CAMP EVANS HISTORIC DISTRICT
APPLICATION FOR OBTAINING REAL PROPERTY FOR HISTORIC MONUMENT PURPOSES
evans logo

American Marconi
Belmar High-Power Station



U.S. Naval Radio Station, Belmar, NJ


RCA High-Power Station

Evans Signal Laboratory

CAMP EVANS SIGNAL LABORATORY

EVANS AREA


INSPIRE
INSPIRE
INSPIRE
INSPIRE
INSPIRE
INSPIRE
INSPIRE
Kids to learn...
InfoAge
APPLICATION 

Agreements

1. NAME OF APPLICANT: Township of Wall, New Jersey, Office of Township Historian
    NAME OF PROPECTIVE TRANSFEREE: Township of Wall, New Jersey
    ADDRESS: 2700 Allaire Road, P.O. Box 1168, Wall, NJ 07719-1168
    TELEPHONE: 732-449-8444

2. NAME OF PROPERTY: Camp Evans Historic District 
    ADDRESS: 2201 Marconi Road, Wall, New Jersey, 07719
    NATIONAL REGISTER STATUS: Camp Evans Historic District was entered onto the New Jersey Register of Historic Places on March 20, 2000.  The National Register Nomination was approved by the State Review Board for Historic Sites (3/20/00) and the Nomination was forwarded to the National Park Service, Washington, DC for consideration. 

3. BOUNDARY DESCRIPTION: The property boundaries are defined approximately as follows: Beginning at the intersection of Monmouth Boulevard and Marconi Road, follow Marconi Road north west to the Marconi Tower Monument, eastward toward Shark River, follow river edge southeast in front of Marconi Operations building (9004), along lower edge of River bluff to and around Diana Site back to Marconi Road, follow Marconi Road northwest to the Camp Evans perimeter fence corner at the North Wall Little League Field, continue along Camp Evans east perimeter fence to a point between lots 5 and 6, then to the south edge of with Fifth street, following along Fifth Street to the intersection of Fourth Street and Fifth Street, in-front of 9017, follow Fourth Street along its south edge to Gate 2 on Monmouth Boulevard, finally along Monmouth Boulevard, on the west, back to the intersection of Marconi Road. 

The property legal description is as shown on 'Survey & Minor Subdivision Of Camp Evans' by Bay Pointe Engineering Associates, Inc. - Dated 07/20/2001, copy enclosed in Appendix.  The Historic District is comprised of two lots: Block 240 Lot 55.01 - 18.97 acres and Block 242 Lot 1 - 18.96 acres.  The total area is 37.93 acres.  Marconi Road separates the lots.

LEGAL DESCRIPTION
SITE DESCRIPTION
LANDSCAPE
4. BUILDINGS DESCRIPTIONS

5. UTILITIES

6. RELATED PERSONAL PROPERTY

No personal property will be transfer from the Army to Wall Township.

7. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE

Please refer to 'Statement of Significance' in National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) application in Appendix.  Camp Evans was entered onto the New Jersey Register of Historic Places on March 20, 2000.  The nomination was forwarded to the NPS for consideration.  As of May 2000 the nomination has been in review by the Army Federal Preservation Officer.  As of December 15, 2001 the Army Federal Preservation Office estimates the nomination may be signed and forwarded to the Keeper of the National Register toward the end of January 2002.

8. PRESERVATION AND ARCHITECTURAL PLAN (See Column on RIGHT) 

     The Township of Wall has authorized the Township Historian to prepare the Preservation and Architectural Plan, which will be implemented by the Township of Wall and the Information Age Learning Center.  The goal of the rehabilitation work proposed for the Camp Evans Historic District is to preserve the character of this former Marconi Wireless Station, completed in 1914 and later used as an incomparable communications research facility, with a historically compatible reuse as a science-history center.  The Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties have been followed in the development of this application and will be adhered to in the implementation Phases.

