Light Industrial: $1-4 Per Square Foot (Net, Net, Net)
Light Industrial and R&D: $6-9 Per Square Foot (Net, Net, Net)
Page 58
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C. STUDY OF ECONOMIC FEASIBILITY OF REHABBING MALE ATTTNDANT'_S
BUILDING TO COM ERCIAL SPACE
The Male Attendant's Building is located on the north side of Prince Street, in the vicinity of
the Village Center as proposed in the Master Plan. According to the Master Plan, the building
would be the southern most commercial use on this section of the site. The Illustrative Site
Plan of the Master Plan indicates a gross building area of 20,000 square feet and a proposed
use as office.
The building is a three-story structure of masonry and steel construction. The exterior walls
are brick, and there is a pitched roof with slate shingles and a full, poured concrete foundation.
The building is in poor condition with substantial damage to interior walls, floors, and
ceilings. Arrowstreet, Inc. has not provided information to us regarding the structural
integrity of the building, however, at the er 1, east, the building requires 100 % new interior
finishes, renovations to the exterior walls, doors, and new windows, new exterior site
improvements, and complete HVAC, lighting, and electrical refit. It is also reasonable to
assume that the roof will need to be completely reinforced. If the reuse expands above the first
floor, it would be necessary to install an elevator.
According to a partial plan of the building provided by Arrowstreet, Inc., the gross building
area is 21,081 square feet with 7,027 square feet of building area per floor. Assuming 20% of
the space is lost to common area, net rentable area would be approximately 17,000 square feet.
The building has a narrow design and each floor is approximately 196' long. Most of the
building is 35 feet wide, however, there is a central section with an outward jog to a 38 foot
width. The building has a central hallway (3' wide) and stairways at the north and south ends.
Ceiling heights are estimated at 8 feet, and some crumbling ceilings revealed that there is a
concrete deck between each floor.
Considering the long, narrow design of the bonding, it may be most efficient to configure the
tenant spaces from east to west, and include the central hallway within the space. If the walls
along the central hallway could be fully or partially demolished, this would open up the space
to become adaptable to conventional office users, such as general professionals, social service
tenants, and R&D type users.
Configuring the space to include the central hallway within the tenant area may allow for two
tenant spaces per floor, with access via a central lobby at the middle of the building. The
tenant spaces would likely range in size at about 3,000 square feet per space. If a single tenant
could be located for each floor, the central corridor may assist in partitioning for private
offices, however, the market for this type of space is uncertain as most modern office space is
open space with temporary partitions. Also, we believe it may be difficult to locate single
users with space needs in the range of 6,000 to 7,000 square feet. Clearly, there are some
utility constraints associated with rehabbing the building. If all three floors are targeted for
rehab, it would be most reasonable to locate HVAC systems in the basement (assuming this is
physically possible).
Page 59
Data within our office files suggests a price associated with a complete refit such as that
required for the subject in the range of $80 to $100 per square foot. Therefore, as a simple
test, it is reasonable that the ultimate value estimate of the property should exceed $80 to $100
per square foot in order to pass the test of economic feasibility, and values this high are not
typical in the regional market.
Relative to our cost projection, finishes alone, such as wall and floor coverings, ceiling
finishes, and bathroom finishes are anticipated to cost $15 to $25 per square foot. Modern
I-IVAC systems, which would likely be the least costly, may not be adaptable to the building
considering there is not room for duct work due to 8' ceiling heights. And, there may be
physical building constraints to installing the most cost efficient elevator system, electrical and
lighting systems, and other rehab requirements.
In the our analysis of market pricing associated with Class A and non-Class A office space in
the regional market area, we recommended pricing for the leased space at the subject based on
market comparables at $9 per square foot (net, net, net) for office space and $6-7 per square
foot for studio and/or R&D space (net, net, net).
Assuming the Male Attendant's Building is rehabbed to modern condition office space, our
projections indicate a rent expectation of $9 per square foot (net, net, net), for its 17,000
square feet of net rentable space. A vacancy factor of 10 % of projected income would be
deducted based on vacancy indicators from the market.
An office space absorption rate of 10,000-12,500 square feet per year was projected. This
would result in an estimated two-year lease up for the building considering that 100 % of the
building was rehabbed, and provided that this building gained 100 % of -the market share to
Hospital Hill in the time frame (no other inventory of office space absorbed). Therefore, in
addition to rehab costs, the investor would have holding costs associated with vacant space that
was not generating rent during lease-up.
Considering projected levels of rent, and a two year absorption, it does not appear to be
economically feasible to rehab/reuse this building to office. R&D or studio space would yield
lesser rents, and likely not that much of a cost savings in rehab, and it appears that reuse to
R&D or studio space would also not pass the test of economic feasibility. Under a summary
analysis, the overall value of the building on the basis of its net income potential, is far below
a projected cost of rehab. If the developer feels that the rehab of this building would be the
one of the least costly way to satisfy the "reuse" objectives of the CAC and City
administrators, we believe it would be most feasible to renovate the entire exterior (three
floors) but the interior of the first floor only. The upper floors could be barred from use, and
could house mechanical systems associated with the first floor. This would also eliminate the
need to install an elevator and 66 % of the interior refit. While this scenario does not result in
an economically feasible alteration, it would substantially decrease the costs associated with
rehab/reuse.
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D. STUDY OF ECONOMIC FEASIBILITY OF REHABBING
COM L RECREATION BUILDING AND MEMORIAL COMPLEX BUILDING F
TO C011N[ERCIAL SPACE . .
Recreation Building
The Memorial Complex is located on the south side of Prince Street. The Recreation Building
(Rec Building) is at the front (north) of the complex. The building is designated on the Plan on
the facing page as "26R".
Data relative to the physical improvements is very limited. According to the Illustrative Site
Plan included in the Master Plan, the Rec Building or a portion selected for retention, would
contain approximately 11,000 square feet and the proposed use is retail. The Illustrative Site
Plan indicates that Building F or a portion selected for retention, would contain approximately
16,000 sq=uare feet, and the proposed use is office.
We are in receipt of a partial plan of the Rec Building (6/7/65), -and the plan portrays a
proposed addition to the north (front) side of the building (approx. 2,280 SF). We did. inspect
this section of the Rec Building, and found its condition to be superior and most updated
compared to virtually all of the other buildings on the site. This front section consists of an
open space with high ceilings under a pitched roof with skylights. The front section was
reportedly used as a gymnasium. There are wens and womens. lavatories and egress ways
located off of the north side, and to the south is a connector to an older sectioa of the building
that according to the plan, was a dining hall and kitchen services areas, however, we did not
physically inspect this section of the building. The building is a one-story masonry structure
with a pitched roof. The north section has vinyl tile and terrazzo file floor coverings and walls'
are painted block and drywall. The plan reveals that there is a slab foundation under the front
section, and that there are underground tunnels connecting the sections to the south.
Market rent for the Rec Building is estimated to be in the range of $5 to $7 per square foot
(NNN), at the upper end for light industrial space, and low-mid end derived from the "Reuse
Properties" outlined. Potential retail uses would likely generate the upper end of rent ($7/SF),
however, a building area of 11,000 square feet is well above average for typical retail. The
building would have better marketability to a light manufacturer of a retail product that could
do some light manufacturing/assembly on site, and offer a large showroom at the north side of
the space. A furniture or cabinet manufacturer, manufacturer of entertainment products like
snow boards, surf boards, or similar, or other manufactured product that requires a large
showroom, would appear to be a suitable tenant. Again, we estimate market rent for this type
of use in the range of $5 to $7 per square foot (NNN).
Page 61
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with a few cosmetic improvements, and it appears reasonable that the Rec Building is suitable
for rehab/reuse as a retail showroom/light manufacturing use. We are not aware of the precise
condition of the rear (south) section of the space, however, assuming a light manufacturing or
assembly use associated with a front showroom, the main issues would be structural and roof
integrity, and condition of HVAC. The masonry structural walls and/or roof may need .
reinforcing. It may also be necessary to install a low cost heating system for the rear and front
areas and air conditioning for the showroom space, however, we estimate that this type of
rehab could be completed at a cost of less than $500,000.
Considering projected levels of rent, and a projection- that lease-up could be accomplished
without a lengthy marketing period, or within 12 months, it appears to be economically
feasible to rehab/reuse this building provided total rehab costs are less than $500,000. It is our
opinion that the developers should strongly consider the reuse of this building under the
parameters defined, as it appears to be the most economically productive reuse of any of the
buildings on the site and would likely be the least costly way of relieving some of the civic
pressures prompting the preservation of existing buildings. From a practical standpoint, the
building's location at the front of the site area on the South Side Prince Street, would be
conducive to a commemorative garden or public area for architectural and historical
references.
Building F
Building F is located at the east edge of the Memorial Complex. The building is designated on
the Plan on the facing page as "26F". Building 26F, 26E, 26D, and 26C are commonly
referred to as the "airplane hanger buildings" due to their shape and parallel positions.
Building 26C is slated for demolition in Phase I due to its poor structural condition.
Data relative to the physical improvements is very limited. According to the Illustrative Site
Plan included in the Master Plan, Building F or a portion selected for retention, contains
approximately 16,000 square feet, and the proposed use is office. The building is positioned at
the northeast corner of the site (South Side Prince Street site) and benefits from extensive
views to the east, The topography slopes downward severely to the east in the locus of the
building, which resultantly enhances the views.
The building is a three-story structure of masonry construction. The exterior walls are brick,
and the roof is primarily flat, however, there are sections of the larger structure where the roof
is pitched. The interior buildout is institutional. The former use was apparently for medical
treatment and residential. There are wide central corridors and small rooms off of the
corridors. The building is in poor condition with substantial damage to interior walls, floors,
and ceilings, primarily as a result of gradual physical deterioration, and water damage.
Page 6 2
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building, however, at the very IeaSt, the building requires 100 % new interior finishes,
renovations to the exterior walls, doors, and new windows, new exterior site improvements,
and complete HVAC, lighting, and electrical refit. It is also reasonable to assume that the roof
will need to be completely reinforced. If the reuse expands above the first floor, it would be
necessary to install an elevator.
Both the exterior structural characteristics and interior design and finish do not lend well to a
modem reuse, particularly the wide central corridors. Our analysis of a reuse potential is very
similar to that expanded upon for the Male Attendant's Building.
In the case of this building, it would be necessary to incorporate the central hallways into the
tenant area, and depending on whether the walls along the hallways are load bearing or not, we
question how the small (former resident) rooms off of the corridor would be incorporated into
an efficient use of the space.
