Each year the Garden Club of Montclair recognizes businesses who have made a positive impact on their neighborhood through architectural restoration or renovation and/or outstanding landscaping. Last month Garden Club co-chairs Susan Straten and Kate Khachaturian along with president Michele Quinn presented this year’s awards to Hillside Square and Focus Physical Therapy.
Hillside Square at 8 Hillside Avenue is an adaptive reuse project where a historic church was converted to a Silver LEED-certified professional office complex. The owners partnered with the church to create a new, smaller space in the building allowing the congregation to remain in their home of 84 years. Unique historical attributes of the building were preserved and showcased while totally renovating the interior using ‘green’ practices. A community art gallery also exists in the building for cultural development activities on a pro bono basis.
When David Vrsalovic and Cathy Stephenson-Vrsalovic renovated Focus Physical Therapy at 552 Valley Road, their goal was to have the facility match the business’ mission statement. As a physical therapy and wellness center they sought to create an environment where patients would feel comfortable while they heal. The colors and landscaping were chosen to welcome patients and staff with the comforts of home.