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Shutting Down Construction and Thinking About What’s Next

The order to shut down all PA businesses except those that are life sustaining is a splash of cold water on the construction industry. While the order has caused dismay in parts of the industry, it has removed uncertainty about how construction companies should react to the pandemic. This week I’ve talked to a lot of old friends/customers and talked more than a few off the ledge. There is some comfort in not having to make the tough choice between keeping people working and keeping people safe from infection.

This week definitely had the feel of the first week of the financial crisis in mid- September 2008. There was bad news every day and the whole thing is evolving rapidly. We’re in the fear phase of the crisis. We don’t know what’s about to happen and we don’t know what will solve the crisis. Judging from the data from other countries where the outbreak happened first, we’re going to get worse news next week and maybe worse the week afterwards. And that’s only if we get the ability to start testing widely. At the same time, the bad news about how the infection is spreading should not be a surprise. COVID-19 will behave much the same way in the U.S. as in other countries. After a few weeks, we will begin to accept the news and the fear of the unknown (at least) should recede.

There was an interesting graphic I saw this AM, maybe on Twitter? It showed the rapid increase in research on COVID-19, which looked very much like all the graphs on the rapid spread of the virus itself. There is a cottage industry of sorts blossoming in coronavirus articles. It reminds me of the flood of research and articles during the financial crisis, many of which had the same feel as those today that predict how this virus will develop. All of those articles – about the huge toxic asset balance, the trillions in CDOs, or the tidal wave of refinancing that would break the market in 2012 and 2013 – were based in reality in 2008. All were also ultimately wrong. Why? Things changed.

Setting aside articles written from one bias or the other, many well-meaning nand bright people are going to write predictions about how another wave of infections is coming, or how the virus will mutate and return in 2021, or how it will all blow over in 45 days. We don’t know enough about COVID-19 to make predictions. We also don’t know what will change with a little more time. Really smart people are trying to develop treatment or vaccines. Applying the same assumptions to this effort as if people were trying to develop an acne medicine is foolish. Maybe COVID-19 can’t be treated but the evidence suggests that a vaccine is possible. I’m betting that the trial period won’t be too long. Don’t put too much stock in predictions when we know things are going to change.

One article I do suggest you read is this article by a bunch of engineers and doctors that are trying to draw conclusions from what little data we have. The goal: buying more time.

Speaking of buying time, while you are waiting for the March/April BreakingGround to appear at your office, you can get a peak at it online at the Tall Timber Group website. We take a whack at trying to update you on the economy in a rapidly-changing environment.

Second Phase of Major AHN Construction Project Nearly Complete

Second Phase of Major AHN Construction Projects Nearly Complete
Second Phase of Major AHN Construction Projects Nearly Complete

Allegheny Health Network, much like their latest business partners UPMC, have kept busy in recent years with commercial real estate purchases and developments. One of these development projects is a new emergency department in the Jefferson Hospital in Jefferson HIlls, PA. This project is just one of multiple renovations and new construction projects currently underway under the Allegheny Health Network Banner. Today, we will review the details of the AHN Jefferson Hospital project, discuss some other recent AHN commercial real estate deals, and end with how these projects might impact CRE in our local Pittsburgh region.

Details on the Jefferson Hospital Expansion Project

Details on the Jefferson Hospital Expansion Project

According to Commercial Property Executive: “Highmark Health and Allegheny Health Network have completed Phase I of the new emergency department of AHN Jefferson Hospital in Jefferson Hills, Pa. The project cost $21 million and expanded the existing facility by 34,000 square feet. During the renovations, the hospital’s helipad was also relocated to the roof of the structure. Phase II, which is expected to complete in May 2020, will consist of modernizing the current emergency department space.”

The AHN Jefferson Hospital is home to nearly 400 doctors covering over 40 areas of practice. The new emergency department will consist of:

  • 44 private treatment and observation rooms
  • 7 central nursing pods
  • A more modern and spacious triage area focused on privacy
  • Advance CT and x-ray capabilities
  • Trauma rooms
  • Rooms specially designed for behavior health assessments and treatments

The AHN Jefferson hospital currently cares for over 50,000 patients in the Lower Mon Valley and South Hills areas. This latest round of renovations comes on the heels of a $17.5 million investment into a new surgical suite.

Recent Allegheny Health Network CRE Investments

Recent Allegheny Health Network CRE Investments

While the AHN Jefferson Hospital upgrades are ongoing, they are certainly part of a larger effort being put forth by AHN to modernize and invest in their medical facilities. Here are some other recent examples.

AHN Constructing Harmar Hospital

AHN broke ground on a new Harmer Hospital location on October 5, 2018. The site is still under construction, but is expected to open this fall. Construction on the site was delayed for six months, but kicked back into full gear in July of 2019. The new Harmar Hospital will be located at the intersection of Freeport Road and Guys Run Road, near Zone 28 (formerly Fun Fest). The site will operate as an emergency hospital with additional services including imaging, inpatient care, and a multitude of lab tests.

