Steven L. Elbaum

(he/him/his)

Partner

  • Overview

    Biography

    Steven Elbaum chairs the firm's Metro New York Real Estate practice and is a member of the firm's Real Estate + Development Practice Group. He concentrates his practice on commercial real estate law. He represents corporations, developers, municipalities, and international lending institutions in acquisitions, dispositions, financing, leasing, and development.

    Acquisitions and Dispositions

    Steven has more than 25 years of experience handling acquisitions and sales of real property and related real estate financing. He assists clients with structuring, negotiating, drafting, and closing real estate acquisitions, dispositions, and loans. He also counsels public and private clients and municipalities in economic development incentive transactions.

    Leasing

    Steven handles office, industrial, retail and build-to-suit leases throughout the U.S. and Canada. He has represented several companies in the development and leasing of their corporate headquarters, including priceline.com, FactSet, Diaego, Noble Energy, Vineyard Vines, Design Within Reach, and Unilever’s North America headquarters. He represents several landlords in the New York area in their office and retail leasing. 

    Development

    Steven advises clients, including developers and municipalities, in connection with mixed use, retail, and commercial developments. He represented a public-private partnership in the redevelopment of the travel plazas along the Connecticut Turnpike and Merritt Parkway. He represented several municipalities in urban redevelopment projects, including the acquisition and redevelopment of a multi-parcel brownfield area that was converted into a 10,000-seat indoor arena and a professional baseball stadium, revitalizing that city's urban core. He also served on a task force that implemented one of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's first brownfield programs. He  currently represents a public REIT in the ground-up development of an office tower. 

    Steven has been listed in The Best Lawyers in America© in the area of Real Estate Law since 2007, and has been selected to the Connecticut Super Lawyers list from 2007 to 2021. He was nominated in 2021 by Governor Lamont to the Board of Directors of the Connecticut Health and Educational Facilities Authority (CHEFA), the largest bond issuing authority in the State, providing financing assistance to secondary and higher educational institutions, health care providers and other non-profits.

    Steven served as a law clerk to Chief Justice Thomas F. Fay of the Supreme Court of Rhode Island and is a former lobbyist registered with the State of Connecticut. 

  • Experience
    • Experience

      Experience

      • Represents a global Fortune 100 company in the development of a U.S. corporate campus, including the sale-leaseback of a headquarters, the development of an office tower, the construction of a research and development facility, and the negotiation of state and municipal assistance agreements.
      • Represents a municipality in the joint development of a 500,000-square-foot, mixed-use facility, partially financed through creation of a special services district.
      • Representation of the City of Norwalk's designated urban redeveloper in all aspects of a redevelopment project of 371 housing units of multi-family, affordable housing. The project proposed more than 61,000 square feet of commercial space. Work performed includes negotiation of a land disposition agreement and ancillary agreements, acquisition of redevelopment parcels, and negotiation with various city agencies.

      • Public-Private Transit Redevelopment

      • Representation of a Carlyle Group public-private partnership with the State of Connecticut to redevelop, operate, and maintain Connecticut’s 23 highway service plazas. The 35-year agreement was the result of extended negotiations with the state Department of Transportation. The service plaza overhauls will also include "green" initiatives to bring the facilities up to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design standards, improve water runoff patterns, and install idle-reduction technology for use by trucks on the Connecticut Turnpike, also known as Interstate 95. Including projected revenues, initial construction, and reinvestments, the benefit to the State of Connecticut is estimated to be almost $500 million over the term of the agreement.

      • Other Experiences

      • Represents Charter Communications in the acquisition of its 400,000 square foot office tower for use as its us corporate headquarters and redevelopment of two new office towers for its future headquarters.

      • Representation of a public REIT in the development of a ground-up, transit-oriented development and office tower.

      • Represented administrative agent and syndicate of lenders in connection with $200 million revolving and term-loan facility to fund a "going private" transaction, a dissenting shareholder reserve and working capital needs, secured by real property located throughout the United States and a blanket lien on all other assets.

      • Regulatory counsel for FirstLight Power Resources, whose Waterbury Generation Project consists of an approximately 96-megawatt (MW) generator to be built on a brownfield site on Washington Avenue in the City of Waterbury. This generator is a state-of-the-art combustion turbine manufactured by the General Electric Company that will, during periods of high electric loads, primarily burn natural gas, with ultra -low sulfur distillate (similar to kerosene) used as backup fuel. Representation of multiple alternative energy companies in the development of solar fields and related state and local incentives. 

