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Overview
Trinity Place Holdings Inc., which we refer to in this Annual Report on Form 10-K as “Trinity, ” “we,” “our,” or “us”, is a real estate holding, investment, development and asset management company. As part of a series of transactions described below, on February 14, 2024, TPHGreenwich Holdings LLC (“TPHGreenwich”), a previously 100% owned subsidiary of ours, became owned 95% by us, with an affiliate of the lender under our corporate credit facility (the “Corporate Credit Facility” or “CCF”) owning a 5% interest in, and acting as manager of, such entity. The Company’s real estate assets and related liabilities were transferred to TPHGreenwich on February 14, 2024 and TPHGreenwich now holds, subject to the subsequent sales as described below, (i) the property located at 77 Greenwich Street in Lower Manhattan (“77 Greenwich”), which is substantially complete as a mixed-use project consisting of a 90-unit residential condominium tower, retail space and a New York City elementary school (ii) a 105-unit, 12-story multi-family property located at 237 11th Street in Brooklyn, New York (“237 11th”), and (iii) a property occupied by retail tenants in Paramus, New Jersey (the “Paramus Property).
On February 4, 2025, TPHGreenwich sold the Paramus Property for a gross sales price of $15.6 million. After repayment of the underlying loan of $11.7 million and closing costs, TPHGreenwich received approximately $2.9 million in net sale cash proceeds. The Company’s guarantee of the loan underlying the Paramus Property was retired upon the sale.
On March 14, 2025, TPHGreenwich sold 237 11th for a gross sales price of $68.5 million. After repayment of the underlying loan of $60.0 million and closing costs, TPHGreenwich received approximately $6.0 million in net sale cash proceeds.
We also control a variety of intellectual property assets focused on the consumer sector, a legacy of our predecessor, Syms Corp. (“Syms”), including FilenesBasement.com, our rights to the Stanley Blacker® brand, as well as the intellectual property associated with the Running of the Brides® event and the An Educated Consumer is Our Best Customer® slogan.
Recapitalization Transactions
On February 14, 2024, we consummated the transactions contemplated by the Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of January 5, 2024 (as amended, the “Legacy Stock Purchase Agreement”), between the Company, TPHS Lender LLC, the lender under the Company’s Corporate Credit Facility (“TPHS Lender”) and TPHS Investor LLC, an affiliate of TPHS Lender (the “JV Investor”, and together with the TPHS Lender, the “Legacy Investor”), pursuant to which (i) Legacy Investor purchased 25,112,245 shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share of the Company (the “Legacy Investor Shares”) for a purchase price of $0.30 per share, (ii) the Company and the JV Investor entered into an amended and restated limited liability company operating agreement of TPHGreenwich (the “JV Operating Agreement”), pursuant to which the JV Investor was appointed the initial manager of, and acquired a five percent (5%) interest in, TPHGreenwich, as described in more detail below, and TPHGreenwich continues to own, indirectly, all of the real property assets and liabilities formerly held by the Company, and (iii) TPHGreenwich entered into an asset management agreement (the “Asset Management Agreement”) with a newly formed subsidiary of the Company (the “TPH Manager”), pursuant to which TPHGreenwich hired the TPH Manager to act as the asset manager for TPHGreenwich for an annual management fee, as described in more detail below (collectively, the “Recapitalization Transactions”).
Under the Recapitalization Transactions, the real estate assets and related liabilities as well as the Corporate Credit Facility were deconsolidated and became part of TPHGreenwich, with the Company retaining the intellectual property and a 95% equity method investment in TPHGreenwich. In addition, the maturity date of each of the mortgage loan agreement (the “77G Mortgage Loan”) and mezzanine loan agreement (the “77G Mezzanine Loan”) for 77 Greenwich, both of which were assumed by TPHGreenwich, was extended to October 23, 2025 with an option to extend for an additional year, and the maturity date of the Corporate Credit Facility was extended to June 30, 2026.
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In connection with the Steel Partners transaction in February 2025 (as defined and described below), the Legacy Stock Purchase Agreement was partially terminated by the Company and the TPHS Lender (including and cancellation of the TPHS Lender’s right to receive penny warrants of the Company equivalent to 5% of the Company’s Common Stock), except for provisions of the Legacy Stock Purchase Agreement which would cause an impairment or termination of the TPHS Lender’s representation and warranty insurance policy obtained.