It appears that the most logical subdivision of the building would be by one or two tenant
spaces per floor, and if the floors were divided into two spaces, there could be an elevator
lobby to each side (provided the layout was physically adaptable). Assuming a three-stop
elevator, and stairways on the two ends of the building, net rentable area would likely be in the
range of 15,000 square feet. We believe the most productive use of the space would be by
single tenants per floor, however, market data shows that there are few office tenants in the
local area market that have space needs in the range of 5,000 square feet. Considering the
interior design, it is our opinion that the building would be most suitable as R&D space or to
office tenants that require large open areas for drawing, design, drafting, etc., such as
architects, engineers, design specialists, or similar. The central hallway could serve as the
open work stations, and the small rooms could be complementary space for small offices,
storage and file rooms, or other types of support areas.
As indicated in our discussion of the economic feasibility of rehabbing the Male Attendant's
Building, data within our office files suggests a price associated with a complete refit such as
that required for the subject in the range of $80 to $100 per square foot. Therefore, as a
simple test, it is reasonable that the ultimate value estimate of the property should exceed $80
to $100 per square foot in order to pass the test of economic feasibility, and values this high
are not typical in the regional market.
Relative to our cost projection, finishes alone, such as wall and floor coverings, ceiling
finishes, and bathroom finishes are anticipated to cost $15 to $25 per square foot. The ceiling
heights are much higher than the Male Attendant's Building, estimated at 14 feet, and it
appears that modem, cost efficient HVAC systems could be adaptable, and be installed above
suspended ceiling tiles.
1' In the our ana sis of lie pricing_assaciated_with_Class,A andmon-Class,- -.office-space, we---
recommended pricing for the leased space afthe subject based on market comparables at $9 per
square foot (net, net, net). In the case of Building F, which requires a complete interior
refinish, we estimate R&D, studio, or office rents would all be similar, and that the value of
the view would flow to each of the potential users.
Assuming that Building F is rehabbed to modem condition office space, average rent is
estimated at $9 per square foot (net, net, net) for its 15,000 square feet of net rentable space.
A vacancy factor of 10% of projected income would be deducted based on vacancy indicators
from the market.
An office space absorption rate of 10,000-12,500 square feet per year was projected, which
would result in an estimated 15 to 18 month lease up for the building considering that 100 % of
the building was rehabbed, and that Building F gained 100 % of the market share to Hospital
Hill in the given time frame (no other inventory available). Therefore, the investor may have
to absorb holding costs for a 15-18 month lease-up period.
Considering projected levels of rent, and the lease-up requirement, it does not appear to be
economically feasible to rehab/reuse this building as office, or R&D or studio space. Under a
summary analysis,,the overall value of the building on the basis of its net income potential, is
far below a projected cost of rehab.
4 If the developer feels that the rehab of this building would be one of the least. costly way to
satisfy the "reuse" objectives of the CAC and City administrators, we believe it would be most
feasible to renovate the entire exterior (three floors) but the interior of the first floor only. The
upper floors could be barred from use, and could house mechanical systems associated with the
first floor. This would also eliminate the need to install an elevator and 66 % of the interior
refit. While this scenario does not result in an economically feasible alteration, it would
substantially decrease the costs associated with rehab/reuse.
~;.Syt
Page 6 4
E. ANALYSIS OF EMPLOYMENT TRENDS AS SUPPORT FOR I'ir~V
DEVELOPS
An employment trend analysis is undertaken in order to project the demand for land absorption
and new buildout in the market on the basis of projections for new job growth.
At this time, the region's employment base is centered in the service industry, which is
followed by wholesale and retail trade sectors. This reflects a shift from the 1980's when the
wholesale and retail sectors led employment, and manufacturing also played a more significant
role in the regional economy, Over time, the technology and fiance sectors are expected to
capture an increased portion of employment, and the fact that the area has the capacity to
produce a well educated work force will facilitate the transition, provided the area can retain a
portion this educated work force. The largest employer in the region at this time is the
University of MA (Amherst). Other major employers consist of Mass Mutual Life Insurance
Company, Baystate Medical Center Inc., Milton Bradley Co., City of Springfield, Smith
College, and others.
The market focus in the analysis of employment trends is Hampden and Hampshire counties,
which are considered the employment centers for the subject property as proposed. The
Pioneer Valley Region will be referenced, which is a statistical sample consisting of select
municipalities from Hampden and Hampshire counties. Most of the cities and towns. in each
county are represented.
Historical Employment Trends
We have obtained employment data for Hampden and Hampshire Counties from the MA
Division of Employment and Training (DET) for the period from 1991-2001 (seasonally
adjusted). The data is outlined on the next page.
Page 65
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Employment-Hampden and Hampshire Counties
(MA Division of Employment and Training)
Hampden
Hampshire
2001
199,673
79,170
2000
198,223
78,299
1999
201,135
79,341
1998
202,044
78,949
1997
199,216
75,546
1996
199,143
75,744
1995
197,293
75,152
1994
197,355
751263
1993
198,327
74,295
1 1992
197,372
72,908
1991
197,437
72,121
Growth 1991-2001
2,236 (1.1%)
-
7,049 (9.8%)
The data indicates that net job growth over the 11 year period was 3.4%. The most recent
years have indicated little or no employment growth, and DET data reveals that employment
levels in Hampden County actually fell between 1998-2001, and over the same period grew by
less than 1 % in Hampshire County. There has been significant growth in the services sector,
which is illustrated in the grid on the next page, however, this was clearly a shift in employees
from other industries.
i
9
Page -66
Figure 2
-F-mpl9Ym.gat-Hampden..and._dampshire Caunties_199.1-~OD1.
250,000
200,(
150,01
100,00
50,000
0
® Hampden
■ Hampshire
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'IUVI 1992 1993 1994 1895 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001
Overall Employment Hampden & Hampshire Counties
By Leading Industry Sectors
(Source: County Business Patterns, U.S. Dept. of Commerce)
1995
1996
1997
1998 (11
1999
Services
79,318
80,500
82,572
112,931
114,318
Wholesale/Retail
56,097
56,436
59,737
45,684
43,876
Manufacturing
42,021
40,996
40,851
37,519
36,929
Government (2)
N/A
40,908
N/A
N/A
N/A
FIRE (3)
21,946
21,603
21,604
19,354
12,067
Trans/Comm/Utils
8,601
8,481
8,807
6,309
8,769
Construction
6,995
6,855
7,148
7,695
7,556
(1) in 1998, County Business Patterns adopted a new industry classification system, which resulted in shifts in
some categories between industries.
(2) County Business Patterns does not include most "government" employees in its data. The data is taken from
Pioneer Valley Planning Commission Data for 1996 (only year avail).
(3) Finance, Insurance, Real Estate
Services
The services sector includes a wide range of business types including the broad
categorization of "customer service", hotels/lodging places, auto repair and parking, health,
legal and other professional, and educational services. Our firm has been tracking employment
data since 1991, and since that time the services sector has led the Pioneer Valley in numbers
of employees.
We noted above that in 1998 County Business Patterns adopted a new industry classification
system. The North American Industry Classification (NAIC) replaced the Standard Industry
Classification (SIC) code system, and will be phased into DET data as well. Due to the
shifting of certain job categories between industries as a result of the reclassification, it is most
prudent to compare trends from 1995-1997 separately from the trend between 1998-1999.
Services Sector Employment Growth Trends Hampden and Hampshire Counties
Source: County Business Patterns 1995-1999 (U.S. Dept. of Commerce)
Years
1995-1997
1998-1999
Avg Growth/Year
+1,085 (2.05%)
+1,387 (1.23%)
Services Sector
page 67
overall emPIo ~,lon ee
ey area. -Th
yment data (DET) indicates that Hampshire County realized more the majority of the aggressive
levels of growth than Hampden County over the period from 1991-2
growth occurred between 1991-1996 and in the four Years between 19988-
2001, DET data indicates a .growth rate in employment for Haulpshin
Information taken from County Business Patter e County of less than I
establishments, and payrolls for Hampshire County indicates that the growth in employment,
for the period between 1995-1999. The data is has essentially paralleled :-Hampden County
summarized below.
Select Statistics (1) - County Business Patterns 1995.1999 Hampden and Hampshe (Source: U.S. Dept. ofCommerce)
Counties
Total Employment 1995
Total Employment 1999
Net Change
% Change
Hampden
172,641
179,680
+7,039
+4.08%
Business Establishments 1995
Business Establishments 1999
Net Change
% Change
County Payroll 1995
County Payroll 1999
10,207
11,195
+988
+9.68%
$4,437,688,000
$5,126,465,000
Hampshire
TI-Hampden/Hampshire
43,492
216,133
45,390
225,070
+11898
+8,937
+4.36%
+4.13%
3,215
13,422
3,505
14,700
+290
+ 1,278
+9.02%
+9.52%
$921,197,000 $5,358,885,000
Net Change $1,092,231,000
% Change +$688,777,000 +$1000
+15.527, +18.57%
(1) Data compiled by County
employment totals will not Business Patterns excludes most govern
the the total compiled by the DET.
$6,218,696,000
+$859,811,000
+16,04%
ment employees and overall
a
Historical trends indicate that there was steady growth in employment
which has particular relevance as the target market for in Hampshire County,
interest that the rate of growth in em Io the subject property. It is also of
ent in in the last four years, compared to higherrrraes Of growth in tChe earl ntY appears to have stabilized
Projections for future employment (to be discussed) reveal a continuy to mid 1990s,
ance of current trends.
t;, V
Page 68
We have selected the time frame from 1995-1999 as most representative of the current
economic climat-e`Itss-of note-that -ov-er the- per3ed-of~nalysis-b-oUi- oitre~indica~ecl_ - - - -
moderate levels of annual growth, and this was also true of the period from 1994-1995. Prior
to 1994, Hampden County, experienced annual declines in total employment centered in job
losses in the manufacturing sector. The total employment of Hampden County in 1987 was .
187,418 according to County Business Patterns data, which compares to 1999 employment of
179,680 from the same source, for a net loss of 7,738 jobs (4%).
The trends for the last five to six years reveal stabilization after a shift in the leading
employment sectors and we have isolated the last five years as most relevant for identifying
trends. Hampshire County did not have a similar employment concentration in manufacturing
enterprises, and did not experience a negative change in total employment over the 12 year
period between 1987-1999.
