Fort Monmouth Archives

Fort Monmouth closes sale of 36-acre parcel to Monmouth Medical Center (updated)

Monmouth Medical Center revealed plans over the summer to transform the former site of the Myer Center at Fort Monmouth. Now, the affiliate of RWJBarnabas Health has taken ownership of the approximately 36-acre property.

The Fort Monmouth Economic Revitalization Authority announced the sale of Parcel F-1 in Tinton Falls to Monmouth Medical Center Inc. Dec. 19. The deal closed three days earlier.

After receiving very limited interest in the site – which once housed a Cold War-era, 750,000-square-foot, hexagon-shaped research and engineering building – the New Jersey Economic Development Authority agreed to acquire the parcel from FMERA in 2017 to fund its demolition.

Following a subsequent and unsolicited offer from RWJBarnabas to NJEDA to purchase the parcel, together with FMERA the organizations entered into a tri-party agreement. That move assigned FMERA as the designated redeveloper of the property. On Oct. 25, 2021, RWJBarnabas and FMERA entered a Redevelopment Agreement that was later assigned to Monmouth Medical Center this year.

Monmouth Medical Center outpatient care facility rendering — The site that formerly housed the hexagonally shaped Myer Center building at Fort Monmouth will be home to a new outpatient care facility, Monmouth Medical Center announced June 21, 2022. – MONMOUTH MEDICAL CENTER

The minimum capital investment for the project is $153.5 million but may exceed $650 million upon completion of both phases, FMERA said.

“This state-of-the-art project will provide expanded access to exceptional care and offer important health education and wellness services for the entire community,” said FMERA Executive Director Kara Kopach. “MMC’s decision to offer world-class cancer care in Tinton Falls is game changing. Not only will residents benefit from convenient access to critical services, health care providers and their support professionals will also reap the benefits of increased job opportunities in the region.”

Monmouth Medical Center’s efforts at Fort Monmouth are slated to unfold over two phases, according to FMERA.

The first – which would create more than 300 jobs upon completion, FMERA said – includes the development of an approximately 138,000-square-foot cancer center and ambulatory care pavilion, made possible by a $50 million gift to the medical center. The Vogel Medical Campus at Tinton Falls will offer oncology services, imaging, radiation, an ambulatory surgery center, parking, and interphase grading and landscaping. Pending necessary approvals, FMERA said that work should begin in 2023.

Phase two allows for Monmouth Medical Center’s discretion, “contingent upon market demand and the needs of the surrounding community,” and the opportunity for the potential creation of up to 1,000 jobs upon completion, according to FMERA. The Long Branch-based health care provider previously said those plans could include a new, acute care hospital. If that route is taken, according to Monmouth Medical Center’s June announcement, construction would begin by 2027 with completion set for late 2029. According to Monmouth Medical Center, that new facility would operate in conjunction with the Long Branch campus.

From left, Eric Carney, president and CEO, MMC and MMC Southern Campus; Mary Anne Nagy, chair, MMC board of trustees and Bill Arnold, executive vice president and president of the Southern Region, RWJBH, and president and CEO of Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital. – RWJBARNABAS HEALTH

If not, at that time the provider said the land would be converted to green space. According to FMERA, other options for the site could include clinical and support facilities or a medical office, in addition to walking trails and open, public areas.

“We are excited to take ownership of the property and begin the process of constructing a truly incredible facility. The Vogel Medical Campus will enable us to further our mission to deliver truly outstanding care to our community,” Eric Carney, president and CEO of Monmouth Medical Center and Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus, said in a prepared statement. “As an expansion of the MMC campuses in Long Branch and Lakewood, the Vogel Medical Campus is located within the communities we currently serve and will be designed to meet the unique needs of our diverse and growing community now and in the future.”

“We are proud of the trust and confidence placed in us to transform health care in the region,” Carney added. “Together, we will continue to work with our patients, families, clinicians and partners to advance health care in our communities.”

Editor’s note: This story was updated at 8:42 p.m. EDT on Dec. 20, 2022, to include comments from Monmouth Medical Center President and CEO Eric Carney and to state that a new Monmouth Medical Center hospital in Tinton Falls would operate in conjunction with the Long Branch location.