     In order to assure a continued source of funding to maintain the site and buildings, the not-for-profit corporation, the Information Age learning Center (InfoAge) was established.  InfoAge will lease the Historic District from Wall Township and have primary responsibility for Historic District management.  InfoAge will work in cooperation with the Township of Wall to accomplish this plan.  InfoAge will be seeking grants, look to entrance fees, increase its membership and conduct major and minor fund raising efforts to accomplish this plan and sustain its financial viability.  The building interiors will be creatively rehabilitated as a hands-on science-history center focused on communications, computer science and history.  This is a historically appropriate reuse, encompassing as it does the historic mission of Camp Evans, initially as a Marconi Wireless station and later, as a U.S. Army Signal Corps communications research laboratory.  In the same buildings where Marconi engineers, U.S Navy engineers and U.S. Army engineers worked to improve communications technology this technology will be interpreted to improve the public understanding of science and engineering. 

     InfoAge will provide enhanced educational opportunities to families, school systems, and selected not-for-profit organizations in the New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania tri-state area.  The center will also serve as an interface between the educational community, the military, industry, and not-for-profit groups.  At this location, the contributions and resources of these member groups as well as of individuals will be available to address the interests and educational needs of schools, families and other parties.

     At property transfer or when access is permitted Infoage members will photo document each and every building throughout with digital images for archives and later research use.

     Existing conditions and proposed work are specified for each building separately, later in this section.  (See Column on RIGHT) 

LIST OF DRAWINGS

9. USE PLAN

10. FINANCIAL PLAN

a. ANALYSIS OF PROJECTED INCOME FROM ALL SOURCES

b. ANALYSIS OF PROJECTED EXPENSES FOR:
     1. REPAIR, REHABILATION AND RESTORATION

A. Major Work and associated cost by Phase
B. Complete Camp Evans Historic District Rehabilitation Costs. 
     2. RECURRING MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS
     3. ADMINISTRATION AND OPERATION

c. PROVISION FOR DISPOSITION OF EXCESS INCOME

When the center is in full operation excess income is projected and hoped for.  Excess income will be used to improve the conditions of utilities and building features not specified in this program.  A portion of excess income will be used to improve and update visitor program offerings to maintain fresh and interesting exhibits.  Building a loyal membership and changing programs is key to the long-term financial health of the Historic District. 

d. DESCRIPTION OF ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL PROCEDURES

The Information Age Learning Center (InfoAge) is a not-for-profit corporation, registered in the State of New Jersey.   In maintaining, managing the historic district, and operating the science-history center it will maintain a separate account from the Township of Wall.  InfoAge will annually provide the Township of Wall an audited financial report.  InfoAge will be responsible and will prepare the biennial report to the Secretary of the Interior.  The report will include an independent auditors report and a financial report. 

11. CAPABILITY

12. RESOLUTION



Appendix A: HABS/HAER Inventory of Individual Buildings

Appendix B: May 5, 2000 letter from NJ SHPO approving Camp Evans Historic District
                     National Register of Historic Places Application

Appendix C: InfoAge Overview

Appendix D: InfoAge Articles of Incorporation 

Appendix E: InfoAge 501 (c) 3 certificate



Web Page Executive Summary

Introduction

     This approved CAMP EVANS HISTORIC DISTRICT APPLICATION FOR OBTAINING REAL PROPERTY FOR HISTORIC MONUMENT PURPOSES represents the  work of volunteers who are dedicated to preserving the unique history of Camp Evans, intrepreting the history, the physical sciences, computer and communications sciences to students and families to inspire persons to learn science and history to improve their lives and employment possibilities.