AHN Construction on New Wexford Hospital

As of October 24, 2019, the final beam was put into place for the brand new AHN Wexford Hospital. The 160-bed hospital is expected to open in 2021. According to Cynthia Hundorfean, AHN CEO and President, “When Wexford Hospital opens its doors, it will be the most technologically advanced and patient-centric acute care hospital in western Pennsylvania.” The hospital is being built in response to the rapid growth in Pine Township and the surrounding areas.

AHN Waterworks Outpatient Center

On a smaller scale, Allegheny Health Network has also committed time and resources into developing outpatient centers for local residents. The most recent of these investments went into the AHN Waterworks Outpatient Center. The center employees ~35 workers, and includes:

  • Gynecologist/obstetrician appointments with full ultrasound capabilities
  • Orthopedic care provided by Allegheny Orthopedic Associates
  • Primary care for adults and children
  • Cardiology care including echograms
  • Diagnostics services including blood tests, MRI, CT scans, 3-D mammography, and more
  • Express care service for non-emergency healthcare with no appointment necessary

How Medical Construction Impacts Western PA Commercial Real Estate

How Medical Construction Impacts Western PA Commercial Real Estate

Allegheny Health Network has been investing heavily into the local community, but how does that impact the local Pittsburgh commercial real estate market? While the full breadth of these major CRE investments is far reaching, here are a few primary takeaways:

Investment in local healthcare drives the local economy. It is well documented that greater healthcare investments lead to greater economic health. This has been shown to be true on both large and small scales. As AHN and UPMC continue to invest and improve our local healthcare resources, the population gets healthier, jobs are created, and the overall quality of life improves. This creates a stronger economy which in turn has a positive impact on commercial real estate in the area.

Greater healthcare services serve our aging population. Pennsylvania, like much of the US, has an aging population. As a greater percentage of our local population is 65 plus, the need for healthcare services increases. AHN investing in hospitals and outpatient centers allows the aging population to remain in their current areas. This increases the demand for housing, retail locations, and commercial real estate overall.

AHN is choosing to renovate defunct retail locations. On a more specific note, AHN and other local healthcare providers have been more willing to renovate/repurpose spaces in dead malls and other retail locations. This could be great news for CRE investors sitting on vacant retail spaces. At the end of the day, any CRE investments from our regional healthcare networks should be a shot in the arm to the commercial real estate market overall.

Pittsburgh’s Tech Boom is Driving the Local Real Estate Market

Pittsburgh’s real estate landscape has changed significantly since the slowdown of the manufacturing and steel industry decades ago. The influx of technology giants such as Uber and Google has brought a rise in the demand for both commercial and residential real estate. The low cost of property relative to cities like New York and San Francisco has been attracting companies such as Duolingo, a language learning app that moved its headquarters to Pittsburgh and subsequently put up billboards in San Francisco in 2018 advertising, “Own a Home. Work in Tech. Move to Pittsburgh.” Although plenty of attention has been paid to the effects of the tech industry on residential real estate, not as much as has been placed on commercial real estate.

Today, we will try to connect the dots between the influx of high profile tech companies, trends in local employee behaviors, and how this new Pittsburgh business atmosphere is having a major impact on the local commercial real estate market.

The Current State of Pittsburgh’s Tech Boom

Most of us in Western PA have noticed the recent boost in high tech presence in our local regions. Splitting from our historical business ventures like steel and coal, Pittsburgh is becoming an affordable alternative for tech companies who are no longer willing or able to pay for spaces in Silicon Valley, San Francisco, and other bloated commercial real estate markets.

Much of this tech boom is reliant on the rich talent pool being churned out by local universities. In particular, computer science, robotics, and other high tech programs at Carnegie Mellon University are routinely ranked amongst the best in the world. In recent years, companies like Google and Uber have been working hard to keep these young tech professionals in the local Pittsburgh area after graduation. Those efforts are starting to pay dividends.

Today, there are significantly more jobs (approximately 41%) in research and development than there are in iron and steel mills. Pittsburgh is also experiencing attention from investors. “SoftBank Group Corp (9984.T) last year led a $93 million investment in Pittsburgh-based AI company Petuum. Innovation Works recently hosted 30 Chinese investors interested in robotics and health care start-ups.”

Office Spaces for Google, Uber, Duolingo, and More

While there are many players in the technological revitalization of Pittsburgh, there are a few key players who are leading the way.

Google has long made massive investments in Pittsburgh, particularly with their Bakery Square office spaces. The refurbished Nabisco factory is a fitting transition from the old to the new. Much like Duolingo, Google has actively pursued bringing tech talent to the Pittsburgh area to live and work in the East End.

Uber employs thousands of workers in the Pittsburgh area, which of course does not include the drivers themselves. Perhaps more importantly, Uber has selected Pittsburgh as a research center for self-driving cars. This move ties the ridesharing tech giant to our region for years to come.