      • Represented Unilever United States, Inc., in all respects in connection with the development of its campus in Trumbull, Connecticut and in the sale/leaseback of its U.S. corporate headquarters in Greenwich, Connecticut. The transactions involved amounted to more than $200 million.

      • Development of a build-to-suit office building in Trumbull, Connecticut and build-to-suit distribution centers in Jacksonville, Florida, western Pennsylvania, San Antonio and Dallas, Texas, and Toronto.

      • Represented Priceline.com in the lease of it 140,000 square-foot headquarters and 50,000 square-foot data center. 

      • Representation of a client involved in managing the global supply chain of agricultural, industrial, and energy products for a headquarters lease in Stamford, Connecticut, with additional lease transactions for client in Houston, Texas; Englewood, Colorado; and Calgary, Alberta, in Canada.
      • Representation of a real estate investment fund that specializes in acquiring mid- and small-cap real estate investment properties throughout the United States. Property types have included office, hotel, multifamily, and, most recently, health care-related office buildings. In one of its funds, we represented the client in closing on seven office properties. Sellers have included international and national REITs. Each office transaction is structured to be Sharia law-compliant.

      • Representation of HB Nitkin Group in its redevelopment of a portion of the Front Street Project in Hartford, Connecticut. The developer is constructing a mixed-use development with restaurant and entertainment venues and retail establishments as well as two apartment buildings and UConn's Hartford campus. The project is being developed with the Capital City Economic Development Authority (CCEDA) in conjunction with State of Connecticut Office of Policy and Management. The financing of the project was undertaken with $13 million in State of Connecticut bond funds administered through CCEDA and the Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD), a $5 million federal Housing and Urban Development Section 108 loan, a $2 million Brownfields Economic Development Initiative Grant, up to a $6 million Urban Action Grant from DECD, and a City of Hartford property tax pilot agreement.

      • Representation of Design Within Reach furniture retailer in its headquarters and showroom relocation and government incentives.
      • Representation of Miss Matched, Inc., a children's clothing retailer, on a national basis for its retail tenant leases and license agreements under the trade name LittleMissMatched. Handled high-profile locations, including Union Station in Washington DC, Water Tower Place in Chicago, Grand Central Station, Disney World and Disneyland, and mall leases.

      • Representation as national lease counsel for Vineyard Vines retail stores, including stand-alone stores, malls, and construction contracts.
      • Representation of Vincent Camuto, a women's designer and shoe retailer, in its retail rollout on a national basis.
      • Representation of Westport Housing Authority in a construction and rehabilitation project for a 78-unit, qualified low- and moderate-income, multifamily rental housing development. The project was financed by a $7 million mortgage loan from the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority, $14 million in funding through Section 1602 of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, a Tax Credit Exchange Program loan, and $3 million in funding from the Department of Economic and Community Development HOME loan funds. Several units received supportive housing rent subsidies through the PILOT Supportive Housing Program.
      • Representation of an elevator manufacturer in relocation and expansion of its manufacturing facility to Bridgeport, Connecticut. Robinson & Cole's team of lawyers from its Real Estate, Environmental, Tax, and Corporate Practice Groups helped the client obtain a loan from the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) to buy the property. The firm also helped the client apply for an urban sites grant from the DECD and the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection to remediate historic contamination on the property that was limiting its redevelopment. Robinson & Cole also assisted with a reverse 1031 sale of the client's former facility in Port Chester, New York, and a purchase of a facility in Kansas before acquiring the Bridgeport site.
      • Represents several Fortune 500 companies in their national office and industrial leasing.
      • Represented a large utility in connection with the acquisition of a 520-acre nuclear power plant for $1.3 billion.
      • Represented Diaego in the relocation of its headquarters and office leases in all regions of the United States.

      • Represented a well-known Internet travel business in the lease of its 140,000 square-foot headquarters and 50,000 square-foot data center.
      • Representation of the Connecticut Capital Region Development Authority (CRDA) in the documentation, negotiation, due diligence, and closing of consecutive construction-to-permanent loans in Hartford, Connecticut.

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    • Professional Associations

      Professional Associations

      CHEFA (CT Health and Educational Facilities Authority)
      Member, Board of Directors (2021 - Current)

      Real Estate Finance Association
      Chapter Board Member,
      Past President

      CoreNet Global

      American Bar Association

      National Association of Industrial and Office Properties
    • Honors + Awards

      Honors + Awards

      Connecticut Bar Foundation, James W. Cooper Fellow, 2013

      Robinson+Cole Community Service Award Recipient, 2013

      AV® Preeminent™ Peer Review Rated in Martindale-Hubbell™ in the areas of Real Estate, Finance, and Commercial Leasing (Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings is a trademark. AV Preeminent is a certification mark of Reed Elsevier Properties, Inc.)

