Fire damages site of RiverWalk Center restaurant at Fort Monmouth in Oceanport

A Construction Site Fire at RiverWalk Center

A fire broke out at a construction site in Oceanport, New Jersey, on Monday afternoon. The blaze occurred at a building that is set to become a future restaurant at the RiverWalk Center, a new development on Parker’s Creek. Fortunately, the fire was quickly extinguished due to the swift response from multiple fire departments.

RiverWalk Center is a $25 million project built on the former grounds of the U.S. Army base at Fort Monmouth. The development is located near Parker’s Creek and Oceanport Avenue. Mayor Tom Tvrdik mentioned that the first call for the fire was made around 3:15 p.m., and by 4:15 p.m., the situation was under control.

Several fire departments, including those from Oceanport, Eatontown, Wanamassa, Little Silver, Monmouth Beach, Long Branch, Sea Bright, and West Long Branch, responded to the incident. According to Tvrdik, there were no injuries reported among the construction workers or the volunteers who helped fight the fire.

Possible Cause and Investigation

Tvrdik suggested that the fire may have started on the roof where workers were installing insulation. He explained that the building was still in the early stages of construction, consisting only of a steel frame and a roof. The cause of the fire is currently being investigated by the Monmouth County Fire Marshal.

The building that caught fire is intended to house a 25,000-square-foot restaurant on the waterfront. In addition to this, four other standalone buildings will be constructed as part of the center. These structures will include business lofts and retail spaces. One of the businesses planned for the center is Nicol Squash, which already has a location in mid-town Manhattan.

Historic Landmark and Development Plans

The centerpiece of the RiverWalk Center is the historic Allison Hall, built in 1928 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Originally used as the Army’s administration offices, the hall remains undamaged and is scheduled to be transformed into a three-story boutique hotel.

Michael Abboud, one of the principal owners of RiverWalk Center, also owns the former headquarters of the fort, Russell Hall, which houses his cloud-based technology company, TetherView. Abboud expressed relief that the fire was contained without any injuries. He praised the first responders for their quick actions and the professionalism of the various fire departments involved.

Abboud also acknowledged the efforts of the Oceanport First Aid Squad, which assisted at the scene. He emphasized that RiverWalk Center remains fully operational and thanked everyone for their coordinated efforts in resolving the incident safely.

Nearby Development and Economic Impact

The RiverWalk Center is close to the Mega Parcel, where Netflix is constructing its East Coast film and television studio production hub. This project includes 12 sound stages and numerous ancillary buildings, representing an investment of nearly $1 billion.

Asbury Park Press covered the event, highlighting the significance of the fire and the ongoing development of the area. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of safety measures during construction projects and the collaborative efforts of emergency services in ensuring community well-being.