Portfolio valued at $575 million

Recapitalizes one-third of Childress Klein’s 13.2 million square foot industrial portfolio

INDUS portfolio now totals 13.6 million square feet

NEW YORK, NEW YORK (December 5, 2024) - INDUS Realty Trust, Inc. ("INDUS" or the "Company"), a U.S.-based logistics real estate business, today announced its acquisition of a majority interest in a modern 4.3 million square foot logistics portfolio comprising 21 buildings (the "Carolinas Portfolio"). This acquisition is part of a recapitalization of approximately one-third of Childress Klein's ("CK") 13.2 million square foot industrial portfolio. INDUS and CK have entered into a joint venture on the Carolinas Portfolio, with CK retaining a minority ownership stake and continuing to manage and lease the properties.  The acquisition values the Carolinas Portfolio at $575 million. 

The Carolinas Portfolio, which is 94% leased, includes 16 buildings in Charlotte, North Carolina, and 5 buildings in Charleston, South Carolina. These regions have been among the top performing industrial markets driven by their robust population growth and economic development, strategic access to essential infrastructure such as ports and intermodal yards, and burgeoning manufacturing investments. Located in the prime submarkets of Charlotte and Charleston, the Carolinas Portfolio features a mix of last-mile, regional, and bulk logistics properties, serving a diverse array of high-quality tenants. The buildings and individual tenant suites average 205,000 and 78,000 square feet in size, respectively, and the properties have a weighted average age of 13 years.

Michael Gamzon, President and CEO of INDUS, stated, "We are pleased to increase our scale in the Charlotte and Charleston markets and grow our exposure to the fast-growing Southeastern U.S. region. The Carolinas Portfolio is exceptionally well-located in strongly performing, infill submarkets and has been constructed, maintained and leased to the highest quality standards by Childress Klein. This investment positions us for continued success in the Carolinas and we look forward to a long-term relationship with the great team at CK." 

Mr. Gamzon added, "This transaction also demonstrates the support of our partners, Centerbridge and GIC, to grow our platform through further investment in individual properties, portfolios, industrial land, and development opportunities in select high-growth markets across the United States."

Fred Klein, Founding Partner of Childress Klein, commented, "We look forward to our joint venture and the opportunity to partner with INDUS. Their long-term partnership perspective aligns very well with our own philosophy and core values. This recapitalization of a portion of our industrial portfolio allows CK to achieve a number of strategic objectives while continuing to be long-term owners and operators of this exceptional infill industrial portfolio."

Landon Wyatt III, Founding Partner of Childress Klein, added, “This is a key step in the evolution of CK’s industrial business. This strategic partnership with INDUS allows us to leverage the strength of our current operating portfolio, while our existing land inventory gives us the ability to double our existing industrial portfolio.  Developing best-in-class industrial projects is what our industrial team excels at, and our partnership with INDUS positions us well for further long-term success and growth.”

Eastdil Secured represented Childress Klein in arranging the transaction.

About INDUS Realty Trust, Inc.

INDUS is a real estate business principally engaged in developing, acquiring, managing, and leasing industrial properties. As of December 2024, INDUS owns or has majority ownership in properties and projects under development aggregating 13.6 million square feet.  INDUS’ properties are located in North Carolina, South Carolina, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Florida, Georgia, Arizona and Tennessee. INDUS is owned by affiliates of Centerbridge Partners, L.P., a global private investment firm with deep experience in real estate, and GIC, a global institutional investor. Additionally, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority is a strategic investor alongside Centerbridge in the ownership of INDUS.

About Childress Klein

As one of the largest private, full-service real estate companies in the Southeastern US, Childress Klein has developed more than 57.2 million square feet of commercial real estate across multiple sectors, including industrial, office, retail, multifamily, and self-storage, and owns assets valued at more than $3.5 billion. Childress Klein is the largest owner of industrial real estate in the Carolinas, having developed more than 25 million square feet of industrial projects. Childress Klein develops, leases, and manages industrial projects in the Southeast for its own account and maintains an inventory of 1,000 + acres of land for future industrial development.