Joint Venture Agreement
At the closing of the Recapitalization Transactions, the Company and the JV Investor entered into the JV Operating Agreement, with the Company owning 95% of the ownership interests in TPHGreenwich and the JV Investor owning 5% of the ownership interests in TPHGreenwich. Distributions under the JV Operating Agreement first go to the Legacy Investor until the JV Investor has received its initial distribution amount in full (which initial distribution amount is the sum of (v) all amounts due under the CCF and 77G Mezzanine Loan, (w) all amounts due in connection with any additional TPHGreenwich debt financing provided by the Legacy Investor or its affiliate, (x) Legacy Investor’s initial capital contribution, and (y) any additional capital contributions made by Legacy Investor), then distributed pro rata pursuant to the members’ respective percentage interests in TPHGreenwich.
JV Investor, in its capacity as manager of TPHGreenwich, will manage, control and conduct the affairs of TPHGreenwich, subject only to certain major decisions set forth in the JV Operating Agreement. Major decisions are (1) entering into any transaction with or for the benefit of Legacy Investor or its affiliate, other than any transaction involving Legacy Investor or its affiliate providing debt and/or equity to the Company as set forth in the JV Operating Agreement or any arms-length transaction, (2) any amendment or modification of the JV Operating Agreement or any operating agreement of a subsidiary company of TPHGreenwich, or any other agreement with the Company or a subsidiary company of TPHGreenwich if such amendment would materially adversely affect the rights or obligations of the Company in a manner that is disproportionate to the JV Investor, (3) any tax or accounting matter decision relating to net operating losses (“NOLs”) that would be materially adverse to the Company but not the JV Investor, and (4) the admission of any other member to TPHGreenwich or its subsidiary except as permitted under the JV Operating Agreement.
Under the JV Operating Agreement, the Company retained oversight of the Paramus Property and had the sole and exclusive right to manage and make decisions regarding the Paramus Property, subject to (i) the Company Investor’s right to approve any purchase and sale agreement for the Paramus Property that may be entered into in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Stock Purchase Agreement; (ii) the JV Investor’s right to approve any material modifications of such purchase and sale agreement for the Paramus Property, and (iii) the JV Investor’s right to approve any dissolution of the owner of the Paramus Property. The Paramus Property was subsequently sold on February 4, 2025.
The Company’s liability under any cause of action arising from or in connection with the JV Operating Agreement is limited to its interest in TPHGreenwich.
In connection with the Steel Partners Transaction (as defined and described below), the Company and the JV Investor entered into an Amended and Restated JV Operating Agreement (the “Amended and Restated JV Operating Agreement”) that among other things, removed any Company decision-making and/or consent rights with respect to the Paramus Property and TPHGreenwich and (b) released the TPHGreenwich’s obligation to pay, call capital and/or otherwise reserve for any such D&O insurance coverage (including insurance tail coverage) and the Legacy’s Investor’s obligation to hold back proceeds from the sale of property for any insurance policies of the Company. In addition, Amended and Restated JV Operating Agreement provides that the Company can, at any time after May 19, 2025, convey all of the Company’s 95% ownership interest in TPHGreenwich and its right to distributions under the Amended and Restated JV Operating Agreement, into a trust established for the benefit of the Company’s shareholders of record on a date to be determined.
Asset Management Agreement
At the closing of the Recapitalization Transactions, the TPH Manager entered into the Asset Management Agreement with TPHGreenwich. The Asset Management Agreement provides that the TPH Manager agrees to provide certain services in connection with the construction (with respect to 77 Greenwich), management, operation, supervision and maintenance of 77 Greenwich and 237 11th. To compensate TPH Manager for such services, TPHGreenwich provides for an annual
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management fee to TPH Manager equal to the greater of (x) $400,000 or (y) 1.25% of (i) the outstanding principal balance of the CCF plus (ii) the outstanding principal balance of the 77G Mezzanine Loan, plus (iii) the principal balance of any future fundings of any type under the CCF and/or 77G Mezzanine Loan.
