UPDATE: Ground has officially been broken on the first phase of the Gateway Commerce Center, a massive 5 million-square-foot industrial development in New Morgan, Pennsylvania. The project, spearheaded by Panattoni Development Co., aims to transform the site of the former Bethlehem Steel Grace Mine into a hub for logistics and manufacturing.
The initial phase involves constructing two warehouses: one measuring 925,000 square feet and the other 292,000 square feet. Construction is underway, led by Brinkmann Constructors of St. Louis, with completion expected by the fourth quarter of 2026.
“This is an exciting moment for Panattoni and the region,” stated Ian McDonald, partner at Panattoni Development Co. “This site offers unmatched potential for logistics and manufacturing users.” The Gateway Commerce Center is poised to become one of Pennsylvania’s most dynamic industrial campuses, creating 450 jobs in its first phase and an estimated 2,750 jobs upon full completion.
To attract tenants, the new warehouses will be jointly marketed by KBC Advisors and Colliers. According to Michael Golarz, executive vice president of Colliers, “This project demonstrates Panattoni’s ability to execute on high-quality industrial developments even amid challenging market conditions.”
The Gateway Commerce Center boasts direct access to Interstate 76 and Interstate 176, along with a 10-year LERTA tax incentive and no height restrictions, making it an attractive location for businesses. “The heavy infrastructure in place from day one transforms opportunity into speed,” added Michael Zerbe, partner at KBC Advisors.
State officials have indicated that the site is divided into twelve lots, allowing flexibility in the number of buildings based on user needs. This adaptability is expected to enhance its appeal to a variety of potential tenants, from specialized users to large-scale operations exceeding 1 million square feet.
New Morgan, with a population of just 54 residents according to 2020 U.S. Census data, is strategically located, having been established in 1988 from land formerly owned by Bethlehem Steel. The Gateway Commerce Center not only represents a significant economic opportunity for the region but also highlights the ongoing demand for industrial space in the East Coast.
As work progresses, all eyes will be on the Gateway Commerce Center, with stakeholders eager to see how this ambitious project unfolds over the coming years. The local community and potential tenants alike are anticipating the positive impacts this development will bring to the area.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
