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Not everyone will appreciate the design of this East Melbourne apartment complex, and that’s just the way the residents like it.
‘I can safely speak on behalf of all of our neighbours and say that it honestly feels like Melbourne’s best kept secret; leafy, peaceful, tucked away, but so well connected and walkable,’ says Jake Churches, who owns one of 42 apartments on site with his partner Matt Sacco.
The 1970s complex has really come into its own in recent years thanks to some house-proud residents, and a greenified outdoor area supported by the City of Melbourne’s Urban Forest Fund.
The two buildings on site overlook this central courtyard, featuring 21 custom planter boxes of native planting designed by Carlo Gabriele to soften, provide shade, and beautify the previously barren common area.
‘The time and effort that went into making this garden a reality has all been worthwhile when we walk through each morning and see birds and butterflies and the city as the backdrop,’ says Jake.
‘It’s not just for aesthetics either; we often have neighbourly catch ups in the garden, everyone bringing a plate and a drink down to mingle. It’s really made the building, and the sense of community, more cohesive.’
Jake and Matt’s one-bedroom apartment has undergone its own transformation. They purchased the property in 2021 (‘It was dingy and daggy, with a cheap ‘90s kitchen and dark carpet throughout,’ says Jake) proceeding to gut the interiors for a chapter.
Engineered blackbutt flooring is complemented by 1970s-inspired Laminex red-toned woodgrain joinery and soft pink countertops in both the kitchen and bathroom.
Moving in felt like stepping into a brand new home, only with the MCG and Fitzroy Gardens on the couple’s doorstep.
‘It wasn’t easy explaining to my parents that I’d bought an apartment, with only one bedroom, instead of a bigger house in the suburbs,’ says Matt. ‘I think now they get it, particularly when they use our parking permits for games at the MCG, when the Australian Open is on, or for a show in the city, ha!’
Dr Stu McNamara is another resident in the complex. After years of high-rise apartment renting, he was excited to purchase an older unit with more character, floor space, and potential for personalised updates.
‘It allows me to live and own in an elusive pocket of inner Melbourne that would otherwise be beyond my reach,’ Stu says.
Stu’s apartment has undergone its own renovation, introducing warm oak flooring, gold-veined quartzite, and stained timber cabinetry that offset the solidity of the internal brickwork.
It now has a more functional, modern, and aesthetic layout designed by architect Hilary Sleigh, executed in just over two months by Oliver Cowan of Ocon Building Group.
‘I have found it rewarding to renew a small area of this existing ‘70s structure, and contribute to the preservation of my surrounding built environment and community,’ says Stu.
‘In a time of limited housing and cost of living challenges, this approach offers a sustainable and practical way to create personalised, aesthetic, and liveable spaces.’
Apart from chilly weekend days when football fans flood the nearby streets, the apartment block is a safe haven for Stu, Jake, Matt and the other residents who never tire of the convenient lifestyle it facilitates.
Matt adds, ‘The novelty of my commute to work being a short walk through Fitzroy Gardens is not lost on me. Being close to the action has meant we’re able to enjoy more of what’s on offer; it’s not a hassle to be out midweek, at the footy, or out to dinner, because we can be home in no time.’