For more information, please visit www.indusrt.com or contact Nicole Yeh at nyeh@indusrt.com or (212) 218-7916.

Davidson, NC – July 4, 2024 – Childress Klein is excited to announce the newest addition to the One Harbour Place retail community, Whit’s Frozen Custard. The beloved custard shop will open its doors this Friday, July 5th at 12:00 PM, taking over the space formerly occupied by Subway at 130 Harbour Place Dr, Suite 170.

Whit’s Frozen Custard has become a favorite among dessert enthusiasts for its fresh, daily-made custards. The Davidson location will continue this tradition by offering their signature Vanilla and Chocolate flavors, churned throughout the day, along with a unique Flavor of the Week. Customers can also enjoy a variety of fresh toppings to create their own custom flavors.

"We are thrilled to welcome Whit’s Frozen Custard to our community," said Shawn Lynch, Regional Property Manager, from Childress Klein. "Their commitment to quality and freshness is the perfect fit for One Harbour Place and adds another wonderful option for our tenants and visitors to enjoy."

Whit’s Frozen Custard of Davidson originally opened its doors on August 15, 2015, and quickly became a local staple. Located just twenty miles north of Charlotte in the affluent suburb of Davidson, known for its proximity to Lake Norman and home to Davidson College, Whit's offers a family-friendly atmosphere that complements the small-town charm of the area.

 One Harbour Place, developed by Childress Klein in 2008, is a modern three-story building featuring first-floor retail and restaurant space with Class A office space above. The addition of Whit’s Frozen Custard enhances the diverse range of amenities available to both office workers and visitors alike.

The grand opening event on July 5th will include free samples and special promotions. For more information about Whit’s Frozen Custard and their offerings, please visit their website at Whit’s Frozen Custard of Davidson or follow them on Facebook at Whit’s Frozen Custard of Davidson.

Childress Klein, one of the Southeast’s largest, private real estate developers, is thrilled to announce the grand opening of Bonnie & Clyde's — an upscale lounge providing decadent food and drinks and world-class entertainment. The grand opening celebration will take place on October 13th at the Promenade on Providence located in Charlotte, NC.

Bonnie & Clyde's Lounge is set to redefine the hospitality and nightlife scene in Charlotte, offering an amazing blend of decadent food, high-end drinks, opulent bottle service, and world-class entertainment. The ambiance is second to none, with a picturesque rooftop bar and lounge.

"We could not be more excited to be part of the vibrant Promenade and the South Charlotte community," says a representative of Bonnie & Clyde's. "Our bar combines luxury, entertainment, and a unique casual-dining experience. We aimed to create an environment offering top-shelf drinks, gourmet food, and phenomenal music in a location like no other."

The upscale lounge, situated at 10822 Providence Rd Suite 100 Charlotte NC 28277, further elevates the dining experience with a line-up of talented DJs and spectacular live musical performances that will accompany the meals and drinks, delivering a full sensory delight to the patrons.

The grand opening is sure to elevate the nightlife in South Charlotte and cement Bonnie & Clyde's place as a premier destination.

Charlotte, N.C. – Childress Klein is thrilled to announce that The Chop Shop Butchery, Asheville's first whole animal butcher shop, will be joining the vibrant retail community at Tranquil Court in Myers Park. The new location is slated to open in Spring 2024.

For over a decade, The Chop Shop Butchery has been a trusted purveyor of regionally sourced, on-site butchered beef, pork, and lamb. Known for their commitment to locally sourced meats from trusted farmers, The Chop Shop Butchery offers a direct relationship between farmers and consumers, ensuring transparency and quality.

As a small, independent butcher-owned and -operated business, The Chop Shop Butchery prides itself on its personalized service and expertise. Their trained butchers and team members are dedicated to providing customers with specific cuts of meat, whether it's three precise 1.34-inch slices of steak or a rare cut. With an emphasis on all-natural, sustainable, and ethical farming practices, The Chop Shop Butchery offers premium meats from animals raised in the best possible way.

"We are excited to welcome The Chop Shop Butchery to Tranquil Court," said Gareth Scott, Director of Investment Management at Childress Klein.

