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The team behind Bell Works – Inspired by Somerset Development – already expanded its metroburb concept to the Midwest. Now, the company plans to launch another version closer to home, following its purchase of Commvault’s headquarters at Fort Monmouth.

Inspired said Jan. 30 it plans to enhance the 276,900-square-foot building for current and future tenants with a flexible office model, while also bringing the private space into the public sphere.

That nexus of private and public has fostered a sense of community at the original Bell Works in Holmdel, which headed into 2025 with a 98% occupancy rate, amid greater uncertainty in the sector.

Inspired’s “work” plans for the space include a range of office footprints, fully functional “Ready-to-Wear” office suites with short- and long-term leasing options, and coLab – its collaborative workspace membership concept. Leasing is currently underway for both office and retail space.

Commvault will remain in the building, occupying approximately 75,000 square feet of office space as part of a leaseback agreement with Inspired by Somerset Development. JLL represented the tenant in the transaction.

With its base built in 2014, Commvault was the first company to sign on for the reimagined Fort Monmouth.

At the time, the company said the building would be able to house up to 1,500 employees at full capacity. The innovative design accommodated hybrid work options (before it was cool) and amenity spaces, including a slide to travel between floors — which will remain as part of Commvault’s footprint. Inspired also highlighted the advanced infrastructure built into the site.

The next step

Today, the Fort Monmouth property features a range of amenities — with more due.

Inspired said additions will include a selection of local restaurants, a Bell Market, a coffee shop, retail spaces and a health club. The company anticipates five to six months of slight renovations. That work will transform the existing cafeteria into a food hall as well as make modifications to accommodate retailers.

Inspired by Somerset Development said it expects to open its newest metroburb to the public as well as begin tenant move-ins this fall.

A little bit of everything

In Holmdel, Bell Works’ latest additions include pickleball, sit-down dining and more. See what’s new on the block.

“The design of Commvault’s headquarters is a perfect fit for the vision and ethos of the ‘Metroburb’ model we have developed at our highly successful Bell Works New Jersey and Bell Works Chicagoland properties,” commented Inspired by Somerset Development President Ralph Zucker. “Having already developed in the Fort Monmouth area, acquiring this property to create a more intimate version of Bell Works is a natural next step for us.”

Fort Monmouth is about 10 miles from Bell Works in Holmdel.

“The Commvault headquarters is a landmark in Monmouth County, having played a significant role in our region’s business landscape,” said Tinton Falls Borough Administrator and Director of Public Safety Charles Terefenko. “We are excited to see this iconic property retain its original purpose as a hub for innovation, now under the stewardship of Inspired by Somerset Development. With their proven track record, we are confident that this building will continue to serve as a vibrant center for both businesses and the community.”

“For our employees, being in the office is about more than just workspace; it’s about collaborating in a vibrant professional community,” said Danielle Sheer, chief trust officer at Commvault. “We’re excited to work with Inspired to transform the campus into a central hub that fosters community and connection for both Commvault employees and the broader community.”

The first Bell Works expansion came in 2019, when Inspired by Somerset Development added the former AT&T headquarters in Hoffman Estates, Ill., establishing Chicagoland.

Inspired by Somerset Development did not disclose financial terms. In 2023, reports indicated Commvault agreed to sell the Tinton Falls HQ for $40 million. However, that deal later fell through.