     In 1993 the Base Realignment and Closure Act (BRAC), Public Law 101-510, required the closing of the Evans Subpost of Fort Monmouth, located in Wall Township, New Jersey, and realignment of essential missions to other installations.  The Local  Redevelopment Agency (LRA) named the Marconi Park Complex Advisory Committee (MPCAC) was formed in January 1994 under the authority of the Wall Township Committee.  On January 24, 1996 the Wall Township Committee adopted the Reuse Master Plan prepared by the MPCAC.  The Plan calls for the establishment of a museum/learning center.  The Information Age Learning Center (Infoage), a not-for-profit corporation was incorporated in 1998 with the express purpose of preserving Areas B and C of Camp Evans and creatively reusing the 37 acre site as a Science-History center.  Infoage prepared and submiited a successful nomination of Areas B and C as the Camp Evans Historic District.  As a historic district, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, under the authority of the Wall Township Committeethe Township of Wall, Infoage could then apply to the Historic Surplus Property Program.  This application will facilitate the transfer of the Camp Evans Historic District from the Department of the Army directly to Wall Township with the approval of the National Park Service.  This is web page and associated links represent the textual content of the application, all photographs and selected diagrams. 

Purpose and Need
This learning center will provide a focal point for the preservation and interpretation of New Jersey’s rich communications, computer and electronic history while acting as a specialized learning center for Monmouth County families and school children.  This represents the best possible reuse, preservation, and educational leverage of these historic facilities established by the Marconi Wireless Telegraph Company of America.  This site, best known as a Marconi Wireless Station, has historical significance in WWI, then much greater significance as a Top Secret center for U.S. Army Signal Corps Radar, Electronic Warfare and communications development.  During the Signal Corps’ tenure at Evans major contributions were made to the U.S. Space Program, satellite program, transistor industry, computer industry and America’s creation of the electronic battlefield.  The tri-state area is well served with the best science centers and museums in the nation.  This unique center will act as an extension of the content of these centers focusing on the specialized history, technologies, and basic science behind information age sciences and presenting these topics in depth.  The center will also serve the many professional and volunteer service organizations focused on radio, electronics, communications and science education.  The center will provide a platform to maximize their ability to serve the public and work together toward the common goal of science education and historic preservation.
 

Thanks to:

Mr. Michael Ruane - Guiding us to this process.
Mr. Bob Judge - Photographs and more photographs.
Mr. Lawrence Tormey - Editing and corrections.

Ms. Lisa McCann - Hours of review, guidence and approval.

The Wall Township Committee - Support and approval for submission.

8. PRESERVATION AND ARCHITECTURAL PLAN

Phase I: Emergency Work and stabilization.
Phase II: Establish Center.
Phase III: Expand Center.
Phase IV: Center Expansion into H-Building 9036 and 9037
Phase V: Complete Center.
Post Phase V: Historic District Improvements.

8.1  Marconi station/ radar laboratory Landscape
Architecture Feature: Project Diana Site Landscape

8.2 Perimeter Security Fence
Architectural Feature: Perimeter Security Fence south of Marconi Road
Architecture Feature: Perimeter Security Fence around Marconi Wireless operations area
Architecture Feature: Project Diana Site Perimeter Security Fence

8.3 Marconi Hotel (Building 9001) 
Architectural Feature: Exterior Stairs
Architectural Feature: Piazza
Architectural Feature: Exterior Masonry
Architectural Feature: Exterior Woodwork
Architectural Feature: Roof Tiles 
Architectural Feature: Gutters
Architectural Feature: Exterior Doors
Architectural Feature: Exterior Windows 
Architectural Feature: Exterior Cellar Stairs
Architectural Feature: Exterior Fire Escape
Architectural Feature: Cellar loading ramp
Architectural Feature: WWII Blackout Panel
Architectural Feature: Cold War Era Fall Out Shelter
Architectural Feature: Entrance Foyer 
Architectural Feature: Fireplaces 
Architectural Feature: Lounge - Billiard and Card Room
Architectural Feature: Dining Room
Architectural Feature: Linen Closets Conversion to Elevator 
Architectural Feature: WWII Radar Workbench
Architectural Feature: WWII Radio / Signal Jamming / Electronic Warfare

