Lazarus & Associates, P.C.

Examples of significant projects completed on a regional basis by the Firm include:

Phoenix, Arizona:

High Rise Development: The firm was instrumental in major cases along the Central Avenue High Rise District, including zoning and design guidelines for the downtown and high-rise corridor. For one project located in the Central Avenue High Rise District, Chateaux on Central, the Firm obtained zoning and variance entitlements to allow for the development of a new residential concept in Arizona, incorporating very high end row-homes with the ability to operate small businesses from the first two floors. Each unit is four-stories with a private elevator. Top floor includes a garden and swimming pool options. Most recently, the firm obtained government entitlements for the first new construction high-rise condominium/loft development in downtown Phoenix. The Summit at Copper Square, a 23-story condominium project will be built in the shadow of Bank One Ballpark, and will feature retail shops, restaurants and art galleries on the first floor. Built in the Warehouse District, it will accommodate street-level pedestrian environment, which will facilitate excitement and vitality in the downtown/Warehouse area. The firm has also been successful in obtaining government entitlements for a major high-rise office building at one of the City?s cores in the Biltmore area at 24th Street and Camelback.

Phoenix, Arizona:

Health Care: The firm has represented three (3) hospital systems in hospital campus design and approvals in downtown Phoenix including medical office buildings. The firm has represented nursing homes and care centers throughout the valley. Some of the issues we have addressed include infill development issues and healthcare needs.

Phoenix, Arizona:

Resort/Golf: The firm represented the Biltmore Golf Course in a highly complex and controversial case in order to preserve property rights and allow redevelopment of a portion of the course to high-end residential while preserving the integrity of the course thru CC & R's. This lengthy process took substantial negotiation with property owners, the Biltmore Hotel and neighbors. Litigation was involved and a complicated negotiated settlement was crafted. In another complex case, the Firm represented Mutual of New York, the owners of the Pointe at South Mountain Resort. This case involved the re-alignment of roadways, the golf course, flood control access and substantial infrastructure and the building of an extensive water park.

Phoenix, Arizona:

Social Service Agencies/Single Residential Occupancy Units/ Low Income Housing: Mr. Lazarus has worked with the Phoenix Homeless Campus to deliver coordinate services to the homeless population and with Sojourner Center in the placement of treatment facilities for young adults, accentuating negotiation with neighborhoods, Home Owners Associations and City officials in both Glendale and Scottsdale, Arizona. Mr. Lazarus has worked directly with Camelback Hospital, a division of Banner Health, in government entitlements required for the operation of adult treatment centers under a behavioral health format. Camelback Hospital and Banner Health have a contract with the Superior Court juvenile system and other court systems for provisions of these services.

Albuquerque, New Mexico:

Revision to Comprehensive Plan: Represented a private property owner whose land was proposed by Albuquerque City staff to be re-designated to a status that would have effectively denied development for many years. The Firm facilitated a revision to the City's Comprehensive Plan that would provide opportunity for the development of satellite planned communities on approximately 30,000 acres in the City's planning area. The Firm assembled an analysis of population growth and distribution, statewide economic development objectives, future transportation facilities, geological constraints, archeological resources, resource availability, infrastructure systems possibilities, and introduced the concept of satellite planned communities. The Firm orchestrated the talents of respected consultants and influential politicians to avert the threat of a moratorium on development, and to provide the opportunity to plan and develop the property in a logical fashion.

Phoenix, Arizona:

Phoenix General Plan Amendment and Rezoning: Successfully negotiated an amendment to the City?s General Plan and approval for rezoning for a master-planned medium-to-high-density residential development on a 200-acre parcel, despite considerable controversy brought about by a limited-growth constituency. The property was located in a semi-rural area in close proximity to a future employment corridor. City plans designated the property for low-density residential use. The Firm prepared an analysis of future employment projections and the resultant housing demand, the lack of suitable proximate locations for affordable housing, and the impacts on traffic, congestion and air quality if City plans were not amended. The Firm garnered support from area residents and leaders of community groups seeking affordable housing, and engaged in a high profile debate on proper planning that resulted in success for the client's objective.

Phoenix, Arizona:

Developmental Agreements: On behalf of our client, the Firm negotiated a complex development agreement, including zoning, site plan amendments, infrastructure payout and payback agreements. Ultimately, there was a three party land trade with the client, the State of Arizona, and the City of Phoenix. The agreement encompassed infrastructure improvements with joint participation from the City and the client, infrastructure design, and incorporation of a sewer connection agreement with the City of Tempe. This agreement incorporated all aspects of the development of the project, including tying in gross leasable area into foregoing requirements. The agreement was two years in the making.

Durango, Colorado:

Development Regulations and Codes: Drafting of unified set of development regulations and codes for a conservative mountain community with a strong historical heritage. Project involved extensive coordination between City officials and the interests of citizens and landowners with conflicting motivations. Contrary to most code revisions that substantially affect property rights, this code re-draft proceeded through public hearings with almost no controversy. The Firm's legislative consultant had designed a process and procedures for public notice and debate during the working phases of the project, resolving all of the significant issues during this phase. The end result was a set of regulations specifically tailored for the needs of this unique community.