OCEANPORT – The sounds of revelry will fill the rafters once more at Fort Monmouth’s former Dance Hall after an extensive renovation and reincarnation by its new owner, AP Partners Development LLC. Retail, entertainment, and restaurant space is planned inside the 1941 structure, while outdoor concerts and events will again enliven the adjacent amphitheatre. Allowable uses include a microbrewery, which officials said they didn’t initially consider, but would welcome.
AP Partners and its president, Fuller “Trip” Brooks, was one of two bidders on the 4.2-acre parcel, prevailing after the other bidder withdrew and AP Partners was deemed compliant by an evaluation committee of the Fort Monmouth Economic Revitalization Authority (FMERA). After paying $120,000 for the as-is property and gaining final approval from the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, closing could occur within 30 days, with construction commencing 45 days later. Brooks said plans will be, “going forward immediately,” although there is no timeline for completion and opening.
Brooks said specifics for the 16,420 square-foot former recreation center’s interior are “still being formulated,” while structural damage from Super Storm Sandy is addressed. One-third of the main interior portion of the building was damaged and parts of the roof ripped off in that storm.
“It will be a total gut renovation,” Brooks said. “There’s a unique wood truss structure. The interior has a mezzanine and two large fireplaces. It will be very unique and we’re excited about it.” The site also has an outdoor patio. Brooks said hopes are to hold both public and private music events at the site. The project must now go through the municipal approval process with Oceanport, including bringing plans for the outdoor stage to the planning board.
Future commercial and retail uses of the Dance Hall allowed through FMERA’s master plan for the fort, approved by the state and agreed to by the U.S. Army include craft production, outdoor dining, a coffee roaster, open space, and construction of accessory structures. Upgrades to the interior and exterior will retain the character of the adjacent Fort Monmouth Historic District. The adjacent Van Kirk Park will remain open space, available for hosting entertainment events year-round.
As per FMERA requirements, the purchaser will be obligated to create 48 permanent, full- time jobs at the property within 18 months of occupancy, or pay a penalty of up to $36,000.
While Brooks was initially involved with the new Marina at Oceanport restaurant at the renovated former fort marina, he is no longer part of that business and there will be no association between the two projects, Brooks said, calling them “separate entities.” His firm was among those investing in redeveloping Asbury Park in the early 2000s.
