City of Brotherly Builds CRE News Pod - Episode #3

Greater Philadelphia Commercial Real Estate Weekly Update | June 15-21, 2025

Welcome back to the City of Brotherly Builds Pod, your essential source for Philadelphia commercial real estate insights, deals, and market analysis. Join hosts Liam and Ben as they break down the week's biggest developments shaping the Philadelphia region's commercial property landscape.

This Week's Highlights:

🏗️ Major Development Opportunity A massive 3-acre development site in Norris Square hits the market for $10.95 million, offering unprecedented potential in one of Philadelphia's rapidly transforming neighborhoods. We explore what this means for the corridor's future and why it's being called a game-changer.

🏪 Suburban Retail Strength CBRE closes a $12.17 million transaction in Bucks County featuring necessity-based retailers Wawa and Tractor Supply Co., demonstrating continued investor confidence in recession-resistant retail assets that bet on daily habits rather than speculation.

🏢 Office Market Recovery Story Industrious coworking announces major expansion plans, including the reopening of their Two Liberty Place second floor that was shuttered during the pandemic. Discover their innovative profit-sharing model with landlords that's fundamentally changing the landlord-tenant relationship into true partnerships.

🚊 Transit-Oriented Development SEPTA issues an RFP for a transformative mixed-use development in Ambler, potentially bringing 170 residential units and ground-floor retail directly adjacent to the train station. Learn why this TOD project is a win-win-win for transit, housing, and the community.

📈 Industrial Market Rebalancing New data from Avison Young reveals supply is finally catching up to demand in Philadelphia's hot industrial sector, creating a healthier market balance that could give tenants more leverage after years of landlord dominance.

💰 Policy Impact: Transfer Tax Shock Philadelphia's transfer tax increase takes effect July 1st, jumping from 4.278% to 4.578% total—one of the highest in the country. We discuss the frantic rush to close deals before the deadline and what this means for future investment in the city.

📢 Episode Sponsor:

This episode is brought to you by Sunrise Signs — where every sign tells a story.

In the world of commercial real estate, a workspace isn't just four walls — it's a brand experience. Sunrise Signs helps CRE professionals transform office spaces into branded environments that reflect company culture, boost morale, and inspire teams. From wall graphics to mission-driven messaging and logo installations, they turn offices into expressions of purpose.

Learn more at sunrisesigns.com — and see how branded environments build better workplaces.

🤔 This Week's Discussion Question:

With Philadelphia now implementing one of the highest transfer taxes in the country, do you believe this will significantly cool down the city's real estate investment market in the long run, or will investors simply absorb it as the cost of entry into a prime urban center?

Duration: 6 minutes, 38 seconds
Hosts: Liam & Ben
Release Date: Episode #3, 2025

From a massive lot in Norris Square to the fine print on a tax bill, it's all connected in Philadelphia's dynamic commercial real estate market. Subscribe to stay updated on the latest deals, developments, and policy changes affecting the City of Brotherly Love.