The borrower is developing in Georgia. When fully developed, it will bring three attractions together on one site: a safari drive-through experience, a traditional walk-through zoo, and Treetop Lodging. The borrower will complement the offerings of Zoo Atlanta and the Georgia Aquarium. The borrower will be able to sustain its annual baseline attendance of 150,000 – and potentially attract an annual attendance in the 220,000 – 235,000 range. The drive-through safari component of the park will allow guests the opportunity to get up close with exotic animals that other parks rarely offer, including the other competing facilities in the area. The drive through will be an immersive and interpretive guided tour of a mimicked wildlife savanna safari. The vehicles transporting visitors will be custom built and carry up to 20 passengers. These tours will be designed to mirror the same experience as an authentic African game drive. Guests will experience multiple species of African wildlife including giraffes, rhinos, zebras, bongos, kudu, ostrich and more. Custom guided tours, behind-the-scenes experiences, up-close animal encounters, animal feedings, photo opportunities, team-building activities, corporate excursions, and events will also be available as guest experiences.
The walk-through experience will take guests on an interpretive adventure across five continents: Africa, Asia, Australia, North and South America. From the moment guests enter the Park through the themed gateway, they will walk through botanical gardens, landscaped walkways, and animal exhibits of wildlife and cultures from around the world.
Treetop Lodging will offer guests the opportunity to stay overnight in individual units built in tree canopies overlooking the wildlife. This 50-unit boutique lodge will include an event center for corporate retreats, weddings, birthdays, family reunions, as well as a restaurant that will offer food services for guests staying at the treetop lodge. Guests will be surrounded by the sights and sounds of the African savanna as the animals eat, socialize and go about their activities. The Georgia market for zoological attractions is currently underserved and there is a demand for an attraction of this kind. There hasn’t been a new zoological park built in the United States from the ground up since Disney’s Animal Kingdom approximately 20 years ago. According to the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), more than 186 million people visited the 231 AZA accredited zoos and aquariums in 2014. This facility will be accredited by AZA and offer a more comprehensive experience that what is currently being offered.
| Loan ID | 0110 |
| DSCR | 1.47 |
| LTV | 67.1 |
| Note Rate | 6.97 |
| Property Location | GA |
| NAICS | 712130 |
| Guaranty Type | USDA |
| Loan Term | 30 yrs |
| Rate type | Var |
| Note date | N/A |
| Maturity date | N/A |
| Participation Availability Amount | $0 |
| Minimum Participation Amount | $250,000 |
| Original Loan Amount | $5,000,000 |
| Full Loan Documentation | Link |
| Inquire | Inquire |