GBT Realty announced that it has raised $1.3 billion earmarked for investment in built-to-suit retail development as well as shopping center acquisitions to be deployed over the next 18 months. Since 1987, GBT has been involved in the development, construction, leasing, management and acquisition of more than 40 million square feet of commercial development.
“Almost two years ago, George Tomlin and I began talking about a future for GBT that would double down on our strengths and drive the company forward into a new era,” said Brian Dawson, CEO of GBT Realty. “Throughout GBT’s 39-year history, we have developed an incredible reputation with leading retailers and within capital markets and investment circles. Leveraging the reputation we’ve earned and the relationships we’ve built, we’ve spent the past year transforming the company to be cutting edge for what both retailers and capital want to allow GBT to be one of the largest national players in the retail space nationwide. We are now executing at a scale that is unrivaled in the commercial retail market.”
As GBT deploys its capital with the intent to exceed $3 billion in assets under management, it has recently hired 12 new employees within land acquisition, new development, and leasing verticals. GBT’s $1.3 billion comes from a number of sources, including:
- Its key capital partner AEW Capital Management out of Boston;
- a variety of investors including GBT Realty itself.
- Family offices and individuals, and
- Nearly $500 million in lending commitments.
In a preview of what is to come, in 2025 GBT has already acquired three existing income-producing shopping centers and delivered six Sprouts Farmers Market Centers across a diverse range of markets. In total, GBT currently has 33 projects set to start construction over the next 18 months. Nashville-based GBT has long been a national real estate entity, involved in more than 40 million square feet of development and recognized as an industry leader across three distinct offerings.
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