well its not much of an update, but i noticed today that 50m communications spire on the old police headquarters part of concept blue, has been pulled down.

It is going to be restored and re-assembled according to 'the age'.

Yep I think (culwulla will know) the comms tower is part of the heritage details (naturally), was looking out that way from the Rialto today, the old Police HQ is quite noticable in that part of the city....

anyhow just to refresh everyone's memories, the rendering:

http://www.zm.com.au/images/LARGE/L_russellstext.jpg

tays

The tower is being completely refurbished and will be painted red (which was the origonal colour) and get some high tech lighting (like the arts centre spire) when it is put back, it's going to look wicked ;-)

WOW! Thats great that there restoring the 43m antenna atop Police HQ. They did the same thing to Sydney's AWA Building's 50m tower back in 1996. It looked strange without it there after so many years up there! It took 5 months to fix/paint etc.

The Russell st police HQ's antenna reaches 89m high and the 12st/46m bldg was built in 1943. It was the 2nd highest bldg (to roof) in melbourne, only the APA was higher by 1metre.
The antenna tower was the 3rd highest structure in melbourne for 2 decades, only the spires of St Pats and St pauls were higher!

cheers

I think the art-deco bulding looks so cool next to the modern blue glass....I love a developement that mixes styles and eras!

I'm trying hard to think of a cooler name for a residential development in Australia.

concept blue

Yup, definitely puts the wrecking ball through Llama Apartments.

Cheers,

Adam

The Concept bue web site (flash site) @ www.conceptblue.com.au

Circa 1950s. The 46m Rusell Street Police Headquarters:

..................http://www.naa.gov.au/aa/aacaps/A1200/95/im/L26695_im.JPG

http://www.slv.vic.gov.au/sjones/0/0/0/im/sj000413.jpg

Pic taken by A-Brain on Tues., 24th Sept '02:

......http://users.bigpond.net.au/speckled10/2002-09-23/DSC00026.jpg

..and another taken by A-Brain on Thurs. 26th Sept '02:

http://users.bigpond.net.au/speckled10/2002-09-23/DSC00044.jpg

Originally posted by Grollo
The tower is being completely refurbished and will be painted red (which was the origonal colour) and get some high tech lighting (like the arts centre spire) when it is put back, it's going to look wicked ;-)
They are going to repaint the tower in its original red and [color=white]white[color] colors.

NB Can't have white text of white background! :D

And another.. taken by A-Brain on the 12th October 2002... :D

http://users.bigpond.net.au/speckled10/Oct2002/DSC00107.jpg

Yep she's all gone she wrote, waving her wooden leg in the air! (to paraphrase Rex Hunt)

it's looking really bare now without the comms tower and the windows (??) around the podium.......

"hrmm" ah well, I'll definitely be watching this one rise - another favourite ;)

tays

I wish they would demolish that roof top addition. Its sooooooo ugly and was never part of the original design. I drove past it today and there was plent of action even on the north side with the refurbishment of the older building.

@ A-brain; smarty-pants!! :D

Below pic taken by silvermb accompanied by tayser and Dean on 11th Sept. '02.

Quote silvermb: "Concept Blue not much left, even the antenna got the treatment, but will return sooner or later."

_____________http://users.bigpond.net.au/tayser/markspics/cblue.jpg

Now that's what I call facadism! ;)

But hey, by the look of the external masonry and the typical styles of that time, saving the facade is probably the best they could do to convert it to apartments in a practical way.

Is the whole building going to be red...or just the spire..lol.
This will definetely be an amazing building!!!!
Sats!!!

Thanx guys,
Matt:)

Originally posted by finn
Now that's what I call facadism! ;)

But hey, by the look of the external masonry and the typical styles of that time, saving the facade is probably the best they could do to convert it to apartments in a practical way.

hrmmm but is it "full" facadism ?

what I mean, is the actual tower which will be built is not really connected (from what I've seen, so don't quote me! :D) to the old Police HQ - the podium I think is just being gutted out and rebuilt to house the Art Decor apartments......................

yes I'm completely confused, so can someone please ecu-mah-cate me please ? :D

www.conceptblue.com.au

tays

need some updates people!

