This investment reflected a disciplined leasing strategy with strong alignment between ownership objectives, market dynamics, and business plan execution. With 79 North being our first investment in Pittsburgh, Genfor’s in-depth knowledge of the market, strong tenant and broker relationships, and consistent ability to get deals across the finish line were critical to our ability to deliver on our investment strategy.
– Al Corr, Senior Vice President
Endurance Real Estate
79 North Industrial Park: A Decade of Strategic Partnership and Value Creation
For ten years, Genfor Real Estate has served as the continuous leasing advisor for 79 North Industrial Park, guiding the asset through multiple ownership transitions, evolving market conditions, and two successful institutional sales. What began as a challenging stabilization assignment ultimately became a long-term partnership centered on disciplined execution, strategic positioning, and sustained value creation.-
Overlook Drive, Sewickley (Aleppo Township), PA 15143
-
Landlord Representation (10+ years) - Leasing + Investment Sales
-
397,440 SF Multi-Tenant Industrial Park with 6 Buildings and 10.5 Acres of Secured Parking
-
40+ Leases Totaling 750,000+ SF
-
2 institutional sales totaling over $91M
-
$3.3M in strategic one-off building and land dispositions
-
Submarket - Northwest / I-79
- Ownership: Sun Life, Endurance Real Estate, One Liberty Properties
2016-2019: STABILIZATION & $38M DISPOSITION
When 79 North was brought to market in 2015 amid 40% vacancy and significant rollover risk, buyer engagement was limited. In 2016, SunLife engaged Rich Gasperini and Mateo Villa to stabilize occupancy, rebuild market credibility, and position the asset for sale. Through targeted tenant outreach, renewal negotiations, coordinated capital improvements, and proactive broker engagement, the asset was transformed and brought to a successful disposition within three years. Our team partnered with CBRE National Partners as the local leasing and market advisor throughout the capital markets process.
Results (3-Year Advisory Partnership):
-
Asset repositioned to institutional-quality
-
Occupancy increased from 60% to 99%
-
Key renewals secured and income stabilized
- $38,000,000 investment sale in 2019
2019-2025: VALUE CREATION & $53.5M EXIT
Following the 2019 acquisition, Endurance Real Estate retained Genfor to provide leasing continuity and local market expertise in their first Pittsburgh investment. The strategy shifted from stabilization to performance optimization — driving rent growth, activating development opportunities, and selectively monetizing assets. Working closely with ownership and property management, Genfor executed a comprehensive portfolio-wide leasing strategy while advancing strategic capital improvements. 2025 was identified as the optimal exit window, and Genfor again collaborated with CBRE National Partners on the sale.
Results (6-Year Advisory Partnership):
-
Significant rental rate growth during hold period
-
Strong occupancy sustained through market volatility
-
$3.3M in one-off building and land dispositions
- $53,500,000 investment sale in 2025
2025-FORWARD: CONTINUED PARTNERSHIP
In December 2025, One Liberty Properties acquired 79 North — marking its first industrial investment in Western PA. After working closely with Genfor throughout the underwriting and acquisition process, ownership retained Genfor as the exclusive leasing advisor, reinforcing the value of a long-term advisory relationship and hands-on, strategic execution.
Pittsburgh Business Times Article
79 North Industrial Park Website
Contact:
Mateo Villa, Vice President
Genfor Real Estate
Cell: 412-715-3454
Direct: 412-564-0754
mvilla@genforrealestate.com
