The Importance of an Expert Witness

By: Wendy S. Cell In December 2009 Shenehon Company provided expert testimony on behalf of the city of Minneapolis (defendant) regarding the viability of a 21-story condominium project near Loring Park. The city council denied plaintiff’s application for two conditional use permits, two variances, and a site plan review for height, setback, and capacity. Plaintiff […]

Applying the Principle of Consistent Use

Shenehon Company is pleased to announce that the International Right of Way Association will publish an article by John T. Schmick in the May/June 2010 issue of Right of Way. John reviews what happens to value when the principle of Consistent Use is applied incorrectly. The basic concept is that land and improvements must be […]

Does Your Partnership Entity Pass the Validity Test for Estate Tax Purposes?

By: Robert J. Strachota Selecting an ownership structure that fits your business needs and goals requires thoughtful consideration and professional know-how. There are advantages and disadvantages to each type of entity, and one size does not fit all. Before you settle on a partnership structure, discuss the estate tax ramifications with your planner. Keep in […]

How do Adverse Market Conditions Affect Lease Renewals? – By Laura Lamont

In general, one may associate adverse market conditions with high vacancy rates, declining rental rates, and tenant-friendly incentives. Landlords are offering prospective tenants free rent, increased tenant improvements, and at times, moving allowances. Despite an abundance of tenant perks, why do some leases, especially renewal leases, remain at previous market levels or actually increase? In […]

Residential Home Market Update

By: Kate A. Ostlund The single family home market has shown signs of improvement in the past several months and may be on its way to recovery from the economic slump. Historically, the luxury home market moves at a slower pace than the general single family market. It has seen prices decrease and sales slow […]

Relying on Non-Expert Witnesses Can Be Costly

By: Joshua Johnson Anderson v. Anderson – Minnesota Court of Appeals, A08-1365, October 10, 2009 Hennepin County District Court, File Number 27-FA-292333, November 20, 2007 In Anderson v. Anderson, (a marriage dissolution), the key issues were the extent of the Respondent’s, (Kurt Anderson) ownership interests in two privately-held companies and the value of his interests […]