8.4 Marconi Station Manager Cottage  (Building 9002) 
Architectural Feature: Porch
Architectural Feature: Exterior Masonry
Architectural Feature: Roof Tiles
Architectural Feature: Gutters
Architectural Feature: Exterior Windows
Architectural Feature: Exterior Doors
Architectural Feature: Interior Conditions 

8.5 Marconi Station Chief Engineer Cottage  (Building 9003) 
Architectural Feature: Porch
Architectural Feature: Exterior Masonry 
Architectural Feature: Roof Tiles 
Architectural Feature: Gutters
Architectural Feature: Exterior Windows 
Architectural Feature: Exterior Doors
Architectural Feature: Interior Conditions

8.6 Laboratory General Purpose - Marconi Wireless Operations Building (Building 9004)
Architectural Feature: Piazza
Architectural Feature: Exterior Masonry
Architectural Feature: Exterior Woodwork 
Architectural Feature: Roof
Architectural Feature: Gutters
Architectural Feature: Exterior Door 
Architectural Feature: Exterior Windows
Architectural Feature: Exterior and Interior Cellar Stairs
Architectural Feature: Interior Rooms 

8.7 Administration General Purpose (Building 9005)
Architectural Feature: Exterior

8.8 Marconi Power Plant (Building 9006)
Architectural Feature: Building Drainage
Architectural Feature: Double Doors
Architectural Feature: Asphalt Paper Roofing

8.9 Radar Laboratory H-Building (Building 9010)
Architectural Feature: Windows; sections A and B.
Architectural Feature: Windows; sections C and D.
Architectural Feature: Sheet Metal Roof Ventilators
Architectural Feature: Nightvision Laboratory Interior; sections A and B
Architectural Feature: WWII Radar Laboratory Interior; sections 9010 C and D
Architectural Feature: Windows and Doors in 9010 to 9011 Connecting hallway

8.10 Radar Laboratory H-Building (Building 9011) 
Architectural Feature: Windows
Architectural Feature: Interior - Vacuum Tube Fabrication and Test Lab.; section A.
Architectural Feature: Interior; Metal Shop; section B
Architectural Feature: Sheet Metal Roof Ventilators
Architectural Feature: Interior; Wood Shop; section C.
Architectural Feature: Interior; Tool Crib, Shops and Offices; section D.

8.11 Heating Oil Plant (Building 9012)
Architectural Feature: Heating Plant for 9010 & 9011

8.12 Special Antenna shelter (Building 9017)
Architectural Feature: Exterior
Architectural Feature: Interior
Architectural Feature: Utilities

8.13 Signal Administration Building (Building 9029)
Architectural Feature: Exterior Shiplap Siding, Windows and Doors
Architectural Feature: Interior

8.14  Heating Oil Plant (Building 9030)
Architectural Feature: 9030 Heating Oil Plant

8.15  Fire Station (Building 9031)
Architectural Feature: Exterior Shiplap Siding, Windows and Doors
Architectural Feature: Interior

8.16 Signal Administration Annex (Building 9032)
Architectural Feature: Exterior Shiplap Siding, and Doors 
Architectural Feature: Windows
Architectural Feature: Interior

8.17 Heating Oil Plant (Building 9033)
Architectural Feature: Heating Plant for 9032

8.18 Electric Shop Building (Building 9034) 
Architectural Feature: Exterior Shiplap Siding, Windows and Doors
Architectural Feature: Interior

8.19 Heating Oil Plant (Building 9035)
Architectural Feature: Heating Plant for Building 9034

8.20  Radar Laboratory H-Building (Building 9036)
Architectural Feature: Window Security Grates
Architectural Feature: Windows, Section A, B, and C.
Architectural Feature: Windows, Section D.
Architectural Feature: Interior, Sections A, B, and C.
Architectural Feature: Interior , Section D.

