Paul B. Zisla is a shareholder, practicing in all the areas of real estate law with a focus on eminent domain, land use and zoning. He frequently represents clients before zoning boards and city councils.
Mr. Zisla emphasizes a practical, solutions-oriented approach to achieving client objectives. He is particularly adept at working with local government using skills and lessons learned during prior experience as a city planner for Fort Wayne, Indiana and Cincinnati, Ohio. Mr. Zisla routinely represents a broad range of clients, including utility companies, individuals and corporations. He has been involved with a variety of complex eminent domain cases, and recently obtained a $4.8 million award, which was nearly twice the government's original offer.
Representative Cases:
Lundell v. Cooperative Power Ass'n, 707 N.W. 2d 376 (Minn. 2006) - Represented an electric utility cooperative in a condemnation proceeding to prevent eviction of the cooperative from land already leased by the cooperative. The landlord challenged the public purpose of the taking and alleged bad faith on the part of the cooperative. The Minnesota Supreme Court upheld the taking and the actions of the cooperative in all respects.
Represented the nonprofit housing developer of Hiawatha Commons, a mixed‑use retail and affordable housing transit‑oriented project to redevelop underused commercial land. The project required coordination of multi-tiered financing by public and private loans, grants and tax credits; resolution of complex environmental, zoning, subdivision, common ownership, and tax planning issues; and expedited litigation of a shopping center easement that threatened the project and the viability of the supportive housing provider.
Worked on all aspects of Nike Storage Minnetrista condominium development which involved third‑party litigation in order to resolve a challenge to the project. Ultimately, it was expedited and a successful solution was obtained.
Represented landowner in condemnation of one-half block in downtown Minneapolis for luxury apartments. The condemnation commissioner's award of $4.8 million doubled the initial government appraisal and offer.
On behalf of landowners, negotiated favorable settlement of multi-year real estate tax assessments of nearly 900 acres of special use land in a rapidly developing suburban area.
Worked on the NBA Basketball Arena (Target Center) project which included a multi-parcel condemnation of a downtown block. Over 120 parties were served and litigation of a public purpose challenge was involved.
Mr. Zisla is a member of the City of New Brighton Planning Commission where he co-chaired the City's Housing Study Task Force. He belongs to the Minnesota State and Hennepin County Bar Associations.
