As Philly-area construction has slowed, builders are shifting to data centers and military projects
Construction in the Philadelphia area is shifting away from traditional sectors like "eds and meds" and apartments towards heavy industry, including data centers and military projects, due to financing challenges and market demand. Data centers are attracting significant capital despite local opposition in parts of Pennsylvania. Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle L. Parker's administration is supporting this industrial pivot by streamlining permits.
The Philadelphia-area construction industry is experiencing a significant shift, moving away from traditional sectors like colleges, hospitals, and apartment buildings towards heavy industrial developments, particularly data centers and military projects. Ed DeAngelis, founder of Bensalem-based EDA Contractors Inc., noted a regional slowdown and a shift towards private credit for financing. Dan Fitzpatrick, head of the Mid-Atlantic and Midwest regions for Citizens Bank, confirmed the trend towards industrial projects, observing a