      Ranked in Chambers USA: America's Leading Lawyers for Business in the State of Connecticut in the area of Real Estate since 2010

      Selected to the Top 50 Connecticut Super Lawyers list for 2017.

      Selected to the Connecticut Super Lawyers list from 2007 to 2021.

      Selected by his peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America© in the area of Real Estate Law since 2007.

      Listed in the 2021 "300 Top Lawyers in Fairfield County" in the area of Real Estate published by Greenwich Magazine.

    • Community Involvement

      Community Involvement

      Boys and Girls Club of Stamford
      Past Member, Board of Directors
      Past President of Board of Directors

      Trumbull Zoning Board of Appeals
      Board of Directors, Chair (2017 - Current)
  • NEWS + PRESS
    • Publications

      Publications

      "Leasing, Government Incentives, and Development" presented at American Corporate Counsel Association, Real Estate Finance Association, and Connecticut Bar Association

      Quoted in Inc. magazine in an article on buying versus leasing commercial property.

      "Assignment, Subletting, and Termination," published in Connecticut Law Tribune

    • Presentations

      Presentations

      "Insights Into Developing Business in the Era of COVID-19," co-presented with Britt-Marie K. Cole-Johnson, as panelists during the moderated Associate Lunch & Learn virtual program. (8/27/2020)
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      "Implications of Cherryland: The New Non-Recourse," Panelist, sponsored by the Connecticut and Suburban New York NAIOP Chapter (3/22/2012)

      "Negotiating Select Topics in Commercial Office Leasing in Connecticut," at Lorman Educational Services

      "Current Economics of Lease Buyouts, Sublets, and Assignments," at annual meeting of the American Bar Association

    • News

      R+C in the News

      • March 26, 2021

        Steve Elbaum, Frank Eucalitto and Chuck Martin Among “300 Top Lawyers in Fairfield County”

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      • October 18, 2018

        51 Robinson+Cole Lawyers Recognized by Super Lawyers®

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      • August 20, 2018

        52 Robinson+Cole Lawyers Listed in The Best Lawyers in America© 2019

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      • May 8, 2018

        Chambers USA Recognizes Robinson+Cole Lawyers and Practice Groups

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      • December 14, 2017

        Steve Elbaum Elected Chairman of Trumbull Zoning Board of Appeals

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      • April 4, 2016

        Steve Elbaum Presents Guardian of the Community Award at "City Chic" Fundraiser

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      • November 17, 2015

        Steve Elbaum Chairs 2015 Champions of Youth Sports Breakfast

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      • April 3, 2015

        Stamford Lawyers Represent Award-Winning Client

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      • March 18, 2015

        The Boys & Girls Club of Stamford Honors Steve Elbaum and Robinson+Cole at City Chic Fundraiser

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      • November 26, 2014

        Steve Elbaum Chairs Champions of Youth Sports Breakfast

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      • April 22, 2014

        Steve Elbaum Nominates Leading Lawyers for Westfair's Women of Accomplishment Event

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      • January 17, 2014

        Steve Elbaum Testifies Before Connecticut General Assembly

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      • June 5, 2013

        Stamford Office Participates in the RFR 5K Run/Walk

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      • May 31, 2013

        Robinson+Cole Supports Stamford's Mill River Park & Greenway

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      • December 11, 2012

        Boys & Girls Club of Stamford Breakfast Event Raises Funds for Annual Campaign

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      • September 6, 2012

        Steve Elbaum’s Delegate Diary from Charlotte

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      • April 9, 2012

        Real Estate Partner on Panel to Discuss Wells Fargo V. Cherryland Mall Case

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      • May 26, 2011

        WTNH Interviews Steven Elbaum about Connecticut Budget

      • May 3, 2011

        Blue Sky’s Rio Screened at Connecticut Science Center

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      • August 19, 2010

        MHA of Southwestern Connecticut Celebrates First Development Under Neighborhood Stabilization Program

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      • July 22, 2010

        Local Boys & Girls Run off to Join the Circus
        (Well, just for a day)

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      • March 16, 2010

        Robinson & Cole Attorneys Participate on Panel Discussion About Demystifying Lease Provisions

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      • January 12, 2010

        Robinson & Cole Attorney Elected President of the Board of Directors of the Boys & Girls Club of Stamford

