John C. Sumberg

Representation of Oleta Partners, LLC, a joint venture comprised of affiliates of the LeFrak Organization and Turnberry Associates, in the successful negotiation of the long-term ground lease and complicated leasehold financing for a 185-acre brownfields redevelopment site in the City of North Miami, Florida. The client intends to redevelop the property as a $4 billion multi-use master development, known as Solē Mia Miami. The current City-approved plans include over 4,000 multifamily and residential units; approximately 1,200,000 square feet of retail commercial mixed-use space, a 4-star, 150-room hotel and over 7.2 acres of open space park, including sports facilities, playgrounds, and a 13.7-acre passive park.

Representation of an entity comprised of Starwood Capital, the LeFrak Organization, and Invesco Ltd. in the purchase and substantial $340 million renovation of one of South Beach's largest oceanfront luxury resort properties, the 1 Hotel South Beach. Our team handled contract negotiations and closing, supervised review and analysis of land use issues and secured numerous key approvals from the City of Miami Beach including approvals from the City Commission, the Historic Preservation Board, the Planning Board and the Board of Adjustment. We resolved numerous litigation matters, including those pending with the condominium association, allowing the project to move forward with substantial renovations. In 2015, our team assisted in the opening of the hotel and in securing a $250 million loan from Deutsche Bank, refinancing the Miami Beach property. The $1 billion property, which boasts nearly two million square feet of space, has reopened as a hotel and series of oceanfront condominiums and includes a rooftop pool, a spa and fitness center and private beach amenities.

Representation of developer in the purchase and development of Skyrise Miami, a 1,000-foot bay-front tower in downtown Miami. Bilzin Sumberg negotiated the 99-year ground lease, helped renegotiate the master lease and is handling all legal aspects related to the project's construction, including financing and review of all architecture, engineering, and construction contracts.