How the Church of the Epiphany Turned a $1.2M Lease Prepayment Into $1.58M and Long-Term Stability

Client: Church of the Epiphany
Location: Oak Park, California
Tower Owner: American Tower
Lease Type: Multi-tenant cell tower lease
Transaction: Lease prepayment

The Situation

The Church of the Epiphany had an existing cell tower lease with multiple tenants that provided steady income, but the church still carried a mortgage and ongoing operating expenses. When American Tower presented a seven-figure lease prepayment offer, church leadership saw potential relief but also recognized the complexity and long-term consequences of the decision.

The Challenge

• Determining whether the initial $1,200,000 prepayment reflected fair market value
• Evaluating a technical lease prepayment structure unfamiliar to church leadership
• Balancing immediate financial relief with long-term stewardship and mission priorities

Aries Advisors’ Role

Aries Advisors conducted a full market valuation of the lease, reviewing tenant rents, remaining term, risk profile, and comparable transactions. The analysis showed the initial offer undervalued the asset.

Aries then led strategic negotiations with American Tower to improve both pricing and structure, securing a higher payout while shortening the effective term of the agreement to reduce long-term risk. Throughout the process, Aries handled negotiations, explained terms in plain English, and removed the burden from church leadership.

The Outcome

• Initial Offer: $1,200,000
• Final Negotiated Amount: $1,580,000
• Improved deal structure with reduced long-term risk

The proceeds allowed the church to pay off its mortgage in full, cover past-due operating expenses, and retain reserves for future stability…all while staying focused on its mission.