Industries
Education
University of Michigan Law School, J.D.
University of Michigan, B.A.
Bar Admissions
- California
- Illinois
- Michigan
Joe Huntzicker represents institutional real estate lenders on a national basis in a variety of complex lending matters including acquisition, development, construction and ground lease financings, as well as private placement tax-exempt bond financings, letter of credit-backed bond financings and asset-based lending. In addition to single lender financings, he has significant experience as counsel to the administrative agent and lead bank in syndicated loans involving many types of real property including office buildings, hotels, retail, industrial and warehouse buildings, student housing, condominium projects, multi-family apartment projects, medical office buildings and entertainment venues.
Joe's experience spans all financing phases, from negotiation, documentation and closing of commercial loans secured by real property and/or personal property to handling post-closing loan administration, loan modifications and restructurings, and all matters relating to Article 9 of the Uniform Commercial Code. He represents lenders and borrowers in complex workouts, forbearances, deed-in-lieu of foreclosures and note purchase agreements and provides litigation support for enforcement of creditors' rights and bankruptcy matters.
Joe also represents sellers, purchasers, owners, landlords and tenants in a broad array of commercial real estate transactions including purchase and sales, development projects, easement agreements, office and retail leases and subleases, letters of intent, management agreements, construction and architect agreements, escrow agreements, title and survey matters and related due diligence.
Joe is known for his knowledge of the financing and real estate industries. He is highly responsive to the firm's clients and knows how to manage transactions to achieve timely and successful outcomes.
Representative Matters
Represented administrative agent and lead bank in syndicated secured construction loan for development of a mixed use project consisting of retail, office and residential apartments in the West Loop in Chicago.
Represented administrative agent and lead bank in syndicated secured construction loan for development of a warehousing and light industrial project in the Pilsen neighborhood in Chicago.
Represented administrative agent and lead bank in $100 Million syndicated financing for the acquisition and renovation of an office tower in Detroit secured by a long-term ground lease.
Represented administrative agent and lead bank in $75 Million syndicated loan to refinance and reposition a mixed use, multi-building project consisting of retail, restaurants, office and residential apartments in Phoenix secured by a long-term ground leases.
Represented the purchaser of privately-placed tax-exempt bonds issued by the Illinois Finance Authority, the proceeds of which were used for renovation and construction projects at Chicago’s Navy Pier, including the purchase of a new Ferris wheel and construction of a new theatre.
Represented an owner/operator in the $40.7 million sale of a multifamily community in Marietta, GA, and in the proposed sale of a 354-unit multifamily community in Lansing, IL.
Represented an owner/landlord in office and retail leases for a 223,475 rsf historic building located in San Diego, CA.
Represented a national bank in making a construction loan for the Zaragon Place West project (401 Thompson site) in Ann Arbor, MI, and in making a refinance loan for the Zaragon Place project (619 East University site) in Ann Arbor, MI.
Represented an owner/landlord and the property manager in retail leases for a 103,266 rsf shopping center located in suburban Chicago, IL.
Represented an owner of an approximately 85-property portfolio of distressed retail properties located throughout the U.S. in the sale and lease of such properties on a one-off basis.
Represented a national bank in making a construction loan for the Gateway to the West Loop project in Chicago, IL and issuing a letter of credit to support tax increment allocation financing provided by the City of Chicago.
Represented a national bank in making a loan to finance the purchase of bonds issued by the Portage County, OH Port Authority, the proceeds of which were used to construct a build-to-suit manufacturing and warehouse facility.
Represented an owner in the sale of a 473-unit multifamily community in Charlotte, NC, the sale of a 300-unit multifamily community in Albuquerque, NM, the sale of a 228-unit multifamily community in Duluth, GA and the sale of a 163-unit multifamily apartment building in Memphis, TN.
Represented an owner/landlord in retail leases for an 8,600 rsf shopping center located in southern California.
Represented a shopping center owner in Illinois Department of Transportation condemnation proceedings.
Represented a national bank in making a construction loan for the AmeriPlex at the Port project in Portgage, IN anchored by a national outdoor sporting goods retailer.
Honors
Best Lawyers in America, Real Estate Law, 2023-present
DBusiness Magazine, Top Lawyers, Banking & Financial Service Law, 2020-present
Finance Monthly Magazine, Deal Maker of the Year, 2015
Illinois Super Lawyers, Rising Star, 2010-2012
Professional Activities
State Bar of Michigan
State Bar of Illinois
State Bar of California
Civic, Cultural & Social Activities
Ann Arbor Amateur Hockey Association, Volunteer Coach, 2016-present
St. Matthias Elementary School, Volunteer Coach, 2011-2012
St. Matthias Parish Transformation Project Committee, 2007, 2012
Chicago Blues Youth Hockey Association, Volunteer Coach, 2002-2004
Speeches
"Commercial Purchase Agreements," State Bar of Michigan Real Property Law Section 2014 Groundbreaker Roundtable, Birmingham, MI, October 16, 2014
"Construction Loan Agreements - Lender's View," State Bar of Michigan Real Property Law Section 2013 Groundbreaker Roundtable, Birmingham, MI, October 24, 2013
