LOS ANGELES-The New York-based private commercial real estate lender Terra Capital Partners LLC has opened a Los Angeles office. Doug Vikser will take the helm of the new office as the West Coast manager, focusing on originating mezzanine, preferred equity and bridge financing for borrowers.

“We're delighted to have an executive of Doug's caliber join us as we expand our national presence,” says Bruce Batkin, CEO of Terra Capital Partners. “Today, we have a robust deal pipeline with West Coast borrowers, and we believe Doug's experience facilitates our ability to help them resolve complex recapitalizations.”

Vikser formerly oversaw a debt platform for MSD Capital, and in his 30-year career in real estate has served as a managing director at Prudential Mortgage Capital Co. and senior VP at L.J. Melody & Co. In these positions, Vikser has participated in $4 billion of acquisition and financing transactions. His most recent transactions with Terra Capital include originating mezzanine financing through the Sheraton Fort Worth Hotel and preferred equity financing for the Le Saint Industrial Center in Cincinnati, OH.