NewPoint Sponsored Fund Provides $44 Million in Construction Financing to Barron Development for Affordable Assisted Living Community in Des Plaines, IL

DES PLAINES, IL - (August 17, 2026) - NewPoint Real Estate Capital LLC ("NewPoint") announced that its affiliated investment vehicle, NewPoint Impact Fund I (the "Fund"), has provided $44 million in construction and permanent financing for the development of Heritage Woods of Des Plaines, a planned 150-unit affordable assisted living community in Des Plaines, Illinois. The financing was arranged by NewPoint Managing Director Kevin Laidlaw on behalf of Heritage Woods Northwest LLC, a project led by Barron Development LLC as managing member.

The financing supports the ground-up development of a supportive living facility (SLF) under the State of Illinois' Supportive Living Program (SLP), a Medicaid waiver program designed to provide an alternative to nursing home care for low-income seniors and individuals with physical disabilities.

The Fund served as the bond purchaser, construction lender, and permanent lender, while NewPoint will provide servicing and asset management, delivering an integrated capital solution from construction closing through stabilization. The financing includes a fixed-rate structure for both the construction and permanent phases, with rates locked prior to closing to provide certainty throughout the development period.

The development has a total capitalization of approximately $68.9 million. In addition to NewPoint's $44 million construction and permanent financing, the project received $23.9 million in tax credit equity to support the development of the community.

"NewPoint's ability to provide a fully integrated capital solution, combined with a deep understanding of Illinois' Supportive Living Program, allowed for a streamlined execution and cost-efficient structure," said Mr. Laidlaw. "This project will bring forward a high-quality, affordable assisted living community in Des Plaines that gives people a real chance to live with independence, dignity, and reliable access to care, especially those who are too often overlooked," he added.

Heritage Woods of Des Plaines will be a 150-unit affordable assisted living community, offering apartment-style residences for low-income seniors and individuals with physical disabilities. The community will provide a full range of services, including meals, medication management, wellness programming, and daily living assistance, in a setting designed to promote independence, dignity, and social engagement.

About NewPoint Real Estate Capital LLC
NewPoint is a national commercial real estate platform delivering capital solutions, loan servicing, and investment sales in support of the multifamily, affordable housing, seniors housing, healthcare, student housing, and manufactured housing sectors. The firm leverages technology, data, capital, and the expertise of its industry-leading team to drive execution and create value across the lifecycle of a property. In addition to being a Fannie Mae DUS®, Freddie Mac Optigo®, and FHA/HUD MAP and LEAN lender, the company also offers proprietary bridge, ground lease, and affordable housing financing. NewPoint is owned by Franklin BSP Realty Trust ("FBRT"). FBRT is externally managed by Benefit Street Partners L.L.C., a wholly owned subsidiary of Franklin Resources, Inc. ("Franklin Templeton"), one of the world's largest independent investment managers with $1.74 trillion in total assets under management (as of April 30, 2026). To view NewPoint's licensing information, please visit newpoint.com/licensing-disclosures/.

About Barron Development LLC
Together with its affiliates, Barron Development LLC has spent more than 42 years designing, developing, managing, and operating real estate projects valued at over $125 million. Its portfolio spans retail, commercial, industrial, and residential developments, along with its flagship senior living communities. Through thoughtful development and responsible stewardship, Barron Development LLC strives to create environments where seniors can live with dignity, comfort, and a true sense of community.

Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements included in this press release are forward-looking statements. Those statements include statements regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of NewPoint and members of our management team, as well as the assumptions on which such statements are based, and generally are identified by the use of words such as "may," "will," "seeks," "anticipates," "believes," "estimates," "expects," "plans," "intends," "should" or similar expressions. Actual results may differ materially from those contemplated by such forward-looking statements. Further, forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and we undertake no obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements to reflect changed assumptions, the occurrence of unanticipated events or changes to future operating results over time, unless required by law. NewPoint's forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties. Factors that could cause actual outcomes to differ materially from our forward-looking statements include macroeconomic factors in the United States including, but not limited to, inflation, changing interest rates and economic contraction, the extent of any recoveries on delinquent loans, and the financial stability of our borrowers. The forward-looking statements included in this communication are made only as of the date hereof.

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