Faegre & Benson is a leading adviser to real estate developers across the nation. Experienced in development of all real estate market segments, we assist developers and owners in the acquisition, ownership, and disposition of office, retail, hospitality, industrial, housing, and mixed-use developments.

In addition to our insight on legal, financing, and market conditions, we bring a multi-disciplinary team approach to development projects. We are committed to providing timely, cost-effective service—and getting deals closed.

Our lawyers handle all components of the development process, including:

• Governmental approvals, including zoning, comprehensive plan, EIS/EAW/AUAR, and liquor licensing
• Design and construction contracts
• Equity financing
• Debt financing
• Governmental assistance and financing, including tax increment, tax abatement and tax credits
• Hazardous materials review and remediation
• Leasing
• Formation of Common Interest Communities (CICs)
• Reciprocal easement and operation agreements (REAs)

Acquisition and disposition. Our experience in the full range of development issues, including debt financing and equity financing, enables us to anticipate issues that may arise in dispositions and acquisition transactions. We provide input regarding the deal structure to avoid delays in the pre-closing process—and to avoid surprises after acquisition. We are well-versed in acquisition and disposition of both vacant and improved real estate and can assist in preparation and negotiation of related agreements and provide cost-effective due diligence review.

Leasing, REAs, and CICs. We are staffed to handle leases ranging from routine small tenants to 400,000 square foot anchor tenants. We have more than 25 leasing lawyers and can expedite major project lease-up. Our experience with REAs spans more than 30 years and hundreds of agreements, giving us deep experience in how REAs respond to actual situations. We have extensive experience in forming CICs for our clients (including preparing covenants and declarations), ranging from large homeowners' associations to condominium communities and mixed-use communities.