"Their commitment to quality, transparency, and sustainable farming practices aligns perfectly with our vision for a vibrant and diverse boutique retail community. We look forward to the exceptional offerings and personalized service that The Chop Shop Butchery will bring to our tenants and residents."

 The Chop Shop Butchery's mission is to create a more sustainable meat-eating culture, where consumers can trust the origin and quality of their meat. By shopping at The Chop Shop Butchery, customers can enjoy the assurance of locally sourced, natural, and custom meats, free from antibiotics and steroids. Each product comes with a story, as The Chop Shop Butchery believes in providing full transparency and knowledge to its customers.

Tranquil Court, located at 2840 Selwyn Ave in Myers Park, is an esteemed mixed-use destination known for its unique blend of office, shops, dining, and community experiences. The addition of The Chop Shop Butchery will further enhance the vibrant atmosphere and reinforce Tranquil Court as a premier destination for high-quality and sustainable culinary experiences.

For more information about The Chop Shop Butchery and their upcoming opening at Tranquil Court, please visit www.chopshopbutchery.com.

In addition to continuing his role as the founder and leader of Brokerage Services, Wilson will now oversee a wide range of office services including leasing, brokerage, acquisitions, asset management and development services.

Scott Wilson joined Childress Klein in 2002 and has wide ranging experience across the firm. Scott has been recognized throughout his career for his dedication, integrity, leadership and market knowledge. He has consistently achieved superior results for our clients while exhibiting an unwavering commitment to customer service excellence and relationship development.

In his new role as Office Division Partner, Wilson will continue to leverage his vast knowledge and diverse expertise in order to shape Childress Klein’s growth strategy for their office portfolio. His primary responsibilities will focus on developing relationships with clients and partners across industries while overseeing future and existing office development, leasing, acquisitions and dispositions. Additionally, he will continue serving clients through CK’s highly respected brokerage services division.

As part of this transition, Ryan Thompson will take an expanded role within Brokerage Services as Director of Brokerage Services, assuming more day-to-day leadership responsibilities, while expanding the team and services offered. Ryan Thompson joined Childress Klein in 2015 and has proven to be a dynamic broker. “Ryan has brought an expansive sales background and high energy to our brokerage business and is well positioned to take on more responsibility in expanding the brokerage team and relationships going forward. I am really excited to partner with Ryan in growing the brokerage business and look forward to executing on his growth and strategy ideas with our existing team,” said Wilson.

“Scott’s promotion reflects our confidence in him and our commitment to invest in our office division for the future,” said Fred Klein, Managing Partner, Childress Klein. Amy Klein Aznar, Managing Partner, Childress Klein added, “Scott brings tremendous experience, creativity and integrity to the role, along with a proven track record of anticipating market trends which will enable us to continue to capitalize on opportunities.”

“I am incredibly humbled by this opportunity,” added Wilson. “I look forward to continuing my work alongside an incredibly talented team here at Childress Klein. Despite the headwinds that we are experiencing with the new workplace in the office sector, we are ready to create unique opportunities and partnerships to take advantage of the market conditions.”

Wilson’s promotion is part of Childress Klein’s ongoing commitment to develop and elevate top talent.  With more than three decades of service in the Charlotte community and beyond, Childress Klein is proud to recognize Scott’s dedication and hard work with this leadership promotion.

CHARLOTTE, N.C.  –  Charlotte developer Childress Klein and Maryland-based CGA Capital have acquired the Charlotte Metro Tower site at 525 S. Tryon Street in Uptown Charlotte from Duke Energy. In connection with its acquisition, the Childress Klein-CGA Capital joint venture simultaneously entered into a long-term lease with Duke Energy and have agreed to fully fund development and construction of the new 40-story office building.

Duke Energy will occupy the LEED-Gold Certified Class AA office tower upon its expected completion in 2022. Charlotte Metro Tower will feature approximately 1 million square feet of office and retail space, and a 1,100-space parking garage.

“Metro Tower is a best-in-class project in an area with the highest net absorption of any submarket in the Southeast. We have a great team in place and are delighted to be partnering with CGA and expanding our relationship with Duke Energy on this exciting project that will deliver significant economic benefits to the area,” said Childress Klein Partner Tom Coyle.

