XML 23 R8.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT v3.23.1
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
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 or were 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, which was sold in April 2022, and 250 North 10th, are included in our consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income (see Note 14 – 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, 2022, we concluded that 250 North 10th continues 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 accounted for this investment under the equity method (see Note 15 – Subsequent Events for sale of our interest in our joint venture. 

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, which was sold in April 2022, and 250 North 10th, under the equity method of accounting (see Note 14 - 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. No provision for impairment was recorded for the value of our equity investments at either December 31, 2022 or 2021.

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 (see Note 2g. for further discussion).

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.

Residential Condominium Units for Sale - 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 that is under development. Capitalization of these costs begin when the activities and related expenditures commence, and cease as the condominium units receives its temporary certificates of occupancy (“TCOs”).  

77 Greenwich is a condominium development project which includes residential condominium units that are ready for sale.  Residential condominium units for sale as of December 31, 2022 and 2021 includes 77 Greenwich, and in all cases, excludes costs of development for the residential condominium units at 77 Greenwich that were sold.  The residential condominium units for sale are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value.  Management considers relevant cash flows relating to budgeted project costs and estimated costs to complete, estimated sales velocity, expected proceeds from the sales of completed condominium units, including any potential declines in market values, and other available information in assessing whether the 77 Greenwich development project is impaired.  Residential condominium units are evaluated for impairment based on the contracted and projected sales prices compared to the total estimated cost to construct. Any calculated impairments are recorded immediately in cost of sales.  No provision for impairment was recorded for our unsold residential condominium units at either December 31, 2022 or 2021.

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. We considered all the aforementioned indicators of impairment for our real estate and condominium units for sale for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively, and no provision for impairment was recorded during the years ended December 31, 2022 or 2021, 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, letter of credit (see Note 11 - Loans Payable and Secured Line of Credit for further information), deposits on residential condominium sales at 77 Greenwich, condominium sales proceeds that have not yet been transferred to the lender 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 from sales of residential condominium units which 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, as well as salaries, benefits, bonuses and share-based compensation expense, including other directly associated overhead costs, in addition to qualifying interest and financing costs.  See also g. Residential Condominium Units for Sale above.

m.

Stock-Based Compensation – We have granted stock-based compensation, which is described below in Note 12 – Stock-Based Compensation. 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.  Shares that are forfeited are added back into the pool of shares available under the Stock Incentive Plan, see Note 13 – Stock-Based Compensation, Plan, and any recorded expense related to forfeited shares are reversed in the year of forfeiture.

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, 2022 and 2021, we had determined that no liabilities are required in connection with unrecognized tax positions. As of December 31, 2022, 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. 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 years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021.  Shares issuable at December 31, 2022 comprising 238,060 restricted stock units that have vested but not yet settled were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings (loss) per share because the awards would have been antidilutive for the year ended December

31, 2022. Shares issuable at December 31, 2021 comprising 310,074 restricted stock units that have vested but not yet settled 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 $2.1 million and $5.1 million at December 31, 2022 and 2021, 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 $1.3 million and $2.9 million at December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Unamortized deferred finance costs are expensed when the associated debt is refinanced with a new lender 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.

Reclassifications - Certain reclassifications have been made to enhance comparability and consistency with the current period presentation. These reclassifications had no effect on the reported results of operations.

Accounting Standards Updates

Recently Adopted Accounting and Reporting Guidance

In July 2021, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Updated (“ASU”) No. 2021-05 Leases (Topic 842) Lessors - Certain Leases with Variable Lease Payments. ASU 2021-05 amends the lease classification requirements for lessors when classifying and accounting for a lease with variable lease payments that do not depend on a reference rate index or a rate. The update provides criteria, that if met, the lease would be classified and accounted for as an operating lease. ASU 2021-05 is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2021. The Company adopted this guidance on January 1, 2022 and it did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326), changing the impairment model for most financial instruments by requiring companies to recognize an allowance for expected losses, rather than incurred losses. The ASU will apply to most financial assets measured at amortized cost and certain other instruments, including trade and other receivables, loans, available-for-sale and held-to-maturity debt securities, net investments in leases, and off-balance-sheet credit exposures. The Company has adopted this standard effective January 1, 2023. The adoption of this standard primarily applied to the valuation of the Company’s accounts receivable. Implementation of this standard did not have a material impact on our financial position.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-04, Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting (ASU 2020-04). ASU 2020-04 provides companies with optional guidance to ease the potential accounting burden associated with transitioning away from reference rates that are expected to be discontinued. This guidance is effective beginning on March 12, 2020, and all entities may elect to apply the amendments prospectively through December 31, 2022. In December 2022, the FASB issued ASU 2022-06, Deferral of the Sunset Date of Topic 848, to extend the temporary accounting rules under Topic 848 from December 31, 2022 to December 31, 2024. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of these accounting standards updates but do not expect that the adoption of ASU 2020-04 and ASU 2022-06 will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.