Development and Construction


Our team has extensive experience in real estate development and construction and can expertly assist in expediting these processes.  GH&R represents a broad range of owners, developers, design professionals, general contractors, prime contractors and subcontractors. We understand the many different perspectives on particular projects and use this understanding to focus on achieving a project for our clients.

We endeavor to take a practical, business-oriented approach throughout the development and construction process.  Our industry knowledge is enhanced by our membership and participation in a number of national, regional and local real estate and construction industry trade groups such as CURT (Construction Users Roundtable), CIC (The Construction Innovation Center), and AIA (American Institute of Architects).  This industry knowledge assists us in the preparation and interpretation of contract documents, handling bid protests and other disputes, developing claims avoidance strategies and in contract drafting and administration. We have extensive experience dealing with various project delivery systems, including traditional (design/bid/build), construction management, design-build and a variety of hybrid methods.  We are also involved in the resolution of mechanics liens and other lien issues.

The Ohio State Bar Association has recognized two GH&R attorneys as Certified Specialists in Business, Commercial and Industrial Real Property Law.  Very few Ohio attorneys have achieved this important certification.

GH&R has an ownership interest in a title insurance agency which is an agent for three national providers of title insurance. This relationship provides our clients with direct access to, and quick turn-around on, title searches, commitments and policies.

Some examples of GH&R's work in development and construction include:

  • Represented a large property owner in the more than $40 million redevelopment of Fountain Square, including development and construction negotiations with the City of Cincinnati and several other entities.
  • Counseled a client in the entertainment industry regarding the development of a hotel, entertainment and multi-purpose facility, including review and counseling regarding hotel management contracts and joint venture structuring.
  • Drafted and negotiated construction contracts for an approximately $100 million continuing care retirement complex.
  • Developed and negotiated a master services agreement for a facilities management contractor.
  • Negotiated a master services agreement for architectural firm providing nationwide design services to a major food products company
  • Ongoing representation of non-profit religious organizations in construction and real estate matters throughout Southwest Ohio.
  • Drafted and negotiated design and construction contracts for a developer for three concurrent commercial/residential projects with a combined value of approximately $100 million.
  • Review of standard forms of agreement for a landscape architecture firm.
  • Drafted and negotiated construction and subcontract contracts for a construction manager for design and construction of numerous industrial and aviation facilities throughout the eastern United States, including development of a number of hybrid project delivery documents.
  • Drafted design and construction contract forms for an owner to be used in large commercial construction projects throughout the Southeast.
  • Review of construction contract for major subcontractor for Olympic facilities.
  • Represented a school district in the construction of large public safety educational complex.
  • Developed standard agreements for an architectural firm with particular emphasis on risk management and insurance issues.

Recent experience in resolving development and construction disputes includes:

  • Represented a nationally recognized architectural firm in class action construction defect litigation.
  • Represented an owner/developer in a complex, multi-state construction dispute that resulted in favorable settlement for client.
  • Successfully represented a contractor in a complex claim involving a multi-million dollar project and defeated a counterclaim for delay and completion damages.
  • Represented a contractor in a multi-million dollar, multi-jurisdictional dispute involving an owner, developer, architect and surety in which the contractor received a significant award and was relieved of nearly $5 million in indemnity obligations to its surety.
  • Represented an environmental remediation subcontractor in an arbitration with the prime contractor resulting in dismissal of the prime contractor’s $10 million claim and an award to the client in excess of $2 million.
  • Representation of a subcontractor in major league sports stadium disputes.
  • Negotiated and resolved a $50 million arbitration claim on behalf of an international contractor.
  • Represented a school district in a public bidding contest in federal court.