Alternative Ways to Get Your Stuck Project Capitalized

If you're in the commercial real estate game, chances are you've hit a roadblock—especially in today’s market. Maybe it's interest rates, financing hurdles, or unexpected project challenges. Whatever the case, being stuck is stressful, frustrating, and potentially costly.

But here’s the good news: There are solutions. You may just need a fresh perspective and a creative approach. Below are six alternative strategies that could help you break the logjam and get your project moving forward.

1. Reengineer the Project

If you're working on a construction project, consider going back to the drawing board. Reengineering your plan can open up new opportunities—whether it’s adjusting the design, changing the scope, or reworking costs.

• Bring in your architect and challenge them to think differently.
• Involve potential end-users early—sometimes they’ll spot a winning idea you hadn’t considered.
• Push your team to find innovative solutions rather than forcing a flawed plan forward.

Sometimes, the best way to move forward is to rethink the foundation of the project itself.

2. Consider a Ground Lease

Ground leases can be a game-changer, offering ultra-long-term financing—typically 65 to 99 years—with rates as low as 30-year Treasury + 50 to 85 basis points.

The advantage?

• Higher leverage: You can maximize your financing while spreading out cash flow.
• Less equity needed: You may be able to unlock 10-20% more capital—sometimes the difference between success and failure.

Yes, ground leases come with their own challenges, but for the right project, they can be a powerful tool to unlock new capital.

3. Explore a Joint Venture (JV)

There’s likely someone out there who needs you just as much as you need them. A strategic JV can provide the missing piece in your capital stack.

• Outline what you bring to the table and what gaps you need to fill.
• Create a clear but flexible JV proposal that leaves room for negotiation.
• Leverage your network and social media to connect with potential partners.

A well-structured JV can be the catalyst that turns your stalled project into a reality.

4. Utilize C-PACE Financing

Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) financing is an underutilized tool that can increase leverage while promoting eco-friendly construction.

• If your project incorporates energy-efficient upgrades, you may qualify for C-PACE financing.
• In many states, C-PACE funding can replace or reduce the need for expensive mezzanine debt.
• It’s a non-recourse, long-term financing solution that can significantly enhance project feasibility.

Not every state allows C-PACE, but where available, it has proven to be a powerful resource for major construction projects.

5. Leverage Hybrid Loan Programs

Participating loan programs allow you to secure up to 90-100% of your project cost—without giving up full control.

Here’s the trade-off:

• The lender takes a 35-40% project participation stake in return.
• You get fixed-rate financing without bringing in outside equity partners.

For developers looking to maintain control while securing higher leverage, hybrid loans can be a perfect solution.

6. Think Bigger—Expand the Project

It may sound counterintuitive, but sometimes scaling up can actually unlock financing.

• Adding additional parcels or expanding the project scope can make financing more attractive.
• Larger projects often benefit from better economies of scale.
• Are neighboring landowners open to collaborating? A larger joint effort might be the key to making it work.

If your project is struggling at its current scale, a bigger vision might just be the breakthrough you need.

These are just a few creative ways to get your stuck project capitalized. Every deal is different, and sometimes a fresh set of eyes makes all the difference.

If you need help strategizing, let’s talk. Call me at 602-367-8795 or email dave.kotter@integrity-capital.com—let’s turn your roadblock into a launchpad.