Red Bank Historic Design Guidelines Paperback – January 1, 2026

The Red Bank Historic Design Guidelines is a practical, richly illustrated handbook for stewarding the Borough’s two designated districts—the Broad Street Historic District (commercial core) and the Washington Street Historic District (earliest residential neighborhood). Grounded in local survey work and the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards, it blends clear, enforceable guidance with accessible explanations so homeowners, business owners, architects, and contractors can make sound decisions from the outset.What’s insideHow to Use the Guidelines: Purpose & intent, applicability, and a concise review pathway with submittal expectations and application checklists.Historic Context: A readable overview of Red Bank’s evolution, district maps, and an illustrated primer on prevalent styles (Italianate, Second Empire, Queen Anne, Neoclassical, Art Deco, and more).Design Guidelines (by building element):Roofs; Exterior Cladding (masonry, wood, metal, stucco); Windows; Porches & Entrances; Doors; Storefronts; Signs. Each section features character-defining features, recommended treatments, and clear “do/don’t” guidance for repairs, replacements, and compatible alterations.District-Focused Topics:Storefront design (entries, transoms, bulkheads, signbands, lighting); residential components (stairs, latticework, railings, foundations) tailored to Washington Street’s scale and rhythm.Site & Streetscape: Fences, walkways, driveways & parking, plantings and street trees, lighting, rear and alley conditions—emphasizing compatibility with historic patterns.Modern Needs, Sensitive Solutions: Accessibility approaches that minimize visual impact; Mechanical & Utility Equipment placement and screening; Solar and sustainability considerations; Awnings & canopies that complement historic façades.Appendices & Reference Tools: A focused Window Replacement appendix, a concise Glossary, and Resources & Bibliography to support further research.Equal parts reference and field guide, this book turns preservation principles into step-by-step direction—helping projects meet contemporary needs while sustaining Red Bank’s distinctive architectural character.The preparation of these design guidelines has been made possible, in part, by public funds from the Preserve New Jersey Historic Preservation Fund administered by the New Jersey Historic Trust. The Borough of Red Bank and the Red Bank Historic Preservation Commission gratefully acknowledge the Trust’s support, which has made possible the research, documentation, and preparation of this survey. Read more