Bar and restaurant concept coming to Denholtz’s Fort Monmouth Commissary

Denholtz Properties is adding a third – and final – tenant to its food-focused property located at the former Fort Monmouth in Oceanport: a restaurant from a local operator.

The Red Bank-based commercial real estate investment and development company announced Oct. 28 BarCo Brands signed a 17,100-square-foot lease at 675 Oceanport Way, bringing The Commissary at Baseline to full occupancy.

Birdsmouth Beer, the first tenant at the property, which recently opened its doors, was announced in July; MGT Foods’ addition was announced in September.

According to a statement from Senior Vice President, Leasing Kristine Hurlbut, Denholtz Properties’ goal wasn’t just to hit lease-up, but “to bring in tenants that provide experiences and products unlike anything else in the local market.” Through the leases, she continued, “we have successfully brought our vision for this important property to life. We look forward to the success of these tenants and beginning our next phase of redevelopment at Fort Monmouth.”

Baseline Social from BarCo Brands is anticipated to open at The Commissary at Baseline in spring 2023, Dentholtz said.

Denholtz Properties negotiated a 12,080-square-foot lease with Birdsmouth Beer at The Commissary at Baseline, part of the historic Fort Monmouth redevelopment site located at 675 Oceanport Way in Oceanport. — Denholtz Properties’ The Commissary at Baseline, part of the historic Fort Monmouth redevelopment site located at 675 Oceanport Way in Oceanport. – DENHOLTZ PROPERTIES

The concept will bring a “one-of-a-kind immersive dining and entertainment experience” to the site that will include an LED viewing wall and 38-seat platform lounge, suited for live music or private events and a 3,700-square-foot entertainment section with five virtual golf bays and full-swing technology to allow guests to play a variety of sports and games. The mezzanine will be equipped with amenities to host a range of private parties in addition to being able to accommodate “everyday” guests.

Outside, a large bar and lounge section will include 11 bar seats and additional seating options with infrared heaters and a firepit lounge for three-season access.

Founded by Andrea Pappas, Greg Bartz and Phil Villapiano in 2017, BarCo Brands is also the team behind Deal Lake Bar + Co, an American-style eatery in Loch Harbor. After expanding its team earlier this year with the addition of Tim McMahon as director of growth and development, the group embarked on plans to open a second location, Denholtz said.

“Our success in opening and operating Deal Lake Bar + Co inspired our ownership team to seek out opportunities to create an entirely new concept in the local market,” said Pappas. “We firmly believe in the vision that Denholtz Properties has laid out for Fort Monmouth, and we are thrilled to be an integral part of the historic property’s success story.”

Denholtz said it intends to capitalize on the success of the property by moving forward with its plans for Phase Two: a redevelopment of the former Fort Monmouth Warehouse Distrcit that will include the construction of 72,400 square feet of modern spec/industrial space across three buildings. Completion of those structures is slated for 2023.

Brewery to open doors at Fort Monmouth Oct. 15

Denholtz Properties said Birdsmouth Beer would be the first tenant at its food-focused The Commissary at the former Fort Monmouth over the summer. Now, the craft purveyor is ready to make its debut.

The brewery will celebrate its grand opening Oct. 15, Pierson Commercial announced Monday.

That Englishtown-based commercial real estate retail brokerage services provider negotiated the 12,080-square-foot lease for Birdsmouth in Oceanport. Director Gary Krauss represented the brewery, while CBRE Senior Vice President Suzanne Macknow represented Denholtz Properties, the landlord.

“The genesis of the deal was one of those ‘right place, right time’ moments,” Krauss said in a statement. “We were in [Denholtz Properties] CEO Steven Denholtz’s office when he expressed a high level of interest in bringing in a brewery. Fortunately, I was able to share that I knew just the right guys to make that happen.”

