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SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES  
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

NOTE 2 – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of Presentation

a.    Principles of Consolidation - The consolidated financial statements include our accounts and those of our subsidiaries which are wholly-owned or controlled by us. Entities which we do not control through our voting interest and entities which are variable interest entities, but where we are not the primary beneficiary, are accounted for under the equity method. Accordingly, our share of the earnings or losses of our unconsolidated joint ventures, The Berkley and 250 North 10th, are included in our consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income (see Note 13 – Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures for further information). All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.

We are required to consolidate a variable interest entity (the “VIE”) in which we are considered the primary beneficiary. The primary beneficiary is the entity that has (i) the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance and (ii) the obligation to absorb losses of the VIE or the right to receive benefits from the VIE that could be significant to the VIE. As of December 31, 2021, 250 North 10th was determined to be a VIE.  Due to our lack of control and no equity at risk, we determined that we are not the primary beneficiary and we account for this investment under the equity method. 

We assess the accounting treatment for joint venture investments, which includes a review of the joint venture or limited liability company agreement to determine which party has what rights and whether those rights are protective or participating. For potential VIEs, we review such agreements in order to determine which party has the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance. In situations where we and our partner equally share authority, we do not consolidate the joint venture as we consider these to be substantive participation rights that result in shared power of the activities that most significantly impact the performance of the joint venture. Our joint venture agreements may contain certain protective rights such as requiring partner approval to sell, finance or refinance the property and the payment of capital expenditures and operating expenditures outside of the approved budget or operating plan.

b.

Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures - We account for our investments in unconsolidated joint ventures, namely, The Berkley and 250 North 10th, under the equity method of accounting (see Note 13 - Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures for further information). We also assess our investments in our unconsolidated joint ventures for recoverability, and if it is determined that a loss in value of an investment is other than temporary, we write down the investment to its fair value. We evaluate each equity investment for impairment based on each joint ventures' projected cash flows. Management does not believe that the value of our equity investments was impaired at either December 31, 2021 or 2020.

c.   Use of Estimates - The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Accordingly, actual results could differ from those estimates.

d.    Reportable Segments - We operate in one reportable segment, commercial real estate.

e.    Concentrations of Credit Risk - Our financial instruments that are exposed to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents. We hold substantially all of our cash and cash equivalents in banks. Such cash balances at times exceed federally insured limits.

f.     Real Estate - Real estate assets are stated at historical cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization. All costs related to the improvement or replacement of real estate properties are capitalized. Additions, renovations and improvements that enhance and/or extend the useful life of a property are also capitalized. Expenditures for ordinary maintenance, repairs and improvements that do not materially prolong the useful life of an asset are charged to operations as incurred. Depreciation and amortization are determined using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives as described in the table below:

Category

    

Terms

Buildings and improvements

 

10 - 39 years

Tenant improvements

 

Shorter of remaining term of the lease or useful life

Furniture and fixtures

 

5 - 8 years

g.

Real Estate Under Development - We capitalize certain costs related to the development and redevelopment of real estate including initial project acquisition costs, pre-construction costs and construction costs for each specific property. Additionally, we capitalize operating costs, interest, real estate taxes, insurance and compensation and related costs of personnel directly involved with the specific project related to real estate under development. Capitalization of these costs begin when the activities and related expenditures commence, and ceases when the property is held available for occupancy upon substantial completion of tenant improvements, but no later than one year from the completion of major construction activity at which time the project is placed in service and depreciation commences. Revenue earned under short-term license agreements at properties under development is offset against these capitalized costs.

h.

Valuation of Long-Lived Assets - We periodically review long-lived assets for impairment whenever changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be fully recoverable. We consider relevant cash flow, management’s strategic plans and significant decreases, if any, in the market value of the asset and other available information in assessing whether the carrying value of the assets can be recovered. When such events occur, we compare the carrying amount of the asset to the undiscounted expected future cash flows, excluding interest charges, from the use and eventual disposition of the asset. If this comparison indicates an impairment, the carrying amount would then be compared to the estimated fair value of the long-lived asset. An impairment loss would be measured as the amount by which the carrying value of the long-lived asset exceeds its estimated fair value. 77 Greenwich is a residential condominium development project currently in the development stage and management’s assessment for impairment indicators requires significant assumptions and estimates in relation to the status and progress of the development costs against budget, forecasting estimated costs to complete the project, estimated sales velocity and estimates of sales proceeds from the sale of completed condominiums. We considered all the aforementioned indicators of impairment for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.  No provision for impairment was recorded during the years ended December 31, 2021 or 2020, respectively.

i.

