Sunoco Inc. signed a six-year deal at the end of last year to lease 55,000 square feet of suburban office at Ellis Preserve in Newtown Square.

Likewise, Vanguard, the world’s largest mutual fund company based in nearby Malvern in Chester County, leased 250,000 square feet at 3801 West Chester Pike in Newtown Square.

They were just two of several companies that sought out suburban office space in 2021, writes Natalie Kostelni for Philadelphia Business Journal.

It produced one of the strongest fourth quarters throughout the suburban office market over the last two years.

By contrast, Philadelphia’s office market saw some gains, but not to the same extent and several large vacancies remain in the city.

In other lease activities, Iqvia signed on in King of Prussia, Nutrisystem Inc. took space in Fort Washington, and Infinite Blue grabbed offices in Norristown.

“Clients are looking at taking less space and investing more in that space,” said Les Haggett of CBRE Inc. “Companies are taking the time to rethink their space and make it even better for their employees. When you’re asking folks to come back to work after working from home for two years, you want to give them a reason.”

Read more at Philadelphia Business Journal about several successful property leasing deals in the suburbs for 2021.