Netflix has released updated renderings of its planned studio campus at Fort Monmouth, providing the clearest picture yet of how the redevelopment will take shape. The 289-acre project spans Eatontown and Oceanport along Route 35 and is set to become one of Netflix’s largest production facilities in the world.
From Military Base to Production Campus
The Fort Monmouth U.S. Army base, closed in 2011, has sat largely unused for more than a decade. Netflix purchased the property in 2021 for $55 million, setting the stage for a significant transformation. Demolition began earlier this year, with construction scheduled to start in 2026 and completion expected by 2028.
What the Plans Show
The new renderings reveal a studio complex designed to operate on the scale of a small city. Once complete, the campus will include:
- 12 soundstages totaling nearly 500,000 square feet.
- Production and office buildings.
- A cafeteria, retail shops and trailer areas for crews.
- A theater, hotel and visitor amenities.
The development is divided into multiple phases:
- Phase One (McAfee Zone) – Covers 29 acres with two 22,000-square-foot soundstages, twin stages totaling 83,000 square feet, offices, a warehouse and a mill building. A former 1965 bowling alley will be demolished to make way for updated stormwater infrastructure.
- Phase 1B (Main Entrance and Centerpiece) – Features eight additional soundstages up to 70 feet tall, production offices, three mill buildings, support facilities and trailer camps. This phase also includes a public plaza with Netflix’s red “N” logo and landscaped gathering spaces.
Vail Hall, a three-story communications hub built in 1952, will be restored and repurposed as the welcome and security center for the campus.
Community Access
Although most of the 289-acre site will be restricted for production, Netflix’s plans reserve several areas for limited public use. These include a plaza, small park, gathering space and an extension of the Fort Monmouth trail featuring historic markers. These additions aim to balance the secure needs of a working studio with community-facing amenities.
Approvals and Progress
Both the Eatontown and Oceanport planning boards have approved Netflix’s development plans, clearing the way for the project to move forward. The phased approach ensures that production capacity can begin to take shape while additional infrastructure is built out over time.
Economic Impact
At a groundbreaking ceremony earlier this year, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy emphasized the scale of the investment. Officials estimate that construction will generate more than 3,500 jobs, with another 1,400 permanent jobs once the campus is operational. Over the next two decades, the studio is projected to contribute between $3.8 and $4.6 billion to New Jersey’s economy.
Looking Ahead
When complete, Fort Monmouth will stand alongside Netflix’s 300-acre campus in Albuquerque, New Mexico, as one of its largest studio facilities. The project marks a significant milestone for New Jersey’s growing film and television industry and signals the state’s commitment to supporting large-scale production.
Closing Thoughts
The release of these renderings underscores both the scale and ambition of Netflix’s redevelopment plans for Fort Monmouth. With demolition underway, approvals in place, and construction on the horizon, the project is moving steadily from vision to reality. For the region, it represents not only a major step in economic revitalization but also a new identity as a center for film and television production on the East Coast.
