
Ready-To-Go Sites Take Lead in Today’s Real Estate Market
Real Estate Services
June 22, 2021
In today’s real estate environment, it’s more important than ever for property owners looking to sell, or even those who might consider selling in the near future, to take proper steps to ensure their property is as…

Ohio’s Transformational Mixed-Use Development Tax Credit
Real Estate Services, Walter | Haverfield LLPJanuary 15, 2021
On December 29, 2020, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed Senate Bill 39, creating a new tax credit applicable to insurance premium taxes as a means to provide funding for certain transformational development projects in Ohio.…

Walter | Haverfield’s Real Estate Team Recognized by Chambers USA
Real Estate Services, Recognition, Walter | Haverfield LLPMay 29, 2020
Chambers USA, an affiliate of Chambers and Partners, the world’s leading ranking service of top lawyers and law firms, has selected Walter | Haverfield’s Real Estate Team to be ranked in its 2020 USA guide for Ohio. This…

Federal Reserve’s Main Street Lending Program to Begin Soon
Business Services, Coronavirus, Real Estate, Real Estate ServicesMay 20, 2020
The Federal Reserve (Fed) expects to launch its Main Street Lending Program by the beginning of June. The news comes after the Fed announced the formation of the program in early April and an expansion of it on April 30, 2020.…

Ohio Small Business Tenants, Commercial Real Estate Landlords and Lenders: This Pandemic-Related Executive Order Is For You
Coronavirus, Real Estate, Real Estate Services
April 7, 2020
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed Executive Order 2020-08D on April 1, 2020, which addresses commercial evictions and foreclosures in Ohio during the COVID-19 crisis. The purpose of the Order is to provide relief to small…

Walter | Haverfield Offers Online Notary Services
Coronavirus, Real Estate, Real Estate Services, Tax & Wealth Management, Tax & Wealth Management ServicesUpdated May 312, 2020
If you are a Walter | Haverfield client who needs documents notarized, we are here to help. We are certified through the Ohio Secretary of State to notarize documents online for individuals in and outside the State…

Continuing Construction Operations During Ohio’s Stay At Home Order
Construction Services, Coronavirus, Real Estate, Real Estate ServicesUpdated: April 6, 2020
Ohio's “Stay At Home” Order, which lasts until Friday, May 1, 2020, has shut down all Ohio non-essential businesses in a further attempt to control the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus). What does this mean for…

Force Majeure: Can COVID-19 Excuse Performance of Lease Obligations?
Coronavirus, Labor & Employment Services, Real Estate, Real Estate ServicesMarch 23, 2020
COVID-19 (coronavirus) has brought with it a virtual tidal wave of legal questions. An important one: may a tenant invoke a force majeure (French for “superior force”) clause to avoid paying rent to a landlord in the event…

Ed, Josh and Alex Hurtuk: Bringing the Family Back Together Again
Real Estate Services, Walter | Haverfield LLP
Admiration for their father and curiosity about his career fueled Josh and Alex Hurtuk’s interest in real estate law from a young age.
“Alex would draw up contracts around the house and hide parts of it so I couldn’t tell what I…

Blockchain Could Cut Construction Delays
Business Services, Financial Services & Lending, Real Estate Development & Finance, Real Estate ServicesCommercial real estate and construction professionals take note: The adoption of blockchain technology in the design and construction industry presents a great opportunity.
Projects come in all sizes and complexities, and involve multiple…

Trending Topics: A look at 3 key legal issues making waves within the commercial real estate community
Real Estate ServicesWalter | Haverfield partner Jack Waldeck addressed three key legal issues facing the commercial real estate industry in an article in Properties magazine.

Trending Commercial Real Estate Legal Issues
Real Estate ServicesConsidering Landlord Rights in Commercial Tenant Bankruptcies
Commercial landlords have become familiar with the phrase “retail apocalypse,” a sobering term that refers to the recent epidemic of retail store closings. It is a trend that…

Retail Bankruptcies - A Landlord’s Introduction
Real Estate ServicesRetail landlords should be aware of their rights and restrictions when dealing with a tenant in bankruptcy, according to Walter | Haverfield’s Patrick Hruby, writing for the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Journal.

