A new memorial paying homage to the history of Fort Monmouth was recently dedicated as part of the official opening of East Gate Park, a professionally-designed and landscaped open space sponsored and curated by RPM Development Group on the 1,226-acre former army post.
Local veterans and dignitaries joined representatives of RPM Development and the Fort Monmouth Economic Revitalization Authority (FMERA) for a special ribbon cutting ceremony to unveil the memorial which serves as the centerpiece of the one-acre community park.
Inspired by monuments in Washington, D.C. and the 9/11 Memorial in Weehawken, the memorial is made of solid granite cap and a base with a brick pier. The applied cast metal plaque honors the men and women who served at Fort Monmouth. The pier has cast metal plaque seals representing the major military branches that performed at the post.
The newly dedicated memorial was the result of a collaborative effort between RPM Development, FMERA, area veterans, Palermo Edwards Architecture and Design 446. The basis for the monument design and the verbiage on its plaques were largely influenced by the thoughts and ideas of military veterans with close ties to Fort Monmouth and New Jersey’s military history, including John Booth, John Edward Occhipinti and Michael T. Ruane. RPM Development commissioned Palermo Edwards Architecture and Design 446 to take the vision and bring it to fruition.
“Throughout the entire process we engaged the Veterans’ group to ensure the final memorial design aligned with their vision,” says Michael Hong, Assistant Vice President of Development at RPM. “This will be a monument the entire community can be proud of and a humble remembrance of all who made Fort Monmouth a special piece of American history. We’re honored to officially unveil it.”
RPM Development is the developer of East Gate, a collection of 68 townhomes, duplexes and single-family residences being created in century-old Officer’s Housing buildings at Fort Monmouth for which the newly minted outdoor space takes its name. In addition to the memorial, the green space includes pedestrian pathways, benches, newly-seeded lawns, seasonal flowers and shrubbery and a modernized lightning/lantern package
East Gate Park will play an important role in the evolution of historic Fort Monmouth into the Jersey Shore’s premier new residential community. It’s situated just steps from East Gate which is the first to open in the redevelopment of the post.
“East Gate Park is a key component in creating a true neighborhood feel at Fort Monmouth and will provide our residents with a beautiful and unique amenity right outside their door,” Mr. Hong adds. “Its addition will solidify Fort Monmouth and East Gate’s status as Monmouth County’s most complete new lifestyle community.”
In addition to the park, residents of East Gate enjoy live/play amenities and services, including the nearby Marina at Oceanport, parade grounds and open space, walking and biking trails around Parker’s Creek, as well as an expected bowling alley, microbrewery and The Fort Athletic Club which slated to open soon.
Homes at East Gate deliver a special lifestyle by blending modern and luxury living spaces with historic charm. It’s a formula that has added up to impressive sales success with over 70% of its residences sold, according to CB New Homes, which is conducting the on-site sales program.
The high buyer velocity has led to the release of the final phase, Officer’s Row, a premium offering of just 8 high-end three-bedroom duplexes and single-family detached homes situated in one of the most desirable community locations on Allen Avenue with beautiful waterviews of Parker’s Creek. The luxury of the spacious homes is rooted in the prestige for which they are named, having served as acclaimed residences for high ranking officers stationed on the post.
Homes in Officer’s Row are priced from the upper $700,000s and feature 2.5 baths, spacious dining/living room, open concept kitchen, expansive master bedroom suite with lavish master bath and sitting room and den. Homes provide expansive backyards with large patios to take advantage of water views of Parker’s Creek. As an added bonus, crown molding can be found throughout the main living level and hardwood flooring is offered on both the first and second floors, desired finishes not available in previous duplexes.
East Gate has been quick to differentiate itself thanks to eye-catching architecture and distinctive homes that offer an attractive alternative to the area’s conventional housing stock. To create a nostalgic, yet modern living experience at the community, RPM Development has masterfully blended the original building exteriors which date back to the early 20th century with contemporary interiors boasting expansive living spaces and designer finishes and appointments.
In addition to Officer’s Row, a limited number of townhomes and duplexes are available in Phase II at East Gate priced from the $500,000s to the mid-$700,000s.
Palermo Edwards Architecture has remodeled the buildings’ interiors to create new two- and three-story homes with luxurious kitchens and bathrooms and a high level of style and comfort. Generous floorplans feature designer elements, including modern kitchens with granite or quartz countertops, stainless steel Kohler fixtures and GE appliance packages; and master-bathroom suites with double vanity countertops, Moen Eva faucets and showers with built-in benches and semi-frameless shower doors. Residences also provide hardwood flooring throughout first floors in the townhome designs and throughout both first and second floors in the duplex and single-family floorplans.
Situated in the sought-after Borough of Oceanport, East Gate has been designed to offer a classic residential environment with a twist of historic charm. Homeowners enjoy the added benefit of residing in an inviting and established neighborhood where community sidewalks are already completed and mature trees dot the landscape.
Oceanport is one of Monmouth County’s most desired residential settings, combining a distinctly suburban environment with award-winning schools. The Borough also provides an incredibly commuter-friendly location with easy access to all that makes Jersey Shore living so special.
East Gate itself is situated just minutes from popular New Jersey beaches and the banks of the Shrewsbury River, and is in proximity to the entertainment, dining and culture of Red Bank and Asbury Park. Commuters will enjoy the location just two miles from New Jersey Transit’s Little Silver Train Station, which provides direct service to Manhattan, as well as easy access to major highways including Routes 35, 36, 18 and the Garden State Parkway.
For additional information, please call 732-523-5566 or visit www.EastGateOceanport.com. The on-site sales program is being conducted by CB New Homes of Madison, NJ.