Duolingo was founded and is currently headquartered in Pittsburgh. In December, Duolingo became Pittsburgh’s first tech “unicorn” when a fundraising round pushed the company’s value above $1 billion. Rather than going the route of other tech giants and selecting our region as an affordable alternative, Duolingo has always been committed to revitalizing the Pittsburgh area. Duolingo employs 200 workers in local offices.

The Impact of Tech Companies on Commercial Real Estate in Pittsburgh

Beyond the obvious connection of tech companies’ presence being an injection to the local economy, here are some concrete ways in which tech companies have impacted the local commercial real estate industry:

  • Office jobs are on the rise: commercial real estate value for office spaces have been increasing as tech companies continue to occupy more and more space. Thousands of jobs were added in the summer of 2019 as a continuing trend of higher occupancy rates for local office space.
  • Tech companies are investing in properties: not all CRE impacts are directly related to office spaces. For example, Uber recently purchased 600 acres of commercial real estate in Findlay County, PA. This space is going to be used for a self-driving test track for their latest vehicles.
  • Tech workers are driving occupancy in apartment complexes: large multi-family CRE complexes have been going up around the Pittsburgh area, particularly in areas like East Liberty, Lawrenceville, and South of downtown. These complexes are being built in part to accommodate a rising number of tech employees in our area.
  • More tech investment = more local wealth: last but not least, it is undeniable that tech dollars drive local economies. A strong local economy often means a strong commercial real estate market.

Going Forward

There are no signs that the trend of high tech companies choosing Pittsburgh will slow any time soon. An industry-wide trend of shifting away from California and other west coast markets towards traditionally affordable markets is driving the tech industry overall. Other cities experiencing similar growth include Nashville, TN and Austin, TX. The Pittsburgh commercial real estate market has responded in turn, focusing more on offering high scale amenities at premium prices.

What remains to be seen is whether any other large companies like Amazon will set up additional headquarters in our area. Regardless, the effort to keep local talent and recruit local talent to our area will certainly continue to have a major impact on our economy and real estate markets.

Understanding Triple Net Lease (NNN) Agreements

Understanding the intricacies of different commercial real estate lease agreements allows investors, property managers, and lessees to come to an arrangement that is mutually beneficial. One common “special” type of lease arrangement for commercial real estate is known as a triple net lease or a NNN lease. These types of lease arrangements are typically utilized in situations where a single tenant rents out an entire space. While NNN leases are almost always for commercial real estate agreements, they apply to other real estate ventures as well.

With all of this in mind, today we will define triple net leases in detail, explain how they differ from standard leases, single net leases, and double net leases, and finally discuss why NNN leases can benefit both investors and tenants for medium to long term commercial real estate agreements.

What is a Triple Net Lease (NNN) Agreement?

As mentioned in the introduction, a triple net lease may also be called a NNN lease or a net-net-net lease. In a triple net lease agreement, “tenant(s) agree to pay the property expenses such as real estate taxes, building insurance, and maintenance in addition to rent and utilities.” In other words, the landowner will not be responsible for many, if any, maintenance expenses on the property during the term of the lease.

For a multitude of reasons, NNN leases are less common for short term leases. It is more common for triple net leases to range from 10 to 15 years with stipulations for rate increases over the term of the loan as appropriate. As we will discuss in greater detail below, the primary benefits of NNN leases are lower risk for investors/property owners and lower rates for lessees.

Single vs. Double vs. Triple Net Lease Agreements

Net leases are not necessarily an all or nothing proposition. Instead, there are also single and double net leases that are sometimes used to balance risk vs. cash flow. Here are the similarities and differences between single net leases, double net leases, and triple net leases:

Single net leases are less common than triple net leases, particularly for commercial real estate. According to investopedia.com, single net leases are when: “the landlord transfers a minimal amount of risk to the tenant, who pays the property taxes. This means any other expense—such as insurance, maintenance and repairs, and utilities—are the landlord’s responsibility. The landlord is also responsible for any maintenance and/or repairs that must be done during the course of the lease within the property.”

Double net leases are much more common for commercial real estate agreements. In double net leases, tenants are responsible for insurance premiums and property tax on top of their rent owed. Maintenance costs remain with the landowner.

Triple net leases put the biggest responsibility on the tenants, essentially making the tenants responsible for any ongoing fees and costs related to the property. These include all three of the costs discussed above: insurance premiums, property tax, and maintenance costs.

Gross vs. Net Leases for Commercial Real Estate

Of course, not all commercial real estate agreements are considered “net”. There are also gross leases in CRE in which the property owner maintains fully financial liability for the property during the course of the lease. All commercial real estate leases are considered either gross or net, with single, double, and triple net lease agreements being the differentiator for the degree of responsibility that will reside with the tenant(s).

