Netflix has received final approval for its ambitious $903 million studio project at the former Fort Monmouth U.S. Army base in Monmouth County, New Jersey. The Oceanport Planning Board unanimously approved plans for the demolition of 47 World War II-era buildings on a 79-acre site, paving the way for outdoor filming spaces and support facilities.
The approved phase focuses on transforming the area into grass and gravel backlots, which will serve as essential production support. In addition to demolishing the outdated structures, Netflix plans to renovate five older brick buildings for storage, equipment, and maintenance operations. The development will also include space for cast trailers, makeup and wardrobe facilities, catering services, and support vehicles.
At a recent meeting, Netflix officials addressed community concerns regarding potential impacts on traffic, noise, and security. The company agreed to enhance landscaping buffers and will continue working with Monmouth County to upgrade local roads and traffic signals. According to Kenneth Falcon, Netflix’s senior manager for Fort Monmouth, the newly approved section will not operate daily once completed. Filming will be sporadic, with heightened security only during active production periods, adhering to borough noise and lighting restrictions.
Project Overview and Community Impact
The Fort Monmouth studio project spans a total of 289 acres and aims to create a Hollywood-style campus featuring 12 soundstages, which will total nearly 500,000 square feet. Additional amenities include production and office buildings, a cafeteria, retail shops, crew trailer parks, a theater, a hotel, and visitor attractions.
The first phase of the project, which was approved in March 2023, centers on the 29-acre McAfee Zone and includes the construction of four soundstages. Meanwhile, the largest segment, approved by Eatontown officials in September 2023, will feature eight soundstages reaching heights of up to 70 feet, along with essential production offices and a public plaza.
Originally established in 1917, Fort Monmouth was known for its role in developing FM radio technology before its closure in 2011. The buildings slated for demolition served various functions, including a motor pool and public works yard, and are part of a redevelopment effort to revitalize the area.
Financial Agreements and Future Developments
As construction progresses, both Oceanport and Eatontown have established tax agreements with Netflix, guaranteeing substantial revenue over the next three decades through a payment-in-lieu-of-taxes program, known as a PILOT. Oceanport recently approved a PILOT agreement projected to generate nearly $65 million over 30 years. Similarly, Eatontown approved a similar agreement in February 2024, which includes an immediate payment of $47 million to support critical infrastructure improvements.
Demolition for the studio’s first phase began in May 2023, with construction on the final section expected to commence in 2024 and conclude by 2028. Once completed, this studio campus is anticipated to be one of Netflix’s largest, rivaling its 300-acre facility in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and further solidifying the streaming giant’s commitment to expanding its production capabilities in the United States.
