Fort Monmouth: From Military Signal Hub to Netflix Production Campus
Located in Monmouth County, New Jersey, the site of the former Fort Monmouth is undergoing a massive transformation. Once a vital installation for the U.S. Army, this expansive property is now the foundation for Netflix Studios Fort Monmouth, a state-of-the-art film production campus. Surrounded by the communities of Eatontown, Tinton Falls, and Oceanport, the site is transitioning from a closed military post into a major economic engine for the Garden State.
Key Facts
- Location: Monmouth County, NJ, near the Atlantic Ocean and 52 miles south of Manhattan.
- Former Status: U.S. Army installation and home to the "Soul of the Signal Corps."
- New Development: Netflix Studios Fort Monmouth, a nearly 300-acre production complex.
- Economic Impact: Projected to generate 1,500 permanent jobs and up to $4.6 billion in revenue over 20 years.
- Historical Significance: Site of early radar development and radio-based aircraft detection.
A Legacy of Innovation and Military Service
Before it became a military installation, the land served as the Monmouth Park Racecourse, a premier racing complex that attracted Gilded Age icons. In 1917, the Army leased the site for officer training, initially naming it Camp Little Silver before it became Camp Alfred Vail. By 1925, the installation was granted permanent status and renamed Fort Monmouth in honor of the soldiers who fell during the American Revolutionary War's Battle of Monmouth.
Throughout its history, Fort Monmouth was a center for scientific breakthroughs. In 1938, the U.S. Army developed its first radar (radio detection and ranging) system on post. The site also saw the first radio-equipped meteorological balloon reach the upper atmosphere in 1928 and played a role in proving celestial communication by bouncing radio signals off the moon in 1946.
The Signal Corps and World War II
During World War II, the post reached its peak size of 1,713 acres. It served as a critical training hub, with the Signal Corps Officer Candidate School (OCS) graduating over 21,000 second lieutenants between 1941 and 1946. The installation was often referred to as the "Soul of the Signal Corps" due to its role in communications and electronics development.
The Path to Closure and Redevelopment
In 2005, the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) Commission selected Fort Monmouth for closure. Despite local efforts to keep the post open, most Army functions were relocated to Maryland and Ohio, and the post officially closed on September 15, 2011. The closure was a complex process, with investigations later revealing that the projected costs of moving research functions were significantly higher than initially estimated by the Department of Defense.
Following the closure, the Fort Monmouth Economic Revitalization Authority (FMERA) was tasked with overseeing the site's reuse. For years, the post remained largely inaccessible to the public, but in 2017, the main road through the fort was reopened, reconnecting the local community.
The Rise of Netflix Studios Fort Monmouth
The most significant chapter in the site's modern history began in October 2022, when Netflix signed a deal to build a massive production complex on a 300-acre portion known as the "Mega Parcel." This project is part of a larger trend of film production growth in New Jersey, fueled by expanded state tax credits.
Project Scope and Economic Benefits
The Netflix campus is expected to be a massive facility, with estimated sizes ranging between 180,000 and 480,000 square feet. The development will include:
- 12 professional sound stages
- Various production and office buildings
- Proximity to major transit like the Garden State Parkway and NJ Transit
With a projected investment of $850 million, the campus is expected to bring immense social and economic revitalization to the surrounding area, including Eatontown and Oceanport.
Diversified Growth: Other Local Developments
While Netflix takes center stage, other businesses are breathing new life into the former military infrastructure. The old Fort Monmouth Commissary has been repurposed to house a microbrewery, a specialty foods business, and a large entertainment venue featuring fine dining and virtual golf. Additionally, RWJ Barnabas Health has finalized plans to expand its medical campus on-site, including a new ambulatory care pavilion and a cancer center.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Primary New Project | Netflix Studios Fort Monmouth |
| Projected Investment | $850 million |
| Job Creation | Approximately 1,500 permanent positions |
| Historical Role | U.S. Army Signal Corps training and radar development |
| Key Facilities | 12 sound stages, medical centers, and entertainment venues |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of Netflix Studios Fort Monmouth?
It is a state-of-the-art film production campus designed to house sound stages, production buildings, and offices to support major film and television projects.
When did Fort Monmouth officially close as an Army post?
The post officially closed on September 15, 2011, following decisions made by the Base Realignment and Closure Commission.
What was the historical significance of the Signal Corps at Fort Monmouth?
The site was a major center for communications and electronics, contributing to the development of radar and early radio-based weather sounding techniques.
Is the site open to the public?
Yes, the main road through the fort was reopened to public traffic in 2017, allowing travel between Route 35 and Oceanport Avenue.
What other industries are moving into the area?
Beyond film production, the site is seeing growth in healthcare through RWJ Barnabas Health and in the hospitality and retail sectors via the former Commissary redevelopment.