Projections for Future Employment
Previously we identified the leading industry segments in the regional labor market, and trends
in employment growth between 1995-1999 (Source: County Business Patterns). The DET .has
prepared employment projections by Services District Area (SDA), to 2008 based on
employment at 1998. The data reveals that future employment projections mirror growth over
the last five years in terms of absolute numbers as well as the types of industries that will
experience the most growth.
We have not discussed employment on the basis of SDAs because we believe that the two-
county data was more relevant. While the Hampden County SDA would provide a reasonable
-comparison in employment with Hamden County in general, the Franklin/Hampshire SDA
includes most of the cities and towns in Franklin County and it is our opinion that the subject
will not draw heavily from the Greenfield market area and/or the more remote towns in
Franklin County. However, the DET's projections on the basis of SDAs, are the only current
employment projections available at this time, and we have looked to the SDA based
projections for an indication of employment growth for the subject's market area.
The DET's employment projections for the Hampden County SDA and the
Franklin/Hampshire SDA. are outlined on the following page. Note the DET figures are. for
the relevant SDAs, and are inclusive of government employees.
~ti~1La~
Page 69'
Hampden County SDA
t otal
mployment (1)
ervices, Inc.
griculture
taiUWliolesale
ade
nufacturing
a, Actual 1998
% Share
198,220
100%
61,190
30.9%
45,510
23.0%
33,640
17.0%
31,900
16.1%
Project 2008
Share
212,890
100%
74,050
34.8%
7-1
22 2.30,060
14.1% I
FranltIin/gampshire Coup
New Jobs I Actual 1998
Growth Rate % Share
6,14,670
7.4%
860
+21.0%
2,660
+5.8%
(3,580)
-10.6%
Government
Finance, Ins.,
Real Estate
Transportation,
Commun, Utility
34,110
16.0% 12,210
+6.9%
11,230 11,200
5.7%
5.3%
8,630
8,980
4.4%
4.2%
(30)
-0.3%
350
+4
86,480
100%
27,260
31.5%
20,370
23.6%
112,410
14.4 %
18 76
21.6%
2,610
3.0%
2,430
Proj
ew Jobs
r
% Sh
rowth Rate
91,85
370
q
100%
6.2%
30,65
90
33.4 %
2.4
21,430
60
23.3 %
.2
1
1,040
(1,370)
12.0%
-11.0%
20,780
2,110
22.6%
+11.3%
2,590
(20)
2.8%
-0.8%
2,570
Construction, 6,120 .1 % 2.8% 2.8% 140
Mining, +5.8%+.
% 6,320 3.0% 200 2,730 2,790
(1) Excludes self-employed workers and some +3.3% 3.2% +2.2% 60
rs that are not covered b 3 0 % The DET projects a total by unemployment insurance.
81 % of the °ns growth centered in employment in the greater market area of 20,040 jobs with
in services jobs. (Some of this growth could reflectshifts
type from other .sectors.) other industries expected to contribute to in job
trade and government and to a lesser degree, troverall job growth include
construction/ g ansportation/communication/ utilities, and
~ . Consistent with historical trends
to lose total jobs in the next ten ears. While grOwt m
anufacturing and FIRE are
SDA at a rate of 6.2 % is supported b the expected
h Projected for in/
by historical trends in Hampshire Co n r,ampshire
projected for the Hampden SDA far exceeds historically proven levels
Much of the tS'~ the growth
owth is a result of the aging of the population which will Of inent brine on adv growth,
requirements for health care, therapy,
boomers. Projected job growth is also a cfwictionlof , and related, to care forgthe ag g baby the marketplace, which has si creased role of technoIo
gnificant employment demands that are not me gy in the
t by the
workforce. current to be the The occupations related to computers and computer support
fastest growing occupations between 1998-2008. Jobs related services are projected
"aining for the work force to adapt to new technolo related to education and
count for a portion of growth in overall employm nt.and computer related jobs will also
kk,
t.
Page 7 0
(Source: - ' `'J'"ea ZUU8
MA Division of Employment and Training)
The DET has also m~PmJ '.ections--for-the-faste-st
-gar-ouFing oceupation-sby-SDA-7-Al10 Me--
fastest growing occupations listed for each SDA are in the services industry, and in addition to
those detailed below, include occupations in health and dental care, social services, financial
,services, education, and correction, and others. The projections for job growth to be.centered
in the services sector is positive for the prospect of adding office and R&D space to the market
area, and it appears that there will have to be an addition of space to accommodate the number
of new jobs projected for the services sector.
Hampden County SDA and Franklin/Hampshire County SDA
Projected Job Openings by SDA and Occupation, 1998-2008
(Source: MA Division of Employment and Training)
Zi~KCr Y. {.i~Nl t'_'•:'ti'rl::.;1::L r4
L~„a~s3•~~.~i, ',~r~....
Hampden
County SDA
Fr
ankIin/Hampshire County SDA
Growth Rate Projected
Growth Rate Projected
Computer Engineers
116%
163%
Computer Support Specialists
47%
83%
Systems Analysts
60%'
31%
Home Health Aids
58%
50%
Computer Programmers
(1)
36%
Medical Assistants
50%
(1)
Social/Human Service
49%
33%
Assistants
Teachers/Special Education
36%
30%
(1) Not included in occupations expecting 25 % or greater growth.
We recognize that some of the projected job growth in the services occupations indicated may
result from a shift from other industries, such as FIRE. The decline in jobs from the finance,
real estate and insurance fields is most likely to result from business consolidations and the
advanced use of technology. to. service these businesses. Such business consolidations will
therefore, be accompanied by vacancies in space traditionally occupied by banking and
insurance headquarters and branches. The upside is that these headquarters were centered in
the cities in the SDAs and based on our research, most of the vacancies have already occurred
and in most cases (excluding Greenfield), the space has been reabsorbed.
Page 71
Reconciliation o~
for Hospital Hill
The services industry is projected to produce the most jobs that will materialize into demand
for commercial and light industrial use space like that proposed for development at the subject.
Relevant growth indicators researched from employment and census sources indicates the
following:
Job Growth/Loss Hampshire & Hampden Counties
1991-2001 (DET): +9,285 Employees (+3.4%)
Hampden County +2,236 Employees (+1.1%)
Hampshire County +7,049 Employees (+9.8%)
Job Growth/Loss Hampshire & Hampden Counties
1998-2001(DET): 2,150 Employees (0.8%)
Hampden County -29371 Employees (-1.2%)
Hampshire County +221 Employees (+0.3%)
Regardless of the apparent stagnancy in the local job market over the last four years, the DET
has projected overall gains in employment for the next 10 Years, centered in job
services industr. .The ~ growth in the
y growth is consistent with statewide and national growth expectations
that are related to the health and services requirements of the aging baby boomers, and the
increased role of technology in the workplace.
Projected Job Growth Franklin/Hampshire & Hampden SDA,,
1998-2008 (DET): +20,040 Employees (+7.0%)
Hampden SDA +14,670 Employees (+7.4%)
Franklin/Hamp SDA +5,370 Employees (+6.2%)
The analysis of employment trends and projections is used to produce a correlation between
projected job growth and the demand for new buildout to house the growth. In making this
correlation, we will project what percentage of the total projected job growth, in our opinion,
will be captured by Hospital Hill as proposed. It is important to recognize that the new job
growth projected for the region may or may not result in the requirement for new buildout.
Page 72
+J: ?
...----In fact, it is our opiniomthat-a-large-amount of-t-he-growth-projected or a services sector will
be to existing area companies, such as the University of MA, Baystate Medical Center, Mass
Mutual Insurance Company, and other major area employers, and new jobs in the services
sector may not necessarily be accompanied by high demands for new commercial space. Other
than in the light industrial and warehouse/distribution industries, the region has not had
significant success attracting new firms to the area. Therefore, the existing businesses in the
region, particularly those involved in the services sector, will likely be the employment base
for a good portion of the projected job growth for the greater Springfield region.
To correlate commercial space absorption with job growth, it is necessary to project what
percentage of job growth anticipated for the region will be captured by Hospital Hill. As
stated, the growth projected for the Hampden and Franklin/Hampshire SDAs is 20,040 jobs
over ten years or 2,004 jobs per year. However, we have noted that the employment growth
related to Franklin County is not likely to benefit the subject development. More importantly,
we believe that.a substantial quantity of the projected growth will be to existing area firms and
there may be redesign and expansion capabilities at existing properties to satisfy employment
growth. Therefore, there may not be great demand for new space to house the projected
growth.
We have noted that we believe the subject property has a competitive advantage due to its
Northampton location, and we believe that the property will be able to capture a steady
percentage of the employment growth projected for the region at large. It is our opinion that
the majority of the buildout will be for light industrial or light industrial/R & D, and these
market sectors support a lower number of jobs than office, and we project that fhe subject will
capture 2-3 % of the projected job growth for the region. The rate is an average stabilized rate
projection and recognizes that there may be significant upward and downward fluctuations in
certain years. Our projection appears reasonable based on slow, stable trends in employment
growth evidenced in'the region over the last decade. Our projections reveal estimated job.
creation at Hospital Hill of 50 jobs per year (2,004 X 2-3
We have looked to industry data for a benchmark indication of projected employment by
square foot of building area developed. We have also reviewed projected employment for the
recently brought on line CRBP (Chicopee) and the proposed HCDP (Holyoke). The data has a
direct correlation between building use and employment and since our projections for the mix
of space for the subject differ from that presented in the Master Plan, we have utilized a broad
(blended) range for forecasting.
73
We have asset
subject proper
tY in the range of 470,0o0_5(00,00
0 square feetvic~and~ixezl^orse s ace a
total buildout projected to hold office s ace, Office space has a higher conccentration of f of the
in the general range of 1 job per 100-500 square feet of space
square foot of light industrial space range subs
- Average j per
tantially from 1 job per 00 square feet o ss ace
than 2,000 square feet, depending on whether there is a light
or assembly process in place or a transit use. P
25 % of the total buildout will or
for office or mix broad averages and the manufacturing
creation in the broad range of 400-800 jobs overall ed. -use space, we have projected neption w jobat
Considering a projection that 50 jobs will flow to
fox total new jobs on the basis of buildout of 400-800 alb I H'~ eve
s
period of 8 to 16 years. J s, the new jobs year, and e could be absorbed
ma
It is also possible to consider fatal potential employment on the and the absorption projections for the land and buildout rounded to 10 years Ass
over at Hospital Hill are realized at a rat nd basis of projected jobs per year
over a period of 10
years, e of 5 jobs per year, and that the pro oject is ab orb d
year absorption period. A total of 50~ obscould Potential)
Y generate 500 jobs over
the 10 is -within ~
on the basis of jobs per square foot of space built. the range of jobs projected 400 t 0
800)
Conclusion of Job Growth Per year at Hospital Hill on the Basis
Projections: so Jobs/Year °f Regional employment
Potential Job Creation of Project on the Basis of Space Bu '
alt. 400-500 Jabs
i
Page 7 4
F. RECONCILIATION OFMARKET ANALYSIS AND SUMMARY OF ABSORPTION
1... ---PR0J-E-1M-0NS
Density Factor
The Illustrative Site Plan calls for gross building area of the'commercial and light industrial
space totaling approximately 476,000 square feet at Full Build, plus approximately 207 units of
housing. The proposed buildout results in a density factor of approximately 30 % . A 30 %
overall density factor for the property is reasonable in order to maintain large amounts .of open
space consistent with modem planned unit developments, and to preserve the historical
character of the property.
