LOCATION
University Park and Erie, Pennsylvania
PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS
Real Estate Market Trends Analysis
Site Analysis
Highest and Best Use Analysis
PPP Evaluation
Development and Distribution of Request for Qualifications
Assessment and Ranking of Responses
Facilitation of Developer Workshop
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Johnson Consulting was retained by Pennsylvania State University (PSU) to perform a highest and best use assessment of an undeveloped site adjoining the University Park West Campus and evaluate the potential for a Public Private Partnership (PPP). Development of the subject site presented a unique opportunity to drive economic development and formed part of a larger initiative of PSU to advance innovation and entrepreneurship in the local area.
Our analysis considered the potential for each site to support a variety of land uses including office, retail, and residential, with a specific focus on makerspace, which is defined by. PSU as an “open community lab where makers can come together and share resources and knowledge to build and make things.” Reflecting our recommendations to pursue a PPP, Johnson Consulting was subsequently retained to develop and distribute a RFQ and provide ongoing support to the Client group as the project advanced.
Johnson Consulting was also retained to perform a highest and best use assessment of 3 underdeveloped sites adjoining the Behrend campus in Erie, PA. Our analysis considered the potential for each site to support office, industrial, retail, residential, hotel, conference and meeting space, and sports and recreation uses, and included an analysis of Knowledge Park, an existing 143-acre innovation campus.
We facilitated an intensive 2-day workshop with prospective developers experienced in complex mixed-use and University campus-edge projects. This served to frame meaningful solutions and recommendations for each of the subject sites to ensure that future enhancements will contribute to the ongoing appeal and success of PSU’s Behrend campus.