From left, the Birdsmouth Beer team of Pierson Commercial’s Gary Krauss and company founders Rocco Laginestra and Andy Gioia will mark the craft-lager brewer’s official opening Oct. 15 at The Commissary at Fort Monmouth. – PIERSON COMMERCIAL

Krauss said that The Commissary checked all the boxes for master brewer Andy Gioia and partner Rocco Laginestra, who were in search of a location near the Jersey Shore, “where they could achieve that local feel and be in close and easy proximity to all the major arteries of distribution throughout the state.”

Fort Monmouth, which dates back to 1917 when it was developed by the U.S. Army Signal Corps., offers accessibility to the Garden State Parkway and Routes 18, 35 and 26.

“Birdsmouth Beer shares our vision for the future of Fort Monmouth and we look forward to celebrating their success,” said Denhotlz Senior Vice President of Leasing Kristine Hurlbut.

The brewery’s focus is on lagers, according to Pierson, the most popular beer variety nationwide. It markets its product line to retailers, restaurants and bars.

Denholtz’s 53,000-square-foot The Commissary is a multipurpose destination with a focus on food and beverage uses. Last month, the facility’s roster was expanded with the addition of a third-generation family-owned food company from Brooklyn, MGT Foods.

MGT Foods signs on for Denholtz’s Fort Monmouth

Denholtz Properties announced its first tenant for The Commissary at Baseline at Fort Monmouth in July; now a third-generation, family-owned food business is joining the roster.

MGT Foods signed a lease for 19,567 square feet of space for the site located at 675 Oceanport Way in Oceanport, Denholtz announced Sept. 15.

Currently headquartered in Keyport, MGT Foods was founded in Brooklyn in 1968. It owns and operates food brands, including Mr. Green Tea Ice Cream, Mr. Mochi, The Bear & The Rat Cool Treats for Dogs and Eat Mud Non-Dairy Ice Cream.

According to Red Bank-based Denholtz, growing demand for MGT’s co-packing and co-manufacturing services prompted the search for a nearby production facility.

The Commissary at Baseline is a multipurpose destination with a focus on food and beverage uses.

“Working with Denholtz Properties and the borough of Oceanport has been a breath of fresh air, they recognize the untapped potential of the Fort and immediately understood how MGT Foods’ unique brand of food science and manufacturing can help return the area to its former glory,” MGT Foods Vice President Michael James Emanuele said in a statement.

Denholtz said it’s looking to build on the success of The Commissary at Baseline with plans for Phase Two, which will include the construction of 72,400 square feet of spec industrial/flex space across three buildings at Fort Monmouth on the site of the former Warehouse District—part of Parcel A that the company acquired in 2020. That project is scheduled for completion in 2023.

Birdsmouth Beer was the first tenant secured for The Commissary at Baseline.

“We recognized the tremendous untapped potential of The Commissary at Fort Monmouth from day one of our ownership of the property,” said Kristine Hurlbut, senior vice president of leasing at Denholtz Properties. “Since that time, our robust leasing activity with truly one-of-a-kind companies like MGT Foods and Birdsmouth Beer speaks to our success in creating a second life for this historic property.”

Denholtz signs 1st tenant for Fort Monmouth’s Commissary

Denholtz Properties' The Commissary at Baseline, part of the historic Fort Monmouth redevelopment site located at 675 Oceanport Way in Oceanport. — Denholtz Properties’ The Commissary at Baseline. – PHOTOS: DENHOLTZ PROPERTIES

Red Bank-based Denholtz Properties acquired District A at the former Fort Monmouth in 2020 and began a multiphase redevelopment to transform the area into Baseline: a retail and commercial hub leading into the historic property. Phase one of that work was recently completed, transforming the site’s former Commissary into a multipurpose destination with a focus on food and beverage uses.

On July 25, Denholtz announced the first tenant for the space: Birdsmouth Beer signed on for 12,080 square feet at The Commissary at Baseline.

Co-founded by Andrew Gioia – the former head brewer for Kane Brewing of Ocean Township – and real estate executive Rocco Laginestra, Birdsmouth Beer is slated to make its debut at the space later this summer or in the early fall, Denholtz said. The Commissary at Baseline offers flexible space, highlighted by this lease, which will include a full production facility in addition to a tasting room.

