Overview
A strategic thinker and creative problem-solver, Christian Bruno negotiates, structures and closes commercial real estate deals and related transactions in Florida and across the nation.
Christian’s experience includes acquisitions, financings, sales, leasing and large-scale development projects for hospitality venues, including theme parks, hotels and resorts, and all property types including office buildings and corporate headquarters, multifamily housing, industrial properties, mixed-use properties, shopping centers and retail stores. He also has advised on, negotiated and closed deals for specialty-use properties, such as healthcare facilities and raw land developments. Often serving as transaction's quarterback, he oversees everything from land purchases and construction to leasing, debt and equity finance, loan assumptions and restructurings, capital raises and management agreements.
Representing property owners, developers, U.S. and foreign investors, REITs, private equity funds, joint ventures, financial institutions, landlords and tenants, Christian takes a holistic approach that considers his client’s business and legal needs, structuring transactions to ensure both get met. He enjoys navigating transaction complexities, devising solutions and basking in the thrill of making deals happen.
Christian serves clients well beyond the deal. Maintaining long-term relationships with his clients, he advises them through every stage on general corporate and finance matters, frequently acting as general counsel to businesses in the hospitality and retail sectors.
Christian also regularly serves as special local Florida counsel to numerous U.S. law firms in connection with Florida acquisitions and financings across all asset classes.
Christian is fluent in Spanish.
Experience
- Spearheaded a chemical manufacturing company client and legal team in the simultaneous exchange of industrial manufacturing plants involving a loan assumption and modification, a 1031 exchange and credit facility approvals.
- Represented a real estate fund in its $57 million leasehold acquisition of a qualified low-income multifamily complex in the greater Houston Texas area handling tax abatement process, private equity joint venture, equity capital raise and Freddie Mac financing facility.
- Serving as outside general counsel to a national operator of race track-themed family entertainment centers in the acquisition and redevelopment of private-held facilities throughout the United States, including handling purchase agreements, commercial leasing, construction contracts, license agreements and litigation matters.
- Represented a global real estate investment firm in the development and formation of a luxury Palm Beach, Florida condominium, the sale of all units and all related financing and construction matters.
- Represented a hotel developer in the acquisition, financing and development of a flag hotel in Doral, Florida area.
- Represented a private equity fund in the option equity purchase of a multifamily student housing assemblage in Tallahassee, Florida, involving a tax-exempt bond redemption, $60 million+ Fannie Mae financings, and corporate restructuring.
- Represented the seller of a 300-acre South Florida golf course property to a new home development group.
- Acted as Florida local counsel to an institutional lender in a $340 million construction loan financing for a 50-story mixed-use hotel condominium and retail project in downtown Miami.
- Represented the owner of a Miami theme park facility in redevelopment matters, including negotiating revenue-generating agreements, vendor contracts, construction contracts, employment issues and litigation matters.
- Represented a joint venture in its $130 million purchase of a five-office building complex in suburban Orlando, including handling multiple loan assumptions and all Florida sales tax and documentary tax matters.
- Represented a Big Four U.S. bank in a series of ground leases in Central Florida locations.
- Represented the purchaser in its $8.5 million Miami Beach luxury condo villa acquisition.
- Represented the purchaser in a $18 million Coral Gables land acquisition slated for new home construction.
Honors
- Florida Super Lawyers, "Rising Star," 2012-14
Involvement
Professional Associations & Memberships
- Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association
- Florida Bar Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Section
- Urban Land Institute
- Member, Real Estate Committee, Miami Chamber of Commerce
Education
- University of Pittsburgh School of Law, J.D., 2000
- University of Pittsburgh, M.B.A., 2000
- Boston College, B.A., 1996
Admissions
- Florida
- New York
- Pennsylvania