Sir Duff ? :D

tays

well, im ACTUALLY GOING TO SHOW UP TO UNI TOMORROW!

thats right

so ill have a look before i jump on the bus

theyve moved the display thing out of the police HQ, and across the road into that 10 story newish looking office building on the corner of latrobe and russell

i guess this means that theyve started doing more stuff

and i think the building they were demoloshing has been totally removed now

but ill check that tomorrow

progress as of 6/12/02

http://home.iprimus.com.au/revlis81/cblue3.JPG

http://home.iprimus.com.au/revlis81/cblue1.JPG

http://home.iprimus.com.au/revlis81/cblue2.JPG

oooooooohhhh silvermb's getting sneaky nowadays :)

or can anyone get up the back of the site ? ;)

I also can't wait to see them give the Art Decor tower a good scrubbing too as well ;)

tays

Hey guys,

We have just picked up Concept Blue exclusively today.
If you need any info in regards to the building let me know but I still need to read lots of info before I'm on top of things.

I will be working at the display suite across the road from the site on Monday afternoon.

Mannie

maself and silvermb (and anyone else) will probably see ya on Monday afternoon...

I gotta do some more slab counting in Carlton earlier on as well...

tays

By silvermb's pics on the previous page, Concept Blue is rapidly becoming Reality Blue. They're not wasting much time on this one.

I have a feeling this is going to become one of the great apartment developments in Melbourne, joining The Metropolis and The Marquise.

rendering / pic from www.conceptblue.com.au

http://members.iinet.net.au/~tayser/conceptblue.JPG

http://members.iinet.net.au/~tayser/conceptblue2.JPG

tays

good to see a residential developer not piking and actually putting the carpark under ground unlike CE.

http://home.iprimus.com.au/revlis81/conceptblue_2003_02_17.JPG

http://home.iprimus.com.au/revlis81/conceptblue_2003_02_17=1.JPG

http://home.iprimus.com.au/revlis81/conceptblue_2003_02_17=2.JPG

unlike CE...................., Mirvac, Grocon, Australand, and a few others ;)

The indigo lofts are still listed on realestate.com.au - wonder if PRoperty Investor sold -any- hah :D

tays

Not one Tays!

Mannie.

speak of the devil, we don't see him for a month or two and he pops out of the blue......... how's that for timing ? ;)

how's the other apartment sales going ?

tays

geez Mannie, where have you been?

Whats been making news. You gave us some tatsy info on some proposed developemnts and go missing for a few months, any updates?

Hi Guys,

Yes I'm back!
I have been very busy with work.
Slow start for the year but starting to pick up now.
Concept Blue did not sell and it looks like we will be giving the project back soon unless things change. I did mention to Tays and Silvermb my thoughts on how this project would go.

Hey Marko have you been receiving all of my emails?

At the moment we are going to market the serviced apartments at Victoria Point. There will be another Docklands project straight after that (don't know which one yet).

There is also a magnificent architectural building that we have started to market. It is called the Mutual Store apartments.
Located at 256 Flinders st, corner degraves st. It is a refurb but apparently it was the first department store building in the cbd.
Built somewhere in the 1850's I think (I dont have my details with me so Im only guessing) the building later got burnt down. The it became the very first building in Melbourne to be fire proof with a state of the art sprinkler system (in those days anyway).

Enough of the brief update.
I hope I can keep up with this forum.

By the way when is the next meet?
Gotta see Lozza get pissed on one drink again! :cheers:

Mannie.

