5749 James Ave S

A Generational Story

Michael’s parents, Pak Chi and Violeta, purchased this bungalow style home built in the 1950’s nearly 50 years ago. This would be their first home as a family. At the time they purchased the home, Michael’s paternal grandparents lived just two blocks away at West 58th Street and Logan Avenue South. It was important for Pak Chi and Violeta to live close to Michael’s grandparents so they can help care for the grandchildren and eventually for the grandchildren to help care for their grandparents.

In later years Michael’s grandparents house was purchased by his cousin, who remodeled the home and still lives there today.

Michael purchased his family’s home from his parents in 2021 and started the process of planning for a remodel along with his partner Ashley. They intend on keeping the home in the family for future generations.

The home needed to be updated and more space created to fit the needs of their growing family. Having had no experience working with contractors Michael and Ashley were careful in selecting the person that they would be partnering with in this new adventure.

PhiIip Hide, owner of Wise Design & Remodel, came highly recommended. The initial meetings and consultations started the process of building a strong relationship, which was based on integrity, respect, and trust. It was important that Philip understood the history of the home and the importance of family. It was a large remodeling project that included an addition and therefore a big investment for Michael and Ashley. The process became more complicated with covid related supply chain issues, inventory issues, and price volatility. As a result, the remodeling project was split into two phases. A majority of the work occurred in Phase 1, and once completed, allowed them to move in to the home. Phase 2 will include finishing the basement bedroom, bathroom, storage area, and wet bar along with landscaping.

Phase 1 of the project was completed in the Fall of 2022. Michael, Ashley, Landon, and their new baby son Pak Kai moved in immediately. Along with a successful partnership, a friendship was also formed between Philip, Michael and Ashley.

One of the things that Michael and Ashley did to memorialize the beginning of a new life in their new home was to fill a small time-capsule with some family pictures and memorabilia. Philip and his team hid this above one of the steel beams in the kitchen. In many years to come, when the home is due for an update, there will be some nostalgia and happy memories for the next generation.

In a tribute to Michael’s parents, they had wallpaper custom made out of the original menu from their Chinese restaurant which is now featured above the kitchen cabinets, a fitting place.