Scranton’s commercial real estate market continues to evolve as Northeast Pennsylvania attracts new employers and logistics users. The Scranton–Wilkes-Barre–Hazleton metro recorded an industrial vacancy rate near 4.5% in 2023, reflecting sustained demand for warehouse and light manufacturing space that often drives supporting office, infrastructure, and service construction. Local employment has also been resilient, with the Scranton–Wilkes-Barre metro averaging about 265,000 nonfarm jobs in 2023, underpinning demand for institutional facilities and transit improvements. At the same time, construction costs in Pennsylvania have risen in line with national trends, with material and labor indices increasing by roughly 30% between 2020 and 2023, putting a premium on careful budgeting and experienced project delivery.
Against this backdrop, Scranton property owners, public agencies, and businesses need commercial contractors who understand regional codes, infrastructure priorities, and existing building stock. From adaptive reuse of historic structures to new transit and office facilities, the right general contractor can coordinate design teams, navigate permitting, and keep complex jobs on schedule despite inflationary and supply chain pressures. The following Scranton-area firms have verifiable experience in commercial and institutional work, including office, transit, and broader general contracting services. Their track records in Lackawanna and surrounding counties make them strong candidates for organizations planning to invest in new construction, expansions, or substantial renovations in and around Scranton.
L.R. Costanzo Construction Services Co., Inc.
Address: 20 Railroad Avenue, Scranton, PA 18505
L.R. Costanzo Construction Services Co., Inc. is a Scranton-based contractor with experience ranging from historical renovations to contemporary office and institutional projects. The company positions itself as a full-service builder capable of handling preconstruction planning, general contracting, and construction management for public and private clients. Its portfolio includes work on office environments, specialty interiors, and complex building systems, reflecting familiarity with modern workplace requirements as well as older structures typical of Northeastern Pennsylvania. With leadership and operations rooted in the Scranton area, the firm brings local code knowledge and relationships with regional trade partners, which can help mitigate schedule risks and coordination challenges on larger projects. This blend of historic renovation expertise and ground-up commercial construction makes the company a fit for owners seeking technically competent delivery in Lackawanna County.
Notable Commercial Project — COLTS Transit Facility, Lackawanna County
L.R. Costanzo served as general contractor for Lackawanna County’s County of Lackawanna Transit System (COLTS) new transit facility, a large-scale institutional project that illustrates the firm’s commercial capabilities. The facility is approximately 115,000 square feet with a construction value reported at about $60 million, encompassing administrative offices, maintenance areas, and transit operations spaces. Delivering a project of this size required coordination of structural work, mechanical and electrical systems, and site improvements within a publicly funded framework. The job demonstrates the firm’s ability to work with public agencies, comply with stringent regulatory and safety standards, and manage budget-sensitive construction. For Scranton owners considering similarly complex office, operations, or transportation-related facilities, this project provides a concrete example of the company’s capacity to complete large institutional builds.
M.C. Gerard Inc.
Address: 620 W Market Street, Scranton, PA 18508
M.C. Gerard Inc. is a Scranton-based general contractor serving Lackawanna and surrounding counties with a mix of construction and masonry services. The firm’s portfolio includes structural and finish work such as concrete, brick, and block, along with interior renovations like kitchen and bath remodels that translate well into small commercial and light institutional upgrades. By handling both general contracting and masonry in-house, the company can streamline scopes that involve envelope work, façade repair, or structural alterations. Its local address and long-standing regional presence make it familiar with municipal review processes and local supplier networks. For Scranton businesses and property owners planning renovations, tenant improvements, or modest expansions, M.C. Gerard’s combined general and masonry expertise can provide a practical, cohesive approach to project delivery.
Notable Commercial Project — Representative Renovation and Masonry Work
M.C. Gerard’s commercial capabilities are reflected in its general contracting and masonry projects that involve reconfiguring and upgrading occupied spaces. The firm’s experience with detailed remodel work, such as complex kitchens and bathrooms, indicates a comfort level with plumbing, electrical coordination, and finish sequencing that is directly applicable to restaurant, office breakroom, and small healthcare or retail fit-outs. Its masonry services support exterior enhancements, including new entrances, accessibility improvements, and façade repairs often needed in older Scranton building stock. While many of these projects are modest in scale, they require careful staging and attention to durability and code compliance. For owners looking to modernize existing commercial properties without full ground-up construction, this combination of interior renovation and exterior masonry capabilities can be particularly valuable.
Kobalt Construction
Address: Tobyhanna, PA (Serving Luzerne County and Greater NEPA)
Kobalt Construction is a regional contractor serving Luzerne County and the broader Northeastern Pennsylvania market with defined commercial construction services. The company highlights capabilities in planning and delivering commercial developments, positioning itself to handle sitework, building construction, and related improvements for retail, office, and light industrial users. By emphasizing commercial work as a distinct service line, Kobalt signals familiarity with timelines, permitting requirements, and utility coordination specific to nonresidential projects. Its presence in the NEPA region allows it to support Scranton-area developments that may span county lines or require coordination with multiple municipalities. For owners seeking a contractor experienced in regional commercial builds, Kobalt offers a service footprint aligned with the transportation and logistics growth occurring across the Scranton–Wilkes-Barre corridor.