Fair Value Measurements - We determine fair value in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 820, “Fair Value Measurement,” for financial assets and liabilities. This standard defines fair value, provides guidance for measuring fair value and requires certain disclosures.

Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Where available, fair value is based on observable market prices or parameters or derived from such prices or parameters. Where observable prices or inputs are not available, valuation models are applied. These valuation techniques involve some level of management estimation and judgment, the degree of which is dependent on the price transparency for the instruments or market and the instruments’ complexity. Assets and liabilities disclosed at fair value are categorized based upon the level of judgment associated with the inputs used to measure their fair value. Hierarchical levels, which are defined by ASC 820-10-35, are directly related to the amount of subjectivity associated with the inputs to the fair valuation of these assets and liabilities. Determining which category an asset or liability falls within the hierarchy requires significant judgment and we evaluate our hierarchy disclosures each quarter.

Level 1 - Valuations based on quoted prices for identical assets and liabilities in active markets.

Level 2 - Valuations based on observable inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1, such as quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets and liabilities in markets that are not active, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data.

Level 3 - Valuations based on unobservable inputs reflecting management’s own assumptions, consistent with reasonably available assumptions made by other market participants. These valuations require significant judgment.

j.     Cash and Cash Equivalents - Cash and cash equivalents include securities with original maturities of three months or less when purchased.

k.    Restricted Cash - Restricted cash represents amounts required to be restricted under our loan agreements, letters of credit (see Note 10 - Loans Payable and Secured Line of Credit for further information), deposits on residential condominium sales at 77 Greenwich and tenant related security deposits.

l.

Revenue Recognition - Leases with tenants are accounted for as operating leases. Minimum rents are recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the respective lease, beginning when the tenant takes possession of the space. The excess of rents recognized over amounts contractually due pursuant to the underlying leases are included in deferred rents receivable. In addition, retail leases typically provide for the reimbursement of real estate taxes, insurance and other property operating expenses. As lessor, when reporting revenue, we have elected to combine the lease and non-lease components of our operating lease agreements and account for the components as a single lease component in accordance with ASC Topic 842.  Lease revenues and reimbursement of real estate taxes, insurance and other property operating expenses are presented in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income as “rental revenues.”  Also, these reimbursements of expenses are recognized within revenue in the period the expenses are incurred. We assess the collectability of our accounts receivable related to tenant revenues. We applied the guidance under ASC 842 in assessing our lease payments: if collection of rents under specific operating leases is not probable, then we recognize the lesser of that lease’s rental income on a straight-line basis or cash received, plus variable rents as earned. Once this assessment is completed, we apply a general reserve, as provided under ASC 450-20, if applicable.  

Revenues on sale of residential condominiums reflects the gross sales price and related profits from sales of residential condominium units are recognized at the time of the closing of a sale, when title to and possession of the units are transferred to the buyer. Our performance obligation, to deliver the agreed-upon condominium, is generally satisfied in less than one year from the original contract date. Cash proceeds from unit closings held in escrow for our benefit are included in restricted cash in the consolidated balance sheets. Customer cash deposits on residential condominiums that are in contract are recorded as restricted cash and the related liability is recorded in accounts payable and accrued expenses in our consolidated balance sheets. Our cost of sales consists of allocated expenses related to the initial acquisition, demolition, construction and development of the condominium complex, including associated building costs, development fees, salaries, benefits, bonuses and share-based compensation expense, including other directly associated overhead costs, as well as qualifying interest and financing costs.

m.

Stock-Based Compensation – We have granted stock-based compensation, which is described below in Note 12 – Stock-Based Compensation. We account for stock-based compensation in accordance with ASC 718, “Compensation-Stock Compensation,” which establishes accounting for stock-based awards exchanged for employee services and ASU No. 2018-07, “Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718), Improvements to Nonemployee Share-Based Payment Accounting,” which provides additional guidance related to share-based payment transactions for acquiring goods or services from nonemployees. Under the provisions of

ASC 718-10-35, stock-based compensation cost is measured at the grant date, based on the fair value of the award on that date, and is expensed at the grant date (for the portion that vests immediately) or ratably over the related vesting periods.

n.

Income Taxes - We account for income taxes under the asset and liability method as required by the provisions of ASC 740, “Income Taxes.” Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on differences between financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities and are measured using the enacted tax rates and laws that will be in effect when the differences are expected to reverse. We provide a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets for which we do not consider realization of such assets to be more likely than not.

