The locally based company's chief executive Doug Shorensteinsays the dislocation of the credit markets last summer, and theongoing uncertainty created by that event, makes this a good timeto have committed discretionary capital. "We think the market infront of us will present opportunities to make attractive debt andequity investments for those investors with the right combinationof patience, expertise and capital," he says.

Fund Nine focuses on value-added office and mixed-use propertieslocated in major markets throughout the US. In addition to singleasset acquisitions, investments have included portfolios ofproperties, preferred equity, mezzanine loans, ground-updevelopments, and structured joint ventures.

Fund Nine made its first investment in September 2007. Itsinvestments to date include seven mezzanine loans in the totalprincipal amount of $373 million backed by Class A officeproperties in New York; Washington, DC; Silicon Valley; andSouthern California. The fund also holds 100% equity interest in a350,000-sf office building located in the Galleria submarket ofHouston, Texas.