4 July 2024

There’s this big old motel thing on Fitzroy Street St Kilda, perhaps 1960s, not much to look at, and about to be replaced by something also unremarkable – ok, maybe a bit better. But also bigger, with 5 levels and including the old nightclub, currently enlivened by some Council sponsored art by @ruskitchin. It’s designed by @woodsbagot, only 37 apartments, I presume big expensive ones. Meanwhile there’s 6 empty shops, and vacant carpark behind. But I guess if the greenery eventuates, it’ll be nice.

18 December 2024

Something nice for Fitzroy Street ? A luxury mini hotel was announced by Tim Gurner in 2021, then up for sale in 22, now apparently going ahead, but might be as apartments, funny how some things hard to find out. If it looks like the hotel project (pics 1,2), then it’s rather elegant I think, and conforms to the Fitzroy Street height and setback controls. It’s replacing some mid-century mundane; the St Kilda West Post Office was built in 1973, featuring brown brick and plain walls, not at all interesting, no doubt by the PMG architects. Closed in the 90s, or rather functions taken over by the crowded newsagent almost next door, becoming a Burger King, then the Cushion Lounge (info via the fellow who started the Cushion) and demolished just after I took pic 4 in February. @naagovau has original pics, love the leather jackets in the last one. This was when St Kilda was possibly at its sleaziest (and excitingest, and cheapest) so presumably some interesting customers back then.

• Uncategorized