Ensemble/Mosaic to Develop $2.5B Philadelphia Navy Yard Project

PHILADELPHIA, PA – Philadelphia’s public-private economic development corporation, PIDC has executed an agreement to provide Ensemble Real Estate Investments and Mosaic Development Partners with exclusive development rights for 109 acres of land at Philadelphia’s Navy Yard.

The partners’ agreement launches a $2.5 billion development plan within the Navy Yard, which will create thousands of construction and permanent jobs. PIDC serves as master developer of the Philadelphia Navy Yard.

The agreement was initially announced last July and aims to further establish and expand the former military base into an inclusive mixed-use community.

Phase one of the project will comprise the $400 million development of two advanced life sciences buildings, as well as significant residential and hospitality initiatives.

For the development, Ensemble/Mosaic will construct a 100,000-square-foot speculative laboratory and office development, located at 1201 Normandy Place, which is expected to be delivered by late 2022. Designed by DIGSAU in collaboration with CRB, 1201 Normandy Place will encompass a four-story facility with 30,000-square-foot floor plates, targeting LEED Gold certification.

The partners will concurrently market a site located at 333 Rouse Blvd., which is able to accommodate a 120,000-square-foot, build-to-suit facility for opportunities with current good manufacturing practice manufacturers. The preliminary concept for 333 Rouse Blvd. comprises a 120,000-square-foot facility, featuring office space, laboratory, manufacturing, warehousing and mechanical space for plant and critical utilities.

Once the phase one buildings are complete, the Navy Yard will comprise more than one million square feet of life sciences space.

Ensemble/Mosaic ultimately plans to bring 3,000 residential units and nearly three million square feet of life science manufacturing, R&D, office, hotels, makerspace and retail space, upon completion.

“Execution of the development agreement with Ensemble and Mosaic and commencement of their initial life sciences projects will launch the next exciting chapter of development at the Navy Yard,” states Kate McNamara, SVP of PIDC. “Expanding this vibrant life sciences hub will bring high-quality jobs to the Navy Yard, support growing companies in the advanced life sciences sector and contribute to development of this dynamic campus that is already home to 15,000 employees. Equally exciting, our agreement includes one of the most intentional and inclusive economic opportunity initiatives in the history of this city.”

The development is being led by Ensemble’s SVP and regional director, Brian Cohen and SVP of development, Mark Seltzer, alongside Mosaic owners and co-founders, Greg Reaves and Leslie Smallwood-Lewis.

Within the Navy Yard, Ensemble has developed, acquired or is in development of 14 properties, totaling 1.3 million square feet, across more than 45 acres.

“Our partnership with Mosaic and PIDC will expand the region’s full spectrum life sciences ecosystem, providing space for companies from early-stage R&D through commercialization,” says Ensemble’s Cohen. “Our experience as the largest private owner at the Navy Yard and the second largest private owner of lab space in the city of Philadelphia has been critical to our ability to understand and plan for this ambitious endeavor.”

“For the last eight years, Mosaic has built profitably with community and cultural sensitivity in mind, and this project is in many ways a culmination of our experience to date,” says Mosaic’s Smallwood-Lewis. “The next phase of development Navy Yard represents a unique opportunity to build community and add density, while making the most of the waterfront access and incredible open spaces that have already grown in use and importance during this past year. It is an exciting time, and we are pleased to partner with PIDC and Ensemble in this effort.”