Netflix Closer to Realizing Its Fort Monmouth Production Studio

By Anthony Birritteri, Editor-in-Chief On Oct 12, 2022

The New York Times reported today that Netflix has been selected as the top bidder for the 292-acre Mega Parcel at Fort Monmouth. It was not disclosed how much the streaming service and production company bid for the property at the former Army base, which is located in Oceanport and Eatontown boroughs, but it was one of four entities responding to the Fort Monmouth Economic Revitalization Authority’s Request for Offer to Purchase (RFOTP).

The other bidders included Extell Acquisitions, an affiliate of Extell Development; RDR Partners, which consists of Russo Development, Dinallo Construction Co. and River Development; and Mega Parcel Development.

In an issued statement, Netflix commented, “If our plans are approved, we hope to build a facility that will create significant economic impact and job growth for New Jersey, a state loaded with creative talent and technical expertise.”

In his own statement, Gov. Phil Murphy commented, “We are thrilled to hear that Netflix is interested in establishing a serious presence in New Jersey and look forward to working with [the company] and the rest of the industry to create good-paying jobs and spur economic growth throughout the state.”

The news marks New Jersey’s continuing efforts in attracting the film production industry.

Recently, Togus Urban Renewal awarded Turner Construction Company a contract to build 1888 Studios, a 1.5 million-square-foot motion picture and television studio in Bayonne. The 17-building campus will include studio sound stage buildings, flexible support/office spaces and workshop/mill buildings in which the stage sets will be constructed and stored. It is expected that more than 2,000 construction workers will contribute to building the studio, which will have approximately 2,000-3,000 full-time employees when completed.

Meanwhile, Great Point Studios, a studio investment/management business specializing in film and television infrastructure, and the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) announced a partnership this year with global content leader Lionsgate to build a major $125 million production facility in Newark. The 300,000-square-foot, full-service, modern entertainment complex is anticipated to create more than 600 new long-term jobs and generate more than $800 million of annual economic impact for Newark and New Jersey.

Additionally, California-based MBS Group, a large studio advisory and production services company, is interested in purchasing property and building multiple studios in West Orange.

If Netflix does take over the Fort Monmouth property, it will be the company’s second-largest production facility after a complex in New Mexico.

In a June 2 Op-Ed published on NJ.com, New Jersey Business & Industry Association President and CEO Michele Siekerka commented that the Netflix studio could create economic opportunities for the communities surrounding Fort Monmouth and the entire state. “Netflix in New Jersey brings the prospect of thousands of jobs for the future, an abundance of workforce development possibilities, and an annual local investment that creates sustained economic activity,” Siekerka wrote.

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