The Look of Red Bank's Future?

A glimpse into the future of the west side of Red Bank might not be farther away than a New Jersey Transit train ride north. 

In Harrison, an area that developers and officials alike are hoping has the potential to supplant a saturated and pricey Hoboken as the new hip and affordable location for those who still need quick access to New York City, a mixed-use development is currently leasing apartments and ground floor storefront space. 

And it looks an awful lot like design proposals for Red Bank's own West Side Lofts.

Called Harrison Station, the four story building has 275 one and two-bedroom units, as well as 80,000 square feet of retail space. It's much larger than the proposed West Side Lofts, which would sport 20,000 square feet of retail space and 92 units, though shares many of the same aesthetic principles as the proposed Red Bank complex.

Though West Side Lofts has yet to break ground, it's unclear which came first. Construction on Harrison Station appears to have been completed last year, but West Side Lofts, as well as its design plans, were approved by Red Bank's Zoning Board in 2006 after years of planning. A souring economy and housing market resulted in construction plans being delayed, though it appears as though developer Metrovation Capital has reaffirmed its intention on getting the project underway.

Take a look at the two pictures above. The first is of Harrison Station, the second is of West Side Lofts. Should the West Side Lofts look like the Harrison development, would it be good for the borough? Tell us below.