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“[Kevin] is client-focused, very knowledgeable, responsive, well connected and personable.”

Client Feedback, Chambers USA, 2021

Overview

Kevin focuses his practice on the intersection of real estate, public-private partnerships and social infrastructure development.

He advises public sector clients on major league sports facility transactions, structures public-private partnerships and navigates complex mixed-use and re-use development projects that transform communities. Kevin also advises clients on the acquisition, development, financing, operation and disposition of multi-family, industrial, office and retail properties, hotels and resorts, and self-storage facilities. Kevin previously chaired the firm's Investment Real Estate and Housing groups and served as the managing partner of the firm’s Denver office.

Kevin's notable engagements include:

  • Representing a municipality in negotiating the terms of its investment in infrastructure for a proposed NFL stadium and a non-relocation agreement with the NFL team to protect that investment.
  • Representing the City of Oakland in negotiating terms for the City’s investment in infrastructure related to the Oakland A’s proposed waterfront ballpark district on the San Francisco Bay and extension of the A’s commitment to call Oakland its home.
  • Representing the Charlotte Hornets in redevelopment of Spectrum Arena and development of a new training facility.
  • Representing the City of Phoenix to renegotiate the Suns’ agreements for Talking Stick Resort Arena, including negotiating a $230 million renovation of the facility and new non-relocation provisions.
  • Representing the public owner of T-Mobile Park in renegotiating the Seattle Mariners’ lease, with extensive provisions to ensure the ballpark will remain in the top one-third of all MLB ballparks.
  • Representing the Wisconsin Center District in the development of the new $524 million Fiserv Arena for the Milwaukee Bucks.
  • Representing the City of Anaheim in negotiating the structure of the sale of Angels Stadium of Anaheim to an affiliate of the L.A. Angels of Anaheim, with 130+ acres of adjacent land for development of affordable housing and mixed-use development.
  • Representing the City of Phoenix in renegotiating the Milwaukee Brewers’ use agreements for the city-owned spring training facilities, which included extending their term and negotiating the terms of conveying development rights to the Brewers for new mixed-use development on city-owned land.
  • Representing the City of Sacramento in the development of the $477 million Golden 1 Center arena for the Sacramento Kings.
  • Representing Denver’s Regional Transportation District in the redevelopment of the city’s historic Union Station using both public and private funds to create a mixed-use project of public transportation, a boutique hotel, and retail, food and beverage, and office spaces.
  • Leading representation of Intrawest Resorts in its development of resort communities across the continent, from concept through delivery and disposition.
  • Representing a self storage REIT in its acquisition of a 112-property portfolio for $1.2 billion.
  • Representing a national client in spearheading development of Fox Park, a new 41-acre master planned community to feature office, residential, retail and entertainment uses on the site of The Denver Post’s former printing plant.

“[Kevin] is client-focused, very knowledgeable, responsive, well connected and personable.”

Client Feedback, Chambers USA, 2021

Industry

Services

Recognition

  • Downtown Denver Partnership, Inc., 2018 Peter Bowes Award, 2016 Volunteer of the Year
  • The Best Lawyers in America, Real Estate Law, 2015-2023
  • Colorado Super Lawyers, Real Estate, 2009-2023
  • Chambers USA, Real Estate Law, 2015-2022
  • IFLR1000, Real Estate (Denver), Highly Regarded, 2019
  • Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent

Education

  • J.D., University of Virginia School of Law
    • Virginia Journal of Natural Resources Law, notes editor
  • B.A., Washington and Lee University
    • summa cum laude
    • Distinguished Military Graduate
    • Omicron Delta Kappa
    • Phi Beta Kappa

Admissions

  • Colorado
  • New York (inactive)

