[IMGCAP(1)]BATON ROUGE, LA-A nonprofit agency has sold a two-asset portfolio, totaling 559 units, to NHP LLC of New York City for $16.5 million. The 313-unit Copper Ridge Apartments and 246-unit Magnolia Trace Apartments provide low-income housing, both of which are tied to tax free mortgage revenue bonds.

Gregg Cordaro, president of Cordaro Cos. in Baton Rouge, says Sheltering Palms-Baton Rouge LLC, also from Washington, DC, held the 98%-occupied portfolio for close to seven years. The disposition was characteristic of the agency's planned holding period, which is five to 10 years, Cordaro says.

"These were offered as a package deal because they were tied together through bonds," Cordaro tells GlobeSt.com. He and Hendricks & Partners' senior brokers Jim Hearn in Houston and Art Wadlund in Tucson marketed the package.

Cordaro says the mortgage revenue bonds mandate that 20% of the tenants must earn 80% or less of the region's median annual income a specific income in order for the owner to receive tax exemption on the portfolio. In Baton Rouge, the median household income is $55,000.

[IMGCAP(2)]Cordaro says the portfolio attracted 12 offers, adding the New York City buyer was selected because of its knowledge of bond programs. "The buyer had a long-term play for both properties, which need deferred maintenance," he says. "They've got long-term plans and fixes for the roof, the sidings, interiors and landscaping."

The 35-building Cooper Ridge Apartments at 2080 N. Lobdell Ave. was built in 1976. Magnolia Trace Apartments, a 39-building development, sits at 11581 N. Harrells Ferry, about seven miles to the northwest. Both complexes contain one- and two-bedroom units, averaging 904 sf. Rents average $516 per month.