A stately but decaying home that dates to 1873 is slated to spring to life in the coming months as restoration efforts have ramped up at a Matawan Victorian that is being converted into apartments.
Jersey Digs first reported on plans to revitalize what is known as the Ryer House way back in 2019. The home, situated at 226 Main Street, was built by former mayor and businessman David Ryer.
Sporting seven bedrooms, three bathrooms, and a covered porch that stretches the width of the house, the French Second Empire-style house features characteristic details such as a Mansard roof, a central tower, ornate molded cornices, and bay windows. A separate two-car garage on a half-acre of land, plus a curbside carriage stone rounds out the property.
The Ryer House is said to be one of only two in New Jersey of its type, with the second being located in Cape May. But the home has nonetheless languished since being bought by current owner Andrew Scibor in 2007.
Per Patch, the home once had a plan in place for an office conversion that was rejected by local officials. The current plan to transform the house into eight apartments was also initially met with some resistance from the community.
Matawan officials eventually granted a use variance that would allow the conversion of the property, provided the exterior is restored as part of the deal. Work had been scant on the site since those approvals over five years ago other than hosting Emma Roberts for a film shoot on her movie “Space Cadet,” per the Asbury Park Press.
However, construction has started to pick up at the property. The project passed “rough inspections” last fall and a recent update was provided on social media from Patrick Lesbirel of Brick City Reconstruction, who drew up the plans for the project.
Brand new siding is currently being installed on the exterior of the home, which will retain its iconic blue color. Lesbirel also offered up a few images of the current state of the interior, which has been gutted minus saving some historical features like fireplaces.
After years of debate and delays, the team behind the project hopes to open the apartments inside the Ryer House sometime later this year.
