Firm News

Capes Sokol Goodman & Sarachan, P.C. was honored to represent Forsyth School in its negotiations to acquire contiguous property from St. Louis Hillel at Washington University.  St. Louis Hillel is Forsyth School’s immediate neighbor to the West on Forsyth Boulevard across from the Danforth campus of Washington University in St. Louis.

John Meyer said of his involvement as Forsyth School’s attorney,

“For me the opportunity to participate in this transaction was particularly rewarding.  My daughters are both proud Forsyth School graduates.  About ten years ago, when I was President of the Forsyth School Board, we explored buying property from St. Louis Hillel.  Hillel’s Executive Director at that time envisioned integrating Hillel’s programs into the fabric of Washington University campus life.  Thus a large offsite facility would be of diminishing value.  I was flattered when Mike Vachow asked me last summer to serve on the Forsyth School Master Planning Committee.  It was a treat to be involved in the planning process and to work with members of the school community, including faculty and parents.  The process was thorough and very ably lead by Matt Coen and members of the Lake Flato Architects firm.  I admire the vision, creativity and forward thinking of the participants.  It will be fun to see the plan, which I hope will soon be reflected in the bright eyes of Forsyth School’s students, come to life.  John added, “It’s terrific to see that Washington University appreciates and supports the missions of Forsyth School and St. Louis Hillel.”

Forsyth School intends to incorporate the additional land into its recently completed facilities master plan.

• Rob Klahr, Forsyth Board President, said, “The acquisition of the Hillel property will allow Forsyth to maintain its unique educational setting, while providing our campus and our program with needed flexibility and breathing room.  This . . . will allow us to fulfill our mission for years to come.”
• Head of School, Mike Vachow, added “We are grateful that this collaboration with one of our key neighbors has borne fruit . . . .”
• Alan Bornstein, Chairman of the St. Louis Hillel Board, said, “This is a tremendous result.”
• “We are thrilled,” added Jacqueline Ulin Levey, St. Louis Hillel President & CEO.