“Our goal at Fort Monmouth is to create a hub where businesses of all types can thrive and power the resurgence of this important piece of New Jersey’s history,” said Kristine Hurlbut, senior vice president, Leasing at Denholtz Properties. “Birdsmouth Beer shares our vision for the future of Fort Monmouth, and we look forward to celebrating with them as they open their doors later this year.”

The developing Baseline section at Fort Monmouth covers 26 acres including its focal-point, the 53,000-square-foot Commissary, along with the PX, Post Office Area, Warehouse District and an adjacent parking lot.

Phase Two of Denholtz’s redevelopment of the former District A – scheduled for completion next year – will include the construction of three buildings totaling 72,400 square feet of modern spec industrial/flex space at the site of the former Warehouse area.

Fort Monmouth’s mega parcel draws bids from Netflix, 3 others

Fort Monmouth issued a revised Request for Offers to Purchase its approximately 292-acre mega parcel in March, with a well-known streaming service provider’s speculated interest creating even more buzz around the massive site. Three months later, and the will they or won’t they is settled. They did.

Proposals were due by 12:00 p.m. June 6 for the plot of land. That same day, the Fort Monmouth Economic Revitalization Authority (FMERA) announced receiving bids from Netflix Inc., along with three other other entities: Extell Acquisitions LLC, Mega Parcel Development LLC and RDR Partners LLC (Russo Development LLC, Dinallo Development LLC, River Development Equities LLC).

A Netflix spokesperson also confirmed submission of the bid to NJBIZ.

Building dreams

Gov. Phil Murphy cuts the ribbon on the largest film studio in New Jersey - Cinelease Studios, Caven Point in Jersey City - on Aug. 6, 2021. — – EDWIN J. TORRES / GOVERNOR’S OFFICE

The film and media tax credit program is generating significant interest in adding studio space in the Garden State. Click through for more.

“America’s first movie studio was in New Jersey, and today it’s home to many talented people working in entertainment,” a spokesperson from the streaming giant stated when the FMERA request was initially put out. “Gov. [Phil] Murphy and the state’s legislative leaders have created a business environment that’s welcomed film and television production back to the state, and we’re excited to submit our bid to transform Fort Monmouth into a state-of-the-art production facility.”

In its announcement, FMERA said no further information would be made public at this time.

Now, the organization’s Evaluation Committee begins its review of the four submissions for compliance; after that, proposals will be scored based on the evaluation criteria outlined in the RFOTP. According to FMERA, that scoring and recommendation process could take several months.

Earlier this week, the board of the New Jersey Economic Redevelopment Authority approved another expansion to the state’s popular film and digital media tax incentive program, established by Gov. Phil Murphy in 2018. If adopted — the rules will now be posted for public comment — the updates would increase the amount of credits available annually, specify allocations for long-term commitments from larger studio development projects, expand the diversity bonus and extend the program to 2034.

The Asbury Park Press was the first to report on Netflix’s bid for the property.

With Steadman’s retirement, FMERA names Kopach as successor

New Jersey Economic Development Authority CEO Tim Sullivan announced Thursday evening that Fort Monmouth Economic Revitalization Authority (FMERA) Executive Director Bruce Steadman, who has led the organization since Dec. 1, 2010, will retire.

Sullivan delivered the news at FMERA’s monthly board meeting, along with the unanimous appointment of Deputy Executive Director and Director of Real Estate Kara Kopach as Steadman’s successor. Her appointment as executive director is effective May 1.

Retiring FMERA Executive Director Bruce Steadman, left, credited a large portion of the organization's success to its team and the board of directors, including former Chairs Dr. Robert Lucky and James Gorman, pictured right. — Retiring FMERA Executive Director Bruce Steadman, left, credited a large portion of the organization’s success to its team and the board of directors, including former Chairs Dr. Robert Lucky and James Gorman, pictured right. – NJBIZ FILE PHOTO

“The FMERA team’s primary focus is, and always has been, to implement and oversee the Fort Monmouth Reuse and Redevelopment Plan and to achieve FMERA’s mission: create an atmosphere in which employers will employ and investors will invest, to maximize the jobs created and the value of the property,” Steadman said. “With nearly 40 on-going or completed projects already reshaping the community and generating vital tax revenue, I am extremely proud of FMERA’s accomplishments and am confident in its future under Kara’s leadership.”

