Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32 Page 33 Page 34 Page 35 Page 36 Page 37 Page 38 Page 39 Page 40 Page 41 Page 42 Page 43 Page 44mattersmagazine.com 11 T The house at 540 Ridgewood Road was like a wilted plant, there in spirit but desperate for care and attention. So hidden by layers of ivy that it was easy to overlook. Neighbors of the house complained that its overgrown and neglected shrubs were a blight on the neighborhood. The old house had become just that – an old house. Around the corner, Amy and Dan Michalchuk were up to their elbows in architectural drawings for their house on Hickory Drive. Working with architect John James, they had plans to overhaul the entire blueprint and double its size for themselves and their two teenage daughters. Before meeting with James they had looked for a larger house, even resorting to knocking on doors to inquire if owners wanted to sell. No luck; the pickings were slim. Yet the idea of leaving Maplewood was never an option, says Amy. “We love it here, but wanted more space.” Before breaking ground they decided to look around one last time. On a lark they went into 540 Ridgewood Road, the house Amy considered to be “an eyesore.” She didn’t go much farther than the front door when she realized they had to live here. They were home. The happy story doesn’t end here, though. The house needed major work. So much work that it may have been easier to stay with the plans to expand the house on Hickory. But after much contemplation Amy and Dan decided the potential was too great to walk away. ABSOLUTELY PURE extra strong TEAM WE SELL OUR HOMES FOR 3% MORE THAN THE AVERAGE AGENT AND IN LESS THAN HALF THE AVERAGE TIME.* Mark Slade Homes Team o 973.762.5400 | c 917.797.5059 Sladehomes@gmail.com | sladeblog.com www.goodhomesforgoodpeople.com each office independently owned and operated *as calculated using stats pulled from the GSMLS We keep you smiling! 250 Millburn Avenue | Millburn 973-467-0077 Saturdays and Evenings Available On site parking | Convenient location Wendy Wisz, DMD General, Restorative & Cosmetic Dentistry Every effort is made to ensure the utmost comfort for each patient. Enjoy a modern professional environment and a caring staff. As a former faculty member of Fairleigh Dickinson Dental School, Dr. Wisz now devotes all her time to private practice.