ASC 740-10-65 addresses the determination of whether tax benefits claimed or expected to be claimed on a tax return should be recorded in the financial statements. Under ASC 740-10-65, we may recognize the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefits recognized in the financial statements from such a position should be measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than fifty percent likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement. ASC 740-10-65 also provides guidance on de-recognition, classification, interest and penalties on income taxes, accounting in interim periods and increased other disclosures. As of both December 31, 2021 and 2020, we had determined that no liabilities are required in connection with unrecognized tax positions. As of December 31, 2021, our tax returns for the years ended December 31, 2018 through December 31, 2021 are subject to review by the Internal Revenue Service. Our state returns are open to examination for the years December 31, 2017 or 2018 through December 31, 2021, depending on the jurisdiction.

We are subject to certain federal, state and local income and franchise taxes.

o.    Earnings (loss) Per Share - We present both basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share. Basic earnings (loss) per share is computed by dividing net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings (loss) per share reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock, where such exercise or conversion would result in a lower per share amount. Shares issuable comprising 310,074 restricted stock units that have vested but not yet settled and 7,179,000 warrants exercisable at $4.31 per share were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings (loss) per share because the awards would have been antidilutive for the year ended December 31, 2021.

p.    Deferred Finance Costs – Capitalized and deferred finance costs represent commitment fees, legal, title and other third party costs associated with obtaining commitments for mortgage financings which result in a closing of such financing. These costs are being offset against loans payable and secured line of credit in the consolidated balance sheets for mortgage financings and had an unamortized balance of $5.1 million and $3.0 million at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Costs for our corporate credit facility are being offset against corporate credit facility, net in the consolidated balance sheets and had an unamortized balance of $2.9 million and $3.9 million at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Unamortized deferred finance costs are expensed when the associated debt is refinanced or repaid before maturity. Costs incurred in seeking financing transactions which do not close are expensed in the period in which it is determined that the financing will not close.

q.    Deferred Lease Costs – Deferred lease costs consist of fees and direct costs incurred to initiate and renew retail operating leases and are amortized to depreciation and amortization on a straight-line basis over the related non-cancelable lease term. Lease costs incurred under our residential leases are expensed as incurred.

r.     Underwriting Commissions and Costs – Underwriting commissions and costs incurred in connection with our stock offerings are reflected as a reduction of additional paid-in-capital in stockholders’ equity.

s.

Out-of-Period Corrections - During 2021, we recorded an out-of-period adjustment to correct prior period errors relating to the capitalization of general advertising and marketing expenses to the 77 Greenwich development project instead of being expensed as incurred.  As a result, we recorded an additional $2.4 million in property operating expenses for the year ended December 31, 2021 to correct the error. We evaluated the impacts of the out-of-period adjustment to correct the errors for year ended December 31, 2021 and for prior periods, both individually and in the aggregate, and concluded that the adjustments were not material to our consolidated financial statements for all impacted periods.

Accounting Standards Updates

Recently Adopted Accounting and Reporting Guidance

In December 2019, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) issued Account Standards Update (“ASU”) 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740) Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes. The amendments in this ASU provide guidance for interim period and intra period tax accounting; provide tax accounting guidance for foreign subsidiaries; require that an entity recognize a franchise (or similar) tax that is partially based on income as an income-based tax and account for any incremental amount incurred as a non-income-based tax; as well as other changes to tax accounting. The adoption of this guidance in 2021 did not have a material effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In January 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-01 Investments—Equity securities (Topic 321), Investments—Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323), and Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815)—Clarifying the Interactions Between Topic 321, Topic 323, and Topic 815. The amendments in this ASU affect all entities that apply the guidance in Topics 321, 323, and 815 and (i) elect to apply the measurement alternative or (ii) enter into a forward contract or purchase an option to purchase securities that, upon settlement of the forward contract or exercise of the purchased option, would be accounted for under the equity method of accounting. The adoption of this guidance in 2021 did not have any effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In January 2021, the FASB issued ASU 2021-01 Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848) which modifies ASC 848, which was intended to provide relief related to “contracts and transactions that reference LIBOR or a reference rate that is expected to be discontinued as a result of reference rate reform.” ASU 2021-01 expands the scope of ASC 848 to include all affected derivatives and give reporting entities the ability to apply certain aspects of the contract modification and hedge accounting expedients to derivative contracts affected by the discounting transition. ASU 2021-01 also adds implementation guidance to clarify which optional expedients in ASC 848 may be applied to derivative instruments that do not reference LIBOR or a reference rate that is expected to be discontinued, but that are being modified as a result of the discounting transition. Currently, we do not anticipate the need to modify any existing debt agreements as a result of reference rate reform in the current year. If any modification is executed as a result of reference rate reform, we will elect the optional practical expedient under ASU 2020-04 and 2021-01, which allows entities to account for the modification as if the modification was not substantial. As a result, the implementation of this guidance is not expected to have any effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.