Benefits of NNN Agreements for Commercial Real Estate Properties

This leads us to our last question: why are NNN leases preferable to other commercial real estate leases? The answer is that they aren’t preferable in all situations. All types of leases from gross to triple net lease arrangements have their share of benefits and risks. Here is a high-level checklist of the benefits of triple net leases:

  • NNN leases carry the lowest risk for investors. The primary benefit of a triple net lease from the perspective of the investor/property owner is the low risk. If insurance premiums go up or if a major repair is required, with a NNN lease, that onus falls on the tenant.
  • Triple net leases are more affordable for tenants. On the flip side, the selling point for NNN leases to tenants is their affordability. Lessened risk for the commercial real estate investor also means lower rental rates.
  • Triple net cap rates are easier to calculate. While this is all relative, calculating NNN cap rates is more reliable than calculating gross cap rates. This is tied into the concept of risk and a more reliable return on investment.

In Summary

Double and triple net leases are likely to remain an appealing option for commercial real estate investors and tenants for many years to come. In the right circumstances, NNN leases are mutually beneficial with their ability to reduce risk for investors and reduce total costs for tenants. Yet they are not appropriate for all CRE lease agreements. As with many decision-making processes, understanding all options available before entering into a commercial real estate lease agreement is a great way to make the best possible choice.

Construction Underway at Beaver Valley Mall

Recently, we discussed what commercial real estate investors were doing to solve the problem of America’s dead malls. As part of that article, one of the solutions which have effectively brought life back to struggling retail real estate is to invest in renovations or other related construction projects. The Beaver Valley Mall in Beaver County, PA has recently broken ground on a new construction effort. If successful, this revitalization could be a blueprint for other dying malls in the Western PA region.

Today, we will review some highlights of the Beaver Valley Mall, discuss the details of the newest construction project, and how this project might impact the local commercial real estate landscape.

CBRE Heads New Strip Mall Construction at the Beaver Valley Mall

Funded by commercial real estate giant CBRE, plans to redevelop a now-defunct Macy’s location are underway at the Beaver Valley Mall. The former site of a Macy’s megastore will be turned into a mini strip mall. This is part of a plan to redevelop large retail locations that were struggling in the region. This new mini strip mall is to be named The Shops at Beaver Valley Mall. JJO Construction started work on the first building in the fall of 2019.

As reported by timesonline.com: “The Shops at Beaver Valley Mall, which will include about 50,000 square feet of retail, office and service space with mall access available in various sizes. According to a CBRE press release, there will be nearly 27,000 square feet of retail space facing Brodhead Road. The Shops at Beaver Valley Mall will join other anchor tenants, such as JCPenney, Dick’s Sporting Goods, U-Haul, Rural King, Planet Fitness and Boscov’s.”

This is not the first renovation and/or construction effort that has recently taken place at the Beaver Valley Mall. Recent construction updates for restaurants and entertainment venues including escape rooms have been part of the shift away from large retail locations and towards smaller, more profitable business partners.

Beaver Valley Mall History and Current Climate

Beaver Valley Mall is located less than an hour north of downtown Pittsburgh. The location first opened in 1970 and boasts over 100 individual stores, a gym, restaurants, and is getting more involved in the entertainment space. Beaver Valley Mall is also dedicated to offering free programs and events for local community members and their families.

As with many American malls, Beaver Valley Mall enjoyed financial success through partnership with anchor tenants including JCPenney, Gimbels, The Joseph Horne Company, and Sears. The location of this latest construction, a now-empty Macy’s, is just one example of these retail giants struggling in the 21st century. Sears and Macy’s locations closed in 2016 and 2017 respectively.

Despite all of the hyperbole surrounding the detail of traditional retail, many malls remain successful. Recent history has shown that successful malls have been willing to make updates to both their facilities and their business model. With the recent backing of CBRE, Beaver Valley Mall is looking towards the future.

Following the Beaver Valley Mall Template

As a continuation of this point, Beaver Valley Mall is by no means in a unique situation. Other large, local malls such as Ross Park Mall, Monroeville Mall, and The Pittsburgh Mills, are all in relatively similar situations. In particular, the Galleria at the Pittsburgh Mills has an uncertain future. Despite promises by Mason Asset Management that renovations were high on the priority list, no action has yet been taken.

The four most recent tenants of the Pittsburgh Mills: Allegheny Health Network Citizens’ School of Nursing, Focus on the Arts, Chicken Connection, and Himalayan Salts Co, tell the story of a shift away from large retailers and towards alternative mall tenants. Many Western PA malls are considering what these new tenants might require from an infrastructure perspective.

Beaver Valley Mall is amongst the local commercial real estate leaders investing significant capital into their retail facilities. With backing from a well-financed organization such as CBRE and a commitment to investing in the space, local commercial real estate professionals and residents will be watching how this new construction effort pays dividends.