Professional Memberships and Certifications

  • Colorado Bar Association
  • Denver Bar Association
Experience
  • Guided National Storage Affiliates in its acquisition of two portfolios, one consisting of 14 properties in Texas for $115 million and the other consisting of 36 properties located in 8 states for $280 million. Moved from LOI to closing on both deals in less than three months.
  • Represented the City of Fresno, owner of Chukchansi Park, the hometown ballpark of the Fresno Grizzlies, in renegotiating the City's facility use agreements with the Grizzlies following Major League Baseball's takeover of Minor League Baseball (MiLB). Guided the City in understanding potential impacts of MLB's new framework for Player Development Licenses (PDL) and drafted and negotiated amendments to existing agreements to re-align certain terms with new requirements imposed by MLB.
  • Represented the City of Oakland in negotiating terms for the City's investment in infrastructure related to the Oakland A's proposed waterfront ballpark district on the San Francisco Bay and extension of the A's commitment to call Oakland its home.
  • Represented the Charlotte Hornets in redevelopment of Spectrum Arena and development of a new training facility.
  • Represented Denver's Regional Transportation District in the redevelopment of the city's historic Union Station using both public and private funds to create a mixed-use project of public transportation, a boutique hotel and retail, food and beverage, and office spaces.
  • Led representation of Intrawest Resorts in its development of resort communities across the continent, from concept through delivery and disposition.
  • Represented private developer clients in various mixed-use and multi-family developments in the greater Denver metro area.
  • Represented the City of Phoenix to renegotiate the Suns' agreements for Talking Stick Resort Arena, including negotiating a $230 million renovation of the facility and new non-relocation provisions.
  • Represented the public owner of T-Mobile Park in renegotiating the Seattle Mariners' lease, with extensive new provisions that ensure the ballpark will remain in the top one-third of all MLB ballparks.
  • Represented the Wisconsin Center District in the development of the new $524 million Fiserv Arena for the Milwaukee Bucks.
  • Represented the City of Phoenix in renegotiating the Milwaukee Brewers' use agreements for the city-owned spring training facilities, which included extending their term and negotiating the terms of conveying development rights to the Brewers for new mixed-use development on city-owned land.
  • Represented the City of Sacramento in the development of the $477 million Golden 1 Center arena for the Sacramento Kings.
  • Advised both private sector and higher education clients on using P3 delivery models for development of higher education facilities, including student housing and energy districts.
  • Represented a self-storage REIT in its acquisition of $2.1 billion in properties over one year.
Case Studies
Washington State Major League Baseball Public Facilities District

The owner of T-Mobile Park turned to Husch Blackwell to strike a new agreement with the Mariners.

U.S. Beef & Platform Ventures

Husch Blackwell served as buyers’ counsel in the $118 million purchase of the Plaza Vista Office Building in Kansas City.

News Releases | November 09, 2021
Husch Blackwell Named to The Civic 50 Colorado
News Releases | March 08, 2021
Husch Blackwell Named A Top Sports Law Firm
Media Mentions | December 06, 2019
Office Snapshots: Husch Blackwell Offices – Denver
News Releases | November 11, 2019
Kevin Kelley Named as 2019 Sports & Entertainment Law Trailblazer by National Law Journal

Kelley was recognized for his participation in some of the most high-profile sports facilities deals of the past decade.

News Releases | August 15, 2019
Husch Blackwell Places 143 Lawyers in 2020 BL Rankings' Best Lawyers in America®

The firm has eight "Lawyers of the Year" and 11 attorneys appearing on the list for the first time.

News Releases | June 03, 2019
Husch Blackwell Places Five Attorneys in ILFR's Inaugural Real Estate Rankings

Overall, the new edition represents the second year IFLR has ranked top financial and corporate law firms and lawyers on a state-by-state basis.

News Releases | June 03, 2019
Sixteen Husch Blackwell Attorneys Recognized in 2019 IFLR 1000 United States

The 2019 edition of the IFLR 1000 represents the second year IFLR has ranked top financial and corporate law firms and lawyers on a state-by-state basis.

News Releases | April 29, 2019
Chambers USA 2019 Ranks Husch Blackwell in 10 Areas of Law; 33 Attorneys Recognized

Attorneys in 10 offices across the firm's footprint are recognized in the 2019 edition of Chambers USA

News Releases | March 20, 2019
2019 Colorado Super Lawyers Names Four From Husch Blackwell

Colorado Super Lawyers recognizes four Husch Blackwell attorneys from Denver.

News Releases | September 11, 2018
Husch Blackwell Represents National Storage Affiliates in $1.3 Billion Portfolio Acquisition

Husch Blackwell's commercial real estate investment team closes transaction less than two months after its announcement.

Media Mentions | August 22, 2018
Governing: Even When Teams Pay, Stadiums Still Aren't Free for Cities

Kevin Kelley is quoted in an article on a growing trend: cities bettering their efforts to address stadium quality and maintenance expectations upfront.

News Releases | August 15, 2018
Husch Blackwell Places 143 Lawyers in 2019 BL Rankings' Best Lawyers in America®

The Best Lawyers in America® has listed 143 Husch Blackwell attorneys in its 2019 directory. The firm has eight "Lawyers of the Year" and five attorneys appearing on the list for the first time.

Community Leadership
  • Metropolitan State University of Denver Foundation, Director and Member of the Finance and Investment Committees
  • Downtown Denver Partnership Management Group, Inc., Director
  • Downtown Denver, Inc., Director
  • Junior Achievement, Rocky Mountain Inc., Board of Directors Chair
  • Denver Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, Director and Member of the Executive and Finance Committees