By Laura D.C. Kolnoski
FORT MONMOUTH – A collective sigh of relief reverberated from Monmouth County to Trenton to Hollywood Dec. 5 when Netflix and the Fort Monmouth Economic Revitalization Authority (FMERA) closed on 292-plus acres that will become Netflix Studios Fort Monmouth. Signing of the “complex” agreement between Netflix and FMERA representatives began the previous day.
“With this acquisition, we are excited to move forward with Netflix Studios Fort Monmouth, a state-of-the-art production facility that will bring new jobs and economic opportunities to New Jersey,” said Anne Kelly, Netflix’s vice president of studio management and services, in a statement. “While there is still work ahead before we open our doors, we look forward to continuing our close partnership with this remarkable community as we transform this historic site into a world-class studio and vibrant community hub.”
Netflix paid $55 million for the site and anticipates investing at least $900 million to build in two phases across portions of Eatontown and Oceanport. In Phase 1A, four soundstages, a mill, a backlot and support structures will occupy Oceanport’s McAfee parcel, targeted to open in 2027. Phase 1B – eight soundstages and similar buildings in Eatontown – is projected to open in 2028.
Phase 2 will include outdoor backlots and basecamps on 79 acres in Oceanport’s waterfront Gooseneck neighborhood, also known as the 400 Area, with about 30 acres designated as open space. While 47 structures will be demolished, five salvageable buildings near Riverside Avenue will be renovated for reuse.
Construction and permanent jobs are expected to reach at least 5,000. When complete, the complex will be Netflix’s largest after its New Mexico site.
“The transformation of this historic site into a world-class studio and production facility will bring new jobs and expansive economic opportunities to our community and New Jersey,” said Kara Kopach, FMERA executive director. “This milestone would not have been possible without the collaboration and support of a multitude of public agencies and representatives, our private partners, our board, and dedicated team. While the groundwork for the fort’s revitalization and success has been paved by many successful developments over the last 10 years, we look forward to the next chapter of Fort Monmouth.”
Demolition of almost 90 old Army buildings on the Main Post began last summer and should be completed late in the first quarter of 2026, said Oceanport Mayor Tom Tvrdik, speaking to The Two River Times Monday. He said demolition permits have been submitted for more than 20 buildings in the 400 Area, New Jersey Natural Gas is disconnecting service there, and Netflix is completing hazardous-materials abatement in each building.
The borough will remain involved with zoning and plan reviews, construction inspections and issuing a certificate of occupancy upon completion. Afterward, local officials have ongoing oversight related to code compliance, emergency services and more, “just as we do for any other business in town,” Tvrdik said. Netflix must return to the zoning/planning board if any changes to the Phase 1A or 400 Area approvals are sought.
The entertainment giant, which burst on the scene in summer 2021, is an exception among Fort Monmouth redevelopment projects, adhering to a strict schedule without seeking repeated extensions, unlike others that have taken years past their original goals to complete work.
“Anyone familiar with Fort Monmouth projects knows how challenging these timelines can be,” Tvrdik said. “The FMERA process is detailed, multilayered, and requires significant coordination across many agencies and communities. The fact that this project remained on its exact schedule when so many others have faced delays speaks volumes about the level of preparation, commitment, resources, expertise, and cooperation behind it. That partnership made a tremendous difference.”
According to Sarah Giberson, director of FMERA Real Estate Development & Marketing, Netflix will continue to present action items to the agency regarding demolition and construction, while FMERA continues to track “contractual milestones,” such as timelines, investment and job-creation numbers. Modifications will be addressed “if applicable through the board and/or amendment process,” she said.
The 128-page document signed by Netflix and FMERA in February 2024, known as “Amendment 20,” serves as the master plan for the studios. Find the document at fortmonmouthnj.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Reuse-Plan-Amendment-20.pdf. A video flyover showing potential site layout is available at netflixnewjersey.com.
Tvrdik called Dec. 5 “a truly historic day for our community. This milestone not only represents extraordinary progress but also begins to fill the void left when the Fort Monmouth Army Base closed in 2011, (marking) a new chapter in the history of Oceanport and the entire region, defined by renewed social and economic opportunity, innovation and vitality. It’s a testament to teamwork, professionalism and a collective determination to get this right for our communities.”
Kelly, Tvrdik and Eatontown Mayor Anthony Talerico expressed gratitude to Gov. Phil Murphy, Kopach and the FMERA staff, local and county officials, and the community for their efforts.
The historic 1,126-acre fort, which also includes part of Tinton Falls, operated for 100 years and was marked by invention and innovations. Almost 90% is now developed and operating, in the process, or spoken for. A historic district contains monuments to the fort, its personnel and milestones. Netflix plans additional military recognitions throughout the studio complex.
The article originally appeared in the December 11 – 17, 2025 print edition of The Two River Times.
