Skip to content
sherman award

Mark Sherman of Mark Lane Properties LLC Receives Economic Development Award in Coatesville

Coatesville, PA ─ The Coatesville 2nd Century Alliance and the Chester County Industrial Development Authority bestowed the inaugural Tammy Cansler-Miles Excellence in Economic and Community Development Award on Mark Sherman of Mark Lane Properties LLC at the Alliance’s Partner Appreciation event on Thursday, November 16, 2021.

Tamara Cansler-Miles passed away in May of this year. She was a long-standing board member of the Chester County Industrial Development Authority (CCIDA) and founding member of the 2nd Century Alliance, and the two organizations came together and created the award to honor her memory and celebrate her legacy in the Coatesville community. The award recognizes an individual, agency, or company that has demonstrated a dedication to economic growth in the City of Coatesville through catalytic real estate development, effective programmatic enhancements, and/or inspiring social impact.

A real estate developer and staunch community advocate, Cansler-Miles founded Cansler Investment Group in 1985 and grew a successful real estate development company that combined economic and community development. She leaves a legacy of developing high-quality real estate that included social support for low-to-moderate income senior citizens. Her impact on the Coatesville community includes the construction of more than 100 new housing units for senior citizens, an accomplishment that was recognized by the Huston Foundation with the Rebecca Lukens Award.

Dan Miles, Cansler-Miles’ husband, attended the event to dedicate the inaugural award. “Tammy loved Coatesville. I always saw a twinkle in her eye when she talked about the City,” notes Miles. “I’m so pleased that this award will honor her memory for years to come.”

The 2nd Century Alliance and the CCIDA boards considered numerous candidates and unanimously chose Mark Sherman of Mark Lane Properties LLC as the recipient of the inaugural award.

Sherman, principle of Mark Lane Properties, LLC, and a proven real estate developer in Philadelphia, purchased 139 East Chestnut Street, the former Lipkin’s Furniture warehouse, in downtown Coatesville with a vision to fill it with small, locally owned businesses. Rehabilitating the building floor by floor, he fit out small, affordable spaces to accommodate the City’s entrepreneurs. Since closing on the property in late 2019, the building has become fully occupied and now boasts a waiting list of more than a dozen businesses.

Additionally, Mark Lane Properties, LLC purchased the former Record Newspaper building at 204-206 East Lincoln Highway. The building is under construction with plans for a restaurant and axe-throwing venue slated to open in spring of 2022.

Before investing in Coatesville, Sherman developed Sherman Mills in the East Falls neighborhood of Philadelphia. The mixed-use community comprises 136,000 square feet of residential lofts, office space, and unique event venues, and is dedicated to supporting community, healthy living, entrepreneurs, and the creative class.

Additionally, Sherman co-owns and operates two successful restaurants in Philadelphia: Foghorn, open in 2016 and In Riva open in 2012.

Deserving of the very first Tammy Cansler-Miles Excellence in Economic and Community Development award, Sherman had a unique vision for downtown Coatesville early on, rehabilitating two long-vacant buildings, and cultivating an environment for entrepreneurs and small businesses to grow and thrive in the City.

“I couldn’t be more honored to receive this award,” Sherman notes. “Our team in Coatesville is so excited to be part of the revitalization here, and I feel privileged to be recognized for our work.”

In addition to the award, the CCIDA has committed to donating $500 to the charity of the recipient’s choice. Susan Springsteen, vice-chair of the CCIDA, was on hand to present a check to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital on Sherman’s behalf.

The Chester County Industrial Development Authority was established by the County of Chester as an industrial development authority in 1969 under the Pennsylvania Economic Development Financing Law to achieve the economic development purposes of alleviating unemployment, maintaining employment at a high level, and providing financing for Section 501(c)(3) facilities, manufacturing companies, exempt facilities, and first-time farmers.

The 2nd Century Alliance was founded in 2015 when the City celebrated 100 years of incorporation to ensure Coatesville’s “second century” is economically prosperous. A public/private partnership, the organization’s mission is to drive economic development in the City of Coatesville that enables the community to thrive.

Each year around the Thanksgiving holiday, the Alliance hosts a Partner Appreciation event to celebrate all the agencies and organizations working together to improve Coatesville’s economy and quality of life. This year’s event was held on November 16, 2021 at Midway Arches, formerly St. Cecilia’s Church, at 600 East Chestnut Street. More than 100 community partners attended.

Back To Top