Reno & Cavanaugh works with clients to create office, retail, and other commercial developments, as well as residential and mixed-use projects.  Much of the firm’s work involves large scale community redevelopment efforts and combines multiple layers of public and private financing to create mixed-income, mixed-use communities. 

During the acquisition phase, Reno & Cavanaugh lawyers negotiate term sheets and structure financing, development incentives, and other deal terms to maximize the value of the transaction to the client and promote efficiency and collaboration with development partners.  Where infrastructure and land use approvals are lacking, we work with local governments and utilities to put the proper roads, water, sewer, zoning, and other infrastructure and permits in place.  Our attorneys have worked on these issues in the private sector, within government agencies, and as elected officials.  Reno & Cavanaugh attorneys also assist with community relations issues, including strategies to overcome “NIMBY” opposition to development proposals.

Reno & Cavanaugh assists with the client’s underwriting by providing a thorough review and abstract of applicable leases, restrictions, easements, development agreements, and other encumbrances on the property in question. If the acquisition involves a built and occupied site, Reno & Cavanaugh negotiates with existing tenants and other parties to resolve issues revealed during due diligence.  Existing tenants can range from small business owners to national credit and anchor tenants attempting to exert control over the current and future development of the property, and Reno & Cavanaugh lawyers effectively work through issues unique to these varying perspectives.  If, on the other hand, the acquisition involves raw land, we negotiate construction contracts and architect agreements and work hand-in-hand with the project engineer to confirm the title, survey, and other legal aspects of the site are consistent with the planned development.  We strive to identify issues early and address them with proactive and practical solutions.

Reno & Cavanaugh’s services include land acquisition agreements, master development agreements, long-term ground leases, easement agreements, condominium and shared equity documents, loan, investment, and grant documents, and closings associated with these agreements. With regard to large-scale mixed-use developments, our attorneys are experienced in preparing lot sale agreements for use with builders, developing comprehensive sets of declarations and restrictive covenants to govern communities whose occupants have divergent interests, and establishing underlying associations for homeowners (governing the residential portions) and landlord/tenants (governing the commercial portions) to support the overall community plan.

Reno & Cavanaugh attorneys are familiar with current trends in green and sustainable development.  In addition to saving energy and showing respect for the environment, these issues are important because green development practices can save money and increase the value of a project.  Related issues where R&C attorneys can provide assistance include design, or “form-based”, zoning regulations; New Urbanist developments; and LEED for Neighborhood Design.

Following the acquisition and development phase, Reno & Cavanaugh’s legal guidance continues with assistance on operational and property management matters, including lease renewals and terminations.  With respect to office and retail tenants, we assist with tenants who request rent reductions by ensuring that any rent restructure is appropriate, necessary, and limited in duration, and by further ensuring that the reduction complies with any leasing restrictions in the financing documents.  We also assist clients with the refinancing and restructuring of existing debt structures and the negotiation of forbearance agreements and other work-out scenarios where appropriate.

Please click on the practice areas below for more information and examples of the firm's work.