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Welcome to Grace's House, a Valerie Fund Designer Show House

Take a moment and step back in time to when Plainfield, NJ was an opulent playground for the wealthy Manhattanites of the 19th century. Over 100 millionaires called Plainfield home in the mid to late 1800's and leisure became a booming industry with five hotels being built between 1850 and 1878. New York City's elite flocked to Plainfield for the natural springs, artesian wells, and healthy air quality making it a true destination.
Right in the middle of this boom time for the area, Grace's House was built in 1870 at 950 Hillside Avenue adding to the area's already stately appeal. This 7,000+ square foot home features three floors of living space and is set on two acres of land in the beautiful Hillside Avenue Historic District. After providing a home for several prominent families over the years, the house suffered severe damage during 2012's Superstorm Sandy and remained vacant and neglected for five years. It risked being lost to the forward movement of time – until Dan and Elizabeth Reichard of ER Development and partners Thomas and George Allen entered the picture.

Photo postcard of 950 Hillside Avenue, Plainfield. Part of the Local History Collection of the Plainfield Public Library.
As the Reichards went about the arduous task of restoring 950 Hillside Avenue to its once and proper glory, their lives became touched by The Valerie Fund. Their granddaughter, Grace, was diagnosed with a Germ Cell brain tumor and began treatment at Newark Beth Israel Hospital. An integral part of her care was time spent in The Valerie Fund Children's Center at the hospital where Grace and her family were welcomed with open arms.
Dan was overwhelmed by the care and treatment that his granddaughter received from The Valerie Fund and he wanted to give back. Lady Luck intervened and Dan was struck with a question that will build a better future for The Valerie Fund kids for years to come: How can I use this house to help The Valerie Fund and the work that they do?
A collaboration quickly took shape with Dan and The Valerie Fund committee selecting twenty-two designers from across the tristate area to each transform a room or space in the house in their own unique style. These designers and many vendors have donated their time and efforts to help support Dan and The Valerie Fund in honor of Grace. Their energy and desire to give back is matched only by their design talent. Some of the dedicated design firms that will be displaying their work include The French Martini, Mendham Interiors, and Butter & Velvet Home Design.
This is how Grace's House was reborn and each room represents a new aesthetic sense and artistic approach to home décor and interior design. Many of the pieces of furniture and items in the rooms are available for sale directly from the designers and a portion of all of the proceeds will benefit The Valerie Fund's Green Light Initiative which will extend next generation care to thousands of children fighting life-threatening diseases.

Pre-rennovation rendering of the revitalized 950 Hillside Avenue.
Beginning April 25th, Grace's House will offer tours Thursdays through Sundays up until May 19th. You will be able to tour each room and designer's showcase to marvel in the artistry on display (and maybe even buy a new chair for that empty spot in your dining room). You can enjoy a bit of the classic grandeur inspired by the house's history with Afternoon Tea by Lizzie Rose in Grace's Tea Garden.
More information on Grace's House can be found by clicking here.