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Lowndes Advises Florida Citrus Sports on Acquisition of 3.5 Acres Next to Camping World Stadium

August 04, 2021

Lowndes represented Florida Citrus Sports, an Orlando-based nonprofit organizer of high-profile sports events, in its acquisition of 3.5 acres next to Camping World Stadium in downtown Orlando, Fla.

Under the complex deal, the W. Church Street property was transferred to Florida Citrus Sports from CSE Communities Florida LLC, a Charlotte-based entity that acquired the property through a stalking horse bid agreement with Agape Assembly Baptist Church Inc., which had filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.

The Lowndes team representing Florida Citrus Sports was led by Rich Fildes (real estate). He was assisted by Michael Provenzale (bankruptcy, restructuring & creditors’ rights) and Matthew McMurtrey (real estate).

Related news: Florida Citrus Sports Acquires Land Next to Camping World Stadium (subscription required)


Richard

With years of experience in real estate transactions, including acquisitions, dispositions, development and finance; commercial leasing; and construction law, Rich Fildes advises both public and private companies on a broad spectrum of matters in the hospitality, real estate, sports and entertainment industries.


Rich represents owners, developers, lenders, investors, and operators in hotel and resort acquisitions, sales, financings, management, operations and development, franchising and licensing. As co-chair of the firm’s Hospitality & Leisure Group, he and his team have handled more than $25 billion in client transactions involving hotels, resorts, golf and country clubs, theme parks and water parks, family entertainment centers, ski resorts and marinas throughout the U.S. and Canada.

In addition, Rich has represented the developers and operators of sports venues as well as past and current professional athletes in various business capacities.

Chambers USA (2017)* reports that Rich is recognized for his excellence in real estate acquisitions, dispositions, development and finance, most notably with respect to the hotel, sports and entertainment sectors. He is co-chair of the firm’s hospitality and leisure group.

*We make no guarantees or promises that the reader will realize the same or similar results

Michael

Mike Provenzale is a shareholder in the Creditors’ Rights Group, representing institutional and private lenders in commercial loan foreclosure and other collection lawsuits, receiverships, workouts, bankruptcies, and REO dispositions throughout the state. His litigation practice also includes business, real estate, and condominium litigation.

Additionally, Mike has experience in the area of Real Estate Transactions, Development and Finance, where he has represented a myriad of private and public clients in connection with the leasing, financing, acquisition, and disposition of commercial real estate, and has published several articles on current creditors’ rights and real estate issues.

Matthew

With a broad range of experience in commercial real estate, Matthew McMurtrey concentrates his practice on the acquisition, financing and development of commercial and residential projects. He routinely represents home builders and commercial developers, handling all aspects of complex real estate transactions regarding office buildings, industrial properties, shopping centers, hotels, senior assisted living facilities, apartment complexes, residential subdivisions and condominiums. Matt has also assisted clients with navigating the tax-free exchange process (both forward and reverse).

A lifelong equestrian and ongoing competitor, Matt understands the unique legal needs related to horse ownership and the equine business. During his undergraduate studies, he was a member of the Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association, winning multiple world and national championships, as well reserve national champion in the IHSA. He draws on this in-depth industry knowledge and personal experience when advising clients on a variety of equine law matters, including purchase and sale agreements, breeding contracts, boarding and training agreements, and liability waivers and releases.

Matt’s passion for horses and the outdoors drives his involvement with such organizations as the American Quarter Horse Association, United States Team Roping Championships and Backcountry Hunters and Anglers. He is also a member of the Orange County Bar Association and currently serves on the board of directors of the Christian Service Center, an organization working to combat hunger and prevent homelessness in Central Florida.

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