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BETHLEHEM, PA-Wawa Inc., the convenience store chain that takes its name from its headquarters city in Pennsylvania, has signed a 20-year lease for a 1.8-acre property at the intersection of E. Broad Street and Stefko Boulevard. Construction of a 4,000-sf Wawa store and gas station is under way by the owner and developer, identified only as Broad & Stefko LLC. The lease has an aggregate value of slightly more than $4.1 million.

Costas Hrousis of the Allentown office of Sperry Van Ness represented the owner, and Wawa spoke for itself. Hrousis says the property is located "on a corridor that has been designated the gateway to the City of Bethlehem." It is also across from a 120-unit retirement community and near the planned Sands Bethworks casino on the former Bethlehem Steel site.

Las Vegas-based Sands Corp. was just granted a Pennsylvania gaming license and will break ground for a $350-million casino and hotel in early spring. A second phase, containing a performing arts center and up to 1,200 residential units, is also planned at the site.