Stephen J. Crane
A current area of focus is assemblage of land to be rezoned and developed by our clients or, alternatively, sold to national and regional developers to realize substantial gains as a result of the assemblage and rezoning. One recent example is the upzoning of six parcels adjacent to a new Sound Transit in the Roosevelt neighborhood of Seattle, and the creation of a subsequent successful marketing program to national and regional multifamily developers as an assemblage to create an 8-story multifamily project of 244 units, resulting in a substantial achievement of a major enhancement of value to the owners.
Another area of increased representation is advocacy on behalf of property owners with complex land use and entitlement issues, including but not limited to wetlands, environmentally critical or sensitive areas, endangered species, contaminated sites, and the like. The typical process is to work with the client to assemble an experienced team of expert consultants in key areas, whose opinions are respected by permitting agencies; develop a realistic timeline, and negotiate a solution that works for all stakeholders.
A third area of current representation is of property owners whose land is being taken through eminent domain or condemnation by government agencies, such as Sound Transit or cities. We aggressively pursue greater valuation than is initially offered by governmental agencies, and typically part or all of our legal fees are paid by the condemning agency.
Professional History
Practice Areas
Development Activity
In addition to his law practice, Steve himself has had substantial experience in and achieved success as a principal in various development projects, including as an example the acquisition of a downtown Seattle site with an expiring Master Use Permit, the acquisition of the first transferrable development rights (TDRs) from the City of Seattle from historic theaters, and its subsequent sale to the “W” Hotel group for a quick return to investors of a greater than 50% profit.
Community Service
Steve has served as the Chairman of the Land Use and Development Committee of the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, and by Mayor appointment on the Special Review Board for the Chinatown/International District. He was a long-time member of the Pacific Real Estate Institute, an “invitation only” association of top Pacific Northwest real estate professionals.
Professional Organizations
Steve is a member of the Western District Federal Court, Ninth Circuit and United States Supreme Court Bars. He is a member of the Seattle-King County Bar Association, Washington State Bar Association and American Bar Association. He has been specially admitted to practice in Oregon, Alaska, Hawaii and Colorado. He has served on a number of committees, been co-chair of and spoken at numerous continuing legal education seminars and contributed to a number of bar publications, including the Washington State Real Property Deskbook.
Family and Community
Steve and his wife have three adult children and live in Seattle. Mr. Crane has served on the Board and as President of both the Wedgwood Swim Club and the Laurelhurst Beach Club. He ran and successfully completed three charity fundraising marathons in Athens, Honolulu and Seattle.
Education
Steve holds a Masters of Law Degree from the University of Washington School of Law, a Juris Doctor from the UC San Francisco (formerly Hastings), and a BA Degree in Political Science from the San Jose State University.