“We’re basically going to put this park on Steroids!” That’s the word from Paul Silvis one of the partners in a new development group that’s taking over the Benner Business Park.
The Chamber of Business and Industry of Centre County says it’s selling the park to a consortium of State College investors including Silvis, Heidi Nicholas and Bob Poole. The trio joined together to form the Bellefonte-State College I-99 Partnership.
The 110 acre property is located at the interchange of I-99 and State Route 150.
Silvis says they’ve reached an agreement to buy the business park although the final details are still being worked out. A sales price has not been made public.
The mixed-use business park was designed to attract new businesses to Centre County. It was set up several years ago by the Centre County Industrial Development Corporation, a subsidiary of the CBICC.
So far, two businesses have agreed to move operations to the business park; SilcoTek, which is run by Silvis, and Cleveland Brothers Equipment.
The CBICC blames the recession and a changing real estate market for turning the venture into a “financial burden”, leading to the decision to sell. It says the sale will allow the organization to “further execute its vision and ventures.”
Silvis says his partners are entrepreneurs and will be able to move quickly to put together deals. One of the groups first priorities is to start an aggressive marketing plan. For starters, Silvis points out there needs to be a sign in front of the business park showing which lots are available. Silvis served on the CBICC committee that originally developed the business park and looks forward to working with the CBICC as the project moves forward. He says, “i want to see this continue the original vision.”
“This partnership is truly a win-win-win for the community, the Bellefonte State College I99 Partnership, and the CBICC,” Vern Squier said in a news release. Squier is president and CEO of the CBICC.
“The park is now a major asset in the community’s economic development program. The CBICC embraces Bob, Heidi and Paul as clearly proven experts in the final facet of the park’s build out. Their skills will be critical in maximizing the park’s ultimate value to the community.”
Bob Poole, President and CEO of Poole Anderson Construction and S&A Homes, believes the business park will bring tremendous benefits to the region. “We think the build out of this property will result in economic benefits to Centre County, including but not limited to job growth and development,” he says.
Adds Silvas, “We’re going to make this thing work.”
And for any businesses looking for a new home, Silvis says, “If anyone is interested I’ll be down there.”
