Our History
Arthur C. Schwotzer began his real estate career in 1952 with a partner specializing in the construction of single-family homes.
After deciding to go into business for himself, he founded Crossgates, Inc., a full service real estate development and construction company in 1958.
Since its inception, the reputation of Crossgates has been built on integrity and innovation in all fields of endeavor.
During the initial years, the innovation of Crossgates was evident when it constructed the Betty Furness Television Home – part of a widely acclaimed Westinghouse promotion and participated in the House of Aluminum.
After deciding to go into business for himself, he founded Crossgates, Inc., a full service real estate development and construction company in 1958.
Since its inception, the reputation of Crossgates has been built on integrity and innovation in all fields of endeavor.
During the initial years, the innovation of Crossgates was evident when it constructed the Betty Furness Television Home – part of a widely acclaimed Westinghouse promotion and participated in the House of Aluminum.
To keep up with the lots sales, Crossgates Realty, a real estate brokerage division was established in 1962.
In 1965, Crossgates became the first turnkey developer/contractor in Pennsylvania working with the City of Pittsburgh Housing Authority.
Crossgates was the leading developer in a variety of Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) programs including Sections 221(d)4, 236, 202 and Section 8 programs.
In 1965, Crossgates became the first turnkey developer/contractor in Pennsylvania working with the City of Pittsburgh Housing Authority.
Crossgates was the leading developer in a variety of Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) programs including Sections 221(d)4, 236, 202 and Section 8 programs.
In the early 1970’s, Crossgates formed a Medical Division to develop, build, and manage skilled and intermediate care nursing homes and assisted care facilities in West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Ohio and Florida.
Gregg A. Schwotzer, Arthur’s son, joined the firm in 1972.
In 1974, a Hospitality Division was established to develop, build, and manage the demand for hotels, motels, and restaurants in West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, and North Carolina.
In 1975, Crossgates began urban renovation projects and historic restorations, including the conversion of the Roosevelt Hotel in downtown Pittsburgh.
In 1977, Crossgates Management was formed to handle Property Management for the residential, commercial, and industrial properties the company owned and developed through the years.
Services range from supervision of onsite personnel to coordination of contact services and accounting/budgeting preparation.
Throughout the 1960’s and 70’s, Crossgates received many prestigious awards from such organizations as:
Gregg A. Schwotzer, Arthur’s son, joined the firm in 1972.
In 1974, a Hospitality Division was established to develop, build, and manage the demand for hotels, motels, and restaurants in West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, and North Carolina.
In 1975, Crossgates began urban renovation projects and historic restorations, including the conversion of the Roosevelt Hotel in downtown Pittsburgh.
In 1977, Crossgates Management was formed to handle Property Management for the residential, commercial, and industrial properties the company owned and developed through the years.
Services range from supervision of onsite personnel to coordination of contact services and accounting/budgeting preparation.
Throughout the 1960’s and 70’s, Crossgates received many prestigious awards from such organizations as:
- American Homes
- Good Housekeeping
- Revitalization of the Inner City Award
- The National Association of Home Builders
- Department of Housing and Urban Development, including the Minority Contractor Utilization Award.
In the 1980’s, Crossgates began development of retail centers, mixed-use projects, business, and industrial parks.
Crossgates has successfully developed such parks as Westport Business Center, HarrisPort Business Park, and NorthPort Industrial Park located in Central Pennsylvania.
Crossgates has successfully developed such parks as Westport Business Center, HarrisPort Business Park, and NorthPort Industrial Park located in Central Pennsylvania.
Throughout the 1990’s, Crossgates continued to develop business and industrial parks including the 603,420 square foot warehouse and office facility for Ingram Micro’s new state-of-the-art distribution center, and with the increasing opportunities and needs in Central Pennsylvania, Crossgates established a full-time office in Harrisburg in the early 1990’s.
Proactively working with both national and local clients Crossgates became one of the largest developers in Central Pennsylvania.
In 1999, the consulting division expanded to include working with educational institutions in master planning and facility development.
Proactively working with both national and local clients Crossgates became one of the largest developers in Central Pennsylvania.
In 1999, the consulting division expanded to include working with educational institutions in master planning and facility development.
In 2001, the former AMP/TYCO campus in Swatara Township, Harrisburg, was acquired and thus began successful development of the TecPort Business Center, a 102 acre mixed-use Office Business Technology Park.
Upon full build-out, TecPort will have approximately 950,000 square feet of office, research and development, hotel and retail space and be home to over 3,500 employees.
In 2006, Ryan Schwotzer, Arthur’s grandson and Gregg’s nephew, made Crossgates a three-generation company.
Throughout the 2000’s, Crossgates continued its office and industrial development experience and developed projects and facilities for companies such as Knowledge Learning Corporation, DreBo America, Computer Aid, East Resources, and a few others.
In August 2014, Gregg Schwotzer, a key family member and company President, lost his battle with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. Gregg’s presence will always be missed.
Upon full build-out, TecPort will have approximately 950,000 square feet of office, research and development, hotel and retail space and be home to over 3,500 employees.
In 2006, Ryan Schwotzer, Arthur’s grandson and Gregg’s nephew, made Crossgates a three-generation company.
Throughout the 2000’s, Crossgates continued its office and industrial development experience and developed projects and facilities for companies such as Knowledge Learning Corporation, DreBo America, Computer Aid, East Resources, and a few others.
In August 2014, Gregg Schwotzer, a key family member and company President, lost his battle with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. Gregg’s presence will always be missed.
Looking into the future
Crossgates continues to remain committed to integrity and innovation in all fields of endeavor with their clients.
The long standing relationship formed is what Crossgates considers “Experience Built to Last”.
The long standing relationship formed is what Crossgates considers “Experience Built to Last”.