The proposal for facade improvements on Mama Street stole the spotlight, introduced by John Bleecker from Bleecker Architectural Group. The building, previously hosting a dental office and residential apartments, is set to undergo renovations aimed at modernizing its appearance while retaining its historical charm. The project includes replacing existing staircases with a central staircase to serve a new tailor shop, upgrading the building’s exterior, and adding an architectural eyebrow over the entrance to highlight the storefront.

The council’s deliberations revealed a keen interest in ensuring the renovation respects the building’s historical narrative. Concerns arose about maintaining the historical character, with suggestions that new architectural details like vents and railings reflect historical styles. Bleecker acknowledged these concerns, expressing a willingness to adapt the designs to align with historical aesthetics. Discussions about the building’s past and architectural features highlighted the need for more historical context, with members referencing records from 1919 to inform their decisions.

In tandem with the facade proposal, the Council also addressed design guidelines aimed at preserving Red Bank’s historic structures. Stephen Smallen from Architectural Heritage Consultants presented a draft of these guidelines, which are set to guide future development in historic districts. The draft, which includes over 90 pages of detailed instructions, aims to differentiate between contributing and non-contributing buildings, providing flexibility for modern materials while preserving the town’s historical integrity.

A major topic of debate was the use of modern substitute materials such as AAC wrap and Hardy board, which mimic wood but are more durable. Concerns were raised about the financial implications for homeowners maintaining historic properties, with discussions emphasizing the importance of balancing preservation with practicality. The guidelines propose that substitute materials should be considered on a case-by-case basis, allowing for flexibility while maintaining historical integrity.

The Council also deliberated on the appropriate use of materials for cladding and windows, with a strong preference for alternatives to vinyl siding, aligning with the Secretary of the Interior’s standards. The guidelines discourage the replacement of existing vinyl with new vinyl in historic districts, urging for materials that uphold historical appropriateness. Discussions on window replacements emphasized the need for designs that maintain architectural integrity, with a call for standards guiding these decisions.

Additionally, the Council discussed storefront guidelines, focusing on maintaining historical integrity while accommodating modern needs. A proposal to create a brochure summarizing these guidelines was made. The brochure would cover treatments for storefronts and signage, emphasizing historical appropriateness and aesthetic cohesion.

Plans are in place for a public outreach event in November to educate property owners on utilizing the new design guidelines. The guidelines are expected to be finalized by September and will be reviewed by the planning board before being adopted by the mayor and council.

The session concluded with discussions on professional development opportunities for the Historic Preservation Commission, highlighting a course offered by the Mid-Atlantic Regional Center for Humanities.