“This is an outstanding opportunity from every standpoint. We look forward to working with Childress Klein and their team to fund the creation of a dynamic office tower and a terrific new addition to the city skyline,” said CGA Capital Managing Director and Principal W. Kyle Gore.

Baltimore-based CGA Capital provides capital for large-scale corporate, government, and nonprofit real estate projects across the country. Financing is being provided by a debt investor group led by Nuveen, a TIAA company. Construction is underway at the time of the acquisition, and Childress Klein is leading the design and preliminary site work, and serves as the development manager.

CGA Capital was represented in the transaction by Ballard Spahr, and Childress Klein was represented by Parker Poe. Duke Energy was represented by Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP and advised by Eastdil Secured. The debt investor group was represented by Greenberg Traurig. The project’s architect is TVS Design and the general contractor is Batson-Cook Company.

About Childress Klein
As one of the largest private, full-service real estate companies in the Southeast, Childress Klein has played an intricate role in the development of Uptown Charlotte. For more than thirty years, we have overseen the development of fourteen Uptown projects — totaling more than 7 million square feet of commercial space. Notable Uptown projects include the 42-story One Wells Fargo Center, the 48-story Duke Energy Center, the high-rise residential project Museum Tower, as well as mixed and multi-use projects such as The Green and the Levine Cultural Campus. The new Metro Tower is a continuation of Childress Klein’s involvement and dedication to shaping Charlotte’s Uptown skyline. For more information, visit www.childressklein.com.

About CGA Capital
CGA Capital is a privately held lender and investment firm focused on net lease property acquisition and development, debt and equity financing, and sales and trading of lease-backed securities. CGA Capital has closed more than $20 billion in financings, including corporate headquarters, government facilities, healthcare properties, and mission-critical special use developments. CGA Capital was found as a subsidiary of Legg Mason, Inc, in 1989 and acquired the U.S. net lease financing business of RBS Group plc in 2009. Since then, CGA Capital has served active or standby asset management or servicing roles in more than $8 billion (principal balance) of net lease-related debt real estate assets and retains equity interests in more than $2.4 billion in net leased properties. Among the hundreds of net lease financings completed by CGA Capital are headquarters facilities for leading utility companies, including Sempra Energy, ComEd (Exelon), and Georgia Power. Visit www.cgacapital.com.

(Charlotte, N.C.)  Eight suburban office buildings developed and managed by Childress Klein Properties have qualified for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) prestigious ENERGY STAR, the national symbol for superior energy efficiency and environmental protection. Commercial buildings that rate in the top 25 percent of facilities in the nation for energy efficiency may qualify for the ENERGY STAR.

“Childress Klein’s success in earning the EPA’s ENERGY STAR is a measure of our commitment to energy efficiency,” said David Pitser, Partner and Director of Office Property Management. “This is one of many ways we promote environmental stewardship while lowering energy costs for our tenants and clients.”

EPA awarded the ENERGY STAR to buildings at LakePointe Office Park and LakePointe Corporate Center ranging in size from 60,000 sq ft to over 150,000 sq ft. Five of the six recognized buildings are repeat award winners and two buildings are in the process of re-certification.

In 2007, LakePointe Office Park was recognized by BOMA (Building Owners and Managers Association) with an International TOBY (The Office Building of the Year) Award – Childress Klein’s third international honor for excellence in property management. 

“The key to success truly has been the support and cooperation of our building owners and tenants”, said Pitser. “What we achieve is as much a reflection on them as it is on us.”

In an example of partnership with tenants, Childress Klein and anchor tenant General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products (GDATP) worked together on a multi-year energy reduction initiative at the GDATP headquarters at Four LakePointe Plaza. A combination of lighting retrofits, operational changes, HVAC optimization and occupant education reduced electricity consumption by almost 10% and helped the building earn its first ENERGY STAR.

According to EPA, commercial buildings earning the ENERGY STAR use an average of 35 percent less energy than typical buildings and also release 35 percent less carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Childress Klein actively monitors each suburban building’s energy consumption using monthly data from utility bills and detailed load profiles generated from data recorded every 15 minutes. This data is used to optimize building operations, maximize efficiency and minimize operating expenses.