Tenants in Bankruptcy: A Commercial Landlord’s Introduction
Real Estate Litigation, Real Estate ServicesEvery commercial landlord should be familiar with the phrase “retail apocalypse.” It’s a phrase that refers to the recent epidemic of retail store closings, many of which were the result of those companies filing for bankruptcy. Unfortunately…

Pinecrest Aims High
Real Estate Services “Serving as legal counsel for the Pinecrest development was extremely rewarding,” said Kevin Murphy, a partner at Walter | Haverfield. Murphy’s comments about the Cleveland area’s newest mixed-use district appeared in Properties…

Evolving Environmental Risks and Tools
Real Estate Services
Walter | Haverfield partner David Ricco advised commercial property owners to be proactive in managing potential environmental liability risks, in an article published in Properties magazine.

Adviser: Tax reform offers a mixed bag regarding like-kind exchanges
Real Estate Services
Walter | Haverfield partner Jack Waldeck addressed the recent tax reform law and its impact on “like-kind exchanges” of property in Crain’s Cleveland Business.

Behind the Scenes of The Music Settlement’s New West-Side Campus
Real Estate Services
The Music Settlement’s newest location in Ohio City is a significant enhancement to the arts and education network on the near West Side. In an article in Properties magazine, Jack Waldeck explains how Walter | Haverfield’s…

Behind the scenes of the Hall of Fame Village
Real Estate ServicesThe Johnson Controls Hall of Fame Village in Canton is considered to be one of the most complex real estate developments in the region in recent history.andnbsp; Walter | Haverfield has been a key player in the project since it began, and Crain’s…

Irene MacDougall recognized by Crain’s as an influential woman in finance
Real Estate Services
Irene MacDougall, a partner at Walter | Haverfield in the public and structured finance group, is one of 15 Northeast Ohio women to be recognized for her work in finance by Crain’s Cleveland Business.
MacDougall received…

A Historic Move in Downtown Sandusky
Real Estate ServicesIn an article titled "A Historic Move in Downtown Sandusky," which appeared in the October 2017 issue of Properties magazine, Jack Waldeck discussed the creation of a new and expanded Downtown Historic District in the city of Sandusky, Ohio…

Property owners beware: Know your city's regulations before renting out short-term
Real Estate Services
The ability to rent out your property to travelers has never been easier with the advent of websites such as AirBnB, VRBO and HomeAway, among many others.
Through these sites, property owners are able to rent out a spare…

Region Buzzes with Megaproject Real Estate Activity
Real Estate ServicesChances are, if you see a large commercial real estate development project going up in the region, our real estate team was likely involved. We are fortunate to be partnering with some of the most reputable developers, owners and lenders in…

New Ohio plywood ban impacts limited number of properties, may set trend for future legislation
Real Estate ServicesIn a Crain's "Real Estate Guest Blog," dated 6/13/17 and titled, "New Ohio plywood ban impacts limited number of properties, may set trend for future legislation," Ellen Kirtner-LaFleur discussed Ohio's plywood ban and the circumstances under…

New title curative statute will facilitate deals getting done, but beware of possible risks
Real Estate ServicesIn a Crain's "Real Estate Guest Blog," dated May 31, 2017 and titled, "New title curative statute will facilitate deals getting done, but beware of possible risks," Joshua E. Hurtuk discussed the potential ramifications of a recent amendment…

Prohibited use clauses should make sense for the landlord and tenant
Leasing, Real Estate ServicesIn a Crain's "Real Estate Guest Blog," dated May 15, 2017 and titled, "Prohibited use clauses should make sense for the landlord and tenant," Megan C. Zaidan asserted that prohibited use clauses in commercial leases can benefit both the landlord…

Fracking and Local Governments - What Can Be Regulated?
Real Estate ServicesOn February 28, 2017, Charles T. Riehl will be speaking on the topic, "Fracking and Local Governments - What Can Be Regulated?," at the NBI Seminar ("Local Government Law from Start to Finish"), in Akron, Ohio.

Expanded Motion Picture Tax Credits could impact real estate dealings
Real Estate ServicesIn a Crain's "Real Estate Guest Blog," published on October 29, 2016 and titled, "Expanded Motion Picture Tax Credits could impact real estate dealings," John W. Waldeck, Jr. noted that Ohio's recent increase of the Motion Picture Tax Credit…

Settlement Reached in 12-Year-Old Lake Erie Border Class Action Lawsuit - Owners of property bordering Lake Erie in Ohio may be entitled to compensation (but claim forms must be filed by October 12, 2016)
Real Estate ServicesA class action lawsuit dating back to 2004 has finally been settled involving the owners of property bordering Lake Erie in Ohio who filed against the State of Ohio (State), in conjunction with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR).…

Three simple steps to minimize liability, legal delays and expenses during a residential construction project
Real Estate ServicesIn a Crain's "Real Estate Guest Blog," titled, "Three simple steps to minimize liability, legal delays and expenses during a residential construction project," Rick L. Amburgey asserted that the parties involved in a residential construction…

