Complex real estate transactions typically include more than just the purchase or sale of property. Often the transactions involve land development and zoning approvals, environmental concerns, title review and extensive due diligence. McCool Properties LLC, a diversified, privately held, regional real estate investment, development and property management firm headquartered in West Chester, PA, wanted to purchase the former Bishop Shanahan school property in the Borough of West Chester and convert it into a new residential community. McCool Properties knew that it needed legal support that spanned many areas of expertise. For such expertise, Chris and Andy McCool, members of McCool Properties, turned to Harry DiDonato and MacElree Harvey.

Chris explains that in hiring Harry, he was hiring the breadth of resources available throughout the firm. It meant that Mary Ann Rossi and Brian Nagle would ensure the zoning and approval process would go smoothly and that Harry and other business attorneys would successfully negotiate the acquisition from the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Chris trusted Harry and the MacElree team to bring practical, business-oriented counsel to the transaction. Chris knew the MacElree team would and be creative in their problem solving, communicate clearly and regularly with all parties involved, and would be appropriately zealous in representing McCool Properties’ needs.

After the acquisition and land development approval was complete, McCool Properties relied on MacElree Harvey to help negotiate with national builder NV Homes (Ryan Homes) to develop the property as a fifty-eight luxury townhome community featuring 3-story, 3 bedroom, 2 car garage townhomes with great views of West Chester. Chris shared one example that he felt best demonstrated the talent at MacElree Harvey. NV homes is a large publicly held corporation with a complex legal lot purchase agreement. Harry was instrumental and ultimately successful in negotiating a mutually acceptable agreement for both parties after a long and difficult process.

The deal was successfully negotiated; the old school building was demolished and site work has begun. Without even a sample home to show, three of the planned fifty-eight homes have been sold — an impressive start in what is widely considered a stalled housing market.

MacElree Harvey
17 West Miner Street
Post Office Box 660
West Chester, PA 19381–0660
p | 610.436.0100
f | 610.430.7885
f | 610.429.4486
e | info@macelree.com