Repost this day 2019:

Architect #MordechaiBenshemesh. made quite a splash back in 1961, with #EdgewaterTowers, one of the first high rise apartment developments in #Melbourne, rather oddly located at the far end of #StKilda. But then seeing as it was part of Melbourne’s Jewish history, designed by and bought by postwar (and sometimes prewar) Jewish peeps, putting it in St Kilda within walking distance of #AclandStreet, then the most Jewish spot in the city, makes perfect sense.

It made the headlines not only for its scale but being #ownyourown (that is #companyshare) when most flats were rented. Info and clippings from the MSD show ‘excavation modernism : @stylisticspecies at Caulfield Town Hall back in March.

It really is a bit of a behemoth, looming up above the beach, traffic and houses from all angles – I’m sure everyone thought more #highrise would follow but they never did. #MordechaiBenshemesh, 1961.

3 February 2021:

Edgewater Towers on the St Kilda foreshore turns 60 this year (63 in 2024) – just goes to show Modernism is now quite old, so to speak. Still looks ‘modern’ though. The first true #highrise #apartmenttower in #melbourne (earlier ones only 8 floors or so), somewhat unexpectedly at the far end of st kilda, and still standing alone. Most of the #balconies have been infilled, changing the appearance a lot, rather messy actually, but the strongly #modernist design still apparent. Garden and entry still original too. Designed by the long-named #MordechaiBenshemesh, one of the many Jewish emigre architects who arrived in Melb both before and after the war, and who were leaders in apartment design, including high rise, often occupied by other Jewish emigres. The occupants like it so much they keep it maintained, sometimes it’s part of @openhousemelb, and they’ve made it own Wikipedia page! Photos from 2018, rooftop from @opatarchitects, first much jauntier version from Built Heritage website, and a contemporary ad, and some real estate images.

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