Real Estate Finance

We help companies secure the debt and equity financing they need to operate and expand their operations in the most efficient manner. We also protect their interests when those to whom they extend credit default on their obligations.

We represent developers, property owners, operating businesses and lessees of real estate in a wide range of sophisticated transactions, including:

Real Estate Finance

We have extensive experience in all areas of real estate lending, including construction, “mini-perm” and permanent loans, mezzanine loans, transitional bridge financing, preferred equity and ground leases. 

Lease Finance 

We represent lessors, lessees and investors in a wide spectrum of lease transactions, including operating leases, leveraged leases, synthetic leases, finance leases, tax-oriented leases, municipal leases and sale-leasebacks. 

Municipal Finance

The Group represents developers and operating businesses in connection with the issuance of general obligation, revenue and special purpose bonds as well as with the issuance of letters of credit for the construction of manufacturing and industrial facilities, low-income housing developments, special service areas and major non-profit cultural institutions. 

Structured Finance 

The Group represents sponsors and borrowers in substantially all areas of finance, including conventional secured and unsecured lending, syndicated credit facilities, letters of credit, bank-sponsored lease finance and securitization.

Representative Matters

Represented restaurant operator/developer in a 24 property sale/leaseback, and simultaneously closed $20,000,000 in loans secured by the assets of entities operating 63 fast food restaurants, including Taco Bell, Kentucky Fried Chicken, T.G.I. Friday’s, Blaze Pizza, Old Chicago and Long John Silver’s.  

Represented company in the acquisition of well-known Lincoln Park restaurant and bar, and the attached apartment buildings.  Negotiated the asset and real estate purchase agreement, loan documents and lease, and guided client through the municipal approvals including obtaining the licenses and permits required to operate a restaurant and bar.

Closed $9,000,000 participation in loan for the acquisition of a health club in downtown Chicago.

TIF financing for hotel projects in Illinois and Indiana.

Land use entitlements and business district financing for a 600,000 sq. ft. suburban shopping center.

Local counsel to the borrower parties in a one billion Euro corporate financing in which significant Illinois assets were involved.

Counsel to the developer of a major Chicago building in connection with a vertical subdivision and $100 million refinancing.

Pro bono Counsel to a church in connection with the assembly of a development site in Chicago and the financing and construction contracts for development of a church building and community center.

Counsel for the developer of a regional shopping mall in connection with $32 million of first and second lien construction financing.

National and Chicago-based developers in connection with the acquisition, development, construction, leasing, financing and sale of shopping centers and retail properties throughout the United States.

Insights

White Paper

White Paper Image - Overleveraged Real Estate: Understanding the Tax and Structural Issues that Arise in a Recapitalization

Overleveraged Real Estate: Understanding the Tax and Structural Issues that Arise in a Recapitalization

White Paper

White Paper Image - Finding Leverage To Overcome Real Estate Frustration

Finding Leverage To Overcome Real Estate Frustration