Commercial Real Estate
Gilpin Givhan advises developers, investors, lenders, businesses, and public entities in all aspects of commercial and industrial real estate. Our attorneys bring deep experience across the full life cycle of real estate transactions—from acquisition and development to financing, leasing, disposition, and tax-advantaged structuring. We work closely with clients to navigate the legal, regulatory, and practical considerations that shape successful real estate projects, ensuring that deals are structured clearly, documented thoroughly, and aligned with long-term objectives. Whether handling a single property transaction or coordinating a complex, multi-party development, we provide strategic, detail-oriented counsel rooted in decades of real estate experience.
Commercial & Industrial Transactions>
We represent buyers, sellers, developers, landlords, and tenants in the acquisition, sale, and development of commercial and industrial real estate. Our work includes negotiating purchase and sale agreements, coordinating due diligence, managing title and survey issues, and resolving operational or regulatory challenges that arise during a transaction. We help clients structure deals efficiently, mitigate risk, and close transactions with confidence—whether involving office properties, industrial facilities, retail centers, mixed-use projects, or large-scale development sites.
Real Estate Financing>
Our attorneys assist borrowers and lenders with a broad range of real estate financing matters, including construction loans, permanent financing, refinancing, bridge loans, credit-enhanced transactions, and tax-exempt or public-sector supported financing structures. We negotiate loan documents, coordinate closing requirements, and help clients understand the collateral, covenant, and operational implications of financing terms. Our goal is to secure capital efficiently while ensuring that financing structures support the project’s long-term feasibility and success.
Commercial, Retail & Ground Leases>
We advise landlords and tenants in negotiating commercial, retail, industrial, and ground leases, with a focus on clarity, flexibility, and long-term operational stability. Our work includes drafting and negotiating lease agreements, handling amendments and extensions, addressing build-out obligations, and navigating issues such as maintenance responsibilities, operating expenses, exclusive-use rights, and assignment or subletting. We help clients structure leasing arrangements that reduce uncertainty and support productive landlord-tenant relationships.
Development, Land Use & Zoning>
Real estate development requires navigating a complex and often highly localized regulatory framework. We assist developers, property owners, and public entities with zoning approvals, variances, land-use entitlements, subdivision matters, planned unit developments, and permitting issues. Our attorneys engage with planning commissions, zoning boards, municipalities, and other regulatory agencies to help clients secure the approvals necessary to advance their projects. From early concept through final approval, we provide guidance that supports predictable, efficient development outcomes.
1031 Exchanges & Tax-Advantaged Real Estate Structures>
Structured correctly, real estate transactions can offer powerful tax advantages. Our attorneys advise investors and businesses on Section 1031 like-kind exchanges, Opportunity Zone investments, tax-exempt or bond-financed projects, and other tax-advantaged real estate structures. We coordinate with qualified intermediaries, ensure compliance with timing and identification rules, and help clients structure transactions that preserve capital and align with long-term investment strategies. Our integrated tax knowledge allows us to deliver practical, compliant solutions that maximize tax efficiency.
Title, Survey & Due Diligence>
Thorough due diligence is essential to protecting investment value and avoiding unwelcome surprises. We review and resolve title issues, evaluate surveys, negotiate easements and restrictive covenants, and coordinate environmental, zoning, and property-condition assessments. Our attorneys identify risks early and work to ensure clients understand the operational, legal, and financial implications of each issue. Whether for acquisitions, financings, or development projects, we provide a disciplined, detail-oriented due diligence process that supports informed decision-making.
Environmental & Regulatory Compliance>
Real estate activities often implicate environmental laws and regulatory requirements. We assist clients in addressing issues involving wetlands, stormwater, hazardous materials, environmental permitting, regulatory enforcement, and property remediation. Our attorneys coordinate with consultants and environmental professionals to assess risks, manage compliance obligations, and negotiate resolutions when environmental concerns arise. We help clients navigate these complexities effectively, ensuring that projects move forward in full compliance with applicable laws.