We have analyzed gross buildout on the basis of developable land area available. Modern
garden parks and planned unit developments. in the market generally call for density of 25-
30%. Considering a projection for 52% open space at the subject to capture the natural setting
and historical tone, we have assumed 30 % density of the commercial, light industrial, and
residential space. With 49.2 acres anticipated for buildings, Hospital Hill has the potential for
642,946 square feet of commercial, light industrial, and residential buildout (2,143,152 SF
Land X 30% density factor = 642,946 SF). We have made certain assumptions for the size of
the residential units, and assumed projected buildout of commercial and light industrial space,
in the range of 470,000-500,000 square feet, consisting of office, light industrial, and mixed-
use space. This is similar to the Master Plan, indicating a Full Buildout of 476,000 square feet
of commercial and light industrial building area, plus the proposed 207 units of residential
space.
Developable Land Absorption Projection for Hospital Hill
We have looked to historical trends in absorption of developable land parcels for new projects
and projected a market share to be realized at Hospital Hill. Based on the data available, we
have projected a rate of absorption of developable land of 10 acres/year. Based on the
Calthorpe & Associates Plan referenced throughout the report, and making some assumptions
for the acreage associated with the residential uses, we have estimated a gross developable area
associated with the commercial and light industrial development at 80 acres. Assuming
absorption at a rate of 8 acres per year, total absorption would be accomplished in 10 years. It
is important to note that we expect that the actual rate of absorption will be irregular and not
occur in similar predictable increments per year (8 acres), however, for projection purposes, it
is most reasonable to project a stabilized rate of average absorption to be realized.
Absorption Projection at a Rate of 8 Acres/Year to Complete Full Sellout of 80 Acres Over a
Period of 10 Years
Page 7 5
i
- Commercial BuildoutAbsor tion
We have looked to historical trends in demand for new rove
projected a market share to be realized at Hospital Hill. Based on in the market area and
projected a rate of absorption of commercial space (modern office,
related) of 10,000-12,500 square feet Per on the data available, we have
P Year. Based on the market data available relative
the light industrial sector, we have projected a rate of absorption
th
35,000 e square feet per ear, alive to
P Y The total projected absorptiofoHospJi Hill strspace of
projected at approximately 46,250 square feet per yeaz wi
light industrial use and 25 % co th a ro'ected therefore,
mmercial use, p mix of space of 75
Assuming a total buildout projection of 476,000 square feet as indicated
full buildout would be absorbed in a period of 10.3 years 476 in the Master plan,
This is generally similar with projected absorption
supports an overall on the basis ' Of SF/46,250 SF per yew.)
absorption projection rounded to 10 years.~ land development and
Similar to our assumptions for projected land absorption,
that the actual rate of it is important to note that we.expect
commercial space development and absorption will be irregular occur in similar predictable increments per year (10,000-12,500 SF commercial light industrial), however, for projection and not
rate of average absorption to be realized, Poses, it is most reasonable to pro e'ct a OtabiIized
Commercial Use Space Absorption Projection at a
Rate of 10, 00042 500 Square F
Light Industrial Use Space Absorption projection at a Rate ,eet/year_&
to Complete Absorption of Full Buildout as per Master 476 00 Square Feet/year
Market data has been relied upon for support ~ , 000 SF) in 10 Years
and light industrial usespace. for our projected absorption rates for co
The mix of the proposed 476,000 s eloped as
Per the, Plan is 85 % commercial square use (office, R&D, mixed-use) and 15 % light reco different mix of space for deve opment at 73g%n~ 1ihat we have projected a substantially
light industrial and 25 % commercial use.
f~
yak;`
Page 7 6
~,~r i~
Projections for Employment
We have also studied trends in employment and projections for growth in employment over the
next ten years to support whether projections for new commercial and light industrial use
projects will be accompanied by new jobs.
The MA Division of Employment and Training projects total new jobs to the SDAs of
Franklin/Hampshire and Hampden County at an average of 2,004 jobs per year for the period
from 1998-2008. Historical trends are not supportive of the employment projections,
however, dynamics in the job market coupled with demographic influences point to national
and statewide projections for job growth. We have projected that Hospital Hill will capture a
2-3 % share of the job growth projected for the region, to result in projected new jobs for
Hospital Hill at a rate of 50 jobs per year. Incorporating industry standards for employment
on the basis of type of space built out has resulted in an estimated new job potential at Hospital
Hill of 400-800 jobs over the projected absorption period, rounded to 10 years.
Employment Growth Projection at a Rate of 50 Jobs /Year
Supports an Estimated Range of Potential New Jobs to be Realized at Hospital Hill
We note that our absorption projections assume that the pricing of the developable lots is in
line with what the market can. command at this time and we have projected average pricing on
` Y
the basis of developable acreage in the range of $60,000-$70,000 per acre. We have estimated
commercial rents in the range of $6-9 per square foot (NNN) and rents for light industrial use
space at an average of $5.00 per square foot (NNN). Storage and warehouse rents are
projected in the range of $1-$4 per square foot.
Page 7 7
I
V- MARKET ANALYSIS -
CONDOAfVqUM REH RESIDENTIAL
AB/REUSE OF OLD MAIN
t;11 Page 78
J
A. STUDY OF INVENTORY AND MARKET ABSORPTION
- - JPhe Nor Kamp on ousmg market is very diverse, including the condominium market. There
was aggressive growth'(new developments and conversions) in the 1980s, however, by the
early to mid-1990s, condominium development had nearly stopped, and growth had shifted to
slow, gradual trends and new development of pre-sold properties, until the recent four to. five
years, with another major trend in growth of new developments and conversions of apartment
buildings to condominiums. Based on our research the recent stimulants to growth were: (1)
an aging population that sought good condition (new) housing on a single floor with few
_ maintenance requirements; and, (2) a Downtown market looking to own real estate,
particularly better quality, larger units with amenities.
The recent activity in the residential condominium market is not surprising given the local
demographics indicates an aging population. Much of the new growth in inventory has been of
suburban location properties which are being marketed to older aged buyers. Further, we
believe that the demand for condominium units is tied to currently low interest rates with
tenants evaluating costs of renting versus purchasing, particularly those tenants willing to rent
at upper end rates. Overall, we believe that, as long as interest rates remain favorable, there
will continue to be new inventory of condominiums brought onto the market, via conversions,
as well as new development in the suburbs.
Market research has indicated steady recent sales activity in the suburban market, in
=w ' response to demand for suburban location units, we have learned that Creative Developers
(Belchertown) will be presenting a subdivision plan to the Northampton Planning Department
in June, 2002, for development of 85 condominiums on Burts Pit Road (Northampton). The
plan called for two-story units with attached garages and pricing ranging from $175,000 to
$250,000, and 12 affordable housing units included in the 85 proposed. The neighborhood
indicated opposition and the developer has since altered the plan to a cluster development of
single family homes.
In Downtown, there are plans being presented to the City at this time for 10 new condominium
units in Downtown, to be marketed in the $200,000-$250,000 price range. The 10 units are
proposed for three different sites on Strong Avenue (6 units), North Street (1 unit), and Union
Street (3 units), and each is a conversion from a former use. Reportedly there have been some
pre-sales on Strong Avenue. The projected pricing falls within the range of recent high quality
condominium unit sales in Downtown, which revealed transfer prices in the range of $210,000
to $290,000, and this range appears to set the ceiling for the market. We are also aware of a
10-unit expansion of affordable units on Michelman Avenue, however, lower priced units are
not projected to be competition to the proposed reuse of Old Main due to the assumed costs of
the conversion, which will be attempted to be offset by unit pricing.
' M
Page 7 9
A major project proposed for Downtown will be the conversion of the a )
--mocha ommons o con o -
ums. The location Ys on on western
Previously Perimeter of Downtown, about 0.5 miles from the subject. New The South Property Street n was the
I as a market Rehab/Reuse of a former school and discussed
1987• The apartments consist the conversion 54 one and two-bedroom units in n o ers on was completed in
amenities, including on-site parking, We have been informed that Old°ndition, and with all
I under agreement to sell to a local investor and the invest School Commons is
residential units immediately subsequent to or intends to condominiumize the 54
units is between $150 to $175 per square foot of unit area, and taking possession. The projected sale price of the
translates to a range of $100,000 to $200,000 for the one-bedroom in general, the pricing
$300,000 for the two-bedroom units. units, and $200,000 to
Old School Commons is a development
consists of particular relevance to the subject. The property
(approx. 62)000 SP associated with residential units). The original gross building area
P was sold complex was between 1895 and 1913. The eo
ro er nstruction date of the
1984,'and underwent a total rehab by private investors at a re orted
by the City of Northampton in
1987). P cost of $3.5 million (1985-
The rehab costs were centered in the residential units and the interior of
was only 66 % rehabbed because the third floor space was excluded the commercial space
the Arts has occupancy rights at $0 rent until 2014). Ad'u (N rt am on Center for
j sting the cost data to allocate higher
costs to the residential units reveals a rehab cost associated wi
years ago in the range of $50 per square foot, the residential units nearly 20
As stated, Old School Commons has proved to be very successful, achieving vacancy levels
superior to the market, and monthly rents well beyond the market average.
condominium conversion will be well received by the market due to We believe that the
activity in this market sector. However, an injection of 54 units into hee mark t et m m recent
less rapid absorption than the market has witnessed to date since inventory mark ay reveal
has been limited,
and the units that have been brought on line have been in much smaller increments
most recent new developments ranging from four with the
to 12 units.
