In 1968, shortly after the last building was built, Bankers Trust negotiated a favorable long-term lease for about 40 percent of the space.

Mr. Eisenberg contends he offered to negotiate a more favorable lease in 1995, "and the response was, 'We'd rather sue you.' "

"They come in with the benefit of having locations already selected and favorable leases," he said.

Furthermore, the Isles' favorable lease with Nassau Coliseum adds to their better "bottom line."

There are locations in malls in which favorable leases and rentals can be found today.

However, while favorable leases are often a good strategy, unfavorable ones can easily sink an emerging venture.

"And we were able to negotiate a very favorable 99-year lease."

Increasingly, big corporate tenants in such deals are not satisfied with favorable long-term leases or equity positions in the completed project.

Did Ms. Ferraro's son get an extraordinarily favorable lease from a crime-related figure for a new pasta shop?

While favorable leases are often good bets, unfavorable ones can easily sink an emerging venture.