on Fort Monmouth projects
are the most likely tenants
Contractors working
on Fort Monmouth projects
are the most likely tenants
BY SHERRY CONOHAN
Staff Writer
Building 208
FORT MONMOUTH — For the first time, Fort Monmouth plans to extend a long-term lease — 50 years — to a developer for use of three historic barracks buildings on the Army base.
Ron Kustowski, an electrical engineer engaged in master planning in Fort Monmouth’s Directorate of Public Works, said whoever submits the successful proposal is expected to renovate the interior of the buildings into suitable office space and then rent it out to contractors who support the mission of the Army’s Communications-Electronics Command (CECOM).
Being as the buildings, which date back to 1927, are considered historic, he said only "slight" improvements will be approved for the exteriors.
The buildings, located on Oceanport Avenue inside the main base, are listed as Class III buildings on the National Register of Historic Places.
The shaded buildings pictured above are those that are available in a lease program from Fort Monmouth.
The successful developer will be asked to provide millions of dollars of in-kind consideration in the form of construction in return for the lease.
The Army wants to receive not less than the fair market value of the property.
Kustowski said projects being suggested as in-kind consideration include construction of a parking garage, improvements to the Nickodemus Avenue Gate across from St. Dorothea’s Church on Broad Street, construction of a new visitor control center and improved vehicle access to the base.
He estimated the parking structure would cost $5 million to $6 million.
Building 207
The Fort Monmouth Garrison held an industry day to allow prospective developers to get a better understanding of what is available in the Barker Circle Enhanced Use Leasing Project program at Gibbs Hall on Wednesday.
Kustowski said this will be the first time Fort Monmouth has let a 50-year lease for underutilized buildings on the base.
Asked what would happen if Fort Monmouth should be downsized or even closed in the next round of Base Realignment and Closure in 2005, Kustowski said provision for that would have to be made part of the lease.
He said the Army hopes to have a lease executed by August. He said it probably would take six to eight months for the developer to renovate them.
Building 287
The buildings are designed like dormitories in that they contain bedrooms, with bathrooms down the hall.
One building is still occupied by military personnel.
Kustowski said while extensive renovations will be allowed of the interiors, all work must be approved in advance.
He said an example of the type of work the contractors who will eventually occupy them might do would be developing software and hardware. The employees of those contractors would be issued access cards, just like other employees at Fort Monmouth, to get on base, he added.
Asked if more than one developer might be selected, with different developers for the different buildings, Kustowski said it would be preferable to have just one lease.
Driving north on Oceanport Avenue, building 207 is the first on the left and next to on the north side is building 287. Building 208 is behind 207.
Jim Ott, director of the Fort Monmouth Directorate of Public Works, said the long-term lease will result in noticeable improvements in buildings on the base and may be a good opportunity for local businesses.
"The leasing of these facilities will also directly benefit the government by improving the condition of the properties while reducing operating and maintenance costs," according to Ott.