Commons at Thorn Hill
A landmark public–private partnership that delivered high-demand flex space to one of Pittsburgh’s strongest innovation corridors.
The Commons at Thorn Hill consists of two 48,000 square foot flex office buildings developed on one of the last remaining sites within RIDC’s Thorn Hill Industrial Park. Positioned at a key gateway in Cranberry Township with exceptional visibility along the PA Turnpike, the Commons provides adaptable, single-story workspace for companies operating at the intersection of engineering, technology, and advanced services. Today, the buildings are home to respected regional and national firms including Sepro America, Tescan, Corry Micronics, Home Depot, and Hub Parking Technology, underscoring their appeal to best-in-class operators.
Impact in Numbers
At-a-glance metrics for this property, including total square feet, year completed, and Elmhurst’s ownership period.
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Where Public–Private Collaboration Delivered Needed Industrial Capacity
The Commons at Thorn Hill grew directly out of Elmhurst’s longstanding relationship with the Regional Industrial Development Corporation (RIDC), a nonprofit catalyst responsible for shaping some of Pittsburgh’s most important industrial parks. When RIDC sought a trusted private partner to deliver modern flex space in Thorn Hill—an area experiencing rising demand but lacking available Class-A industrial product—they turned to Elmhurst.
This collaboration was built on years of mutual respect and a shared commitment to strengthening the region’s employment base. The success of the Commons not only filled a market gap for high-quality flex space but also demonstrated the strength of Elmhurst and RIDC’s partnership, ultimately leading RIDC to deepen its commitment in a subsequent joint development: Heights at Thorn Hill. Together, these projects support a diverse ecosystem of robotics firms, engineering companies, and industrial service providers that fuel job creation in Pittsburgh's northern suburbs.
A High-Demand Flex Development Born From Relationship-Driven Origination
For investors, the Commons exemplifies Elmhurst’s ability to originate opportunities before they reach the broader market. The Thorn Hill site became available to Elmhurst not through bidding or speculation, but through RIDC’s confidence that Elmhurst could deliver a best-in-class development that met both market need and community priorities.
Built in two phases, the project benefits from steady tenant demand, regional population and job growth in Cranberry Township, and the ongoing need for convertible flex space that accommodates both office and light industrial work. Fully leased to high-quality tenants, the Commons reflects Elmhurst’s disciplined development approach—balancing conservative underwriting with strategic partnership to unlock lasting value.
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