Sills Cummis & Gross P.C.

Our Real Estate group has long represented clients in the development, redevelopment and construction of all types of properties, both commercial and retail. Many of our clients are involved in the redevelopment and revitalization of urban and suburban areas and our lawyers work closely with state and government leaders to bring these projects to completion. Several of our attorneys are well versed in the redevelopment area designation and redeveloper selection process, from "area in need" determinations and the adoption and implementation of redevelopment plans, to the preparation and negotiation of redeveloper agreements. Our construction lawyers then advise developers of the risks and benefits associated with each of the choices they will face in the construction process from inception to post completion.

Representative Matters

• Representation of a large financial services corporation in connection with the retail redevelopment of the World Financial Center complex, which is spearheaded by Brookfield Properties. This transaction will create new premiere retail space and involves a re-alignment of leasehold and tenancy-in-common interests, as well as amending the ground lease and swapping of space.
• Representation of a developer and operator of resorts in connection with all aspects of the development of a four-season resort in northern New Jersey, including the construction of a residential and retail village.
• Representation of several community shopping center developers, both public and private, in their growth in the New York-New Jersey-Pennsylvania marketplaces.
• Representation of a developer in the structuring and implementation of the development and leasing of a 600,000 sq. ft. condominiumized “power center” in West Windsor, New Jersey, and a 300,000 sq. ft. condominiumized “power center” in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
• Representation of a “big box” user in the creation of a “vertical subdivision” at a shopping center in connection with its acquisition of the ground floor.
• Representation of a utility authority in its construction of a waste-to-energy cogeneration facility.
• Representation of major casino hotels in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Initial representation involved a 1300-plus room casino and spa facility, requiring the securing of all governmental entitlements (including gaming) for initial development and subsequent expansions of the hotel. Subsequent representation involved the securing of all governmental approvals for construction of a 308 room tower and theater complex, transportation center and 3000 car parking garage.
• Representation of a developer in obtaining governmental approvals for a 280 room and 50,000 sq. ft. hotel/office complex in Atlantic County, New Jersey.
• Representation of the owner and operator of casinos in its applications for casino regulatory approval in connection with its construction of a new major casino hotel on the Atlantic City boardwalk.

Creating and maintaining a diverse workplace is of paramount importance to Sills Cummis & Gross. The Firm has always been an advocate of minority hiring practices and is involved in a number of minority hiring, retention and diversity initiatives. The Firm’s Diversity Committee and Women’s Group focus on initiatives to enhance the culture of Sills Cummis & Gross and the quality of service to the Firm’s clients. Sills Cummis & Gross also encourages its attorneys to actively participate in minority bar associations and local and national women’s groups. 

The Sills Cummis & Gross Diversity Committee provides an avenue to continue to promote diversity within the Firm as well as within the legal community at large. The Committee hosts events aimed at increasing the dialog on diversity and providing insights and advice from experienced diverse attorneys. The Committee also provides a mentor to each diverse attorney entering the Firm, in addition to the Firm’s other mentoring programs. The Firm’s minority hiring, retention and diversity initiatives include participation in the New Jersey Law Firm Group, the Rutgers Law School Minority Student Program, and the New Jersey Law and Education Empowerment Project. 

The Sills Cummis & Gross Women’s Group is dedicated to promoting the professional and personal growth of women attorneys. Recognizing that women face unique challenges, the Women’s Group provides a forum for meaningful discussion and learning. The Group seeks to provide mentoring for our women attorneys, positioning them to lead us into the future at our Firm and in our communities. The Group sponsors both internal programs as well as programs which includes attorneys from outside the Firm. The Firm is a supporter of the National Association of Women Lawyers and the New Jersey Women Lawyers Association.