Historic Monmouth Boat Club boathouse approved for move and Foundation repairs

The Red Bank Historic Preservation Commission on May 20 approved plans for the Monmouth Boat Club to lift, move and rehabilitate its 140‑year‑old boathouse at 31 Union Street.

The commission voted to “approve the plans as submitted” after a presentation by the club and its engineering team, and an extended question‑and‑answer period on flood vents, access and materials. The club plans to move the building about 50 feet, install a new foundation supported by 60 helical piles, replace the bulkhead, add stainless‑steel automatic flood vents and raise the first floor by about 21 inches to reduce routine tidal flooding.

Why it matters: The project combines historic‑preservation goals with flood‑mitigation upgrades on a building that the club and presenters called “at heart an engineering project.” The work is intended to preserve the structure’s historic fabric while reducing recurring flood damage and restoring usable space for the boating season.

The presentation: The club’s representative, Andy (Monmouth Boat Club), credited the commission’s written support and said the team won a state grant and secured required permitting steps; he introduced Charles Chichester, the project engineer from Mills and Shoring. Chichester described lifting the building 21 inches, installing approximately 60 helical piles, replacing the bulkhead, and adding roughly 25 stainless flood vents that will open automatically during flood events. “That’ll bring the first floor out of tidal flooding for the most part,” Chichester said, adding that the lift will not protect against “hundred‑year floods.”

Materials and design: Presenters said the top two decks will remain in place, some cedar‑shingle replacement will be required, and composite decking will be used for durability. Chichester said louvers and a composite trim will be installed around the exposed foundation to let water pass while preventing fish entrapment.

Timeline and procurement: The club said construction bids were released about a week before the meeting, three vendors had qualified to date, and bids are expected back in early June. The club indicated construction would begin in fall 2026 and the boathouse would be returned to service for the 2027 season, weather permitting.

Local regulation reminder: A resident asked the presenters to follow the borough’s newly passed microplastics ordinance when cutting composite decking products (Trex) near the waterfront; the resident urged simple containment measures to reduce debris.

The vote and next steps: The commission moved, seconded and recorded an affirmative vote to approve the plans. Commission members answering the roll call recorded the approval; no conditions were recorded in the meeting minutes. The presenters said they are awaiting one final signature from the State Historic Preservation Commission and will proceed with procurement and contracting after bid results are evaluated.

The commission did not set a follow‑up hearing date; staff will circulate any additional required materials as bids and permit approvals progress.