Under the terms of the Asset Management Agreement, in the event Mr. Messinger failed to be involved in the day-to-day operations of the TPH Manager pursuant to the Asset Management Agreement, TPHGreenwich agreed its sole and exclusive remedy would be to terminate TPH Manager without cause on 30 days’ notice. As noted below and previously disclosed, Mr. Messinger transitioned from Chief Executive Officer of the Company (i.e., TPH Manager) to consultant to TPHGreenwich in August 2024.
On April 26, 2024, the Company and Mr. Messinger entered into an amendment (the “Amendment”) to Mr. Messinger’s employment agreement, dated as of October 1, 2013, as amended (the “Employment Agreement”), and TPHGreenwich and Mr. Messinger entered into a consulting agreement (the “Consulting Agreement”). Under the Amendment, the Company agreed to make the following payments to Mr. Messinger in exchange for Mr. Messinger’s agreement to continue his employment as chief executive officer of the Company until the later of July 31, 2024 or the filing of the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2024, unless extended by the parties (the “Termination Date”), and that he will no longer have the right to terminate the Employment Agreement with Good Reason: (i) $300,000 within seven days of execution of the Amendment, (ii) $300,000 on August 1, 2024 and (iii) $300,000 on November 1, 2024. In addition, on the Termination Date, Mr. Messinger’s unvested restricted stock unit grants vested, and following the Termination Date, the Company will reimburse Mr. Messinger for COBRA continuation coverage for a period of 18 months. These payments, as well as the payments under the Consulting Agreement, will constitute full settlement with regards to any severance payable to Mr. Messinger under the Employment Agreement. As of December 31, 2024, Mr. Messinger had received 100% of these payments.
Upon the Termination Date, the Consulting Agreement automatically became effective. Under the Consulting Agreement, Mr. Messinger has agreed to provide certain consulting services as an independent contractor to TPHGreenwich related to the properties owned by TPHGreenwich, in exchange for certain consulting payments as follows: upon the earlier to occur of June 1, 2026 and (i) the sale of the Company’s Paramus property, $200,000, (ii) the sale of 237 11th, located at 237 11th Street, Brooklyn, New York, $800,000, (iii) the receipt of the final certificate of occupancy at 77 Greenwich, located at 77 Greenwich Street, New York, New York, $150,000, (iv) the receipt of the agreement by the builder to complete the façade remediation at 77 Greenwich, $150,000, (v) final completion of the façade remediation at 77 Greenwich, $200,000 and (vi) final resolution of the litigation related to the 237 11th, $400,000. The timing of the payments is conditioned on the existence of Available Cash (as defined in TPHGreenwich’s operating agreement) sufficient to make such payments; provided that TPHGreenwich must create a special reserve for payment of such amounts using the portion of the proceeds of the sale of the 237 11th or 237 11th Litigation distributed to TPHGreenwich by its subsidiaries which constitutes Available Cash. The Consulting Agreement will remain in effect until June 1, 2026, unless sooner terminated in accordance with its terms.
In connection with the Steel Partners Transaction (as defined and described below), the parties to the Asset Management Agreement mutually agreed to terminate the Asset Management Agreement, effective upon 45 days following the closing of the Steel Partners Transaction, or April 4, 2025. TPH Manager has agreed to provide TPHGreenwich transitionary services pursuant to the Asset Management Agreement through the termination date.
Steel Partners Transaction
On February 5, 2025 (the “SPA Effective Date”), the Company entered into a stock purchase agreement (the “Steel Stock Purchase Agreement”) with TPHS Lender and Steel IP Investments, LLC (the “Steel Purchaser”), an affiliate of Steel Partners Holdings L.P. (“Steel Partners”), pursuant to which the Steel Purchaser agreed to purchase from TPHS Lender, and TPHS Lender agreed to sell to Steel Purchaser, 25,862,245 shares of Common Stock of the Company (such shares are referred to collectively herein as the “Steel Shares”) in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Steel Stock Purchase Agreement. The aggregate consideration payable to TPHS Lender was $2,586,200 for the Steel Shares and certain agreements pursuant to the Steel Stock Purchase Agreement.
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On February 18, 2025 (the “Steel Closing”), at the closing of the transactions contemplated by the Steel Stock Purchase Agreement, the Company, TPHS and the Steel Purchaser entered into certain ancillary agreements referenced above and below, including the Amended and Restated JV Operating Agreement and the Steel Purchaser Stockholders’ Agreement. The transactions contemplated by the Steel Stock Purchase Agreement are herein referred to as the “Steel Partners Transaction.” The Company consummated the Steel Partner Transaction with a view toward, among other things, achieving significant operational synergies, including through the use of Steel Partners’ corporate services and participation in Steel Partners operational excellence programs.
