Business Buzz
Some projects change a skyline; others change an economy.
The National Aerospace Research & Technology Park (NARTP) in Egg Harbor Township has the potential to redefine the future of Atlantic County.
Long before construction began, the National Aerospace Research & Technology Park was envisioned as a catalyst for local economic diversification. The project originated within the Atlantic County Economic Development Advisory Committee, which advised County Executive Dennis Levinson and Howard Kyle, who served as Levinson’s chief of staff at the time.
The the committee – chaired by yours truly – recognized a growing reality: the casino industry, while still a major economic engine, was facing increasing competition and evolving market pressures. Atlantic County needed to create new industries and long-term economic opportunities that would complement, not replace, its tourism base.
County leadership shared that vision. Through the relentless efforts and commitment of Levinson and Kyle, the idea evolved from a strategic concept, into a tangible reality.
The solution seemed obvious once the pieces came together – leverage Atlantic County’s greatest hidden asset: the FAA’s William J. Hughes Technical Center, already known worldwide as a premier aviation research facility. If aviation innovation is happening here already, why not build an entire business ecosystem around it?
Building a new economic future
Today that vision is becoming a reality at the National Aerospace Research & Technology Park, located at 600 Aviation Research Blvd., Egg Harbor Township.
The master plan calls for a 58-acre innovation campus featuring seven buildings totaling more than 400,000 square feet of research, laboratory and Class-A office space dedicated to aerospace and aviation technology.
This is not simply another office park; it is designed as a collaborative innovation environment where government, private industry and research organizations work side by side to advance the future of flight.
Building One: Proving the concept
Completed in 2019, the park’s first building – a 69,375-square-foot facility – quickly validated the project’s concept. The site has already helped attract hundreds of jobs tied to aviation research, technology development and innovation programs connected to the FAA William J. Hughes Technical Center.
The success of Building One proved Atlantic County’s ability to attract premier technology employers including General Dynamics, the FAA, and Applied Research Associates, paving the way for future expansion.
Building Two: The Aerospace Innovation Center
Momentum is now accelerating with the completion of Building Two, a 40,000-square-foot, two-story facility that will soon open its doors to its first occupants.
On Wednesday, March 4, tours were conducted of the brand-new building, offering a first look at what many believe will become a centerpiece of the region’s innovation economy.
Building Two will house the Aerospace Innovation Center (AIC), a state-designated Strategic Innovation Center, funded through the New Jersey Economic Development Authority ($8.6 million), focused on emerging aviation technologies, including:
Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS)
Advanced Air Mobility (AAM)
and Next-generation aerospace research and commercialization.
The building is designed to support startups, research teams and established companies working on technologies that will shape the future of aviation.
Jobs and economic impact
Economic projections tied to the Aerospace Innovation Center estimate that approximately 130 permanent, high-quality jobs, along with more than 100 construction jobs during development.
These positions are expected to include engineers, researchers, software developers and aviation specialists – with anticipated average salaries ranging from $75,000 to well over $100,000 annually, creating a significant boost to the region’s professional workforce.
Beyond the direct employment numbers, projects like this typically generate ripple effects across the local economy, increasing demand for housing, restaurants, professional services and commercial space as new talent moves into the area.
Leadership that made it happen
Guiding the park is Howard Kyle, now serving as president and CEO of the National Aerospace Research & Technology Park. His leadership, combined with the long-term support of Atlantic County Executive Dennis Levinson and many other state and federal representatives, including Rep. Jeff Van Drew, has been instrumental in transforming what began as a strategic economic development discussion, into one of the most ambitious innovation projects in South Jersey.
Their shared belief was simple: Atlantic County had to think bigger, invest smarter and build industries that would thrive well into the future.
The sky is the limit
The opening of Building Two marks an exciting milestone, but it also represents just the beginning. With five additional buildings planned, the park is steadily moving toward completion of a full aerospace innovation campus unlike anything else in the region.
As the pathway toward full build-out continues the message is simple: The sky is the limit.
Atlantic County is truly shooting for the stars – building a future economy rooted in innovation, technology and opportunity.
For more information about the National Aerospace Research & Technology Park, call 609-365-2183, see www.nartp.com or email nartp@nartp.com
Rich Baehrle, of Berkshire Hathaway Fox and Roach, can be reached at 609-226-6680 or 609-641-0011. Email richardbaehrle@gmail.com or see www.getrichinrealestateSJ.com
