New York Real Estate Journal

Karen Scanna, Stroock & Stroock & Lavan LLP

February 7, 2011 - Spotlight Content
Name: Karen Scanna Title: Partner Firm: Stroock & Stroock & Lavan LLP 180 Maiden Lane New York, NY 10038-4982 Telephone: 212-806-6010 Email: [email protected] URL: www.stroock.com Years with firm: 14.5 Years in field: 15.5 Years in real estate industry: 15.5 My responsibilities include: * Acquisition, development and financing (mortgage, mezzanine and preferred equity, construction and permanent, public/private), usually from the owner/operator's perspective and most often in joint venture. * Negotiating loan modifications and providing advice to clients with respect to restructurings and workouts. * Transactions involve all property types--traditional office, retail and multifamily (including affordable housing, condominium developments and condominium conversions), as well as various "alternative" property types, such as hotels, assisted living and student housing. Notable transactions include: acquisition, financing and continued redevelopment of the World Trade Center; construction and financing of Citi Field; and acquisition and financing of Worldwide Plaza. I am affiliated with the following real estate organizations: New York City Bar Association; WX, Inc. - New York Women Executives in Real Estate (dinner committee and membership committee); part of Stroock's team as counsel to The Real Estate Board of New York. Stroock advices REBNY on pending legislation at state and local levels, assists in the development of new economic development programs for the industry at large, and provides guidance regarding real estate taxes and assessments. What was your most notable project, deal or transaction in 2010? My most notable transaction last year was the representation of Silverstein Properties in its negotiations with the Port Authority of a revised development plan for the World Trade Center site. The new plan provides greater certainty of completion of the various projects and strikes a balance among the goals, risks and rewards of the public and private sectors. I have been counsel to Silverstein since its 2001 $3.2 billion acquisition of 99-year leasehold interests in the Twin Towers and two other buildings and am proud to play such a significant role in the redevelopment of the site. Who or what has been the strongest influence on your career? I firmly believe that nobody gets where they are in life without help and support. In my case, my mother's interest and involvement in my educational and professional development throughout my life is a large part of the reason for my success. Thanks to her, I was fortunate to attend some of the best schools in the country and, consequently, be exposed to and nurtured by some of the best mentors possible. Her constant support and encouragement throughout my educational and professional years have enabled me to become a partner in Stroock's real estate group.