Don't take for granted casualty provisions in commercial leases, because disaster could actually strike
Real Estate ServicesIn a "Real Estate Guest Blog, published by Crain's Cleveland Business on June 1, 2016 and titled, "Don't take for granted casualty provisions in commercial leases, because disaster could actually strike," Joshua E. Hurtuk emphasized that it…

Facade Inspections Mandate Adopted - with Sunset Clause
Real Estate ServicesIn an article published in the May 2016 issue of Properties magazine and titled, "Facade Inspections Mandate Adopted - with Sunset Clause," R. Todd Hunt discussed the provisions of a recently-passed Cleveland ordinance which mandated facade…

Restaurant and bar leases require special considerations
Real Estate ServicesIn a "Real Estate Guest Blog," published by Crain's Cleveland Business and titled, "Restaurant and bar leases require special considerations," Megan C. Zaidan noted that landlords should pay special attention when leasing space to restaurants…

Focus on leasing basics now or suffer consequences later
Real Estate ServicesIn a Crain's "Real Estate Guest Blog," published on March 18, 2016 and titled, "Focus on leasing basics now or suffer consequences later," Sophia M. Deseran cautioned parties to commercial leases to pay attention to the details when the documents…

Proposed City Ordinance Will Mandate Building Facade Inspections
Real Estate ServicesIn an article published in the March 2016 issue of Properties magazine and titled, "Proposed City Ordinance Will Mandate Building Facade Inspections," Jack Waldeck discussed the City of Cleveland's effort to require building owners to conduct…

Local Commercial Real Estate Market Ramps Up for RNC
Real Estate ServicesThe local commercial real estate market continues to prosper and grow. Vacancies, on the whole, are generally down and new construction is ever expanding. Across the region deals are getting done. Leading the charge in new development is the…

Behind the Scenes of the $500 Million Redevelopment of the Pro Football Hall of Fame
Real Estate ServicesThe vision for the redeveloped Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, known as the Hall of Fame Village, has been described by some people close to the project as the Disney World of football. While football fanatics and other visitors to the…

Challenges and Opportunities to Watch for in 2016
Real Estate ServicesIn an article published in the January 2016 issue of Properties magazine and titled, "Challenges and Opportunities to Watch for in 2016," Geoffrey S. Goss predicted an exciting and prosperous year ahead for Northeast Ohio's commercial real estate…

Attorney-Client Relationships: Avoiding Surprises, Conflicts of Interest
Real Estate ServicesIn an article which appeared in the November 2015 issue of Properties magazine, titled, "Attorney-Client Relationships: Avoiding Surprises, Conflicts of Interest," Geoffrey S. Goss addressed the increasingly important role of "conflict waivers"…

Avoiding federal tax liability when selling commercial real estate
Real Estate ServicesIn a Crain's "Real Estate Guest Blog," published on October 26, 2015 and titled, "Avoiding federal tax liability when selling commercial real estate," Tyler S. Bobes described "1031 like-kind exchanges" and outlined their benefits for commercial…

The timely filing of a Notice of Commencement protects both owners and contractors
Real Estate ServicesOctober 2015 - "The timely filing of a Notice of Commencement protects both owners and contractors," Crain's Cleveland Business (Real Estate Blog)

Pinecrest Development Overcomes Hurdles
Real Estate Services$225 million Orange Village mixed-use project enters initial phaseDespite numerous challenges, Walter | Haverfield client Fairmount Properties is now entering the first phase of development for its $225 million Pinecrest mixed-use real estate…

Ohio statute provides means to remove oil and gas leases
Real Estate ServicesAugust 2015 - "Ohio statute
provides means to remove oil and gas leases," Crain's Cleveland Business (Real
Estate Guest Blog)

Supreme Court ruling underscores landlords' fair housing responsibilities
Real Estate ServicesJune 2015 -
"Supreme Court ruling underscores landlords' fair
housing responsibilities," Crain's Cleveland Business (Real
Estate Guest Blog)

The Tale of Two Credits: HTC and NMTC
Real Estate ServicesGeoffrey S. Gossandnbsp;served as a panelist at the Novogradac New Markets Tax Credit Conference on June 11, 2015, in Washington, D.C. Geoff's panel addressed the topic, "The Tale of Two Credits: HTC and NMTC."

