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 The basics:

• Netflix installed final structural beam on Stages 3 and 4
• $1 billion project will include 12 soundstages on 292 acres
• Phase 1A remains on track for completion in summer 2027
• Development expected to create nearly 4,000 construction jobs

Netflix celebrated a major construction milestone Tuesday at its future Fort Monmouth studio complex.

The streaming giant marked the installation of the final structural beam on Stages 3 and 4 June 23, as work continues on the company’s planned $1 billion production hub in Monmouth County.

The topping-off ceremony brought together Netflix executives, representatives from general contractor JT Magen, construction workers, subcontractors and local officials to recognize progress on the redevelopment of the former Fort Monmouth Army installation. NJBIZ has reported extensively on the project, including, most recently, in the May 18 Monmouth County focus section.

The event also showcased local flavor. Attendees, including construction workers and project partners, enjoyed a lunch featuring barbecue from Local Smoke, vegetarian and halal options from Cafe28, and ice cream from Strollo’s Lighthouse.

The project spans more than 292 acres across Eatontown and Oceanport. It will establish one of the largest film and television production facilities on the East Coast. When completed, the campus will feature 12 soundstages totaling nearly 500,000 square feet, along with production support facilities and community amenities.

Netflix officials said the company remains on track to complete Phase 1A in summer 2027. Meanwhile, delivery of Phase 1B is targeted for fall 2028.

Seeing is believing

“This topping off marks a real, visible progress in transforming this former Army installation into a state-of-the-art production facility,” Netflix Director of Enterprise Operations Kenneth Falcon said during the ceremony. “Netflix completed the purchase of this site just last year. Since then, it’s been a constant place of constant activity.”

Company officials also highlighted sustainability efforts at the site. They noted the project diverted approximately 80% of construction waste – more than 55,000 tons of material – from landfills through recycling and reuse initiatives.

Beyond the physical construction, Netflix emphasized the project’s anticipated economic impact. The development is expected to create nearly 4,000 construction jobs and help support New Jersey’s growing film and television industry.

The company is also partnering with IATSE Local 798 and IATSE Local 600 on workforce training programs designed to prepare residents for careers in film production, skilled trades and production office support.

You’re going to change New Jersey forever with building this fantastic facility.
– Vincent Ryan, executive vice president, JT Magen

JT Magen leaders credited the project’s rapid pace to collaboration among Netflix, engineers, consultants, local officials and construction crews. Representatives noted that despite one of New Jersey’s coldest and snowiest winters in more than a decade, workers maintained momentum and kept the project moving forward.

“We are 28 weeks into construction, which is great, if you look around at the progress that’s been made, this is a credit to every single person here,” said Vincent Ryan, executive vice president at JT Magen. Ryan also praised the union workforce building the facility. “Finally, Netflix, thank you for the opportunity with JT Magen, the opportunity you’ve given everybody here. You’re going to change New Jersey forever with building this fantastic facility.

“We’re delighted to be part of it. We can’t wait to get to the next phase – and the next phase.”

A three-month turnaround

Michael Connaughton, project manager at JT Magen, said the team refused to let brutal winter weather derail the schedule.

“The easy button would have been to say that the job was delayed and we were behind schedule, and we could blame the weather, but that wasn’t an answer for this team,” Connaughton said. “They turned up every day, worked through the 15-degree days, demoed existing buildings, got the site ready for foundations.

“Today is exactly three months from when our first precast was delivered for Stage 1. Tomorrow will be three months from when the first piece of precast was erected. So, you just have to kind of stand back and look around to see all the work that’s happened in the last three months. And we appreciate the quality of the team we have here. You guys — you’re the best in the business.”

Construction leaders also pointed to continued expansion across the campus. Work recently launched on Stages 7 and 8, along with preparations for future phases of development.

Speakers thanked a broad coalition of state, county and local partners for helping move the project through approvals and permitting. They included the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) and the Fort Monmouth Economic Revitalization Authority (FMERA) as well as officials from Oceanport and Eatontown.

While substantial work remains, Tuesday’s ceremony marks another milestone in the transformation of Fort Monmouth into a major film and television production hub — one expected to generate thousands of jobs and deepen New Jersey’s role in the entertainment industry.