The estimated build-out value of projects underway, or in some stage of due diligence, under Steadman’s stewardship adds up to more than $1 billion, according to FMERA. Some 85% of the Fort Monmouth property is currently in some stage of redevelopment, with more than 1,500 jobs already created and another 1,400 contractually committed.

In the years to come, the work is expected to yield tax revenues in the millions of dollars for Tinton Falls, Eatontown, Oceanport and Monmouth County. At final build-out, FMERA said estimates put the value of Fort Monmouth at $3 billion, with 10,000 jobs created.

Earlier this month, the organization put out a revised Request for Offers to Purchase for its mega parcel: an approximately 292-acre site that now includes the fort’s former bowling center.

“Bruce has successfully led us through over a decade of redevelopment,” Kopach said. “He leaves big shoes to fill, but I know that our team is ready for the challenge.”

Kopach has been part of the Real Estate Development team since 2015, when she joined as a senior project officer. In her most recent role, she has direct responsibility for the marketing, development and financial plans associated with Fort Monmouth’s redevelopment. She also oversees the RE Development team, and leads contract negotiations and project management for prospective buyers, investors and entrepreneurs.

Kopach has experience representing Steadman, as needed, with the FMERA board, committees and stakeholders, the organization said, in addition to NJEDA board and staff at events and meetings.

She started with the NJEDA in 2014 as a hearing officer for the Stronger NJ Business Grant and Loan Programs.

“I am thrilled to be able to lead FMERA into this next chapter of development and am committed to the continued revitalization of the Fort community,” Kopach added.

Fort Monmouth puts out revised call for its mixed-use Mega Parcel

The Fort Monmouth Economic Revitalization Authority re-issued a Request for Offers to Purchase what’s known as the Mega Parcel: an approximately 292-acre site situated in Eatontown and Oceanport on Fort Monmouth’s Main Post.

Increasing the site’s size from 289 acres to just over 292 acres, the boundary of the site was expanded, FMERA said, to incorporate what was formerly known as the Bowling Center. Responses for the RFOTP are due by 12 p.m. on June 6.

Last April, Rumson-based Parker Creek Partners purchased the Bowling Center with the intent to renovate it and reopen as a bowling alley and entertainment space. According to the Asbury Park Press, Parker Creek sold the Bowling Center back to FMERA in December 2021 for $1, and the state organization released the purchaser from its redevelopment plants. The Mega Parcel’s initial RFOTP was issued in October 2021.

The Bowling Center at the former Fort Monmouth has been added to the site's Mega Parcel availability. - FORT MONMOUTH ECONOMIC REVITALIZATION AUTHORITY — The Bowling Center at the former Fort Monmouth has been added to the site’s Mega Parcel availability. – FORT MONMOUTH ECONOMIC REVITALIZATION AUTHORITY

The Main Post is home to former residential, administrative, research and development buildings, warehouses, workshops and additional general-purpose facilities, according to FMERA, an independent State authority established to oversee redevelopment of the site and the implementation of Fort Monmouth’s Reuse Plan.

The RFOTP is set up to position the Mega Parcel to function as a regional hub for one or more of the high-wage, high-growth sectors identified by Gov. Phil Murphy in his “The State of Innovation: Building a Stronger and Fairer Economy in New Jersey” economic plan. Those include, but are not exclusive to, life sciences, information and high technology, clean energy, food and beverage, and film and digital media.

Examples highlighted by FMERA include arts and cultural centers, film production studios, R&D facilities, or a high-tech facility featuring incubator space.

The Mega Parcel’s redevelopment will be subject to the base’s Reuse Plan, as well as FMERA’s land use regulations and design and development guidelines.

The Fort featured 5 million square feet of building area, 70% of which is targeted for demolition, according to FMERA. So far, about 86% of its 1,126 acres have been sold, or are under contract, in negotiations, or entering the request for proposals process.

FMERA has sold 31 parcels, to date, with another six under contract or with board-approved contracts.

