24 November 2024

A bit of groovy 80s St Kilda, which is still there, and heritage listed (!). Cafe Maximus in Acland Street opposite the McDonalds was created in 1988 by converting earlier shops, and was designed by Allan Powell, who also did Di Stasio in Fitzroy Street the same year. Both were part of the revival of St Kilda from the somewhat sleazy 70s, but while the latter is still going and largely unchanged, this one has changed a few times, lost various bits, and the current signage is just tacky. Richard Peterson writing for the St Kilda Historical Society felt the black tiles evoke something of 1930s glamour, and quoted Allan Powell saying the (long gone) bronze seashells on the upper facade and doors, by Peter Cole, were intentionally kitsch. Inside there’s a splashy mural by Stephen Hennessey, covered over, then uncovered in 2015. A bigger one as seen in the old B&W by @roger_moloney_art_paint either gone or still covered over. The terrazzo floor looks very 1988 to me too. It was identified in a 1992 heritage study, which included some very recent places, but possibly not protected until 1998, the bronzes and clock gone by then. It looked better originally but I still like it, though completely lost in the clutter. First pic and B&W pics from Powell & Glenn website, pic of mural and artist from the Age. (I also recall this being the scene of police caught late night dancing on tables in the 90s, not the European style bar culture that was envisioned when liquor licences were broadened. Or perhaps that was Greasy Joe’s next door).

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