Construction

Experience

5th Largest Real Estate Law Firm in New York, The Real Deal (October 2019)

Within our extensive real estate practice, we routinely provide advice on construction-related matters. We have represented owners, architects, engineers, developers and other construction participants (including lenders and investors) in an array of transactions, disputes and regulatory developments, including: contract preparation, negotiation; project controls and best practices; claims avoidance and management; construction litigation and mediation; strategies for achieving sustainability objectives; and regulatory compliance. We also have an extensive real estate leasing practice and routinely negotiate work letters for interior fit-out projects, giving us a depth of experience from the contractor's, landlord’s and tenant’s perspective.

Representative Matters

  • Represented ULLICO in a $420 million construction loan to the developers (a joint venture of Brookfield Properties and G&S Investors) for Phase 2 of Hudson Exchange in Jersey City, NJ. The project consists of approximately 800 residential units, a Shop-Rite as anchor tenant plus 115,000 sf of additional retail and green space tied to the Sixth Street Embankment, an elevated rail line.
  • Represented the NAACP Legal Defense Fund in the acquisition of a commercial condominium located at 40 Rector Street in the downtown financial district, the build out of the space for their new corporate and legal services offices and the sale of their prior corporate headquarters at 99 Hudson Street.
  • Represented the Metropolitan College of New York in the acquisition from Phillips International a 110,000 square foot commercial condominium and development of a new student campus and executive offices at 40 Rector Street, New York, with the proceeds of $70 million tax-exempt "Build NYC" program bond financing and negotiation with Trinity Real Estate for acquisition and surrender of MCNY's existing lease of MCNY existing campus premises located at Canal and Varick Streets.
  • Represented the Trustees of Saint Patrick's Cathedral in connection with the $170 Million dollar renovation of a national landmark, including the negotiation of contracts with the construction manager, scaffolding contractor and architect.
  • Represented the receiver of a partially-completed major residential project in Lower Manhattan. This landmark tower in the financial district went into foreclosure while it was in the process of being converted from office to a residential use with ground floor restaurants and retail tenants.  We worked with the receiver to engage a new construction manager and retain key subcontractors with essential knowledge of the project so as to minimize downtime in the progress of the work.
  • Negotiated a new construction management agreement at 3 Columbus Circle with Tishman Construction.
  • Represented a real estate investment advisory firm in closing on the restructuring of a joint venture with The Witkoff Group and represented their joint venture in the negotiation of a $230,000,000 construction loan in connection with the construction of 91 high-end condominium units plus retail and amenity space located at 150 Charles Street.
  • Represented the lender in connection with a $26,500,000 construction loan to finance the construction of a 103-unit residential apartment building in downtown Brooklyn. The project was subject to a 421-a property tax exemption.
  • Advised the lender in its $18,200,000 construction loan to East Houston Development LLC in connection with their construction of a 78-unit multifamily affordable housing development in the East Village, including the negotiation of 421-a provisions and an SNDA with HPD in connection with HPD's grant of, among other things, additional air rights to the project.
  • Served as lead counsel to the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority in connection with the redevelopment of the Meadowlands Sports Complex with a mixed-use entertainment retail complex and stadium for the New York Giants and New York Jets National Football League franchises. This engagement required the negotiation of a detailed construction coordination agreement to permit $3 billion worth of construction to unfold while simultaneously allowing for continuous public access to the Meadowlands sports facilities, including the provision of parking and other commitments to the sports teams while ensuring the public’s safety.
  • Outside counsel to a global financial institution in connection with construction projects throughout the United States and Puerto Rico, including the construction of retail branches, executive offices and high-tech data centers and command centers.
  • Represented a regional developer in the negotiation of design and construction contracts for multiple major redevelopment projects, including mixed use residential-retail transit village project, landmark hotel and conference center and student housing projects.
  • Counsel to a client in the fast-track negotiation of demolition contract to clear site of remains of landmark urban synagogue following partial destruction by fire. This engagement required expedited turnaround to ensure safety of neighboring buildings while providing secure access to the site to salvage priceless surviving items.
  • Multiple engagements involving multi-family, retail and restaurant owners in the negotiation of design and construction contracts.
  • Counsel in the negotiations and drafting of ground leases, development agreements and construction contracts for the building of such diverse projects as a senior citizen assisted living facility and a state office complex.

Team +


Newsroom +

Windels Marx Ranked by Best Law Firms® in 2024 - Nov 2, 2023
Best Lawyers in America 2024 Recognizes 30 Windels Marx Lawyers, 14 "Ones to Watch", 3 "Lawyers of the Year" - Aug 17, 2023
Real Estate Team Closes Construction Loan for Phase 2 Hudson Exchange in Jersey City, NJ - Jun 15, 2023
New Jersey Edition of Super Lawyers - Rising Stars Announced - May 19, 2023
Brenna, Friedman, Costa Rodriguez Promoted to Partner - Apr 11, 2023
Tony Coscia Named Among the ROI-NJ 2022 Real Estate Influencers - Dec 6, 2022
Windels Marx Named to the 2023 Roster of U.S. News – Best Lawyers "Best Law Firms" - Nov 3, 2022
For 2022, Super Lawyers Recognizes 12 Lawyers in New York Metro Edition and 2 Rising Stars - Oct 11, 2022
Best Lawyers in America 2023 Recognizes 25 Windels Marx Lawyers, 9 Ones to Watch, 4 Lawyers of the Year - Aug 18, 2022
Real Estate NJ Features DEVCO, Quotes Tony Coscia on Their Unique Success - Dec 20, 2021
ROI-NJ Announces Annual Roster of Real Estate Influencers, Coscia Named - Dec 2, 2021
NJBIZ Announces 2021 Commercial RE Power 50, Coscia in Top Position - Nov 8, 2021
Best Lawyers in America 2022 Recognizes 22 Windels Marx Lawyers, 9 Ones to Watch - Aug 19, 2021
Tony Coscia Named to NJBIZ Commercial Real Estate Power 50, 2020 Edition - Nov 9, 2020
Windels Marx Named 5th Largest RE Practice in NY for 2019, Wayne Cook Quoted - Oct 1, 2019
NYREJ Publishes Annual Women in Real Estate, including Gagliano, Margiano, Weinig - Sep 17, 2019
The Real Deal Names Real Estate Practice #6 in New York - Oct 1, 2018
Angela Crowder Joins Windels Marx as Special Counsel - Aug 17, 2018
Real Estate NJ Spotlights Leading Law Firms in New Jersey - Apr 30, 2018

Events +


Publications +


Related Practice

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Recognizing and Resolving Issues in Sophisticated Construction Loan Transactions from the Developer's and Lender's Perspective, presented by Patrick M. Deyhle and Kevin T. McNamara, a production of The Knowledge Group.


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For 2024, Windels Marx is ranked in the National Tier 3, Metropolitan Tier 1 (New Jersey) and Metropolitan Tier 2 (New York City) categories for Real Estate Law. In addition, the firm is recognized for Construction Law (Metropolitan Tier 1 (New Jersey)) and Land Use & Zoning Law (Metropolitan Tier 2 (New Jersey)). Visit the Best Law Firms directory and learn more about Windels Marx recognition