PA BAR Association (PBA)
Facilities Planning | Disposition Strategy | Tenant Advisory
The Pennsylvania Bar Association (PBA) and its continuing legal education arm, the Pennsylvania Bar Institute (PBI), needed to realign their real estate portfolio to reflect post-COVID workplace changes and the shift to virtual learning. With multiple Harrisburg-area properties – including a 30,000 SF facility in Cumberland County – the organization engaged Landmark Commercial Realty to streamline its footprint, unlock equity, and transition into a more efficient headquarters.
Project Profile
| SUMMARY | |
|---|---|
| Client: | PA BAR Association (PBA) |
| Employees: | ± 75 |
| New HQ Location: | 1215 Manor Road, Mechanicsburg |
| Unit Size: | 7,900 SF |
Landmark Commercial Realty delivered a comprehensive suite of services to support the Pennsylvania Bar Association’s transition. This included portfolio and facilities planning to evaluate real estate needs, strategic marketing and disposition of the 5080 Ritter Road property, tenant representation and lease negotiation for the new headquarters space, and full transition management to align settlement and occupancy timelines.
Services Provided:
- Portfolio & Facilities Planning
- Property Disposition & Marketing
- Tenant Representation & Lease Negotation
- Lease Structuring & Negotiation
- Transition Management & Timing Coordination
Key Objectives
As part of a strategic effort to optimize operations and resources, PBA set out to right-size its workspace, transition to a leased facility, and maintain uninterrupted operations, all while unlocking the equity tied up in its real estate to support mission focused priorities.
🏢 Rightsize Operations
Reduce from 30,000 SF to a more efficient footprint.
🔁 Maintain Continuity
Ensure uninterrupted operations throughout the relocation process.
🛠️ Shift to Leased Space
Exit property ownership while securing a long-term lease
💸 Release Equity
Unlock capital tied up in real estate to reinvest into mission-focused priorities.
Our Approach
Landmark’s relocation strategy blended real estate advisory, space planning, and project execution – delivered through a collaborative team. A dual-track site search gave PBA options and leverage while keeping timelines flexible. When their top-choice space was withdrawn from the market, Landmark pivoted quickly to a strong alternative.
Brokerage Actions
Michael Curran, SIOR served as the brokerage lead, overseeing the market execution side of the project. He guided the Pennsylvania Bar Association through the sale of its 30,000 SF property at 5080 Ritter Road by launching and managing a competitive market process that attracted multiple buyers, ultimately securing Select Capital Commercial Properties.
In parallel, Mike identified and negotiated a strategic off-market lease opportunity with Linlo Properties, ensuring the association transitioned into a fully furnished, turnkey headquarters at 1215 Manor Drive. His role ensured PBA captured strong value in the disposition, while also securing a cost-effective, long-term lease solution that aligned perfectly with the sale timeline.
Occupier Strategy & Workplace Design
Colleen Erickson, NCIDQ, led the facility planning and portfolio strategy side of the engagement. She worked with PBA to assess its full real estate footprint, analyzing how post-COVID workplace shifts and virtual continuing education impacted long-term space needs. Colleen helped right-size the organization from 30,000 SF to 7,900 SF, aligning operations with efficiency goals while maintaining continuity of service.
By focusing on functionality, space utilization, and workplace design, she ensured that the new headquarters met PBA's operational requirements while reducing overhead and supporting financial stewardship.
Tenant Solutions
Landmark guided the Pennsylvania Bar Association through a comprehensive tenant advisory process, aligning real estate strategy, facility planning, and market execution to deliver a right-sized, cost-effective, and seamless headquarters transition.
Portfolio Strategy
- Evaluated four separate properties across Harrisburg and Cumberland County.
- Considered how post-COVID workplace changes and virtual education impacted space needs.
- Balanced operational efficiency with long-term financial stewardship.
- Developed a right-sizing roadmap to align real estate with the association’s mission.
Facility Planning
- Reduced overall footprint from 30,000 SF to 7,900 SF.
- Matched space utilization to actual staffing and operational requirements.
- Integrated design considerations for a fully furnished, plug-and-play environment.
- Focused on lowering overhead while supporting future flexibility.
Property Disposition
- Launched a competitive marketing process for 5080 Ritter Road.
- Attracted multiple qualified buyers, enhancing negotiating leverage.
- Secured Select Capital Commercial Properties as the purchaser.
- Freed up equity to reinvest into PBA’s core mission.
Site Selection & Lease Negotiation
- Identified an off-market turnkey opportunity at 1215 Manor Drive.
- Negotiated favorable lease terms to eliminate ownership responsibilities.
- Ensured the space was fully furnished and move-in ready.
- Anticipated availability and synchronized timing with the property sale.
Seamless Transition
- Aligned settlement of the sale with occupancy of the new headquarters.
- Minimized downtime by coordinating closely with landlord and buyer.
- Delivered a smooth transition without operational disruption.
- Reduced relocation and transition costs through strategic timing.