!T
y
Page 8 0
J
The market's response to the proposed inventory coming online is uncertain. Already, the
l rate of unit sales evidenced between 1998-2000 has slowed. We have reviewed historicaU
pubdis e y ankers Tradesman relating to annual condominium sales in Northampton
from 1998 to the present.
Review of Condominium Sales Activity - City of Northampton 1998-5/2002
(Source: Bankers & Tradesman)
Year
# of Sales
%
Ave. Price
1998
113
N/A
$82,735
N/A
1999
145
+28.3%
$102,951
+24.4%
2000
171
+17.9%
$116,754
+13.4%
2001
88
-48.6%
$108,532
-7.0%
2002
18
N/A
$120,612
+11.1%
As indicated, the number of condominium sales in Northampton from 1998-2000 increased
annually and then decreased in 2001. Real estate developers and brokers who are involved
with residential condominiums in Northampton believe that the fall-off in sales from 2000 -to
2001 was due to the lack of inventory as opposed to demand. This is supported by the fact that
there are there only ten condominiums listed for sale in the Multiple Listing Service with two
of the listings being under agreement to sell as of the time of this analysis. The sales outlined
above reveal a maximum marketing time by unit of three months, and the average marketing
tunes for the sales have. continually, decreased from 1998 to the present.
It is our opinion that decreased unit sales between 2000 and the current time is likely related to
both, decreased inventory, and some relief in the amount of penned up demand evidenced in
the market. The market's reception to a proposed project that will inject a large amount of
inventory, such as 54 units at Old School Commons is uncertain, however, since this project
will come on line well before the subject, it is reasonable to assume that market demand W."
be slower in two to three years, after the introduction of this new inventory, and any other ne~w
inventory that comes on line (including at least 10 units proposed for Downtown as/d scussed).
It is difficult to project at what level market saturation may occur. Analysis of local area
demographics indicates that the population in Northampton and the surrounding tow i1not
indicating increases, and in fact the overall population of Northampton fell by 1 %-between
1999-2000. The Town of Hadley indicated growth in population between 1990L2000 (13 on,
however, from a housing standpoint, this market area is distinct. Since the. population is not
increasing, the condominium market is tapping into other existing residential markets.
i
\ Page 81
It is our opinion that the condo
- absorb-slow market will continue to be stable
gradual-injecti,--~,~Ven or and will be able to
amounts of inventory at high end , °wever, a market's capacity to sOrt large -
Pricing, presents risk. The f up
the subject would be introduced into a market that has experienced
act that proposed (reuse) units at
and is not projected for growth in population presents risk. tremendous growth necessarily have to be priced at the upper end of market
Furthe pricing in ~o=tbto o its will
scenario. In addition, favorable interest rates a have likele had ysis of this development high
condominium sales activity Y a major influence time proposed reuse units in the area and it is unlikely current rates will be efOn the fect by
at the subject might come on line.
y the
B. Projected Sale Pricing and Lease Pricing for
Proposed Reuse Units
The Northampton housing market is very diverse
condominium market currently indicates sale pricesmran dirge condominium market. The
$90,000 per unit to a high of $340,000. The pricing ranging from a general low in
the range of $90 to $175 per square foot of inrio rIates to per square foot sathe le range of
r unit t area. P es in
We have targeted the upper end of the market price range $20
economic feasibility of rehabbing Old 'Main into residential co
associated with such a rehab are anticipated ( 0,000-sums because for testing the
to be well in excess o condominiums the costs
interior unit area. $200 per square foot of
A review of market sale data indicates that, while there
A the of 00 k has been a stead $100, to $200,000 price range, the market is also willing y number of transfers
$300,000 for condominium units both within g to pay $200, 000 to
price (size, quality) has prompted and outside of Downtown, and the market for this
the City, We are making growth new condominium unit development
Main to a housing use e the assumption that in order to best offset the costs projects in
Minimum, g use, units would have to be Of priced at $150 to 175 per converting Old
and the most recent market data respective to sales of
pricing is most relevant. P square foot n a
units indicating upper end
1 • The former apartment building at 4-14 Bixby C
converted to condominiums in 2000, and evidenced five unit gales at prices wntown Northampton and $290,000 in 2000. rthampton was
$210, 000
2• There were three unit sales from 134-138 South Street on the Perimeter of
Downtown Northampton (1999-2002) averaging prices of
$250,000 to $290,000.
3. The proposed pricing for the 54
)02 is between $150 and $175 per square founits to c
o of interior on line at Old School Co
erior unit
area, there will be 26 area. At $175 per square of
t. units coming on line at prices from $192,500
to $320,250
~ a
Page 82
Property # of
% Rent
Rent Rent'
Apts
Vacant 113R
.
2BR 3BR
Comments
11-15 Fruit Street 12
0 $700
$900
Downtown on secondary street at the
easterly end of Main Street. All electric
Amenities include dishwashers, garbage,
disposals and in-wall air conditioners, and
off-street parking. Tenants pay own
utilities. Two building complex, older
building constructed 1970, second
'
building in 1997.
Randolph Place 48*
Condo tniima
0 $700
$950
*Condominium units
,some of which are
Randolph Place
rented. Mixed-use condominium complex
with commercial uses on the ground level.
'
Downtown secondary street location.
Tenants pay heat and hot water,
251 Pleasant St
6
0 Z:z 1:ti;~tier
ti ' °
$900
This
property is located in the same
n; Y`yN';,i•?
neighborhood a few blocks closer to
,;.s
a
'
`
Downtown. The buildin
g is
a three-story
i
rir •"•;i
wood frame structure that was built circa
1900 but
was completely gutted and
renovated in 1997-1998, Amenities
'"~*~;;,s
include dishwashers
.garbage disposals,
l
wa
l-to-wallcarpeting, and off-street
parking. Tenants pay all utilities.
Laurel Ridge 72
312 Hatfield St
0 $670
$800
Suburban location off of North King
Street. Amenities include dishwashers
;
,
garbage disposals, hardwood floors
1-
}
.
BR units have 650 SF, 2 BR units have
i
850 SF. Rents include heat and hot
water,
111. we nave included only properties that indicate the upper end of market rents in order to test the feasibility of a
reuse of Old Main, Properties in the market that sell or rent for far lower rents than that proposed for the subject
due to unit size, condition, and/or the non market affordable units") rental structure have been intentionally
excluded as not comparable. Some of these properties are located in Downtown Northampton and include;
Pheasant Hill at 80 Barrett Street - 46 garden and townhouse style rented condominium units
Hampton Gardens at 73 Barrett Street) - 207, l-BR, 2-BR, 3-BR, and 4-BR units
• Millbank U Condominiums at IS & 79 Michelman Avenue - 18, 2BR apartments
Old School Commons is an exception. Rents currently range from $700-965 for a one-
bedroom unit and $1,100 to $1,725 for a two bedroom unit, and all utilities are paid by the
tenants. The high end of the two-bedroom unit rents respect two story units on the fourth floor
with skylights and central air conditioning. While the rental rate at Old School Commons
cannot be supported by similar rents achievable in the marketplace, there is demand for the
'nits and since the units were brought on line in 1987 yacancy_has_been-less .than-5 %
=fl~~r~r-,•~ nor Wit-
F ,tiCiMR`.
Our research further reveals that the plans for new inventory of 10 residential condominiums
for Downtown (three properties) will be offered to the market in the LW !e of 20 -
$250,000 per unit. And, the suburban devel _ -
opments at 600 Florence Road, 15-25 Mountain
Laurel, Whittier Street (Florence) and Woodland Drive, all in the City of Northampton, have
indicated active sales activity at prices in the range of $250,000 to $300,000. The price ranges
equate roughly to a range of market pricing from $110 to $175 per square foot.
Available market data indicates that the high end of per unit pricing in the market is in the
range of $150 to $175 per square foot of interior unit area and we have projected pricing for
units at the subject within this range.
Projected Pricing - Old Main Condominiums (Reuse): $1504175 PSF of Interior Unit Area
In terms of projected rental pricing, there is very little rental data for condominiums that
generate upper end sale prices because they are typically not rented. In general, market rent
for a good quality two or three bedroom unit has a ceiling of $1,100 and $1,500, respectively,
generally net of utilities (Old School Commons excluded).
Property # of M,., w „
% Rent Rent Rent
t Apts Vacant 113R 2BR 3BR
Comments
Hampton Court 77 0 $850 $1,100 $1,500 Downtown secondary street location.
20 Hampton Av&
13 Old South St Two separate multi-story buildings with
57 market rate units and 20 units for
low/moderate income tenants. Amenities
include dishwashers, garbage disposals,
wall-to-wall carpeting, central air, men's
and women's sauna rooms and community
room. 1-BR units avg 586 SF, 2 BR units
avg 906 SF, 3-13R units avg 1,280 SF.
Rents include heat and hot water.
167 South Street 24 0 $700 $900- , (Market rate units only included in grid.)
Y'"'LL >
.$Subject neighborhood, on second
ary street
1000
on southwest fringe of Downtown. The
• 4 . , property concerns 24 all electric
condominiums that are under single
. ownership and are being operated as an
apartments. The 12, two bedrooms are
a 1! townhouses with 1'/2 baths and full
basements. Amenities include
dishwasher
s, garbage disposals and
in- wall air conditioners, and off-street
parking. Tenants pay own utilities.
Page 8 3
We believe utilizing the original exterior walls will end
more than a modem reuse,
- however, for the purposes of this analysis, and with a lack of any detailed data, we have
estimate that cost of reusing exterior walls will be the same as reproducing the walls new. Site
improvements, appliance packages, and common area furnishings would be at a cost over and
above the estimated buildout cost of $100 per square foot. The cost is also before an allocation
for developer's profit, which typically averages 10% of total hard and soft costs.
In order to test the feasibility of a residential condominium reuse, we have estimated a total
value of Old Main (the portion targeted for retention) under a condominium conversion, and
tested whether it appears possible to complete the required rehab at a price that would be less
than the estimated value.
Based on building footprint plans provided by Arrowstreet, Inc. (Building Construction
Diagram), we estimate that the original (central) section of the building that is targeted for
retention and reuse comprises approximately 36,000 square feet per floor. We then applied
certain assumptions for unit type, size, and number of units per floor., While we recognize this
type of reuse will result in large variances in unit sizes and the mix of units, we used averages,
which assists in making gross income projections. Our assumptions are derived from market
research.