8.21  Radar Laboratory H-Building (Building 9037) 
Architectural Feature: Window Security Grates
Architectural Feature: Windows 
Architectural Feature: Interior Appearance 
Architectural Feature: Attic Laser Laboratory

8.22 Heating Oil Plant  (Building 9038)
Architectural Feature: Heating Plant for 9036 & 9037

8.23 Standby Generator Shed (Building 9057)
Architectural Feature: Exterior

8.24 Telephone Exchange Exterior (Building 9059)
Architectural Feature: Exterior
Architectural Feature: Interior

8.25 Distribution Transformer Vault - (Building 9065)
Architectural Feature: Exterior

8.26 Distribution Transformer Vault (Building 9066)
Architectural Feature: Exterior

8.27 Distribution Transformer Vault (Building 9067)
Architectural Feature: Exterior

8.28 Distribution Transformer Vault (Building 9068)
Architectural Feature: Exterior

8.29 Distribution Transformer Vault (Building 9069)
Architectural Feature: Exterior

8.30 Distribution Transformer Vault (Building 9070)
Architectural Feature: Exterior

8.31 Distribution Transformer Vault (Building 9071)
Architectural Feature: Exterior

8.32 Wellhouse (Building 9081)
Architectural Feature: Exterior and Interior

8.33 General Purpose Warehouse (Building 9084)
Architectural Feature: Exterior and Interior

8.34 Foundation of General Purpose Warehouse (Building 9085)
Architectural Feature: Concrete Slab

8.35 General Purpose Warehouse  (Building 9086)
Architectural Feature: Exterior and Interior

8.36 Explosion test building / General Purpose Laboratory (Building 9092)
Architectural Feature: Exterior

8.37 Guard Headquarters Sentry Station (Building 9093)
Architectural Feature: Exterior
Architectural Feature: Interior

8.38 Metal Single Car Garage (Building 9096) 
Architectural Feature: Exterior

8.39 Laboratory General Purpose Foundry (Building 9097)
 Architectural Feature: Exterior

8.40 Laboratory General Purpose (Building 9098)
 Architectural Feature: Exterior

8.41 Electrical Power Switch Station (Building 9114)
Architectural Feature: Exterior

8.42 Diana Dish control building (Building 9116)
Architectural Feature: Exterior

8.43 Storage Shed (Building 9120) 
Architectural Feature: Exterior

8.44 Storage Shed (Building 9128) 
Architectural Feature: Exterior

8.45 Silent Sentinel Satellite Dish Control Building (Building 9162)
Architectural Feature: Exterior
Architectural Feature: Interior 

8.46 Communications Research Platform/tower (Building 9178)
Architectural Feature: Exterior

8.47 Two-Car Garage (Building 9201)
Architectural Feature: Exterior

8.48 Three-Car Garage (Building 9202)
Architectural Feature: Exterior

8.49 Storage Shed (Building 9312) 
Architectural Feature: Exterior

8.50 Storage Shed (Building 9342) 
Architectural Feature: Exterior

8.51 Gas Cylinder Storage Shed (Building 9344) 
Architectural Feature: Exterior

8.52 Laboratory General Purpose (Building 9400)
Architectural Feature: Exterior

8.53 Buckminster Fuller Designed - Dymaxion Deployment Units in Historic District. 
(Buildings: 9011A-1, 9011A-2, 9011A-3 and 9036D-3)

8.54 Buckminster Fuller Designed - Dymaxion Deployment Units to be relocated.
(Buildings: 9020-1, 9020-2, 9037D, 9044-1, 9094-1, 9302-1, 9302-2)
Architectural Feature: Exterior

8.55 Architecture Feature: Sentry post at Gate 2 (Building 9135 - relocation)

8.56 Architecture Feature: Restricted Air-space beacon (Building 9175 - relocation)
 



Home | Calendar | Exhibits | Camp History | Our Partners |