The rental rate and terms of the lease are undisclosed. However, according to published reports when Gerard H. Sweeney, Brandywine's president and CEO, announced plans for Cira Centre, the rates were estimated at between $30 and $38 per sf. In addition, Cira Centre is a designated Keystone Opportunity Zone, which forgives tenants' state and city taxes until 2018.

SCA has annual sales of $12 billion worldwide and currently employs 100 at its Pennsylvania headquarters. "SCA was looking to relocate its North American headquarters to a facility that is appropriate for a world-class company," says Colin Williams, president of SCA North America. "We believe Cira Centre makes the right statement about our company. In addition, SCA will continue to grow in this region as well as expand its market presence throughout North America."

"This lease validates our region-wide and Northeast corridor marketing strategy," says Sweeney. "This relocation will provide new jobs to the city and the region. With this lease, the vision of University City becoming a 24/7 destination for residents and businesses is one step closer to becoming a reality," he adds.

John Shelly and Larry Maister of the local office of Trammell Crow Co. represented SCA in the negotiations. Renowned architect Cesar Pelli designed Cira Centre, and the local office of Turner Construction was awarded the $116-million construction contract. Two Center City law firms, Dechart and Woodcock Washburn, are the anchor tenants with 245,000 sf and 109,000 sf, respectively. Plymouth Meeting, PA-based Attalus Capital is relocating its headquarters to 20,000 sf there. Completion is scheduled for fourth quarter 2005.