Unit Size: 1,200 to 2;000 SF/Unit Average, Rounded to 1,600 SF/Unit
Units Per Floor: 20
No. Bedrooms: All Units Assumed to be 2-BR Units for Presentation Purposes
Common Area: 10 % of Estimated Building Area Considering Older Dated Design and
Construction Materials
We have used the above assumptions in projecting an Income and Expense Pro Forma that will
ultimately reveal a value for the subject condominium complex on the basis of its income .
potential. The Income Approach is the only applicable approach to value given that there is no
market data relative to comparable sales of condominium projects that are proposed for
conversion or in the process of conversion, and sold in bulk.
Income Approach to Valuation (Development Analysis)
The conclusion of value is presented for the purpose of testing the economic feasibility of a
residential condominium reuse of Old Main The presentation is not intended to be an
gppraisal but is based on anoraisal theory.
Page 8 6
_-M stated,_-tl _ Mper-ty is-pla-=ed4o-unde3go-eonversian to-condamini
Iea ru~~zatlon w
ve a gap in the rental market. It is our opinion that proposed reuse condominiums at they
subject will not be able to achieve rental levels achieved at Old School Commons because the
subject lacks the Downtown location. On the other hand, the proposed reuse
the subject may benefit from a market of tenants/owners that work on-site or plan toa a futurre
time, and this may prove to be a valuable amenity.
For analysis purposes, we have made the assumption that the reuse units at the subject achieve
an average rent of $1,600 per month, net of utilities, which is at the upper end of rental pricing
for the market. We have also assumed that all units are two bedroom units. An actual
development would likely incorporate a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom units, and
projecting 100 % two-bedroom units is beneficial in order to present averages with respect to
interior unit area and with respect to gross income potential.
Projected Rent Old Main 2 -BR Condominiums (Reuse): $1,600/Month, Net of Utilities
C. Study of Economic Feasibility of Rehab/Reuse
We have very little information regarding the proposed physical layout of a condominium
conversion for Old Main, but are making the explicit assumption that such a conversion is
physically possible. We have been provided with no cost data except for a schedule of costs
associated with reinforcing the existing structure to retain the building for a potential reuse
($870,000). We have used this figure as a starting point, however, since we have no actual
cost data and insufficient knowledge of the structural characteristics of Old Main, it is not
possible for us to obtain useful cost data from the market.
Arrowstreet, Inc. in their 3/15/02 Stabilization Report Executive Summary, indicates that the
Old Main complex is in, "extremely poor condition"
worst condition. It is this central section that has been slated or retention and the osts ofhe
conversion to residential use, consistent with housing codes, will in our opinion far exceed the
potential value of proposed condominiums on a sale or rental basis.
Based on data from local area projects, as well as national industry manuals, the cost to
develop a masonry condominium project, multi-story, with good amenities, is in the range of
$90 to $110 (rounded to $100) per square foot of gross building area. The cost is intended to
be inclusive of all hard and soft development costs, but excludes land and developer's profit.
The stated cost assumes modern design, materials, plumbing, heating, and electrical systems,
none of which will probably be available to the subject. The exterior masonry walls will need
to be reused and evidence a construction date of 1935. We do not believe this will result in an
2
overall cost benefit because reusing the exterior walls brings on a requirement for customized
ail. windows, preserving the porte cochere and other customized and original brick work, as well
as customizing roof lines,* etc.
Page 85
o
Gross Potential Income is projected based on a projected a sale price per unit of $150-175 per
square foot of interior unit area. We have assumed that total sellout of the projected number of
units (60) will be accomplished in three to five years, or at a rate of 14-20 units per year. We
have projected $0 unit price inflation during the sellout period. During sellout, units that have-
not been sold could be rented at $1,600 per month, however there will be costs to the
developer associated with rental units, and we have projected owner costs of taxes, insurance,
and common area maintenance relative to rented units during sellout at a rate of $300 per
month (net rental value of rented units $1,300/Mo). We note that the condominium fee will
- cover holding costs associated with units that are condominiumized.
We have processed a range of projected potential gross income to be achieved after complete
sellout using a range of projected absorption periods (three to five years) and sale prices per
unit ($150/SF to $175/SF). Projected Net Operating Income was discounted annually over the
sellout period at a discount rate of 15 % in order to correlate the net proceeds with a net present
value to the investor after the sellout. The discount rate selected is in line with the industry
standard for this type of development.
The resultant value derived ranged from $11,700,000 to $13,500,000 (rounded). We consider
this a best case valuation scenario considering our projections for unit sale and rental pricing
are at the upper end of the market derived ranges. Furthermore, the projected sellout period
assumes that the subject property captures over 20 % of the market share of condominium unit
sales in the City overall, on the basis of total unit sales in 2001 and 2002 (annualized). If the
sellout period is extended to six to eight years, the net present value of the proceeds will
decrease due to the effect of discounting, as well as the impact of increased holding costs to the
investor.
Based on market data available, it is our opinion that the costs associated with a rehab of Old
Main for condominium use would be well in excess of $11,700,000 to $13,500,000, and this
indicates that such a conversion is not economically feasible.
In an overview, the estimated base costs associated with the development ($100/SF GBA), plus
costs of site improvements, appliance packages per' unit, and an allocation for developer's
profit, will far exceed the value range estimated. On top of base costs, Arrowstreet, Inc. has
estimated an upfront cost to the developer to reinforce the structure for future improvement at
$870,000, which also will not be able to be offset by the proceeds of this type of development
given prevailing market unit sale rates, sale prices, and market rent.
In summary, it is our opinion that the potential investment value of a residential condominium
reuse of Old Main is less than the cost that would be required to complete the conversion,
indicating that this type of reuse is not economically feasible. Completing this analysis
required that we make a number of assumptions related to the physical layout of Old Main as a
condominium complex.
Page 8 7
,J
VI. MARKET ANALYSIS - HOTEL/CONFERENCE
CENTER (NEW OR REHAB/REUSE)
Page 8 8
A. Study of Inventory and Market Occupancy Rates
In testing the economic feasibility of developing a hotel or conference center on the site we
have undertaken a survey of competing properties from the target market consisting primarily
of Hampshire County. The focus of our research is the Hampshire County market, specifically
the City of Northampton, and Towns of Amherst and Hadley.
The results of our research will confirm that the Hampshire County lodging market has
historically evidenced strong financial performance. The market includes 1,024 rooms,
including the Holiday Inn in Holyoke (219 rooms) which tends to compete with the larger
facilities that provide banquet and meeting room services. Five of the lodging properties are
commonly.owned/operated by "The Hampshire Hospitality Group" and its affiliate, and this
entity is in the process of adding a new Econo-Lodge to Route 9 in Hadley, which will increase
its ownership to six properties.- At this time, 28% of the market inventory is not affiliated with
a franchise.
The defined market includes five full service properties with complete banquet and conference
facilities within a 10 mile radius (Hotel Northampton, Inn at Northampton, Country Inns and
Suites/Delaney House, Lord Jeffrey, and Holiday Inn-Holyoke) of the subject. The four
properties with complete conference and banquet facilities contain an inventory of 522 rooms.
n
Included in market inventory is the most recent market entrant, a.57-room Country Inns and
Suites (affiliated with Radisson) located about five miles south of the subject, on Route 5 in
Holyoke (Hampden County). "The rooms were recently constructed as an addition to a popular
restaurant/banquet facility, The Delaney House. This property will benefit from highway
visibility, and will compete with the Hampshire County market. Prior to this project coming
on line, the most recent market entrant consisted of "Holiday Inn Express", located on Route
9 in Hadley. The market had witnessed some expansions and in 2000, the Quality Inn (former
Econo Lodge) in Hadley expanded by 10 rooms. There was also an expansion in 1994 of the
Howard Johnson's (Hadley).
Also, as noted above, an affiliate of the Hampshire Hospitality Group recently purchased an
older condition motel on Route 9 in Hadley (20-room "Country Belle" motel), and is in the
process of converting the motel to a 63-room prototypical Econo Lodge, which will expand the
market by another 43 rooms by 2003.
Outside of Hampshire County, there has been significant development activity over the last 12
months, in the Springfield/West Springfield market, including the Town of Ludlow and City of
Chicopee. The greater Springfield market, currently with approximately 2,100 rooms, will
grow by another 25 % within the next 12 months with'the addition of four new hotels in 2002
and likely one more shortly after. A 90-room Hampton Inn on Memorial Drive in Chicopee is
targeted to open in Summer, 2002, and construction has recently commenced on a 77-room
Comfort Inn on Center Street in Ludlow. A new 88-room Residence Inn with direct highway
access and visibility opened in W. Springfield in December, 2001.
Page 8 9
Pa
In Springfield,*a new 120-room Hilton Garden Inn (CT Riverfront) is under construction and _
planned to open in the Fall, 2002, and plans are in place for a new downtown "boutique" hotel
(150 rooms) to be developed concurrent with a proposed new Convention Center. In addition
to these projects, a new hotel property is included in the conceptual plan for the redevelopment
of Union Station in Springfield, as an intermodal hub for the City and region.
Springfield/West Springfield has historically existed as a distinct market from Hampshire
County in the lodging industry, however, a major market participant in the Hampshire County
market has reported that the.2001 addition of new rooms in West Springfield (Residence Inn)
has brought. competitive pressures into the Hampshire County market with respect to pricing.
The impact is also reported to be a function of decreased demand in the industry respective to
the Western MA region in general. Uncertainty in the economy has reportedly resulted in
decreased business and leisure travel, most notably in the last six months. A survey of some
significant market participants has revealed that the indicators of financial performance in this
industry, Average Daily Rate (ADR) and occupancy were below average in the first six months
of 2002.4
It is difficult to gauge the extent to which the market will be impacted over the long term
because the downturn has occurred under at least two changing dynamics, including, an
increase in inventory, and economic softening, and we do not know how the market will
respond to the increase in inventory when the economy, rebounds. We do know that the
introduction of 100 new rooms at the Holiday Inn Express (Hadley) in 1999 'had very little
impacted on market occupancy (sampling of Hampshire County properties) and market
occupancy fell only 1 from 65 % to 64 based on research of occupancy before and after
the introduction of this property.
Our most recent market survey is reflective of market performance for 2001 (Year-End 2001)
and it is important to note that market participants report that 2002 performance-to date is
inferior to the same period in 2001. The Hampshire County region in general indicates the
weakest performance in the lodging industry in the six months between Jan and June, and it
would not be reasonable for us to present industry results for the First Quarter of the year, or
annualize the results for presentation purposes. We note that the reader(s) should recognize
that market participants report very recent performance that is inferior to the results presented.
a The ADR for a lodging property and is calculated by dividing the total room revenues by the total number of
available rooms, and is presented as an annual average. The occupancy rate is calculated by dividing the total
number of occupied rooms by the total number of available rooms, and is presented as an annual average.
