MRA Group signed a long-term lease for headquarters, research and laboratory facilities at Chestnut Run Innovation & Science Park (CRISP).
The suburban Philadelphia company recently acquired the DuPont site west of Wilmington.
Prelude Therapeutics Incorporated will become the first major tenant at CRISP, aside from DuPont which is currently leasing about 190,000 square feet on the campus.
Prelude, a publicly-traded company, is based at Delaware Innovation Space, a start-up center at the nearby DuPont Experimental Station. Innovation Space partners are the State of Delaware, DuPont, and the University of Delaware. Prelude is developing cancer drugs with trials in their early stages.
Mike Wojewodka, MRA Group executive vice president and partner, said “Activity has been brisk, with a significant pipeline of prospects looking at the various options on the campus.”
“Since our founding in 2016, Prelude Therapeutics has proudly contributed to the growth of an evolving biotech hub in the Wilmington area,” said Kris Vaddi, Ph.D., CEO. “We believe our planned state-of-the-art office and lab space, and centrality to a life sciences campus will enable us to continue attracting top-tier, diverse talent to our exceptional team. We look forward to establishing our new headquarters in Chestnut Run as we continue to advance our pipeline of potentially transformative medicines for people living with underserved cancers. We thank the State of Delaware for its ongoing investment in building an entrepreneurial and connected business community.”
“This is great news,” stated Delaware BioScience Association President Michael Fleming. “Prelude Therapeutics’ decision to make their new long-term home at CRISP underlines the significant momentum and opportunity in the Delaware life sciences sector. Prelude’s new, expanded presence in that exciting site will undoubtedly be a magnet for more innovative science companies there and in other great locations, our state offers. Most importantly, we should remember this significant investment and the new jobs it has the potential to create is all focused on the hard but noble work of developing breakthrough therapies for patients with some of the most difficult and deadly cancers, and for that we should be grateful. We look forward to continuing to partner with the MRA Group to ensure CRISP flourishes as a thriving hub of scientific investment.”
“This is how we win the future,” said New Castle County Executive Matt Meyer. “A homegrown, innovative advanced sciences startup is choosing to stay home, thanks to the investment of MRA Group and the collaborative efforts of state and county governments and the Delaware Prosperity Partnership.”
The construction of Prelude Therapeutics’ new headquarters is included in the initial phase of MRA’s $500 million redevelopment plan for the campus. Other plans include creating additional R&D laboratories, and advanced manufacturing space, as well as amenities such as a hotel, a fitness center, conference space, an outdoor amphitheater, and accommodations for food services including restaurants and eateries. Further information is availabale at www.crisp-campus.net
