King of Prussia has experienced an astonishing development boom in the last decade that has solidified its place as the center of Philadelphia’s western suburbs, writes Natalie Kostelni for the Philadelphia Business Journal.

Currently, $1.3 billion in development is ongoing. It ranges from a $14 million, 74,000-square-foot building being constructed by Purolite to CHOP’s new $298 million hospital.

This growth turned Upper Merion into the third-largest jobs center in the Philadelphia region, behind Center City and University City. The number of jobs increased from 52,844 in 2010 to 61,890 jobs in 2017, or 17 percent.

Life sciences is one of the fastest-growing industries in Upper Merion, thanks to the development of Discovery Labs and last year’s relocation of Purolite’s headquarters.

The area is also enjoying the boost that comes with a resurgence in the suburbs as people again prioritized a less-dense environment, more living space, and more open space.

Right now, “there’s just an enormous amount of demand to be in King of Prussia,” said Greg Waks, an Upper Merion supervisor of 12 years.

Read more about the development boom in King of Prussia in the Philadelphia Business Journal.