“Our industry promotes the concept of ‘intelligent buildings’ but it’s important not to take that term literally,” said Regional Property Manager and Mechanical Engineer Jeff Crane, PE, LEED AP, “We equip our properties with sophisticated systems and controls to maximize efficiency and reduce operating costs but we recognize that intelligent people are essential for success with utilities (energy and water) management and environmental initiatives. Complex building systems without deliberate and continuous management and validation can be even less efficient than relatively simple systems.”

EPA’s national energy performance rating system provides a 1-100 scale that helps organizations assess how efficiently their buildings use energy relative to similar buildings nationwide. A building scoring a rating of 75 or higher is eligible to apply for ENERGY STAR.

Childress Klein Properties is an Energy Star Partner organization and is a member of U.S. Green Building Council.

This year Childress Klein worked with A Child’s Place, an agency whose purpose is to help enable homeless children to have the same educational opportunities and advantages as other children.

There are nearly 5,000 homeless children living in Charlotte. It is almost certain that these children will struggle to achieve a basic education.  When a child does not have fundamental academic resources such as a pen and a piece of paper, they are automatically unprepared to learn and less likely to be an active participant in class.  Over time, that can lead to children falling behind and repeating grades, which puts them at risk of not graduating high school.

In an effort to help with the agency’s goal, Childress Klein held a pencil pack drive to benefit A Child’s Place in Charlotte. Employees donated items such as pencils, pens, erasers, sharpeners and pencil cases. There was a company goal of 300 total pencil packs.

Employees pulled together and surpassed the goal, assembling nearly 1,000 pencil packs that were donated.

Denver, CO (May 18, 2018) – Ascentris and Childress Klein announced today the joint venture’s acquisition of a 5.54-acre parcel at the corner of Morrison Boulevard and Sharon Road in Charlotte’s SouthPark submarket, directly across from the main entrance to the Simon owned SouthPark Mall. Together, the joint venture will develop Apex SouthPark which will consist of 345 apartment units and 88,000 square feet of ground floor retail that will be located in two 12-story towers. Sharon United Methodist Church, the land seller, will develop a new worship center on site under its rebranded name, SouthPark Church. The property will also feature a 175-room hotel with a rooftop restaurant and bar. A shared six-level parking structure will serve the entire property. Demolition of the existing church and construction of the project is expected to commence immediately. Rule Joy Trammel + Rubio is the architect and JE Dunn Construction will serve as the general contractor. Bank of America will provide construction financing.

“Ascentris is thrilled to be partnering with Childress Klein again, this time on the development of Apex SouthPark. Childress Klein and RJTR have designed an iconic project that will be unlike anything else in SouthPark and will set the stage for a new generation of living in Charlotte,” said Ascentris Managing Director Tricia Noble.

The finishes and common area amenities will raise the standard for apartment living in SouthPark. One-, two-, and three-bedroom units will feature floor to ceiling windows, high-end stainless-steel appliances, under-cabinet lighting, quartz countertops, and backlit mirrors. The two towers will share an amenity deck with a swimming pool, cabanas, fire pits, and grills, and a tenant lounge and fitness center with yoga and spin studios. On-site 24-hour concierge service will be available to tenants. The 88,000 square feet of ground floor retail is designed to accommodate a variety of tenants, including restaurants and bars with outdoor seating, which will create an energetic environment for the property. Childress Klein’s retail division is leasing the retail portion of the property. 

“Apex SouthPark will deliver an exciting urban experience that we believe will address the increasingly sophisticated demands of the SouthPark market. We are excited to have the opportunity to partner with Ascentris and SouthPark Church on this innovative project”, said David Haggart, Retail Division Partner at Childress Klein. Apex SouthPark is a property many years in the making. Sharon United Methodist solicited master development proposals for the site in 2015, ultimately selecting Childress Klein. The property was rezoned to allow for the development of the property in 2016. With construction commencing in the coming weeks, substantial completion of the first apartment tower is scheduled to occur in Spring 2020, with final completion of the project slated for Spring of 2021.