Wood Investments Companies, Inc., a leading fully-integrated commercial real estate investment company specializing in retail, has successfully secured a $20.3 million permanent loan from Wells Fargo for the Helena Skyway Regional Shopping Center in Helena, Montana. This 164,121-square-foot shopping center is strategically positioned at a newly developed Interstate 15 Interchange, providing excellent visibility and accessibility.
This financing underscores Wood Investments’ commitment to expanding its portfolio with top-tier properties. “Securing a $20.3 million permanent loan for the Helena Skyway Regional Shopping Center in today’s tight lending environment is a testament to the quality of our property,” said Patrick Wood, CEO and President of Wood Investments Companies. “This achievement not only highlights our commitment to delivering an exceptional retail destination but also reflects the confidence our partners place in our expertise.”
The Helena Skyway Regional Shopping Center is situated at 2005 Cromwell Dixon Lane, directly across from Costco at the intersection of Interstate 15 and East Custer Avenue. Wood Investments acquired the property on September 2, 2022. The center is shadow anchored by The Home Depot and features major tenants such as TJ Maxx, Ulta Beauty, and Hobby Lobby.
As part of its value-add business strategy, Wood Investments has recently signed new leases with Sierra (formerly Sierra Trading Post) and Chick-fil-A. Sierra is set to open on November 9th, while construction for Chick-fil-A is currently underway, with an expected opening at the end of 2025. With these developments, the center is now 100% leased.
Helena, the capital city of Montana, has a population of approximately 34,464, while the broader Helena metropolitan area, which includes Lewis and Clark and Jefferson counties, has a total population of around 96,091. Known for its strong community and economic growth, Helena presents an attractive location for retail investments.
In 2023, Wood Investments secured $39.1 million in permanent loans for two prominent shopping centers in the Boise metropolitan area: Gateway Marketplace and CentrePoint Marketplace, both located in Meridian, Idaho.
“Wood Investments Companies continues to pursue well-located, value-add development opportunities in the Western U.S., where we can apply our design and tenant influence to create new grocery-anchored neighborhood shopping centers,” Wood noted. “Our strategic approach allows us to transform these properties into vibrant community hubs. We remain dedicated to delivering superior experiences for both tenants and customers while generating positive economic impacts in the communities we serve.”
About Wood Investments Companies, Inc. (WICo)
Established as a premier private family-run enterprise, WICo is a distinguished name in the real estate industry. Headquartered in Newport Beach, California, WICo is owned, operated, and managed by Patrick Wood, who carries forward a legacy of excellence set by his father, the visionary Jim Wood. Jim’s remarkable career includes the development of 60 shopping centers, many of which he still owns today. At WICo Inc., we take pride in being a real estate investment and management firm that excels in acquiring, owning, operating, and developing commercial retail shopping centers, with a strategic focus on value-add redevelopment and investments in the Western United States. Our journey has been enriched by over 60 years of combined experience and success in the retail real estate industry, a testament to our unwavering commitment to excellence. For more information, visit: woodinvestments.com.