Damn! That's bad news.
Why is it that alot of the BEST projects in Melbourne don't sell (I personally thought Chevron's design was a w.i.n.n.e.r)?
This has got to be one of the classiest developments around at the moment. And yet all that CE crud down on Southbank is flying out the door!
Still, at least tell me that, because it is well under construction there's no chance of it having the pin pulled on it altogether!! Please, please, please! Surely it had to have at least a certain % of sales guaranteed for it to have got to the construction stage, yes? (I'm so dying to see this one go up)
Anyway, this is probably quite irrelevant to the "Concept Blue Construction Thread", but I have some questions on the status, or what the more educated of Melbourne forumers think the status will be, of the following little-heard-of proposals, given the current state of the apartment market:

- Eiffel (I saw an advertising sign for this in one of Silvermb's photos of the Market Precinct development thread)
- Gateway (St. Kilda Rd.)
- Yves (Again, St. Kilda Rd. - now this is one exciting development I would LOVE to see go ahead)
- Archer (ditto)
- Q2 (someone was casting a shadow of doubt over this one. Anymore news?)
- Royal Domain Towers
- Conder (spelling? Docklands MAB anyway)

Sorry for the overly lengthy post again, but I have the slowest computer in the whole world so I have to make it worth it when I go to the trouble of posting something.
Thanks!

I think Property Investor (Mannie) meant through the quota of apartments that were submitted to his agency for sale.

Does anyone know the approx. % or and/or total no. of apartments sold so far?

Eiffel is still on the market, Brady Group have a display suite at Wills Tower which still looks to be open, but no word on how well it has sold.

Gateway is now U/C with piling underway on site!!! Someone will have to get a pic and start a thread because it is one of the slickest looking smaller towers around :-)

No word on the other St. Kilda Road towers Yves and Alto, both are not on the market yet.

Archer, who knows? KSIG have left their offices at 101 Collins with no forwarding details but the web site is back up and there is still no action on site.

Royal Domain: Still U/C, piling underway and they just sold one of the penthouses for 8 million, so looking good.

Conder, still on the market, no idea how it's selling.

From what i can recall from the Melbourne property expo late last year, Concept Blue had sold most of its apartments so that's why construction of the 27 level tower has begun and the refurb of the Art Deco Police building is aslo underway.

I beleive mannies company was trying to sell what was 'left over' with these being the hardest to off load, no wonder things were going slowly.

Conder @ Newquay is about 60-65% sold from what i saw a few weeks ago. about 115 sales out of 197 appts, i think. This should begin construction towards the middle of the year.

RDT should be goer... with about 50 of 120 sold and about $120m + in sales.

Alto & Yves...is one of these the great looking curvy Sunland tower on St Kilda Rd??? Certainly hope that goes ahead

Cheers

Dean - Melbourne

Our company did and still have all of the available units not sold on all 3 develoments - Deco Tower, Indigo Lofts and Blue Tower.
There are many units still available - close to 50% thereabouts.

This project is definately going ahead even though they have not met a required target usually used to obtain finance. Reason being that the developer is in some way in partnership with Macquarie Bank.

Sorry for the bad news guys.

Regards,
Property Investor

It's only bad news if it doesn't get built ;-)

<table cellpadding=4 cellspacing=0 width=98% class="quoteBox">
<td align=left valign=center> <smallfont> <b>Quote</B> <I>originally posted by Grollo </i></b> </smallfont> </td>
<tr><td align=left valign=top>It's only bad news if it doesn't get built ;-)</td></tr>
</table>

lol exactly! :D

tays

Thans Dean and P.I. for actually addressing my question. It clarified a few things for myself and others.

Well, it might be "bad news" if any residential tower of this scale doesn't sell a significant number of its apartments for

1) It doesn't fulfill its full promise and provide the potential for brining the immediate surrounding area to vibrancy and viablity to its max affecting infrastructure (retail, entertainment, transport etc) and

2) Certain investors concerned in the tower's development may lose out, causing a chain reaction down the line affecting employment, putting folk in the red etc. and

3) Could cause a bit of a downturn for such major developments in the mid-term in certain areas of the market i.e. less fabbo developments happenin' and more caution for initiating such proposals!!