Don't take estoppel certificates lightly
Real Estate ServicesIn a Crain's "Real Estate Guest Blog," published on June 8, 2015 and titled, "Don't take estoppel certificates lightly," Sophia M. Deseran asserted that estoppel certificates merit attention in commercial lending or sale transactions; if misunderstood,…

Numerous Rehab Challenges Overcome to Open Heinen's Downtown
Real Estate ServicesFew people would have imagined that the space that once housed a major bank could become the home to Cleveland central business district's largest full-service supermarket. But with the opening of Heinen's this past February in the renovated…

Rosy 2015 Outlook Remains for Real Estate Development
Real Estate ServicesEven several months into the new year, many local commercial real estate professionals still relish how successful 2014 was from a development perspective. Led by our own real estate practice group, law firms across Northeast Ohio stayed…

More projects may be delayed thanks to new restrictions designed to save endangered bat species
Real Estate ServicesIn a Crain's "Real Estate Guest Blog," published on May 27, 2015 and titled, "More projects may be delayed thanks to new restrictions designed to save endangered bat species," Joshua E. Hurtuk advised builders and property owners to be aware,…

RNC-related contracts pose special legal challenges
Real Estate ServicesIn a Crain's "Real Estate Guest Blog," published on April 20, 2015 and titled, "RNC-related contracts pose special legal challenges," John W. Waldeck, Jr. indicated that Northeast Ohio companies and individuals should consult with legal counsel…

Looking Forward in 2015
Real Estate ServicesJanuary 2015 - "Looking Forward
in 2015," Properties
magazine

Akron Revitalization Continues as Goodyear Hall Renovation Nears Completion
Real Estate ServicesProgress continues to be made on the East End redevelopment of the former Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co. campus off East Market Street in Akron. In November, Phase I of the redevelopment initiative was completed with the opening of the Hilton…

Air right parcels: An alternate way to structure mixed-use developments
Real Estate ServicesIn a Crain's "Real Estate Guest Blog," published on January 26, 2015 and titled, "Air right parcels: An alternate way to structure mixed-use developments," Jennifer A. Heimlich maintained that the use of an "air right parcel" model in the structuring…

Plan Ahead and Negotiate Wisely to Maximize Value of Shopping Center Outparcels
Real Estate ServicesIn an article which appeared in the November 2014 issue of Properties magazine, titled "Plan Ahead and Negotiate Wisely to Maximize Value of Shopping Center Outparcels," Megan C. Zaidan advised builders of retail shopping centers to create outparcels…

Revived Historic Structures Anchor Downtown Cleveland
Real Estate ServicesIn an article published in the November 2014 issue of the Novogradac Journal of Tax Credits and titled, "Revived Historic Structures Anchor Downtown Cleveland," John W. Waldeck, Jr. was quoted on "The 9" project and the important role which…

Marijuana-based investing can have highs, lows
Real Estate ServicesIn an article published in Crain's Cleveland Business on October 27, 2014 and titled, "Marijuana-based investing can have highs, lows," Kevin Patrick Murphy provided some advice for real estate investors who may be interested in investing in…

Negotiating Favorable Co-Tenancy Provisions in Retail Leases
Real Estate ServicesIn a Crain's "Real Estate Guest Blog," published on October 27, 2014 and titled, "Negotiating Favorable Co-Tenancy Provisions in Retail Leases," Tyler S. Bobes discussed co-tenancy provisions in retail leases and their potential financial impact…

Construction Defects: How Long Are You At Risk?
Business Services, Real Estate ServicesOctober 2014 – “Construction
Defects: How Long Are You At Risk?” Properties
Magazine (Legal Perspectives).andnbsp;

Land Use
Real Estate ServicesThe September/October 2014 issue of Cities and Villages magazine featured a presentation given by R. Todd Hunt on July 24, 2014, at the OMAA Law Institute. In this piece, titled "Land Use," Todd covered a variety of topics of importance to municipalities…

Schofield Development Moves Forward
Real Estate ServicesBy John W. Waldeck, Jr. and Geoffrey S. GossPeople who frequently pass by the intersection of East 9th Street and Euclid Avenue have likely gotten used to seeing scaffolding on the Schofield Building. Despite tremendous commercial interest…

Expansion of Ohio's Historic Preservation Tax Credit Program Takes Effect
Real Estate ServicesIn an article published in the October 2014 issue of Properties magazine and titled, "Expansion of Ohio's Historic Preservation Tax Credit Program Takes Effect," Nathan A. Felker addressed the new Ohio law which expanded the state income tax…