Page 90
r-,
Our firm has been tracking average occupancy in the market since 1995, and demand and
pricing have indicated steady improvement since that time, with a slight decline in occupancy
"--(6-5-9~o-to-64-%-)-in 2000-after-the- ddition of-the4-00-r-oomHoliday-4-nn Express-inHadley-.T-he-- -
entrance of additional new inventory will likely have a greater negative influence on overall
occupancy, particularly if coupled with decreased demand due to economic conditions, and if
this proves to be a long-lived trend. In terms of new inventory, we have previously stated that
there is a plan for an increase of 40 rooms in Hadley this year (Econo-Lodge). We are also
aware that the Northampton Planning Department. approved preliminary plans for a lodging
property with between 60-80 rooms on Atwood Drive in Northampton (1999).
Also, in Hadley, the owner of the Quality Inn (recently franchised) has for several years,
considered a new lodging project near the Exit 19 interchange, however, to our knowledge,
this has never proceeded beyond very preliminary stages. At the University of MA, there has
been some preliminary discussions of combining a new lodging property with a conference
center on the Campus. Based on the recent cutbacks in State funding to the University as well
as uncertain economic conditions overall, this project was not anticipated to be at the forefront,
however, market participants now indicate that the new Chancellor has given some priority to
this project, which is initially planned to include 20,000-25,000 square feet of meeting space
and 125-150 rooms.
Therefore, the 157 rooms (Country Inns and Suites and Holiday Inn Express) brought on line
between 1999 and 2001, plus the expanded Econo. Lodge in Hadley, which will add another 43
rooms to the market by 2003; represent the new.inventory in the immediate market area. The
impact of the new rooms at Country Inns and Suites has not yet been felt due to its very recent
entrance into the market (2001), and the conversion/expansion of the Econo Lodge in Hadley
will further test the capacity of the market.
It is our opinion that when.the amount of new inventory is factored in with uncertain market
conditions, existing properties will -reveal some deterioration in performance compared to
historical operating performance in 2000-2001. Any further competitive pressures that the
large amount of new inventory in the Springfield area market brings,. may further negatively
influence overall market performance. It is likely that short term results at existing properties .
will be impacted as the market tests new stock brought on line. Considering the overall
influence of the weakened economy, we expect that at least in the near term, there will be a
slightly negative, or at best, flat level of growth, in ADR and occupancy in Hampshire County
market.
Market Properties Defined
The grid on the next page identifies those properties that comprise the Hampshire County
lodging market, and as stated, two properties located in Holyoke that are felt to be competitive
inventory to the Hampshire County market are also included.
Page 91
OJ•
TABLE 5.
Inventory ofLodging Properties in
Market Area
Property/Location
# Rooms
Remarks
Campus Center
116
U Mass location. Conference facilities.
Amherst
Lord Jeffrey
48
v-
Full service with restaurant, banquet, conference facilities.
Amherst
Downtown"Amherst location.
University Lodge
20
Limited service. Smaller property caters to U Mass.
Amherst
Downtown Amherst location.
Holiday Inn Express
100
Limited service. Frontage on commercial corridor.
Hadley
New property 1999.
Howard Johnson
100
Limited service, Frontage on commercial corridor.
Hadley
Quality Inn
70
Limited service. Frontage on commercial corridor.
Hadley
New property 1999. Recenmt conversion from Econo-Lodge.
Country Inns-Delaney House
57
Full service with restaurant, banquet, conference facilities.
Holyoke
Suburban location two mi. from Northampton I-91 interchange.
Holiday Inn
219
Full service with restaurant, banquet, conference facilities.
Holyoke
I-91 location benefited by immediate access to regional mall.
Autumn Inn
30
Limited service. Smaller property caters to Smith College.
Northampton
Smith College location at Downtown Northampton periphery.
Best Western
66
Limited service. I-91 location.
Northampton
Clarion Hotel
124
Full service with restaurant, banquet, conference facilities.
Northampton
Recent conversion from independent. I-91 location.
Hotel Northampton 74
Northampton
Total Inventory 1,024
Full service with restaurant, banquet, conference facilities.
Downtown Northampton location,
Our review of operating performance for the defined market area reveals indicates occupancy
and ADR levels ranging from 57 % to 75 and $60 to $104, (rounded) respectively. The
$81.29, respectively. The market benefits from the demands of the University of MA as well
as the other colleges in Hampshire County and the cultural and artisan attractions offered in the
Hampshire County area. The Hampshire County economy benefits from a significant amount
of business travel, and there has been some growth in the office sector in the neighborhoods
around UMass.
Our research of the Hampden County market indicates average occupancy and ADR of 64 %
and $90, respectively, at a similar time frame (1/02) as our survey of Hampshire County. The
average performance indicators for Hampden County are highly influenced by two full service
properties located in the Springfield CBD (Sheraton and Marriott) that comprise approximately
30% of the total rooms in the market, and indicate absolute high end results for the market
area.
Proposal for Conference Center
The market appears to have a sufficient quantity of full service lodging properties at this time,
and during our research we have not seen strong evidence of demand for this type of facility.
Of the 12 properties presented in the Hampshire County market area, five have complete
conference and banquet facilities (noted). The properties with proven market performance
indicate successful operating results, with profit margins at the upper end of the industry
range.
The Campus Center at UMass is an older condition motel with conference facilities and limited
food service, and is not included in the five properties with complete conference/banquet
facilities. The property has 116 rooms, and 2001 reported ADR and occupancy rates of $60
and 60%, respectively, were at the lower end of the market range. As noted. above, there are
some preliminary discussions at UMass of developing a new conference center. Preliminary
plans called for combining a new lodging property with a conference center, and reportedly
one or more feasibility studies have been completed. Market participants report that the initial
proposal calls for 20,000-25,000 square feet of meeting space, plus 125-150 hotel rooms.
Reportedly the new Chancellor at the University has indicated a commitment to this project,
even in view of severe cutbacks in the State budget to the University.
The Springfield market area (Springfield, West Springfield, Chicopee) has at least six major
conference and banquet facilities that are tied to hotels, that reportedly are not operating at full
capacity at this time. Furthermore, these properties are expected to feel some negative impact
from the City of Springfield's plans to develop a new Convention Center together with a new
Civic Center in Downtown.
Page 9 3
The State has committed $66 million
cost overruns) for the construction, of a Convention Center and renovation of the existing Civic
Center. The project is expected to commence by 2002. The project's timing is hoped to be
generally coincident with the opening of the new Basketball Hall of Fame (Fall, 2002) with the
goal of an aggressive growth in tourism to the City and region. In most cases, the magnitude
of this facility will provide it with a distinct market, however, with respect to municipal
functions and larger events, the proposed Conference Center may draw from the high quality
existing conference/banquet facilities in the City.
It is of note that virtually all of the lodging properties in Western MA that have been developed
since 1999 are limited service motels, such as Holiday Inn, Comfort Inn, Residence Inn
(Econo-Lodge proposed), Hilton Gardens, and others. Market research reveals that
conference, food and banquet services are, in many cases, not self-supportive and take away
from overall profitability. Therefore, the trend in development is for limited service franchise
properties. There are exceptions in the market, such as the Hotel Northampton, Delaney
House (Holyoke), and Lord Jeffery (Amherst). These are established properties with quality
restaurants that are an equal attraction to the lodging element, and market participants report
net profits on food/beverage and function related income in the range of 10-15 (Operating
results for Delaney House are prior to the addition of Country Inns and Suites, which came on
line in 2001.)
Market data indicates significant risk in the lodging and conference sector at this time, and it is
our opinion that there is not proven demand for this type of use in the Hampshire County
market. There has not been a recent start-up of a full service lodging/conference facility to use
to test market reception, and this is negative to the extent that market investors have not
recognized that there is sufficient demand to justify such a development. We have uncovered
data relative to a significant new market entrant/reuse in Southbridge, MA, and to-date, market
reception to this property has been poor.
Southbridge Hotel and Conference Center
The Southbridge Hotel and Conference Center opened in January, 2002 after an $89 million
renovation of an old brick factory that was the former operating facility of American Optical
Co. The factory closed in the early 1990s after a 150 year operating history. The property,
includes 150 acres of land, and the renovation (original section circa 1840+/-) resulted in a
state of the art facility with 203 hotel rooms, high tech conference rooms, ballroom,
auditorium, and dining rooms, all with quality furnishings, art and other amenities.
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. To date, almost none of the rooms are being used, and in order to maintain operations, the
,;t property depends on substantial government subsidies. The U.S. Department of Defense, via a
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day to rent 54% of the motel rooms for the next 20 years. The contract was used as collateral
by the developers of the property. The Department of Defense will reportedly use the. facility
for management training, and while the government contract effectively supports this property,
in May, its utilization was only 16 % of the rooms it is paying for, or approximately 18 rooms.
Representatives of the Town of Southbridge and of the MA Legislature which advocated the
project, are expecting the property to achieve better utilization in the future, and are marketing
the property to other government agencies and general commercial markets. The Town of
Southbridge (population 17,000) is reportedly witnessing some economic benefit from the
project, including the jobs generated by the facility (130 people), and some signs of
commercial development hoped to benefit from the tourism generated by the Hotel and
Conference Center, such as new movie theater and restaurants.
We believe that the initial market response to the new product provides an indication that there
is not good demand for this type of facility in the market, and in fact, the property would not
have been developed without the government subsidies* via the contract with the Defense
Department. The fact that the facility was developed outside of a major city market is fairly
unique, and it is our opinion that commercial users would rather conduct conferences in larger
cities, with a wider array of services and amenities. Clearly, this product with an $89 million
price tag would not pass the test of economic feasibility for new development.
B. Study' of Economic Feasibility of Hotel/Conference Center as Rehab of Old Main or
New Development
In order to test the feasibility of a hotel/conference center reuse or new development, we have
estimated a total value of a lodging property on the site on the basis of projected gross
revenues per room, and tested whether it appears possible to complete a rehab at a price that
would be less than the estimated value, or endeavor a new development project at a price that
would be less than the estimated value.
