Chris Pine accusing luxury NYC developer of failing to return $100K rental deposit
Actor Chris Pine is suing a high-profile luxury developer in Brooklyn, claiming the developer has failed to return a $100,000 deposit on a rental deal that fell through.The “Star Trek” actor alleges in a lawsuit that Carlos Saavedra and his firm, Eckstrom, are improperly holding $100,000 following the collapse of negotiations for a townhouse rental in the Cobble Hill neighborhood of Brooklyn.According to the complaint filed in Kings County Superior Court, Pine put down a total of $125,000 on a short-term rental: a $50,000 deposit, $50,000 toward the first month’s rent, and a $25,000 pet deposit.The pet deposit has since been refunded, while Pine is suing to recover the remaining funds, along with damages and attorney’s fees.Attorney Russell Wolfson, who is representing Saavedra and Eckstrom in the suit, told Realtor.com: “This is a private contractual matter.As is typical of any complaint, it tells only one side and does not reflect the complete story.
Mr.Saavedra is confident it will be resolved through the appropriate channels.”Pine is reportedly in New York to film a new project with Emma Stone, titled “The Catch.”The dispute unfolded in June, when Pine discussed a short-term furnished rental of the luxury townhome at 487 Henry St., according to the complaint.The 6,000-square-foot home has five bedrooms and four bathrooms spread across five floors.
The property dates to the 19th century, but was recently gut-renovated by Eckstrom and features white oak floors and marble and quartzite countertops, a fitness studio, sauna, and cold plunge, and around 2,000 square feet of outdoor space.The fully furnished property is listed for rent at $69,500 per month but is also available for purchase for $14.25 million. Pine’s complaint says that he made handwritten additions to the standard form of lease offered by Saavedra, but that the developer rejected his proposed amendments entirely.According to the lawsuit, despite putting money down ...