Red Bank plan turns 25

The Red Bank Master Plan, Strategy Plan, Vision Plan, and Design Manual turned 25 during 2018. Astonishingly, all are still at work today in a town that has experienced a remarkable transformation during that period. Hard to remember now, but in 1994 the downtown was challenged by growing vacancy and disinvestment. Realtors referred to “Deadbank”. Clearly though, there was always “a lot of there, there”…determined talented people, the Navesink River, the Count Basie, great streets, good buildings, a one-seat train ride to NYC. The town has come bank and then some - the go-to center for commerce and fun for the region. Nearby Asbury Park is the summertime draw. Managing success, guiding development, and finding resources to maintain infrastructure and public services continue to demand the focus of Borough leadership.

Project Team

Mark Keener and Robert Brown | with Mario Gandelsonas, The Atlantic Group, S.O.M.E Architects, and T&M Associates

A Good Story

Robert Brown and Mark Keener were just launching a new Philadelphia-based design practice when they were tapped to assist the Borough to create a vivid, resident-driven plan for the future of the community. The work recognized the transportation and private investment - with focus on the mobility related connectivity - river access, the station area, and Monmouth Ave, as well as ensuring that future private development is contributes to the great, small-town character of Broad Street and the riverfront.

RiverCenter Design Manual

The RiverCenter Design Manual was devised to guide changes to retail and commercial facades in the quintessential American downtown of Red Bank. The manual presents objective architectural standards that observe Red Bank’s architectural heritage. It offers perspective and “talking points” for addressing matters of taste, with illustrations showing how the guidelines may apply to specific design topics such as windows, outdoor displays, signage and lighting.

10 Principles, Topics, Bulletins

A series of more technical Design Bulletins were also developed to provide more details on specific topics such as materials, lighting, and color. One page “tear-off” handouts provide detail guidance on Color, Windows, Shopfront Design, Blank Walls, Signs, Awnings, Cafe Seating, Planters, Outdoor Merchandising, Rear Entrances, Planters, Lighting, Historic Details, and more.