Peter A. Schmidt

Real Estate Attorney

Peter Schmidt has a wide range of experience in complex commercial real estate, construction and property development transactions. From office, retail and industrial projects, land acquisition, leasing transactions to condominium developments, Peter has an extensive background in the real estate industry. He also works on real estate financing matters, including securitized loans and build-to-suit transactions.

Peter frequently represents developers of sustainable energy projects, including securing large land areas by way of easement or lease, real estate due diligence matters, resolving complex title issues and preparing opinion letters regarding real estate and financing matters.

Peter has unique experience representing property owners across the country regarding cell tower leases, including the sale of cell leases and future leasing rights. He structures these transactions to protect not only the client’s use of the property for its primary purpose but also for future development. Peter’s clients include institutions (real estate companies, municipalities, schools, churches, businesses) as well as individuals (landowners, real estate developers) and trusts.

Experience

Managed leasing and legal affairs with respect to a 30-plus floor office building in downtown Detroit and numerous high profile buildings in downtown Grand Rapids.

Representing industrial client in numerous real estate acquisition and lease transactions in connection with merger and acquisitions across the country.

Represented Entente Spirits (Round Barn Winery, Free Run Cellars and Round Barn Public House) in acquisition of Tabor Hill Winery, including 25 acres of vineyards, a restaurant and three retail locations. Drafted purchase agreement and coordinated filings with Liquor Control Commission.

Represented Detroit Public Schools on a sale to Crown Castle of approximately 24 cell tower leases and future leasing rights, involving development of a Request for Proposals and bidder’s list and negotiation of a Master Prepaid Easement to convey the leases and future lease rights via multiple closings.

Represented client in $20 million acquisition of companies that own and operate multi-family housing projects in south Florida, and advised on company and real estate due diligence and financing-related matters.

Represented client in $70 million acquisition of multi-use building in Michigan.

Represented client in acquisition of anchor unit in large scale, newly-formed condominium project. Negotiated purchase agreement, master deed and bylaws; managed real estate due diligence and closing matters.

Managed the transfer of 175 parcels of real estate in connection with a client restructuring.

Represented wind developer in connection with a wind energy project spanning over 500 parcels of real estate, including leasing and resolving complex title and survey matters.

Represented shopping center developers and negotiated real estate leases with respect to various major national retailers and franchisee tenants.

Represented owners in negotiating design and construction contracts for build projects ranging from $2 million to $10 million.

Represented national solar developer in connection with more than 20 Michigan solar projects, including leasing and resolving complex title and survey matters and local counsel opinion work.

Honors and Recognitions

American College of Mortgage Attorneys, Fellow

Best Lawyers in America^®, Real Estate Law, since 2013

Michigan Lawyers Weekly – Michigan’s Go To Lawyers for Commercial Real Estate, 2023

Grand Rapids Magazine’s Top Lawyers, Real Estate Law, since 2019

Michigan Super Lawyers^®, Rising Star, 2017

Professional Affiliations

American Bar Association

Building Owners and Managers Association

International Council of Shopping Centers

Michigan Economic Developers Association

State Bar of Michigan

State Bar of Wisconsin

Community Involvement

Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Grand Rapids, Class of 2019

Land Conservancy of West Michigan, past Board member

West Michigan Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, past Board member