Described by Legal 500 US as “the lead on all things condo,” Jonathan represents a roster of New York’s most prominent real estate players in connection with some of the highest-profile developments in recent years. Jonathan played a key role as lead condominium counsel on the development of Hudson Yards by Related/Oxford — the 28-acre, $18 billion project in midtown Manhattan containing more than 18 million square feet of commercial, residential and not-for profit space as well as privately owned parkland. His work at Hudson Yards included creating a campuswide ownership association and management regime to govern all the individual development parcels comprising the new neighborhood. He also implemented distinct bespoke condominium structures for each of the project’s several buildings, including the iconic 30 Hudson Yards, which is a 2.6 million-square-foot tower that serves as Warner Media’s world headquarters, is home to Wells Fargo and KKR, and includes an adjoining 1 million-square-foot condominium retail complex. His other work there includes registering the offering of $3.3 billion of luxury condominium residences for sale and establishing condominium regimes for 15 and 35 Hudson Yards, which also feature commercial condominium units for the performing arts center The Shed, an Equinox-branded hotel, first-class retail space and fitness facilities, and affordable rental apartments.
Separately, Jonathan serves as counsel to Vornado Realty Trust and Related in the $1.6 billion redevelopment of the James A. Farley Post Office Building into the new Moynihan Station across from New York’s Penn Station. His work on the Moynihan Station project has included structuring and implementing a complex commercial condominium regime that facilitated the separate ownership or net lease by each participant of its portion of the project, consisting of a new state-of-the-art train hall, a 255,000-square-foot hub for Amtrak and the Long Island Rail Road, a modified U.S. Post Office facility, 450,000 square feet of office space leased to Facebook, and more than 135,000 square feet of retail.
In the past several years, Jonathan has guided clients in bringing to market more than $35 billion of luxury condominium offerings in New York City, including, among many other marquee developments, Central Park Tower; 432 Park Ave.; 15 and 35 Hudson Yards; 11 Hoyt Street; One, Two and Three Waterline Square; 108 Leonard St.; 111 Murray Street; 70 Vestry Street; 56 Leonard Street; 30 Park Place Four Seasons Residences; and One West End Avenue. In prior years, he helped clients bring to market the Mark Hotel, the St. Regis Hotel (New York) and Time Warner Center and spearheaded the redevelopment of the iconic Plaza Hotel into luxury residences, for-sale hotel suites and world-class retail.
Jonathan is a fellow in the prestigious American College of Real Estate Lawyers (ACREL) and has been designated a leading lawyer numerous times by Chambers USA, which quotes clients and peers as appreciating Jonathan for being “always responsive. As a former litigator, I like the fact that he still thinks like a litigator in transactional matters, which is very helpful in negotiations.” “He offers mastery of subject matter and is accessible at all times. He is respectful, efficient and delightful to work with,” and “he can navigate difficult personalities and complex situations with great effect.” Clients and other market participants have cited his “deep knowledge of New York City condo law,” describing him as “very personable and intelligent,” “instrumental and fantastic to work with” and “a consensus builder and team player” who ‘is able to sort through highly complex conceptual situations,’” and who “provides strategic vision as well as practical expert execution.” He has received numerous other honors, including recognition as a Legal MVP in Real Estate by Law360 and as a leading real estate lawyer by Legal 500 US. Commercial Observer recognized Jonathan for his work on the Moynihan Station and Hudson Yards projects in the article “Power of Attorneys: The Lawyers Who Shape Everything in the World of Real Estate,” which highlighted some of the most prominent real estate attorneys in New York City. Real Estate Forum featured his work for Hudson Yards in “Dealmakers: Deals of the Year.”
