The Commissary at Baseline at 675 Oceanport Way in Oceanport — Courtesy: Denholtz Properties
By Joshua Burd
Denholtz Properties has lured another user to its new food and beverage hub on Fort Monmouth, where a fast-growing dessert business will now build out a new production facility.
The user, MGT Foods, has leased 19,567 square feet at The Commissary at Baseline as part of a plan to expand its manufacturing output to more brands and consumers worldwide, according to a news release. It plans to begin production at 675 Oceanport Way, located in the Oceanport section of the former military base, in the first quarter of 2023.
Denholtz noted that the deal at the newly updated, 53,000-square-foot building follows its recent lease with Birdsmouth Beer, which is slated to open a craft brewery and tasting room this fall.
“We recognized the tremendous untapped potential of The Commissary at Fort Monmouth from day one of our ownership of the property,” said Kristine B. Hurlbut, Denholtz Properties’ senior vice president for leasing. “Since that time, our robust leasing activity with truly one-of-a-kind companies like MGT Foods and Birdsmouth Beer speaks to our success in creating a second life for this historic property.”
Established in Brooklyn in 1968, MGT Foods is a third-generation, wholly owned family business that specializes in food science, food manufacturing and food distribution, the news release said. The Keyport-based firm owns and operates brands such as Mr. Green Tea Ice Cream, Mr. Mochi, The Bear & The Rat Cool Treats for Dogs and Eat Mud Non-Dairy Ice Cream, Denholtz said, but growing demand for its co-packing and co-manufacturing services prompted a search for a nearby production facility.
“Working with Denholtz Properties and the borough of Oceanport has been a breath of fresh air, they recognize the untapped potential of the Fort and immediately understood how MGT Foods’ unique brand of food science and manufacturing can help return the area to its former glory,” MGT Foods Vice President Michael James Emanuele said.
Aiming to build upon the success of The Commissary, Denholtz is moving forward with a second phase at Baseline, in which it will construct 72,400 square feet of modern spec industrial and flex space spread across three buildings. The new structures will occupy the former site of the fort’s warehouse district, part of a parcel that the firm acquired in 2020.
Construction of the three buildings is scheduled for completion in 2023.
Denholtz, brewery ink 12,000 sq. ft. lease for new-look Fort Monmouth commissary building
