Mel McElroy is Co-chair of the Firm’s Real Estate
Practice. He represents a diverse group of clients investing in real estate
assets throughout the United States. Mel’s practice emphasizes complex
development projects, the acquisition & disposition of commercial properties, and commercial leasing. His experience
encompasses hospitality, mixed-use, retail, medical, office, multi-family, and
industrial assets.
Development & Redevelopment
Mel represents developers throughout the life cycle of a
project, guiding them through the land acquisition and entitlement process,
working with state and local governments to obtain incentives, negotiating
leases and property management/leasing agreements, and sourcing debt and equity
financing. Mel also handles development agreements, REAs, CC&Rs,
construction contracts, architect agreements, and other key development
documents.
Financing
Clients turn to Mel for counsel in sourcing both debt
and equity capital for their projects – routinely closing mortgage and
mezzanine loans with banks, insurance companies, securitized lenders, and
private equity funds. He advises both sponsors and limited partners in
structuring and negotiating equity investment agreements with individuals,
family offices, institutions, and funds.
Investment and Operations
Mel partners with his clients to facilitate their
acquisition, sale, and management of commercial real estate assets. His services
include structuring and negotiating purchase and sale agreements, conducting
due diligence, setting up franchise, management and leasing agreements,
obtaining debt and equity capital, and handling closings. He also works closely
with clients to solve property management issues which often involve lease
enforcement, workouts, restructurings, and recapitalizations.
Commercial Leasing
Mel negotiates and drafts leases for owners and tenants
in retail, mixed-use, office, medical, and industrial projects. His extensive
experience includes anchor/credit tenant leases, restaurant leases, pad and
shop leases, ground leases, build-to-suit leases, single-tenant leases, and
sale-leaseback transactions.