Going Forward

As all commercial real estate professionals know, there is not much room for waiting in this industry. As the retail space continues to evolve, so too will commercial real estate investors’ mindsets about malls and other large spaces. The process of revitalizing America’s dead malls is already well underway. In the local Western PA area, it remains to be seen which malls will be able to successfully adapt to a changing retail reality. The truth likely lies somewhere in between exaggerated reports of the demise of traditional retail and the rosy reports of modern retail evolutions.

The mall industry will need to adapt to changing consumer behaviors. Beaver Valley Mall is using a now-defunct mega-retail location as an opportunity to develop a location for multiple, smaller, more profitable tenants. Whether this investment will pay dividends remains to be seen. In either case, the success or failure of mall renovation projects will inform future decisions in our area.

Interest Rate Cut Boosts Housing Market, Other Pittsburgh Construction Market News

Right off the bat, let me offer a disclaimer about the Fed’s rate cut. It’s going to help certain (very limited) parts of the US economy but will do nothing to help with whatever economic headaches result from the coronavirus. You can read more of this rant in the Publisher’s Note of the March/April BreakingGround in a couple weeks. The economy doesn’t need stimulus. What will be needed is a safety net for those who get thrown out of work. That will probably be cheaper for us taxpayers and way more effective than measures that will mainly please big donors to political parties. The oil and gas industry is getting clobbered further because the Russians and Saudis have started an oil price war. If the coronavirus was cured tomorrow that wouldn’t change. Likewise, giving people payroll tax relief helps those who are on someone’s payroll, not those who are laid off. That’s the disclaimer. I didn’t say it would be short.

Cutting rates is bad overall for banking because it reduces bank interest income from lending. Rate cuts are good for banks and lenders, however, when the cuts stimulate mortgage loans. Boy, has last week’s cut worked in that regard. The Mortgage Bankers Association reported this morning that there was a 79% jump in refinancing activity since last week. SINCE. LAST. WEEK. Refinancing activity is up 479% compared to last year. Refinancing is a zero sum game, which in the long run reduces the interest income for lenders overall. But, in the meantime, a 479% increase in refinancing will mean a significant increase in fees associated with the new loans. And, for the consumer, the refinancing means a big improvement in the household balance sheet. Cost of home ownership is lower. There’s more discretionary income. Mortgage indebtedness is cut to 15 years or less for millions.

Source: Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

The Mortgage Bankers also reported that there had been a 6% increase in home purchase mortgage applications, which was a 12% increase year-over-year. That pales in comparison to refinancing applications but there isn’t a Realtor in America who wouldn’t take a 12% jump in home sales. Likely that increase would be greater if there was a normal inventory of homes for sale.

On to Pittsburgh construction contracts. The Builder’s Exchange is reporting that Mistick Construction is taking bids on its $13 million 49-unit Clairton Inn mixed-use project. PBX also reported that Watson Institute is taking bids from A. Martini & Co., PJ Dick and TEDCO. Turner Construction was awarded the $12 million Price Waterhouse TI at One Oxford Centre. PJ Dick will be the contractor for the $10 million conversion of the Roundhouse at Hazelwood Green. Volpatt Construction was awarded the $4 million Carnegie Library Downtown Branch renovation. Stevens and Chapman Corp are building the new 250,000 sq. ft. plant for AmeriPrecision Metals in Canonsburg. Landau is the CM for Grove City College’s $8 million library renovation. And in non-Pittsburgh construction news, Mascaro Construction is the CM for the $90 million Carolina Panthers headquarters and training center just south of Charlotte in Rock Hill, SC.

Renovations have Brought the US Steel Tower Back to Prominence in Pittsburgh

The US Steel Tower, also referred to as the Steel Building and the USX Tower, has been a trademark of the Pittsburgh skyline since its construction was completed in 1970. The building is now also known as the UPMC building, and has a long history of importance to the Pittsburgh people, identity, and economy. Recent renovations have breathed new life into the now 50-year-old building. Office spaces in Pittsburgh have become more decentralized in recent years with tech companies like Google and Uber electing to headquarter outside downtown offices.

With all of this in mind, today we will review the recent work being done on the US Steel building and what impact this might have on the building itself and downtown as a whole.

Details of Steel Tower Renovations

Although there is no onset of renovations, the US Steel Tower has undergone some major facelifts in the past months and years which will be noticeable to regulars in the area. Here are some of the highlights:

The US Steel Tower is now the second-largest LEED Silver Certified office building in the world

LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. While the US Steel Building may be thought of as a 50-year-old dinosaur, it is likely the most economically and technologically advanced building in downtown Pittsburgh. This is thanks to recent renovations aimed at efficiency and eco-friendliness.

The US Steel Tower renovations modernized the infrastructure

As a continuation of the above, the US Steel Tower has implemented a number of modern changes that improve cost and environmental inefficiencies. Modern renovations/improvements include retrofitting water supplies, sustainable energy practices, offering alternative transportation services, installing eco-friendly LED lights, installing eco-friendly HVAC products, and much more.

