The locally based company's chief executive Doug Shorenstein says the dislocation of the credit markets last summer, and the ongoing uncertainty created by that event, makes this a good time to have committed discretionary capital. "We think the market in front of us will present opportunities to make attractive debt and equity investments for those investors with the right combination of patience, expertise and capital," he says.

Fund Nine focuses on value-added office and mixed-use properties located in major markets throughout the US. In addition to single asset acquisitions, investments have included portfolios of properties, preferred equity, mezzanine loans, ground-up developments, and structured joint ventures.

Fund Nine made its first investment in September 2007. Its investments to date include seven mezzanine loans in the total principal amount of $373 million backed by Class A office properties in New York; Washington, DC; Silicon Valley; and Southern California. The fund also holds 100% equity interest in a 350,000-sf office building located in the Galleria submarket of Houston, Texas.