Because we do not have cost information relative to a rehab, this appeared to be the most
reasonable approach. Market data will be used to form a projection for total rooms that could
be accomplished in Old Main, and for projected gross sales per room, and profit margins. We
will test the economic feasibility of this type of use once the property achieves stabilization,
and have not considered the negative impact on profit (or loss results) during start-up and
initial absorption to stabilization. Stabilization of this type of property may take anywhere
from three to five years, depending on the size of the property developed. Market cost data
will be incorporated into,the analysis of the feasibility of a new development. After analyzing
potential value on the basis of income potential, we will briefly discuss the per room sale
prices indicated by recent market transfers.
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The most successful and established conference and banquet facilities in the market area report
net profits on food/beverage and banquet revenues in the range of 10-15 with gross sales
- av-raging-in-the-$3-million-r-ange-Ot4i-e-1e-ss-succe-s-sful-propertie-s-r-eport-net4-es-se-s-or-bre-ak -
even performance, or have resorted to renting rooms only and subcontracting additional
services on demand. There is a wide disparity in the types of conference facilities available in
the market, including variables of size, quality, pricing, location, etc. To our knowledge,
there is no real conceptual plan for a conference facility at the property at this time, and in
response, we have not addressed the income potential for the banquet/conference element of a
proposed hotel/conference center. We do note that the start-up performance of the Southbridge
Hotel and Conference Center, developed to state-of-the-art standards at a substantial cost,
points to a poor outlook for operating profitability.
Projection for Number of Lodging Rooms to be Created at Old Main
The building footprint plans (Arrowstreet, Inc., Building Construction Diagram), indicate that
the portion of Old Main selected for retention has approximately 36,000 square feet per floor,
for a total of 108,000 square feet. We have made the explicit assumption that the structure is
compatible with a lodging/conference center use, and we expect that the costs associated with
redesign of the original structure for this use would be well in excess of the costs of
redeveloping this type of project new.
Market data from recent developments in the area reveals a range of rooms per square foot of
gross building area for limited service hotels, of 1 room per 500-600 square feet of gross
building area developed. Full service facilities have greater quantities of common area and
reveal a ratio rooms per square footage of building area ranging from 1 room per 700 square
feet to 1 room per over 1,000 square feet of building area. Old Main is not a modern facility
and would not have a functional design to minimise common area, and we have projected that
approximately 100-110 rooms would be developed under a reuse scenario (1 room/982-1,080
SF average). For presentation purposes, we have rounded the projection to 100 rooms.
As stated, at January, 2002, the defined market indicated a range of ADR from $60 to $104,
(average $81.29), and occupancy ranging from 57 % to 75 % (average 64 The market data
reveals an average expectation for per room sales of $13,000 to $25,000, and the majority of
market lodging properties indicated a range of per room sales from $16,000 to $22,000 in
2000-2001, with only two properties indicating higher per room sales than $22,000. We have
projected per room sales for the subject under a lodging use rounded to $20,000 per room.
We recognize that market sales data reflects significant variations in property size, condition,
location, and other factors.
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Prior year periods However, as we stated it is not prudent to project future sales based on
the weakest quarter of the year for the industry region-wide (O1), and longer-term effects of
the decline'in the First Quarter. 2002 are not vet known.
We have used the above assumptions in projecting an Income and Expense Pro Forma that will
ultimately reveal a value for the subject as a lodging use on the basis of its income potential.
The Income Approach is applied as a function of the availability and applicability of market
data. V
Income Approach to Valuation (Direct Capitalization)
The conclusion of value is presented for the p=ose of testing the economic feasibility of a
hotel/conference reuse of Old Main or new development The presentation is not intended to
be an appraisal but is based on appraisal theory
Gross Potential Income is projected at $2,000,000 (100 Rms X $20,000/Rm).
Market data indicates net margins for this type of property in the range of 40-50 % of Gross
Revenues, and Net Operating Income (before deductions for financing,
depreciation/amortization and taxes) is projected at $800,000-1,000,000 (40-50% Net Margin).
NOI is correlated to value via application of a market derived capitalization rate. The
capitalization rate factors investment risk and a desired dividend to the investor. The
capitalization rate is derived from the ratio of NOI to sale value at the most similar market
transfers.
Assuming a capitalization rate in the range of 12 % to 13 reveals an overall value indication
in the range of $6,150,000 to $8,325,000 (rounded). The ultimate value on the basis of
income potential, before consideration of additional income associated with a conference
facility, is clearly insufficient to support the costs of a rehab/reuse considering that the costs of
a rehab would have to be less than $80 per square foot of gross building area. Our research-of
available market data indicates that this type of reuse would not be possible with a budget in
the range of $80 per square foot.
. In terms of 'value on the basis of comparable market sales, the estimated value range
($6,150,000 to $8,325,000) equates to a value estimate of $61,500 to $83,250 on the basis of a
per room value. This range is well above the range of sale prices evidenced in the subject's
market area for a lodging use with more than 30 rooms. The most recent sale data available in
the market points to a per room range of sale pricing from a low of $21,311 to a high of
.$50,000.
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We note that the estimate of value delivered is reflective of an estimated value of the oing
concern in this type of property, and some value is implied in the non-realty associated with
the property, such as furniture, fixtures, and intangibles like good will.
Comparison of Value Versus Costs of New Development
The most relevant market data relates to development costs on the basis of cost per room
developed, however, the recent projects developed in the area were modern, franchise
prototypes with minimal allocations for common space, and were not reflective of full service
conference facilities. The most recent market development projects, such as the Holiday Inn
Express in Hadley, and the proposed Econo-Lodge in Hadley, as well as a Holiday Inn
Express in Great Barrington, indicated a fairly tight range of per room construction costs of
$41,000 to $47,000 per room, before F, F, E, site improvements, developer's profit, and land
cost.
Because the subject is proposed as a hotel/conference center use, we have looked to the data on
the basis of cost per square foot of building area developed, which is likely a better cost
parameter, and made the assumption for a 108,000 square foot project. The comparable
projects indicated a range of cost per square foot of building area in the range of $67 to $74,
before site improvements, F, F, E, developer's profit, and land acquisition.
Assuming gross building area developed of 108,000 square feet (similar to the estimated size !
of Old Main), and a rounded per square foot cost of $70 per square foot, the base construction
costs alone would be in the range of $7,560,000.
Additional costs are estimated at $10,000-15,000 per room for F, F, E and site 5
F, F, E $3,000-$5,000/Rm
Site Improvements $500,000-$1,000,000(1) Total, Rounded $750,000
Site Improvements/Rm $7,500
Plus Developer's profit at 10 % of total development costs
Based on this schedule, the total estimated cost new, (before land acquisition, and
contingencies for cost overruns, is rounded to $9,700,000.
Even if the project was scaled down by 107o-20% of the size, the potential value of the project
would still be insufficient to justify development costs of anew project. Estimating a total
building area in the range of 90,000 square feet (1 Rm/900 SF GBA), the projected cost would
be in the range of $8,300,000, prior to allocating for land acquisition and contingencies, and
this type of development does not pass the test of economic feasibility.
5 This cost will vary depending on the topography of the site, whether wetlands exist, and other physical factors.
The cost will also incorporate allocations for paving (parking, driveways), lighting, landscaping, outdoor pools,
lawn irrigation systems, and other misc.
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The nroiect makes even less economic sense if we factored in the impact of the start-up on
profitability in the initial years of operations, until the project achieves stabilization. Further,
as stated, market conditions are projected as similar to that before the First Quarter, 2001,
which as noted, has revealed very. weak results. We have processed what we believe to be a
best case valuation scenario, assuming value at stabilization, break even results for the
conference facilities, and market conditions similar to before the First Quarter, 2002. Based
on market data available, it is our opinion that the costs associated with a new hotel/conference
center or a rehab of Old Main for this type of use would be well in excess of the potential
value of this type of development, and this indicates that such a conversion is not economically
feasible. It is our opinion that the potential investment value of a hotel/conference use is not
economically feasible. While it is concluded as a non-feasible rehab/reuse, this analysis
required that we make the assumption that Old Main could accommodate a lodging/conference
center use under a rehab/reuse scenario.
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VII. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS
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-i ne attacnea report respects a Market Study directed at the reuse potential of the former NSH.
Our analysis concerns the prospect for commercial and light industrial development on the
property, as well as the economic feasibility of renovating certain existing buildings to
accommodate residential and commercial reuses. We have also addressed the economic
feasibility of developing a hotel and/or conference center on the site, including the concept of
renovating an existing building for this type of use. The preceding Market Study presents our
conclusions of an estimated time for complete absorption of the land dedicated to commercial
and light industrial use development, of 10 years. The Market Study also presents a buildout
scenario that is supportable by trends in the defined market area.
In their Master Plan, the developers project total buildout of commercial and light industrial
use space on the site of 476,000 square feet, and market data supports that this is a reasonable
buildout expectation. Market trends indicate that a potential buildout of 476,000 square feet
should achieve absorption within 10 years. This time frame is consistent with the absorption
projection for the amount of developable land on the site that will be dedicated to commercial
and light industrial buildout. Furthermore, employment projections compiled by the MA
DET, which are presented in this Report, support that there will be a growth in employment in
the market area to support increased inventory of commercial and light industrial use space.
Based on our research, prevailing market demand has historically been centered in light
industrial use development, and we have projected that approximately 75 % of the proposed
buildout will be light industrial use space. This conflicts mith the Master Plan, which projects
that the majority of the space developed (85 will be commercial (office, retail, mixed-use).
Historical market trends, and the available inventory of competing modem office space, and
R&D space in reuse properties in the immediate market area, are factors which present a
conflict with the amount of commercial development projected in the Master Plan.
In terms of the potential rehab of certain buildings slated for retention, it is our opinion that
only the Memorial Complex/Recreation Building produces a rehab/reuse that appears
economically feasible. Our analyses of potential value estimates associated with the other
buildings under a reuse scenario concluded that prevailing market rent and/or sale prices are
insufficient to support the costs associated with a rehab. We note that we have not been
provided with renovation cost data, and have based renovation cost estimates on market cost
data evidenced at somewhat similar rehab projects. We reached a similar conclusion in
addressing the economic feasibility of a hotel/convention center on the site, whether via reuse
or new development. Market data relevant to market conditions, gross income potential, and
development cost data, reveals that developing a hotel/conference center on the site is not
economically feasible at this time.
Our conclusions are primarily based on historical trends in the marketplace and prevailing
market conditions. We have also tried to make supportable projections related to market
sectors and industries that are experiencing changing dynamics. It is our opinion that the data
presented in this Report supports our projections and assumptions for the ultimate development
of the subject site.
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ADDENDUM
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