Commercial Real Estate

Development & Land Use

The process of shepherding the development or redevelopment of improved real estate can be complex and frustrating to navigate. Minnesota municipalities and counties have varying standards and requirements developers need to comply with in order to obtain required approvals and permits. Many projects will require public and/or private easements, use restrictions, development agreements, and related documents as part of the development process requiring replatting or subdivision in order to create new tax parcels to accommodate the developer’s plans.

Commercial real estate development is rife with potential pitfalls that can be identified and managed by an experienced real estate attorney: construction of public and private infrastructure improvements may result in assessment agreements to document payment obligations; zoning changes or comprehensive plan amendments may also be required; payment for public infrastructure improvements may be handled through tax increment financing or assessment agreements; wetland delineation and mitigation issues are frequently encountered in commercial retail development projects. Without the proper guidance, projects can be delayed or completely halted.

Messerli Kramer’s Development & Land Use attorneys have broad experience in representing developers in connection with all of the foregoing matters on projects running the gamut from small housing developments to regional malls and shopping centers; multi-family housing developments and redeveloping retail buildings, and shopping malls. With decades of development experience, we help clients throughout the entire development process, anticipating hurdles and identifying and implementing solutions throughout the development process.

Representative Experience

Represented client in the acquisition of land, development, construction, financing, and leasing of multiple regional retail shopping centers throughout the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area.
Represented regional client in the acquisition and redevelopment of a multinational corporate headquarters in Eagan, Minnesota.
Represented client in the development of upscale apartment projects in Brooklyn Park and Maple Grove, Minnesota, and negotiated construction financing for the projects valued at $80.5 million.
Assisted client in the redevelopment of a former downtown St. Paul retail building into a mixed use project including a sports practice facility.
Provided assistance for the entitling, developing, acquisition, and financing of a 740-unit multi-family project in a new mixed use development composed of multi-family housing, elderly housing, and office in the City of Allen, Texas.
Represented client in partnership with St. Paul Port Authority in negotiating, drafting, and closing on the sale of a redevelopment property.
Provided assistance with the entitling and developing, acquisition, and financing of a 320-unit multi-family project in Kissimmee, Florida.