Bryan Cave Closes on Commercial Space for Congregation Beit Simchat Torah

Bryan Cave and the congregation Beit Simchat Torah (CBST) successfully closed June 23 on the purchase of two commercial condominium units in the Cass Gilbert Building on West 30th Street in New York City. The landmarked property now will serve as the permanent home for CBST, the largest LGBT synagogue in the world with a membership of nearly 1,000 and serving individuals from every aspect of Judaism.

Legal counsel was provided pro bono and entailed a tremendous amount of due diligence related to land use in a landmarked building. In addition, the transaction was contingent on the purchase of both units at the same time from different sellers, securing a purchase money mortgage and majority approval from members of the synagogue. Through a concerted team effort, closing was able to take place in only two weeks following issuance of the loan commitment.

The Bryan Cave team was led by Partner Erica R. Forman along with Partners Steven D. Korenblat, Robert S. Davis, Steven D. Bloom, and Associates Gita Gandhi, David Firestone, and Constantino Ochoa Jr., with assistance in land use evaluation from associate Adam Zeidel and legal assistant Stanley Santos. Partner William J. Hibsher is the chair of Beit Simchat Torah’s capital project and an active member of the congregation.