A New Jersey commercial development owned by Kushner Companies is facing a lien claim worth nearly $4 million over an alleged failure to pay contractor bills for the construction.
The property involved in the dispute is the mixed-use and multi-phased Pier Village in Long Branch, NJ, fully owned by Kushner Companies after Extell Development, the property’s previous part-owner, sold its stake.
Since Kushner Companies obtained full ownership of the property in August 2020, at least one mechanics lien claim worth $3.94 million has been placed on Pier Village’s Wave Resort hotel.
Two additional liens worth a combined $117,495.40 were released from the project as of August. A mechanics lien prevents a property’s sale or refinancing while active, which supports unpaid contractors in the efforts to recover compensation.
On August 6, 2020, Kushner Companies obtained full ownership of the Pier Village from Extell Development, reportedly valuing the assets at $181 million. Extell Development remains listed on Pier Village’s website as an affiliate and former partner.
Both companies initially purchased the property in 2014 for $200 million. In 2017, the local City Council granted both companies to develop and construct new additions to Pier Village, which were valued at $283 million.
Kushner Companies agreed to construct the Wave Resort hotel, while Extell Development constructed the Lofts Pier Village, which houses 245 condominiums. Both developments marked the project’s third and final phase.
Each mechanics lien processed against the property was filed with the Monmouth County clerk’s office in accordance with New Jersey statutes governing mechanics lien claims.
Pier Village Liens in Long Branch, NJ
Subcontractor Hevy Contractors, LLC is currently owed $3,942,908.58 according to their lien claim, following their part in constructing the Wave Resort hotel, located at 110 Ocean Ave, Long Branch, NJ.
According to the sub’s lien affidavit filed on September 22, 2020, the contractor’s services ranged from exterior metal framing and dens-glass sheathing to partial pre-rock drywall. Hevy Contractors’ lien was filed against the project’s general contractor, Green Field Construction Group, LLC, in accordance with a contractual agreement.
Green Field Construction Group did not respond to a request for comment.
As of October 13, Hevy Contractors’ lien claim is still active and unpaid for, according to a representative from the Monmouth County clerk’s office. The subcontractor serviced the project from September of 2018 until June of 2020.
Hevy Contractors did not respond to a request for comment.
The total value of known active and released liens placed on Kushner Companies’ Wave Resort hotel is $4,060,403.98.
On November 26, 2018, subcontractor Hoffman International, Inc’s lien was recorded with a value of $89,995.40 against Green Field Construction Group. By September 4, 2019, the lien was released.
Subcontractor Garden State Iron, Inc. placed their mechanics lien claim on June 23, 2020, which alleged they were still owed $27,500. Two months later on August 31st, the lien was bonded off.
Kushner Companies Buys Out Extell Development
Kushner Companies’ buyout of the Pier Village led them to relinquish the residential units of the Lofts Pier Village to Extell Development in exchange for part control of the condo’s ground-level retail developments, the Wave Resort hotel, and all additional condominiums within Pier Village.
Up until August of 2020, Kushner Companies was still a part-owner of the entire property.
Phase III of the Pier Village construction project was co-developed by Kushner Companies and Extell Development as of September 2017.
Today, Kushner Companies owns each facet of the project, which includes two condominium developments and the 72-room Wave Resort hotel.
The construction of Pier Village Phase III added 269 luxury condo units to the development. As of September 2017, the units ranged in price from $510,000 to $2M. The project also added public amenities, such as a boardwalk, carousel, a children’s park, and additional features.