US Steel Building has renovated office spaces

As part of UPMC moving in, several large renovations took place to the office amenities of the US Steel Building. These renovations included:

  • Renovation of seven (7) full floors of office space to be used for UPMC headquarters
  • Changing cubicle like layouts to more modern designs including high-end, high-tech offices and support areas
  • Updates to the 60th floor “Center for Connected Medicine (CCM)”
  • Overall renovations to existing workspaces and offices

These renovations covered a total of 185,000 square feet over 11 months and were all part of the LEED silver certification process.

Pittsburgh Steel Building Facts

To understand why renovations of the US Steel Building are so significant to the local Pittsburgh economy and atmosphere, let’s look at some quick facts on the building itself.

  • The US Steel Building stands at approximately 841 feet tall, making it the 66th tallest building in the United States.
  • Those 841 feet are spread across 64 floors, which are mostly comprised of office space.
  • The single floor area equals 41,163 square feet, which is only ~2,000 square feet shy of a full acre.
  • The facilities include a 2,900,000 square foot grass area which is used as a local park for the public.
  • The US Steel Tower underbelly holds a three-level parking garage which can accommodate 700 cars.
  • The building holds 11,000 windows, 54 elevators, and boasts a massive lobby area with full amenities

List of Recent US Steel Tower Updates

In a five year period, over $60 million was invested into the US Steel Building in total renovations with no end date in sight. These changes include:

  • Lobby updates including renovations to many interior businesses
  • The addition of two (2) garage elevators
  • Newly installed brick and granite in the plaza area
  • A new fire alarm and security system
  • A new tenant and building sprinkler system
  • Renovated restroom facilities
  • Energy-efficient upgrades (as mentioned above) including closed water loops, HVAC upgrades, energy-efficient light installations, and more
  • Improved facilities to comply and exceed the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements
  • New infrastructure including improved electric distribution panels and “base building mechanical improvements”

Going Forward

For those of us native to Pittsburgh, the US Steel Tower is probably the building we think of when we think of the downtown area. While the name and ownership may have changed hands, the importance of this structure remains. Recent renovations have improved both the work lives of the office tenants within and the amenities for the public passing through the building for a bite to eat or just to take in the sights. With major backers including CBRE and Jamestown L.P., it is likely that we will continue to see investments being made into the tallest and most historic Pittsburgh skyscraper.

Will Cannabis Legalization Present CRE Investment Opportunities?

Will Cannabis Legalization Present CRE Investment Opportunities?

No matter what your personal views on the matter, the cannabis legalization discussion is here to stay. As of the writing of this article, marijuana is fully legal in 11 states and legal for medical use in over half the states in the US. Those numbers are not expected to diminish, with additional states considering full or partial cannabis legalization. What has followed has been a growth in a previously non-existent industry that has affected both micro and macro economics in the US. The question we now ask is: will cannabis legalization change the commercial real estate market?

To answer this question, today we will explore the current state of marijuana legislature as well as future projections, the likelihood that cannabis will become fully legalized in the state of Pennsylvania, and discuss how federal and state legislation on cannabis has and will continue to impact the CRE industry.

The Latest on Cannabis Legalization

First and foremost, the federal government considers marijuana a class 1 controlled substance. This puts marijuana at the same tier as LSD, heroin, ecstasy, peyote, and methaqualone.

There is nothing clear about the current state of cannabis legalization. So let’s stick with the facts. First and foremost, the federal government considers marijuana a class 1 controlled substance. This puts marijuana at the same tier as LSD, heroin, ecstasy, peyote, and methaqualone. While legislation has been proposed, the nationwide legalization of marijuana is likely very far off.

11 states have fully decriminalized marijuana

It should be noted that although we consider these states part of a group, their individual laws on cannabis regulation vary dramatically. What remains constant is that users must be over the age of 21, and distribution is still highly regulated. The states that have legalized marijuana include Washington, California, Maine, Michigan, Alaska, Nevada, Colorado, Oregon, Illinois, Massachusetts, and Vermont.

33 states currently allow the legal use of marijuana for medical purposes

33 states plus the District of Columbia allow residents to own and use marijuana when it is prescribed by a physician. Pennsylvania is one of these states. These laws become even cloudier than the “fully legal” 11 states listed above, as the medical red tape can be quite complex.

33 states plus the District of Columbia allow residents to own and use marijuana when it is prescribed by a physician. Pennsylvania is one of these states.

Fully illegal vs. decriminalized and beyond

For the 39 states that have not legalized marijuana, there are varying degrees of criminality associated with possession and distribution charges. Some states including Delaware, Connecticut, Maine, and New York, have reduced cannabis charges, meaning previous punishments have been diminished for those.

Will Cannabis be Legalized in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania’s laws on cannabis allow for medical use only. Unlike some other states, Pennsylvania has not enacted laws to decriminalize marijuana possession or distribution charges. As we discuss the possibility of the marijuana business impacting commercial real estate in our region, the next logical question becomes: how likely is it that cannabis will become legal in Pennsylvania?