Notable Commercial Project — Regional Commercial Construction Services
Kobalt’s commercial portfolio centers on building and improving business-oriented facilities in Luzerne County and surrounding areas. The firm’s work in commercial construction typically involves creating or upgrading spaces for tenants that require robust structural performance, efficient layouts, and reliable building systems, such as small warehouses, offices, or retail occupancies. These projects demand coordination of civil, structural, and architectural scopes, along with compliance with zoning and life-safety codes that govern commercial occupancy. Kobalt’s role in these developments illustrates its capability to manage subcontractors, address utility and access requirements, and maintain predictable schedules for business openings. For Scranton stakeholders planning projects that tap into the broader NEPA market, this regional commercial experience offers a model for delivering functional, code-compliant facilities across county boundaries.
D’Angola Contracting
Address: Northeastern Pennsylvania (Serving Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties)
D’Angola Contracting operates as a general contractor in Northeastern Pennsylvania, with a service profile that includes construction services and roofing for both residential and commercial clients. Recognized in listings as a general contractor and roofing contractor, the firm is equipped to tackle structural repairs, envelope work, and broader renovation scopes that affect building performance. Its regional activity across multiple counties positions it to support owners who manage portfolios or facilities beyond a single municipality. The company’s combination of general construction and roofing capabilities is particularly relevant in a climate where weather-driven wear can accelerate the need for envelope upgrades. For Scranton-area properties, D’Angola’s services can support life-cycle improvements, from roof replacement to broader refurbishment of existing commercial buildings.
Notable Commercial Project — General Contracting and Roofing Services
D’Angola Contracting’s commercial relevance is grounded in its work as a general contractor and roofing specialist for business and institutional structures in the region. Projects typically include roof replacements, structural repairs, and related construction services that extend the life of existing facilities and improve energy performance. In many Scranton and surrounding county buildings, roofing projects must be coordinated with ongoing operations, necessitating attention to safety, access control, and weather-sensitive scheduling. By combining roofing expertise with general contracting, D’Angola can oversee associated carpentry, flashing, and drainage improvements as a single scope. This integrated approach is useful for owners seeking to address critical envelope needs while maintaining code compliance and minimizing disruption to occupants.
Frequently Asked Questions About Commercial Projects in Scranton, PA
What permits are typically required for a commercial construction project in Scranton?
Most commercial projects in Scranton require building permits issued through local code enforcement, along with electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits for system work. Larger developments may also need zoning approvals, land development plans, or stormwater management reviews at the municipal level. Projects involving historic structures or façade changes in designated areas can trigger additional design review. Engaging a contractor familiar with Scranton and Lackawanna County permitting helps reduce delays and resubmissions.
How long does a typical commercial build or major renovation take in the Scranton area?
Timelines vary by scope, but many small to mid-sized interior commercial renovations in Scranton range from eight to sixteen weeks once permits are in place. Ground-up or major addition projects often extend from nine months to more than a year, depending on site conditions, weather, and complexity. Regional labor availability and material lead times can also affect schedules, particularly for specialized mechanical or electrical components. Early planning with a contractor and design team helps establish realistic milestones and phasing.
How do local conditions in Scranton affect construction costs for commercial projects?
Construction costs in Scranton are influenced by Northeastern Pennsylvania labor rates, regional material supply, and site-specific conditions such as rock, slopes, or existing utilities. While overall costs can be lower than in major metropolitan areas, recent inflation in materials and skilled trades has narrowed that gap. Historic building stock often introduces unknowns, including hidden structural or code issues that increase renovation budgets. A detailed preconstruction process, including site investigations and contingency planning, is important to keep Scranton-area projects aligned with budget targets.
Are there special considerations for renovating older commercial buildings in Scranton?
Many Scranton buildings were constructed decades ago, so renovations must address outdated systems, accessibility, and life-safety requirements. Upgrades often include bringing egress, fire protection, and ADA compliance up to current codes, which can require more invasive work than cosmetic changes suggest. Asbestos, lead paint, or antiquated wiring may also need remediation. Working with contractors experienced in historical and occupied renovations can help sequence work safely while preserving important architectural features where desired.
Begin Building Your Scranton, PA Commercial Project Today
Scranton’s position within the broader Northeast Pennsylvania logistics and employment corridor continues to support investment in offices, service facilities, and public infrastructure. As vacancy rates tighten and older properties age, owners are increasingly balancing adaptive reuse, new construction, and targeted upgrades to stay competitive. Choosing commercial contractors with proven regional experience is essential to manage code compliance, control schedule risk, and align delivery methods with project complexity, whether you are building a new transit facility or renovating a downtown office. The firms profiled here bring a mix of general contracting, renovation, and institutional project experience suited to Scranton’s current development climate. With the right team in place, you can move from concept to completion with greater confidence in outcomes, budget discipline, and long-term performance. Start Receiving Quotes Today
