In a transformative period for the Philadelphia area’s commercial real estate sector, the recent signing of the largest office lease in over a decade by David Werner Real Estate Investments with Dow underscores a significant milestone, spotlighting the strategic growth of the life sciences and office campus in Collegeville, Pennsylvania. Simultaneously, in 2023 industrial properties stood out as the preferred asset class for the third consecutive year, resilient to market fluctuations. Dow’s historic lease extension and the sustained dominance of industrial assets provides insight into the Philly area’s dynamic commercial real estate scene, where innovation meets resilience.
Historic Lease Extension:
In a groundbreaking move, David Werner Real Estate Investments has secured an 800,000-square-foot, long-term lease extension with Dow at its Life Sciences campus in Collegeville, Pennsylvania. This monumental deal marks the largest office lease signed in the Philadelphia market in the past 13 years, surpassing the previous record set just last summer. Dow’s lease extension includes the Northeast Dow Center at 400 Arcola Road, a vital research and development center for the global materials science company. The Bank of Montreal and Starwood Mortgage Capital co-funded a $95 million loan to facilitate the acquisition of the Arcola Corporate Campus, a 1.9 million-square-foot, Class-A mixed-use office and lab campus. Dow’s total leased space at the two-building campus is an impressive 927,828 square feet.
Industrial Resilience in Philadelphia Real Estate:
Despite a sales decline in 2023 across various property asset classes, industrial properties in the Philadelphia region emerged as the preferred choice for real estate investors for the third consecutive year. Industrial properties claimed a significant 32% share, totaling $1.31 billion in investment dollars—outpacing retail, office, and multifamily segments. The industrial sector’s strength is attributed to sustained consumer spending.
Industrial rent performance has demonstrated remarkable resilience, outlasting other property types in recent quarters. As of the first quarter of 2024, the average asking rent growth for industrial properties in the Philadelphia region stands at an impressive 7.7%, surpassing the decade-long trend of 6.7%. Gloucester County, Bucks County, and Burlington County have outperformed the region in terms of annual rent growth and collectively accounted for 45% of the region’s total industrial sales volume in the past 12 months.
Outlook for Philly Real Estate:
Looking ahead, Philadelphia’s real estate landscape is continually evolving, influenced by supply-demand dynamics, market forces, and investor sentiment. Industrial assets, characterized by their resilience and sustained demand, remain the frontrunners in the market. The city’s real estate market is navigating economic challenges posed by high-interest rates, but the industrial sector continues to shine, reflecting the adaptability and attractiveness of this property asset class.
The combination of Dow’s historic lease extension and the enduring dominance of industrial properties underscores the dynamic nature of Philadelphia’s real estate market. As investors navigate the evolving landscape, the spotlight remains firmly on Philadelphia’s growth, contributing to the city’s reputation as a resilient and sought-after real estate destination.