Steel Purchaser Stockholders’ Agreement
On the SPA Effective Date and in connection with the Steel Partners Transaction, the Company and the Steel Purchaser entered into a shareholder rights agreement (the “Steel Purchaser Stockholders’ Agreement”), which became effective upon the Steel Closing.
The Steel Purchaser Stockholders’ Agreement contains various covenants including, among others:
● The Company will take all necessary corporate actions and obtain all necessary approvals so that, as of the Steel Closing, the Company’s board of directors (the “Board”) consists of five (5) members, who will initially be: (i) Jack L. Howard (Chairman), (ii)Alexander C. Matina, (iii) Joseph Martin, (iv) Jeffrey S. Wald, and (v) Joanne M. Minieri. Subsequently, the Company has agreed that so long as Steel Purchaser owns at least 20% of the Company’s outstanding capital stock, the Company will take all action reasonably necessary to cause the Board to remain at five (5) members, which shall include (A) one (1) director who shall qualify as independent and is mutually agreed upon by Steel Purchaser and the Company and (B) two (2) directors designated solely by Steel Purchaser.
● As of the Steel Closing, Matthew Messinger will act as an observer of the Board until the earlier of (i) his voluntary resignation as an observer of the Board and (ii) the Board’s determination to remove Mr. Messinger as an observer of the Board.
● So long as at least ten percent (10%) of the Company’s total issued and outstanding Common Stock continues to be traded on OTC Pink Market, the Company will use commercially reasonable best efforts to, and Steel Purchaser agrees to provide management services to assist the Company to, prepare and publish the information as contemplated by Rule 144(c) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, including: (i) within 45 days following each quarter of each fiscal year and (ii) within 90 days following each fiscal year of the Company, (A) a consolidated balance sheet, (B) consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income and of cash flows, and, as applicable, a comparison between (x) the actual amounts as of and for such period and (y) the comparable amounts for the prior corresponding period, with an explanation of any material differences between such amounts, and (C) a consolidated statement of stockholders’ equity; in each case, prepared in accordance with GAAP and, in the case of annual financial statements, audited and certified by independent public accountants of recognized standing selected by the Company.
● On or prior to the Steel Closing, the Company will amend its bylaws (as currently in effect as of the date hereof, the “Bylaws”), to provide for the ability of shareholders holding at least an aggregate of 15% of the Company’s outstanding Common Stock to call a special meeting of the shareholders of the Company (the “Bylaws Amendment”). Following the effectiveness of the Bylaws Amendment, the Company will not further amend the Bylaws without the prior written consent of the Steel Purchaser, not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed.
As previously disclosed, the changes to the Board discussed above became effective upon the Steel Closing. In addition, the Bylaws Amendment was effective as of closing.
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Secured Promissory Note
In connection with the Steel Partners Transaction, on February 18, 2025, the Company issued a Senior Secured Promissory Note (the “Steel Promissory Note”) to Steel Connect, LLC (the “Steel Lender”), an affiliate of Steel Partners and Steel Purchaser, pursuant to which the Company may borrow up to $5.0 million from the Steel Lender. The Steel Promissory Note is secured by a pledge of all of the assets of the Company. As of March 24, 2025, $1.0 million was outstanding under the Steel Promissory Note.
Management’s Plans and Objectives
Following the Recapitalization Transactions and the Steel Transaction, our primary business is owning a variety of intellectual property assets focused on the consumer sector, as well as a 95% interest in TPHGreenwich which is accounted for as an equity method investment. As discussed herein, we may distribute the interest in TPHGreenwich to our shareholders in 2025. At the same time, we are implementing various cost efficiencies using proven business optimization practices in partnership with Steel Partners and exploring potential business expansions and alternatives in order to maximize stockholder value. These may include, for example, acquisition of additional business assets, contribution by Steel or a third party of additional business assets to Trinity, or other business combinations. There is no assurance that we will successfully complete any such acquisition, contribution, or combination, or that any such transaction will be successful.
The financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of any uncertainty as to our ability to continue as a going concern.
Competition
The markets in which the properties owned through our investment in TPHGreenwich are located are inherently competitive. With respect to the operating properties currently located in Brooklyn, New York, TPHGreenwich is competing for some of the same tenants, contractors and lenders. Competitive factors with respect to 77 Greenwich may have a more material effect on TPHGreenwich as it is its most significant real estate asset. Various municipal entities are making and have indicated an intent to continue to make significant investments in the immediate vicinity of 77 Greenwich to support the growth of the downtown Manhattan neighborhood as a vibrant 24/7 community to work, live and visit. Several privately funded commercial and residential developments have been or are being constructed or have been proposed and office buildings are being converted to residential use to take advantage of the increasing desirability of the neighborhood. The impact of these changing supply and demand characteristics is uncertain, and they could positively or negatively impact the plan to maximize the value of 77 Greenwich.
Regulatory Matters
Environmental Compliance
Under various federal, state and local laws, ordinances and regulations, a current or previous owner or operator of real estate may be required to investigate and remediate hazardous or toxic substances at a property, and may be held liable to a governmental entity or to third parties for property damage or personal injuries and for investigation and clean-up costs incurred by the parties in connection with the contamination. These laws often impose liability without regard to whether the owner or operator had knowledge of, or was responsible for, the release of the hazardous or toxic substances. The presence of contamination or the failure to remediate contamination may adversely affect the owner’s ability to sell or lease real estate or to borrow using the real estate as collateral.
Other federal, state and local laws, ordinances and regulations require abatement or removal of asbestos-containing materials in the event of demolition or certain renovations or remodeling, the cost of which may be substantial for certain redevelopment projects that a potential purchaser would want to undertake with respect to any particular parcel of real estate we owned. Such laws, ordinances and regulations also govern emissions from and exposure to asbestos fibers in the air. Federal and state laws also regulate the operation and removal of underground storage tanks. In connection with the ownership and management of certain properties, we and/or TPHGreenwich could be held liable for the costs of remedial action with respect to these regulated substances or related claims.
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Zoning and Planning
In connection with any development or redevelopment of the properties, TPHGreenwich will be required to comply with applicable zoning, land-use, building, occupancy, and other laws and regulations. In many cases, TPHGreenwich is and will continue to be required to obtain governmental permits, site plan approvals and/or other authorizations, or seek variances, prior to proceeding with planned development or other activities.
The Zoning Resolution of the City of New York, effective as of December 15, 1961, as amended (the “Zoning Resolution”), governs the use and development of properties in New York City. Properties in New York City may be developed on an as-of-right basis, i.e. without any discretionary city approvals, unless the proposed use or bulk does not comply with the applicable provisions of the Zoning Resolution. Discretionary approvals may be requested from the New York City Planning Commission or the Board of Standards and Appeals. Discretionary approvals are subject to hearing and public participation requirements and are also subject to environmental review pursuant to the State Environmental Quality Review Act, as implemented by the City Environmental Quality Review.
Intellectual Property Assets
We control a variety of intellectual property assets focused on the consumer sector, a legacy of our predecessor, Syms, including FilenesBasement.com, our rights to the Stanley Blacker® brand, as well as the intellectual property associated with the Running of the Brides® event and An Educated Consumer is Our Best Customer® slogan. In addition, various trademarks are controlled and/or owned by us, including “Filene’s Basement”®, “Stanley Blacker”®, “Running of the Brides”® and “An Educated Consumer is Our Best Customer,”® and have been registered with the United States Patent and Trademark Office.
Human Capital Resources
As of December 31, 2024, we had a total of four employees, all of which were full-time in executive, management, finance, accounting, operations and administrative capacities.
General Information about Trinity
Trinity is incorporated in Delaware. Trinity maintains its headquarters at 340 Madison Avenue, Suite 3C, New York, New York, 10173, and the telephone number is (212) 235-2190. Following the expiration of its lease on March 31, 2025, the Company’s principal place of business will be 590 Madison Avenue, 32nd floor, New York, NY, 10022.
Available Information
Our website address is www.trinityplaceholdings.com or www.tphs.com. References in this document to our website are not and should not be considered part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, and the information on our website is not incorporated by reference into this Annual Report.