The answer is as complex as you might imagine. Politicians including Governor Tom Wolf and Lieutenant Governor John Fetterman have both gone on record stating that they would consider the legalization of marijuana in the future. In the case of Fetterman, he is openly in favor of full legalization on the state and federal level.

Pennsylvania’s laws on cannabis allow for medical use only. Unlike some other states, Pennsylvania has not enacted laws to decriminalize marijuana possession or distribution charges.

Recent polls suggest that 59 percent of Pennsylvanians support the recreational use of marijuana. This is in stark contrast to a similar poll in 2006, in which only 22 percent of registered voters were in favor of recreational marijuana use becoming legal. The biggest considerations continue to be:

  1. Pennsylvania’s mix of conservative and liberal ideals clashing at the state levels and
  2. Money. If other states see a windfall from marijuana legalization (including commercial real estate), the likelihood of full legalization grows.

How Cannabis Legalization Has Impacted the Commercial Real Estate Market

The legal marijuana industry has already eclipsed $10 billion in the US. The cannabis market is potentially the fastest growing industry in the nation. Commercial real estate investment is a huge part of that growth. Here are a few ways in which marijuana impacts local CRE markets:

  • The demand exists for large facilities. Cannabis production facilities are quite large, and often include both farming and processing capabilities.
  • Regulations are a blessing and a curse. CRE investors would be wise to understand state and local laws before entering the cannabis arena. Cannabis producers must jump through hoops at the state level to gain site approval before beginning any type of production.
  • Cannabis retail is big business. Of course, production is only one side of the equation. Marijuana has a strong retail presence which has injected life into a stagnant retail market.
  • Local and state economies have been boosted by legal marijuana. Even if you want nothing to do with the cannabis industry, there is now sufficient evidence to make the claim the legalizing pot boosts the economy at the micro and macro level. As we know, stronger economies often create stronger CRE markets.

Going Forward

At the moment, legalized marijuana in Pennsylvania is all a hypothetical. The benefits of legalized marijuana for business and for commercial real estate are well documented. If and when our state (or the fed) chooses to adopt cannabis, there will certainly be an opportunity to pounce. The question going forward will become when that happens and what regulations will come along for the ride.

Construction Labor Shortage and Commercial Real Estate Projects

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Most commercial real estate professionals already know that there is a construction labor shortage in our country. This is true for major construction projects and renovations alike. There are a number of contributing factors which have caused this shortage which are likely to continue this shortage moving forward. As CRE professionals, this labor shortage has a material impact on construction deadlines, construction prices, and much more. 

 

Today, we will explore this topic by identifying the current state of the construction labor shortage, discuss what factors are causing the labor shortage, and finally how the construction labor issues are impacting and will continue to impact commercial real estate construction.

 

The Current State of the Construction Labor Shortage

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According to a new survey from the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) and Autodesk, 80 percent of construction firms say they are having a hard time filling hourly and craft positions – which represent the bulk of the industry’s workforce. That same report suggests that labor shortages are the biggest threats to the construction industry. By extension, that’s a significant risk for the commercial real estate industry as well.

 

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 263,000 available jobs in the construction industry as of June 2018. The BLS predicts that the number of available jobs will increase over the next 10 years faster than average, with an above average median annual wage. Estimates place the total number of construction jobs at about 7.2 million.

 

Perhaps the most telling statistic is that 79 percent of construction companies are looking to hire new employees this year, but many are having a difficult time finding workers with the appropriate skills. To make matters worse, the disparity between the need for skilled construction workers and the availability of skilled construction workers is expected to increase moving forward.

 

What is Causing the Construction Labor Shortage?

The construction labor shortage would perhaps be more appropriately called a skilled construction labor shortage. Yet the reasons for the labor shortage are diverse. Some of the primary reasons for the current construction labor shortage include:

 

The industry is still recovering from 2008

 

The Great Recession of 2008 shook the commercial real estate world. A healthy construction industry in the early and mid 2000’s was suddenly placed into a depression where workers were laid off and construction projects were slowed or canceled altogether. The CRE industry has since recovered, but in the 10 plus years since 2008, the construction industry has been less appealing to prospective workers, leading to a shortage.

 

A decline in young workers with the necessary skills

A steady stream of young men and women graduated from technical schools and other training institutions ready to come into the construction workforce up until 2008. The Great Recession made construction a much less appealing option, which essentially slowed the flow of students and the flow of new employees needed for skilled positions.

 

The construction industry has grown and worker supply can’t catch up

Last but not least, it would have been difficult for construction companies to keep up with new hires even if there was the same level of skilled workers entering the workforce. Consider the labor statistics cited in the previous section regarding how many available jobs there are in construction. 

