Real Estate

Represented a St. Louis beer distributor, one of the largest privately held companies in the region and one of the largest distributors of beer, wine, spirits and other non-beer products, in its purchase of a distributing company serving customers throughout central and southeastern Missouri. The acquisition adds to the client’s annual distribution volume and further expands its market share in the region.

Secured summary judgment in favor of developer and various other entities, and three individuals against defamation and malicious prosecution claims in federal court seeking punitive damages.

Successfully defeated a claim by a prior owner to retake one of the few remaining historic mansions along Miami’s Brickell Avenue in a prolonged trial with millions of dollars at stake.

Supervised and managed over 4,000 non-judicial foreclosures in Missouri for successor trustee under deeds of trust regarding residential and commercial properties.

Served as counsel for bank and drafted commercial loan documents with respect to loans totaling $8 million, secured in part by commercial real estate in Georgia and South Carolina, and facilitated multi-state closing. 

Assisted a client in creating two new commercial condominium units in Maplewood, Missouri, including site evaluation, management of related legal issues, and negotiation with the Missouri Department of Transportation regarding their use of common ground for state highway expansion.

Evaluated site options and conducted due diligence on behalf of a rehabilitation company in advance of a deal for future development.

Closed $200 million in construction financing for construction of a health care client’s headquarters expansion. Also helped the client secure various state and local tax incentives, including the issuance of $715 million in Chapter 100 bonds for the project.

Special counsel for the City in connection with property acquisitions for a project including flood mitigation and Chapter 353 redevelopment efforts.

Represented a municipality in the issuance of more than $43 million in bonds to fund the redevelopment of a former shopping center site. Because of possible changes in the tax code, it was necessary to structure the transaction twice in order to anticipate all possible contingencies and minimize the tax obligation for the municipality’s developer.

Successfully obtained zoning code amendments and land use approvals to construct and operate storage facilities in Missouri.  Prepared multi-faceted applications to amend the zoning codes and to obtain use permits; appeared at several municipal board meetings; and communicated in a timely manner with municipal staff, committees, board members and our client's teams of engineers and architects to meet deadlines embedded in the complex zoning codes.

Represented multiple banks, lending institutions and related entities on all matters of real estate including acquisitions, REO management and dispositions, zoning, 1031 exchanges, easements and leases.

Represented the seller in the complex sale of a 1,300-acre industrial property for $35 million. The firm also represented the client in its purchase of the site three years earlier, which included handling several lawsuits inherited in the purchase.

Represented a client that heat treats metal parts for general manufacturers, including those in the automotive and aircraft industries, in its first international expansion. The deal included providing assistance with a long term supply arrangement with an European equipment manufacturer as well as a long-term facility lease and construction agreements; retaining local counsel in Mexico; setting up foreign subsidiaries and adding a new U.S. subsidiary; as well as handling associated intellectual property, real estate and tax issues.