On September 22, 2026, the IRS issued Notice 2026-55, requesting public comments on whether qualified opportunity funds (QOFs) and qualified opportunity zone businesses (QOZBs) that develop and sell single-family homes should be permitted to defer tax on gains from interim inventory sales when those gains are timely reinvested in qualifying opportunity zone activity. Comments are due November 23, 2026.
The…

One of the most common misconceptions surrounding sports-centric mixed-use districts is that they are simply traditional mixed-use projects built around a stadium or arena. In reality, these developments operate very differently. Rather than functioning as a collection of independent uses, sports-centric districts must coordinate hospitality, event operations, security, branding, sponsorship activation, and public infrastructure across…

As the United States approaches the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, most commentary will focus on politics—independence, representation, and the formation of a new nation. But there is another story of divergence that receives far less attention: how the United States ultimately departed from English legal tradition in structuring and governing private communities.…

The role of the stadium and arena is evolving. What was once viewed primarily as a venue for game-day activity has become the foundation for a broader, year-round destination that integrates hospitality, entertainment, residential, academic, medical and commercial uses. For universities, professional sports organizations, developers and public entities, sports-centric mixed-use districts are creating new opportunities…

Quantifying the Risks of Delays
Liquidated damages are often among the most heavily negotiated provisions in construction contracts for stadiums, arenas, and other sports venues—and for good reason. Unlike many commercial developments, a delayed sports project can trigger losses that extend far beyond increased construction costs. As such, when establishing liquidated damages for a stadium…

Luxury hospitality and mixed-use developments rarely follow a straight line from concept to construction. Owners refine the guest experience, hotel brands and operators provide input, interior designers develop finishes and furnishings, and specialty consultants coordinate increasingly detailed systems. Even after major design milestones have been approved, the design may continue to evolve.
That evolution is…

Winstead’s Construction Practice continues to receive national recognition, with attorneys across multiple offices honored in the 2027 editions of The Best Lawyers in America®, Lawyers of the Year, and Ones to Watch®.
Leading the honors is Michelle Rieger, who was named 2027 “Lawyer of the Year” for Construction Law. This prestigious distinction is awarded to…

Winstead Shareholder Ashley Cummings and Associate Dakota Brewer joined The Leaders Club for the Dallas Wings vs. Toronto Tempo game alongside leaders from across the sports and entertainment industry.
Before tipoff, attendees heard from Katina Kenyon, Co-Founder of Applaudo, who shared insights from her experience building and leading a global technology company. The evening continued…

Welcome to Winstead Construction Counsel, a construction law blog designed to provide insight on the legal and business issues that matter most to owners and developers. The construction industry has always demanded adaptability, but today’s environment requires owners and developers to navigate unprecedented challenges. Projects are becoming larger and more complex, supply chains remain unpredictable,…