 

How the Labor Shortage Impacts Commercial Real Estate Construction

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Recent estimates suggest that ~70 percent of contractors are having difficulties meeting deadlines due to labor shortages. This simple fact causes a number of trickle down effects including:

 

  • Overall construction costs are increasing
  • Skilled laborers being asked to do more work
  • Investors are unhappy with contractors and construction crews
  • New projects are being rejected by construction crews
  • Many more

 

Labor costs make up about half of any building construction budget. Perhaps more importantly, no construction project can be completed on time and on budget without the appropriate construction crew. Construction labor shortages have a direct impact on the viability of commercial real estate construction projects for new construction and renovations alike. 

 

One of the keys for CRE professionals in the current construction is being realistic about costs and timelines. Labor shortages are a bottleneck for any construction project. They are even more of a detriment for large scale, commercial real estate projects.

 

Going Forward

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All of the available data points towards the construction labor shortage continuing in the immediate future. It is likely that the market will balance itself out as wages rise and skilled construction jobs become more appealing to younger generations. The question moving forward will become when the scales tip and the workforce begins to fill the available jobs. It is also worth noting that while many economists are predicting an imminent recession, most predictions also lean towards the next recession being much less impactful on the commercial real estate market

 

It is likely that a long term, stable construction labor demand will sort itself out. In the meantime, construction crews and commercial real estate investors alike will do well to understand how the labor shortage will impact construction costs, construction timelines, etc.

More About COVID-19 and Construction

Now that that Coronavirus (COVID-19) has become a political football, it’s worth noting two things: 1) it’s clearly going to have an economic impact, maybe a significant one; 2) we know very little about it.

The second point makes the first point more uncertain.

That point was driven home to me yesterday at the quarterly meeting of the Federal Reserve Bank’s Business Advisory Committee in Pittsburgh. The Fed representatives were very interested in what impact COVID-19 was having on businesses thus far. Representatives from US Steel, Calgon Carbon, and CBRE shared information that shed some light. Again, the most important information shared was that there is little information to share. Because the virus was first detected in China, the reliability of the information is suspect to a degree. Some other places that have begun to experience outbreaks, like Iran, have proven to be less reliable still. Here are some of the things that came out of the discussion:

  • The virus is most dangerous to the elderly and person with compromised systems.
  • Of the 80,000 cases identified, 18,000 have already recovered to full health.
  • Disruptions to the supply chain from China and Asia have already occurred
  • US corporations have begun to implement travel bans. This will accelerate as cases of COVID-19 multiply in the U.S.
  • US corporations have begun to make contingency plans for employees to work from home or stay home.

The latter point is the most relevant for the construction industry in Pittsburgh. Even if nobody from Western PA becomes infected with COVID-19, many construction projects will experience delays in decision-making by owners that simply have higher priorities than capital project approvals. What we’ve learned from the small sample size of the supply chain thus far is that building products will be impacted, especially since U.S. manufacturers trimmed inventories at the end of 2019. Equipment and building products have as many as 20% of the subcomponent supply chain made in China. Japanese and other Asian manufacturers are about 40% reliant upon China for components. Construction projects will be impacted, including those in Pittsburgh.

What is really unknown at this point is the penetration of the virus into the U.S. Americans mostly avoided the SARS virus a decade ago but COVID-19 seems more difficult to contain. A pandemic that last a few months, even if it proves to be less deadly, is going to drain economic activity, which will slow the construction market.

Panic about COVID-19 seems unjustified. Concern about the effect on the economy does not. Read more in the first portion of JLL’s Economic Insights

In construction news, Allegheny County Airport Authority awarded the first major bid packages for the airport’s Terminal Modernization Program. Independence Excavating was awarded a $20.9 million contract for the early access site general construction. Mosites Construction was awarded a $20.7 million contract for upgrades to the PA Turnpike Allegheny Tunnel. Rycon Construction was awarded the $4.9 million AGH Genomic Lab. Rycon will also be building the $38 million, 220-unit 23rd & Railroad Apartments for SteelStreet Capital. PSU approved a contract with Turner Construction for the $112 million Liberal Arts Building at University Park. Jendoco Construction was awarded the $5.7 million Forker Lab Building at PSU-Shenango. University of Pittsburgh selected Turner for the $5 million Brain Institute Lab fitout at BST3. A.M. Higley was awarded a contract for the $9 million Convention Center Green Roof Phase 2. Uhl Construction was awarded the $5 million expansion/renovation to Lithia Motors South Hills Subaru. AHN selected Volpatt Construction for the $3.5 million Allegheny Valley Hospital 2D renovation. Swartz Builders is building a 140,000 square foot fabrication shop for Hranec Sheet Metal in German Township, Fayette County.

Pitt took proposals from Mascaro, Massaro, PJ Dick, Rycon & Volpatt on $3 million Langley Hall renovation. PJ Dick, Massaro & Turner were among the CMs proposing on PWC’s 70,000 square foot tenant improvements at One Oxford Center.