B
randon Miller, a second-generation developer and principal of Real Estate Equities Corporation (REEC), died by suicide on July 3, exposing a complex web of debts and failed real estate ventures. His projects spanned New York City and the Hamptons, with some completed and others stalled or abandoned.

    Here are some key developments:

    * At 118 10th Avenue in Chelsea, REEC bought the leasehold for $21M in 2017 but lost control to an entity tied to GDS Development Management. The project was derailed by Covid.

    * On 2226 Third Avenue in East Harlem, REEC acquired the leasehold for $27M in 2020 and lined up a sale with Nightingale Properties. However, the deal fell through due to allegations of financial misconduct against Elie Schwartz.

    * At 313-315 West 125th Street in Harlem, REEC took over the leasehold in 2015 but lost control after Terra Capital Partners injected $20M in preferred equity and East West Bank foreclosed on the property.

    * On 196 Orchard Street in the Lower East Side, REEC teamed up with Magnum Real Estate Group to buy a $75M assemblage for a luxury condo development, which was completed in 2017.

    Miller's personal life was also marked by financial struggles. He built a mansion at 25 Cobb Isle Road in Water Mill and took out several mortgages on the property, which was listed for sale after his death. His widow, Candice Miller, has been sued for unpaid balances on some of these loans.