Last fall, Somerset Development purchased 15 acres at the site for $15.3 million and Barker Circle Partnership snatched up 20 acres for $4.85 million.

Former Fort Monmouth site sells 20 acres for $5M

State officials formally sold off another 20 acres for $4.85 million at the former Fort Monmouth army installation in Monmouth County to redevelop as residential, commercial, dining and arts space.

The Nov. 2 sale is the latest in a years-long effort to make sure the installation near the Jersey Shore can benefit the state and local area, and its businesses and residents.

So far, the Fort Monmouth Economic Revitalization Authority, which handles economic revitalization and redevelopment for the sprawling former army base, has sold off 30 parcels spanning nearly 80% of its 1,26 acres. Seventy percent of its 5 million square feet of building space is slated for demolition.

Barker Circle

This latest 20-acre tract is being bought by Barker Circle Partnership. On it sits 200,000 square feet of building space, including four former barracks, the Main Post Fort Monmouth Firehouse and the former Army Communications-Electronics Museum in Kaplan Hall.

Once finished, the site at the former fort’s Barker Circle will boast 75 residential units in the four barracks and one of the office buildings, while the firehouse and Kaplan Hall buildings will fulfill the arts and restaurant functions.

“It serves as a pivotal project for the fort’s development,” reads a prepared statement from a BCP spokesperson.

The circle sits on the Oceanport and Eatontown sections of the fort, and would still need planning approval from Oceanport.

“The redevelopment of Barker Circle will not only provide premium residential units to a community that is experiencing high demand but will also generate critical tax revenue for the Borough of Oceanport,” reads a prepared statement from FMERA Executive Director Bruce Steadman.

“It will also activate one of the premium sites that once served as a destination for visitors and those stationed at Fort Monmouth.”

Last month, the state commission announced that it was selling off a 289-acre “Mega Parcel” valued at $54 million for mixed-use redevelopment.

Possible uses for the space include arts, culture and entertainment – theaters, movie and television production or museums –; incubator and lab space; or research and development facilities, the FMERA said on Oct. 19.

Some of the redevelopments thus far included at Fort Monmouth are a new campus for New Jersey City University, residential space and luxury apartments and homes, medical facilities, and restaurant and retail space.

NJCU opens Fort Monmouth location

New Jersey City University (NJCU) officially opened its new location at Fort Monmouth, the historic former United States Army base, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Aug. 25.

As the educational partner in the revitalization of Fort Monmouth, NJCU’s new location will expand bachelor’s and master’s degree offerings along the Jersey Shore, giving the university the only four-year public higher education program in the area.

New Jersey state and Monmouth County political leaders and representatives from the Office of the Secretary of Higher Education, the NJEDA, the Fort Monmouth Economic Revitalization Authority, and the Monmouth County Chamber of Commerce, including New Jersey City University President Sue Henderson, state Sen. Vin Gopal, Assemblywoman Joann Downey, Assemblyman Eric Houghtaling, and NJEDA CEO Tim Sullivan celebrate NJCU's opening of Squire Hall at Fort Monmouth on Aug. 25, 2021. - NEW JERSEY CITY UNIVERSITY — New Jersey state and Monmouth County political leaders and representatives from the Office of the Secretary of Higher Education, the NJEDA, the Fort Monmouth Economic Revitalization Authority, and the Monmouth County Chamber of Commerce, including New Jersey City University President Sue Henderson, state Sen. Vin Gopal, Assemblywoman Joann Downey, Assemblyman Eric Houghtaling, and NJEDA CEO Tim Sullivan celebrate NJCU’s opening of Squire Hall at Fort Monmouth on Aug. 25, 2021. – NEW JERSEY CITY UNIVERSITY

The ceremonial event was attended by New Jersey state and Monmouth County political leaders, and representatives from the Office of the Secretary of Higher Education (OSHE), the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA), the Fort Monmouth Economic Revitalization Authority (FMERA), and the Monmouth County Chamber of Commerce.

