16 August 2023: You might have seen this in the news - it’s Rotherwood, Riversdale Road, Camberwell, just up from the junction. Built in 1939, it was a bit upmarket, with just 9 flats, a front garden (with a huge pin oak), and tennis court to the rear. It was built by builder Eric Humphries, … Continue reading Rotherwood →

10 August 2023: It was 4 years ago that The #HotelWindsor tower was declared off ! Here’s what I said then : 11 years after first proposed, #RichardWynne #MinisterForPlanning has refused to extend the permit. It was already extended by VCAT twice, and the last time they said it should be the last. So now … Continue reading Windsor Hotel high rise proposal →

12 August 2018 Postmodernism. The #urbanruin of the #AllanPowellHouse, 1989, Victoria Street, #StKilda. #AllanPowell was the architect for this house for the Crigan family, but it was so well known, it was known by the architects name. I certainly knew it as that ! Always puzzled by it too, the faux ruin parts less prominent … Continue reading Crigan House, Allan Powell, St Kilda →

Original post 14 August 2017: Relova Redressing Laundry, #HoddleStreet, Richmond, 1937, architect Walter Mason. The big drum held the water tank (at least that's always been my understanding). I remember this from archi school lectures in the 80s held up as a notable example of #ArtDeco, so I was surprised to learn while working at … Continue reading Relova Redressing Laundry, Hoddle Street, Richmond →

Original post 2 August 2016 Still can’t believe this loss - Looks like nothing is left of the distressed classical style 1987 interior of Rosati's in Flinders Lane - once THE place to see and be seen. From memory designed by the restauranter/entrepreneur Piero Guesueldi, with the help of Italian mosaic artists. Beautiful mosaics, great … Continue reading Rosati, Flinders Lane →

27 July 2023 Fenagh Cottage in Burnett Street St Kilda is a prefabricated timber house from c1857, a surprising survivor. I’m pretty sure it used to be obscured by a lush garden, but it’s quite visible now. It was built either by the lot owner William Cleary, or the man who leased it in 1857, … Continue reading Prefabricated house, St Kilda →

30 July 2023 So Cell Block B at the former Pentridge Prison has been turned into hotel (it opened in April). They knocked five cells together to create suites ‘something like an uber luxurious train compartment’ according a recent Age review. The ground level is bars, lounges and restaurants, and there’s a pool too. The … Continue reading Pentridge Prison – now a hotel →