Wagner named co-chair of land use practice at Kramer Levin

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Manhattan, NY Kramer Levin has named Elise Wagner as co-chair of the land use practice with Paul Selver. Wagner succeeds Gary Tarnoff, who was integral to the success of the practice as co-chair and partner and will continue both to share his experience and expertise with colleagues and to provide services to clients as counsel to the firm. Wagner will be a leader of one of the most experienced and established land use practices in New York City, with partners who have practiced together for more than 35 years, and who have unmatched experience in their field.

Since joining the firm in 2005, Wagner has advised real estate owners, developers and nonprofit institutions regarding the land use issues they face when planning and developing new buildings, and when rehabilitating and repositioning existing buildings. Wagner’s work also encompasses coordinating the public approval processes for major public-private development projects, consulting about the most efficient and cost-effective strategies for obtaining approval of use changes and enlargements, negotiating multi-party transactions for the transfer of development rights, and performing due diligence for the purchase and financing of major properties.

“It is an incredible honor to have been selected to lead a premier land use practice in New York City, and I am grateful and humbled by my colleagues’ faith in my abilities,” said Wagner. “I am proud to call Kramer Levin my professional home, and I look forward to partnering with Paul to lead our practice, grow our business and continue to work collaboratively with our colleagues.”

During her tenure at Kramer Levin, Wagner has counseled clients on numerous high-profile matters. She is serving as land use counsel for Plaxall in connection with the proposed rezoning of their property surrounding the Anable Basin in Long Island City to create a new live-work district along the waterfront. She also obtained a rezoning, special permit, and other approvals for a market-rate, senior, and affordable housing development and the headquarters for the Chinese-American Planning Council on the Lower East Side of Manhattan, owned by The Gotham Organization.

Additionally, Wagner advised The Walt Disney Company on zoning and historic preservation matters in the sale of their West 66^th St. campus and West End Ave. facilities to Silverstein Properties, while simultaneously advising on the acquisition of the property at 310 Hudson St., which will be Disney’s New York headquarters.

Wagner is also involved in the real estate community through her work with New York-based industry organizations. She serves on the Board of Advisors for the Urban Land Institute (ULI) New York, on the Board of Directors for New York Building Congress and on the Board of Advisors for the Furman Center for Real Estate and Urban Policy of New York University School of Law. Additionally, Wagner is a member of the Programming Committee for WX Women Executives in Real Estate, and was named the organization’s “Woman of the Year” in 2021.

“I am honored to practice alongside Elise in her new role as co-chair of the land use practice. Elise Wagner is a leader of the land use bar, a valued colleague and a trusted friend,” said Paul Selver, co-chair of Kramer Levin land use practice. “Her years of experience and expertise on high profile projects have prepared her to lead one of New York’s most established land use teams.”