By Laura D.C. Kolnoski
OCEANPORT – The owner of the boutique hotel to be created from Fort Monmouth’s historic Allison Hall has been given until July 6, 2026, to complete the transformation, combining a two-phase project into one.
Owner Fort Monmouth Business Center, LLC, requested changes in July in a letter to the Fort Monmouth Economic Revitalization Authority (FMERA), citing “changes to the commercial real estate market… and construction and lending challenges resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.” At its Aug. 21 meeting, FMERA unanimously granted the request.
A boutique hotel was among FMERA’s preferred uses for the 1928 Allison Hall, included in the original master plan for the redevelopment of the 100-year-old former U.S. Army base that closed in 2011. It will be a focal point of RiverWalk Center, the mixed-use project now under construction along Parkers Creek and Oceanport Avenue. Some buildings on the site will be new construction while three are being rehabilitated. A paved public promenade will connect to other sections being built by the different new property owners along the river on the former fort property.
Owner and developer Michael Abboud recently announced more businesses coming to RiverWalk, the first expected to open in late fall. The full list now includes Black Belt America, Broadway Chicken, CKO Kickboxing, L’Mer Nails, Nicol Squash, Olive and Oak charcuterie, Playa Bowls, Rogue Salon, Round Dough, Skinny Flowers Brewery, and Stonefit.
“We’re proud to welcome a diverse array of hyperlocal businesses that are… bringing unique, homegrown offerings that reflect the spirit of Monmouth County,” Abboud said. The other focal point, a two-level waterfront restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating and party space is planned for one of the rehabilitated structures.
“We have not picked an operator for the event space and the restaurant,” Abboud said. “We have narrowed the search down and welcome anyone interested in operating this amazing space to contact info@riverwalkcenter.com.”
A video rendering of RiverWalk by Mancini Duffy of Red Bank can be viewed on YouTube.
Abboud said the hotel’s name and theme have not been selected yet, adding he hopes to announce those details this fall.
“We are in the process of finalizing the floorplans and layout of the hotel,” he said. “We’re very excited about it.”
Calling a boutique hotel “a unique amenity to the fort’s overall redevelopment,” FMERA staff supported FMBC’s requests, adding, “construction is ongoing and extensive site work has been completed.” FMERA’s Real Estate subcommittee also recommended approval.
FMERA’s voting members also approved a 5,100-square-foot expansion for another RiverWalk building at 1250 Oceanport Ave. Abboud said the space will allow conversion “from a data center to a more appropriate use.”
The fort’s nearby Russel Hall was purchased by Abboud in 2017 and serves as headquarters of his private cloud services firm TetherView. He has twice sponsored an annual food truck festival in the parking lot.
“We’re creating a place where people from all over Monmouth County can come to relax, enjoy a sunset, take a leisurely stroll, shop, dine, or exercise,” Abboud said. “We are building a community space that in- vites people to linger and enjoy the unique atmosphere.”
The article originally appeared in the September 19 – September 25, 2024 print edition of The Two River Times.
