St. John Properties names Regional Partner, vertical construction on Swatara Exchange nears

St. John Properties, Inc. has named Bryan Cyphers as Regional Partner for its new Pennsylvania Regional Office. 

The announcement coincides with the vertical construction on Phase I of Swatara Exchange in Harrisburg. 

“The reimagined Swatara Exchange responds to growing demand for flexible space serving a wide range of users including professional services companies, light manufacturing groups, and warehouse/logistics,” Cyphers said in a statement.  

According to a release, St. John Properties revealed nearly two years ago plans to demolish portions of Harrisburg Mall and reposition it with a project featuring a mix of multi-use flex/R&D product, single-story commercial office space, and complementary inline and retail pad sites. Swatara Exchange is configured to support 12 new buildings, up to 1,000 jobs, and contribute approximately $1 million in additional tax revenue annually. Upon completion, Swatara Exchange will feature more than 550,000 square feet of commercial space. 

Phase I of Swatara Exchange will begin this spring with the construction of two single-story multi-use, flex/R&D buildings featuring over 100,000 square feet at 55 and 57 Enterprise Drive, per the release. The redevelopment also includes an 18,000 square foot inline retail building at 53 Enterprise Drive which has been 100 percent leased by 2nd & Charles; a 9,465 square foot retail building with drive-thru at 51 Enterprise Drive; a 10,725 retail building with drive-thru at 3411 Paxton Street; and two pad sites for a convenience store and restaurant. 

Phase I accounts for some 150,000 square feet of space. Several components from the former Harrisburg Mall will remain including Bass Pro Shops, Applebee’s Grill + Bar, 2nd & Charles, and the 56,349 square foot former Toys R Us building at 460 Mall Road, which is currently being marketed for sale or lease. 

“As the former site of a major regional mall, Swatara Exchange benefits from a strategic location near major population centers and highway systems, which will become even more attractive with the completion of Interstate 83 improvements and the addition of multiple direct access points,” Cyphers said.  

St. John Properties’ flex/R&D buildings feature 18-foot clear heights and rear drive-in and raised loading docks to support a diverse set of end-users. Both buildings have been designed to achieve LEED Certification by the U.S. Green Building Council. The company is developing Phase I on a speculative basis, a move in keeping with St. John Properties’ mission to provide space “ahead of the demand curve” and provide prospective tenants with immediate move-in options. 

Marketing and leasing activities are underway for the flex/R&D, inline retail, and pad sites. St. John Properties is targeting a broad tenant mix for the retail spaces, including sit-down, fast-casual, and quick-service restaurants, as well as banking, convenience stores/gas stations, medical and healthcare, and daycare users. The two retail buildings are also expected to be completed early next year. 

St. John Properties is venturing into new regions around the country that align with its growth objectives. 

“Since acquiring Harrisburg Mall in 2012, we have built a strong foundation and meaningful relationships in Swatara Township that have been instrumental to the success of this redevelopment,” said Sean Doordan, senior executive vice president of Acquisitions & Growth for St. John Properties. “With Bryan’s leadership and market knowledge, we are well positioned to build on that momentum and expand our development portfolio throughout Pennsylvania.” 

Along with overseeing all development, marketing, and leasing activities associated with Swatara Exchange, Cyphers will lead day-to-day operations of the Pennsylvania Regional Office, with a focus on acquiring new opportunities to expand the company’s portfolio.