Crain's Cleveland Business | Kevin Patrick Murphy
Business Services, Public Entities, Real Estate ServicesIn its October 6, 2014 issue, Crain's Cleveland Business named Kevin Patrick Murphy as a member of its 2014 "Forty Under 40" class. Along with the other young professionals in this class, Kevin was recognized for his achievements and leadership…

The Ohio Historic Preservation Tax Credit Program gets a boost
Real Estate ServicesIn a "Real Estate Guest Blog," published by Crain's Cleveland Business on August 25, 2014 and titled, "The Ohio Historic Preservation Tax Credit Program gets a boost," Nathan A. Felker noted that a forthcoming expansion of the state income tax…

Elyria mayor offers 2 plans to boost businesses
Real Estate ServicesJohn W. Waldeck, Jr. was featured in an online article published on July 29, 2014 by the Lorain County newspaper, The Chronicle-Telegram. In this piece, written by reporter Lisa Roberson and titled, "Elyria mayor offers 2 plans to boost businesses,"…

As landlords seek loans, lenders increasingly seek documentation from tenants
Real Estate ServicesIn a "Real Estate Guest Blog," published by Crain's Cleveland Business on June 23, 2014 and titled, "As landlords seek loans, lenders increasingly seek documentation from tenants," Sophia M. Deseran indicated that well-crafted Subordination,…

Essentials of a Commercial Transaction
Real Estate ServicesOn June 18, 2014,andnbsp;Geoffrey S. Gossandnbsp;participated as a panelist at the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association's Real Estate Section Spring Seminar. The topic of discussion for this panel was titled, "Essentials of a Commercial T…

IRS Issues Anticipated Safe Harbor Guidance on Historic Tax Credit-Related Transactions
Real Estate Services, Tax - Federal, State and LocalByandnbsp;Gary A. Zwickandnbsp;and Lacie L. O'Daire.On December 30, 2013, the Internal Revenue Service issued its long-anticipated "Safe Harbor" guidance for transactions in which federal Historic Tax Credits are employed to raise capital for…

Progress in 2013 promises bright 2014 for commercial real estate in Cleveland
Real Estate ServicesIn an article published in the January 2014 issue of Properties magazine and titled, "Progress in 2013 promises bright 2014 for commercial real estate in Cleveland," John W. Waldeck, Jr. provided a summary of commercial real estate activity…

Long-awaited IRS guidance provides clarity for historic tax credit development partnerships
Real Estate ServicesOn January 13, 2014, Geoffrey S. Goss maintained that recent historic tax credit guidance issued by the IRS should result in an increase in successful tax credit-backed projects in the future in his article, "Long-awaited IRS guidance provides…

Making the most of exclusive-use provisions in leases for landlords and tenants
Real Estate ServicesIn aandnbsp;Crain'sandnbsp;"Real Estate Guest Blog," published on December 16, 2013 and titled, "Making the most of exclusive-use provisions in leases for landlords and tenants,"Megan C. Zaidanandnbsp;explained the purpose of "exclusive-use"…

The Life Cycle of a Property
Real Estate ServicesIn an article published in the November 2013 issue ofandnbsp;Propertiesandnbsp;magazine, titled "The Life Cycle of a Property,"andnbsp;Geoffrey S. Gossandnbsp;advised owners of commercial real estate properties to rely on third-party professional…

Those Legal Cases That Affect the Way You Do the Public's Business
Public Entities, Real Estate ServicesOn October 24, 2014,andnbsp;R. Todd Huntandnbsp;spoke on the topic, "Those Legal Cases That Affect the Way You do the Public's Business," at the 2014 Cleveland Planning and Zoning Workshop, sponsored by APA Cleveland, in Westlake, Ohio.

Foreign Aid
Real Estate ServicesJuly 2013 - "Foreign Aid," Commercial Investment Real Estate (July/August 2013)

EB-5 funding: Still another option for expanding project financing
Real Estate ServicesMarch 11, 2013 -
"EB-5 funding:
Still another option for expanding project financing, Crain's
Cleveland Business (Real Estate Blog)

Historic Tax Credits Face External Challenges Despite Proven Economic Impact
Real Estate ServicesOctober 2012 - "Historic Tax Credits Face External Challenges Despite Proven Economic
Impact," Properties

Recent court decision challenges future of vital historic tax credit program
Real Estate ServicesSeptember 2012 -
"Recent court decision challenges future of vital historic tax credit
program," Crain's Cleveland Business (Legal Guest Blog)

Amid financing challenges, developers consider options
Real Estate ServicesAugust 20, 2012 - "Amid financing challenges, developers consider options," Crain's
Cleveland Business