MRA Group Announces Merck’s Long-Term Lease for 470,000-Square-Foot Biotech Facility at Chestnut Run Innovation & Science Park
The new facility marks the latest in many exciting developments underway at CRISP as the MRA Group continues to execute its vision for a world-class research, development, and manufacturing campus.
WILMINGTON, Del. — MRA Group (MRA), a privately held real estate development and services firm, is proud to announce that Merck (NYSE: MRK), known as MSD outside of the United States and Canada, has selected Chestnut Run Innovation & Science Park (CRISP) as the future home of its approximately 470,000-square-foot biotech facility. This major investment marks a defining moment for CRISP and further advances MRA’s mission to transform the 164-acre Wilmington campus into the region’s premier multi-tenant innovation hub.
As the site developer, MRA will work in conjunction with Merck to bring Merck Wilmington Biotech to life—a facility capable of producing antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), a next-generation class of targeted cancer therapies, as well as other life-saving treatments. Merck’s presence at CRISP is another significant milestone for the campus and reflective of MRA’s vision when it began reimagining the former DuPont property into a dynamic center for scientific innovation and collaboration.
“Merck’s selection of CRISP validates the long-term strategy we’ve committed to at MRA—building environments that foster innovation, attract world-class companies, and deliver long-term value to communities,” said Mike Wojewodka, President of MRA Group. “This is more than a single project; it’s confirmation that CRISP is a preferred destination within the region’s life sciences cluster. Our ability to attract and retain best-in-class organizations that are leading innovation and manufacturing for the future is something much larger for Wilmington and the life sciences ecosystem we’re growing here.”
Expected to be complete and operational by 2030, the Merck facility will include laboratories, manufacturing suites, and logistics space. The facility will create approximately 500 new jobs and deepen the pool of opportunities for regional talent, especially given CRISP’s proximity to top academic institutions across Delaware and Pennsylvania.
“Today’s announcement is a testament to the vision and leadership behind CRISP. Thanks to MRA’s work, CRISP is quickly becoming a premier destination for life sciences, research and development, and pharmaceutical manufacturing,” said Delaware Governor Matt Meyer. “Companies like Merck see what we’re building here and across Delaware — a place where innovation thrives, jobs grow, and life-changing cancer breakthroughs are possible."
The facility is the latest in a growing pipeline of strategic developments underway at CRISP. With more than 1.3 million square feet of redevelopment approved, planned, and completed, MRA is focused on creating an all-inclusive innovation campus where industry leaders, innovators, and researchers thrive side by side. Amenities include a new Marriott Residence Inn, which recently broke ground, a childcare center that has opened and is actively enrolling students, a fitness center, as well as community green spaces that enable tenants and visitors to benefit from a fully integrated, modern work-life experience.
About MRA Group
MRA Group (MRA), based in Horsham, PA, is a privately held, vertically integrated real estate development and client services firm servicing the healthcare, higher education, and life sciences sectors. Founded in 1991 by MRA’s founding partner, Lawrence J. Stuardi, MRA prides itself on maintaining the same high level of integrity and excellence that led to its recognition as one of the most respected real estate firms in the Mid-Atlantic region. With over 34 years of value-add and ground-up development experience, and providing a full suite of real estate solutions to our clients, MRA has developed and continues to manage more than 4.5 million square feet of medical, life sciences, and office real estate. The company has also structured over $4.5 billion of financial transactions. A few recent and notable development projects include Spring House Innovation Park (SHIP), the Medical Building at 201 Veterans Way, and the Lab at the University of Pennsylvania's Pennovation Works Campus. Learn more at www.mragroup.net.