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      R+C News Releases

      • August 17, 2023

        78 Robinson+Cole Lawyers Listed in The Best Lawyers in America© 2024

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      • June 1, 2023

        2023 Chambers USA Recognizes 22 Robinson+Cole Lawyers in Eight Practice Areas

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      • August 18, 2022

        74 Robinson+Cole Lawyers Listed in The Best Lawyers in America 2023

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      • June 1, 2022

        2022 Chambers USA Recognizes 19 Robinson+Cole Lawyers in 10 Practice Areas

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      • October 14, 2021

        Robinson+Cole Lawyers Recognized by Super Lawyers®

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      • August 19, 2021

        65 Robinson+Cole Lawyers Listed in The Best Lawyers in America© 2022

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      • May 24, 2021

        Chambers USA Recognizes 19 Robinson+Cole Lawyers in 10 Practice Areas

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      • October 15, 2020

        47 Robinson+Cole Lawyers Recognized in Super Lawyers®

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      • August 20, 2020

        61 Robinson+Cole Lawyers Listed in The Best Lawyers in America© 2021

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      • April 23, 2020

        Chambers USA Recognizes 20 Robinson+Cole Lawyers in 11 Practice Areas in CT, PA, and RI and Nationwide

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      • October 19, 2019

        52 Robinson+Cole Lawyers Recognized by Super Lawyers®

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      • August 15, 2019

        57 Robinson+Cole Lawyers Listed in The Best Lawyers in America© 2020

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      • June 20, 2019

        Robinson+Cole Honored to be Recognized by Brass City Charter School with Boardroom Dedication

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      • October 17, 2017

        Robinson+Cole Lawyers Recognized by Super Lawyers®

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      • August 15, 2017

        Fifty-Nine Robinson+Cole Lawyers Listed in The Best Lawyers in America© 2018

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      • May 26, 2017

        Chambers USA Recognizes Robinson+Cole Lawyers and Practice Groups

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      • May 18, 2017

        Robinson+Cole Team Involved in “Office Deal of the Year”

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      • October 18, 2016

        Robinson+Cole Lawyers Recognized by Super Lawyers®

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      • August 15, 2016

        Robinson+Cole Receives Top Listing in Connecticut Lawyer Count in The Best Lawyers in America® 2017

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      • May 27, 2016

        Chambers USA Recognizes Robinson+Cole Lawyers and Practice Groups

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      • October 19, 2015

        Robinson+Cole Lawyers Recognized by Super Lawyers®

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      • August 18, 2015

        Robinson+Cole Receives Top Listing in Connecticut Lawyer Count in The Best Lawyers in America® 2016

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      • May 19, 2015

        Robinson+Cole Earns Six Practice Area Rankings in Chambers USA 2015

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      • October 17, 2014

        Robinson+Cole Lawyers Recognized by Super Lawyers

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      • August 19, 2014

        Robinson+Cole Receives Top Listing in Connecticut Lawyer Count in Best Lawyers National Peer Review Survey

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      • May 29, 2014

        Robinson+Cole Earns Rankings in Chambers USA 2014 in all Connecticut Practice Areas

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      • August 22, 2013

        Robinson & Cole Announces Annual Pro Bono, Mentor, and Community Service Awards

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      • August 16, 2013

        Robinson & Cole Receives Top Listing in Connecticut Attorney Count in Best Lawyers National Peer Review Survey

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      • June 21, 2013

        Local Organizations Recognize Robinson & Cole’s Pro Bono Service

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      • June 10, 2013

        Chambers USA Ranks Robinson & Cole in Five Practices, Names 17 Attorneys as Leading Lawyers

      • March 1, 2013

        Robinson & Cole Lawyers Selected as James W. Cooper Fellows of the Connecticut Bar Foundation

      • October 22, 2012

        Super Lawyers® Names 49 Robinson & Cole Attorneys to 2012 List and Recognizes 26 as Rising Stars

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      • August 28, 2012

        Robinson & Cole Receives Top Listing in Connecticut Attorney Count in Best Lawyers National Peer Review Survey

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      • June 7, 2012

        Chambers USA Ranks Robinson & Cole in Five Practices, Names 16 Attorneys as Leading Lawyers

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      • January 3, 2012

        Robinson & Cole Announces Mentor of the Year Award Recipients

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      • June 17, 2011

        Chambers USA Ranks Robinson & Cole in Six Practices, Names 12 Attorneys as Leading Lawyers

      • March 18, 2011

        Steven Elbaum Elected to Robinson & Cole’s Managing Committee

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