Client Stories in Commercial Real Estate

Our real estate practice includes the representation of owners, investors and developers involved in the acquisition, disposition, development or management of their real estate assets. We also represent real estate investors and developers in the organization of legal entities utilized in the holding or management of real estate assets, including limited liability partnerships, partnerships, and limited liability companies.

Byron, MN — Cameron Law Office assisted the client with negotiation of multiple land acquisition agreements and provided legal representation for the acquisition loan to assemble 400 acres of land in Olmstead County. We also represented the client in negotiating the land sale to a developer for construction of a residential community and first-class golf course, now known as Somerby Golf Course.

Prior Lake, MN — Cameron Law Office represented the developer in the acquisition of six existing single-family homes/residential parcels on Prior Lake for redevelopment into 24 luxury townhomes. In phase one of the project, we assisted with client documentation to secure an acquisition loan for the land purchase as well as development financing to develop the site for 24 luxury townhomes. Working through the city, we assisted with the final plat filing, city entitlements and final development agreement. We also prepared the common interest community documents for the townhomes. In the final development phase, we represented the client in drafting a builder agreement that included rights and responsibilities for construction of the townhomes. The neighborhood was named Crystal Bay and about half of the townhomes are now built.

Owatonna, MN — For the acquisition and development of 36 acres into twinhomes and assisted living apartments in southern Minnesota, Cameron Law Office represented the client in negotiations and document preparation to acquire the property. We reviewed the loan documents on the client’s behalf for both the acquisition and development financing. We also handled review and recording of the final plat with the city and developed the common interest community documentation for approximately 146 twinhome units. The project also included a 60-unit assisted living apartment pad, and we negotiated and prepared the documents to sell the pad and twinhome lots to end builders. This project is still under construction.

Wanamingo, MN — For the development of a townhome/golf course community, Cameron Law Office assisted the client with preparation of the homeowner’s covenants, easements and restrictions as required for the operation of the golf course. We provided documentation to form the common interest community for the 146 planned townhomes and assisted in filing the final plat with the city. We also assisted with documentation to secure the acquisition and development financing. We represented the client in the negotiation and sale of lots to builders and developed the architectural standards for constructing townhomes and single family homes in this neighborhood. Construction is still underway.

Pine Island, MN — This project was a straight land acquisition and sale in which Cameron Law Office represented the client in the negotiation and preparation of documents to acquire approximately 130 acres. We reviewed and negotiated the loan documents for acquisition financing. Once the land was purchased, we represented the client in negotiations to sell the land to a developer.

Inver Grove Heights, MN — For this neighborhood of 32 new single-family homes called Woodland Preserve, Cameron Law Office represented the client in negotiating and preparing documents for the acquisition of 36 acres. Negotiations included the sale of a portion of land to the Department of Natural Resources to preserve it as open land. We reviewed and negotiated loan documents for both the acquisition and development financing. Through a Torrens proceeding, we represented the client in removing easements and other encumbrances to the developed property. We also prepared restrictive covenants and architectural standards for the homes and assisted with the approval and recording of the final plat. In the final phase, we represented the client in the negotiation and sale of lots to end builders.

Burnsville, MN — As part of their “Heart of the City” redevelopment, the City of Burnsville approved development of a major retail/professional complex called Nicollet Plaza. Cameron Law Office represented a client who purchased three parcels within Nicollet Plaza for the development of 200 condominiums, 29 townhomes and 30,000 square feet of additional retail space. We represented the client in the review and negotiation of the acquisition loan and two different construction loans. We also developed the common interest community documents and formation of the homeowners association, retail association and all other documents for their mutual cohabitation. At this time, the townhomes are under construction and the first of two commercial buildings are under construction.

Faribault, MN — Attorney John Cameron is a personal investor in this project, which included the assembly of 16.5 acres of land through five separate land acquisitions. The redevelopment project includes $2.3 million in TIF for a 72-unit assisted living facility, a 60-unit apartment complex, 44 townhomes and an 18,000-square-foot office/retail complex. Cameron Law Office assembled and negotiated the acquisition documents and prepared the documents for the acquisition and development loans. We handled all negotiations with the city for redevelopment and rezoning of a commercial site for mixed use residential and retail. We negotiated the agreement to establish a tax increment financing district for the project and reviewed and recorded the final plat. We have also prepared the common interest community documents for the townhomes. We are currently finalizing approvals and anticipate demolition and construction through spring 2007.

Hudson, WI — Cameron Law Office is representing a client in the establishment of a 108-unit condominium community complex in Hudson, Wis., called Red Cedar Canyon. We prepared the common interest community documents and formation of the homeowners association for the two-building complex of 54 units each.

Forest Lake, MN — Cameron Law Office represented the client in the establishment of a 39-unit condominium building called Gateway Green. We prepared the declarations for the final plat as well as the common interest community documents to govern future homeowners.

Baxter, MN — Cameron Law Office represented the client in the establishment of a 70-unit quad townhome and single-family complex called Mill Run. We prepared the common interest community documents.

Cameron Law Office, Chartered has also represented numerous partnerships and closely held businesses in the acquisition, merger or sale of assets and the negotiation of the transition of ownership to satisfy future income, tax, and succession considerations. See our Business Transactions client stories.