NJCU opened Squire Hall at Fort Monmouth on Aug. 25, 2021 - NJCU — NJCU’s Squire Hall building at Fort Monmouth used to house the Signal Corps. – NJCU

Prior to the official ribbon-cutting, remarks were offered by 11 speakers, including NJCU President Sue Henderson; state Sen. Vin Gopal, Assemblywoman Joann Downey, and Assemblyman Eric Houghtaling, all Democrats representing the 11th District; and NJEDA CEO Tim Sullivan.

“The opening of NJCU at Fort Monmouth is the culmination of our collective vision of expanding public higher education to the Jersey Shore,” Henderson said. “This is a major milestone in the history of our institution.

“Through our investment in this multi-year project and our partnership with FMERA, many more students in the state will have the opportunity to complete their undergraduate studies and pursue master’s degrees close to home without incurring significant debt,” she continued. “This aligns with our mission of providing a diverse population with an excellent education as we continue to keep that promise for our next generation of students.”

The Squier Hall location – formerly the home of the Signal Corps – is renovated from its origins as a 1935-era administrative building and is now a state-of-the-art facility featuring 15 classrooms, a nursing education center, a cybersecurity computer lab, and offices for faculty and staff in a 72,000-square-foot building located on more than 22 acres.

Additionally, the facility includes a flexible event space that will host organizations and community events as a partner to the Monmouth County community.

“FMERA has worked tirelessly toward its vision of restoring Fort Monmouth to its place as a creator of jobs and reinventing it as a driver of economic activity centered around innovation,” Sullivan said. “Welcoming NJCU onto Fort Monmouth furthers two of Gov. Murphy’s goals – increasing access to institutions of higher education and repositioning stranded assets to drive equitable and inclusive investment in our communities. A win-win by all accounts.”

NJCU has maintained a presence in Monmouth County for more than 15 years, offering degree-completion programs in partnership with Brookdale Community College on the Wall and Lincroft campuses.

This historic expansion at a new location will offer the only affordable, public, four-year option in the area.

Fort Monmouth’s Bowling Center sold to Parker Creek Partners

The Fort Monmouth Economic Revitalization Authority (FMERA) on April 7 said it sold the Bowling Center in Eatontown to Rumson-based Parker Creek Partners.

Located at 1301 Avenue of Memories, the center once functioned as the bowling alley for Fort Monmouth. FMERA’s sale of the property occurred on March 31.

The Bowling Center will be renovated and reused as a bowling alley and entertainment space, operating under the name “Alley at the Fort.” The developer plans to rehabilitate the original facility to include 20 lanes for bowling and incorporate other entertainment and recreation features. The redevelopment plan also calls for a full-service restaurant, bocce courts, pool tables, shuffleboard, along with several private party rooms. The Bowling Center sits on an approximately 2.5-acre parcel located near the center of Fort Monmouth’s Main Post in Eatontown.

“We determined the best of use of this building was to restore it to its original use as a bowling alley,” said the Alley at the Fort co-owner/operator Mikaela Milano. “We are modernizing the 17,600-square-foot facility and adding an expansion to include a full-service restaurant and two party rooms to accommodate current demand.”

The project is near other planned entertainment and retail uses on the Fort, including the Loft (former Dance Hall), the Fort Athletic Club (former Fitness Center) and the former Expo Theater, planned for redevelopment as an active recreation space.

“The redevelopment of the Bowling Center breathes new life into an outdated property that once served as a center of entertainment for those stationed at Fort Monmouth,” said FMERA Executive Director Bruce Steadman. “It also is part of a nexus of entertainment uses that contribute to an amenity base for new residents on the Fort and the community at large.”

A groundbreaking is scheduled for April 15, 2021, with construction expected to begin shortly thereafter.

In the past two years, several residential projects have been completed including East Gate and Liberty Walk by RPM Development in Oceanport, and Anthem Place by Lennar in Tinton Falls. Numerous others, including Patriots Square by Lennar in Tinton Falls, are in various stages of development. Additionally, the sale of the Marina at the Fort recently closed and is now under the ownership of the long-term operator.

Select Region or Brand

Upcoming Event

Tag: Fort Monmouth

CONNECT

DIGITAL EDITIONS

More from Denholtz:

Building dreams

Barker Circle