So not quite "exactly!".

Such short term vision :|

There are certain things I cannot bring up on a public forum like this. So when we have one of our monthly meets ask me then and I will tell you.

In regards to museumb's comments:

1) Spot on!
2) Certain investors concerned in the tower's development may lose out - Most will, Yes.
causing a chain reaction down the line affecting employment, putting folk in the red etc I don't understand what you mean about affecting employment?
3)Spot on again, however I believe this will only happen in the same pocket of the CBD where this building is located.

Regards,
Mannie.

There are certain things I cannot bring up on a public forum like this. So when we have one of our monthly meets ask me then and I will tell you.

In regards to museumb's comments:

1) Spot on!
2) Certain investors concerned in the tower's development may lose out - Most will, Yes.
causing a chain reaction down the line affecting employment, putting folk in the red etc I don't understand what you mean about affecting employment?
3)Spot on again, however I believe this will only happen in the same pocket of the CBD where this building is located.

Regards,
Mannie.

P.I., Cheers on your feedback.

Indeed you would be bound by confidentiality. Truly cluey and sensible moves :okay:.

In regard to employment; if for example certain employers such as the investment companies or contracted suppliers having to cut back on staff as a result of losing current and/or future/projected business of such multi-million $$$ towers' max. or near max. capabilities not being fulfilled. re "cause 'n effect". Even it meant that lazy Ralph down in admin. losin' his job ;).

In regard to point 3, georgaphical location being taken in account with "certain areas of the market".

Hope that clears it up a 'lil for you :) .

I've noticed recently that Katz Apartments in that part of town appear to nearing construction.

The terrible office building that was there has been demolished and there has been significant clearing of the site ever since, so it appears that this building at least is still going ahead in that part of town.

I was only joking ;-) ;-)

Some construction shots from Concept Blue (http://www.conceptblue.com.au/news.asp)

http://www.conceptblue.com.au/images/news/DecoTwrRemoval_51k.jpg

http://www.conceptblue.com.au/images/news/demoIM000802_54k.jpg

http://www.conceptblue.com.au/images/news/demoIM000727_52k.jpg

http://www.conceptblue.com.au/images/news/TwrConFEB_50k.jpg

http://www.conceptblue.com.au/images/news/LoftConFEB_56k.jpg

http://www.conceptblue.com.au/images/news/startCIMG2238_52k.jpg

http://www.conceptblue.com.au/images/news/extCIMG2239_55k.jpg

http://www.conceptblue.com.au/images/news/excCIMG2118_49k.jpg

v. nice :D

tays

a slight update...

theyve started removing the green mesh from the top of the outside of the old Police HQ yesterday. I think hey have pretty much finished putting on new windows for the whole place.

more pic updates from the site:

http://www.conceptblue.com.au/images/news/ExcMAY_50k.jpg

http://www.conceptblue.com.au/images/news/DecoCon2May_59k.jpg

http://www.conceptblue.com.au/images/news/DecoCon1May_48k.jpg

tays

Helllo! I haven't seen you for ages! Muah! (that's Concept Blue I'm talking to).

first crane in, second coming
http://home.iprimus.com.au/revlis81/cblue_20030510=1.JPG

http://home.iprimus.com.au/revlis81/cblue_20030510=2.JPG

<table cellpadding=4 cellspacing=0 width=98% class="quoteBox">
<td align=left valign=center> <smallfont> <b>Quote</B> <I>originally posted by Blabbyboy </i></b> </smallfont> </td>
<tr><td align=left valign=top>Helllo! I haven't seen you for ages! Muah! (that's Concept Blue I'm talking to).</td></tr>
</table>

aww isnt that cute, he's getting attached ;)

*snort*

nice pics [again] Mr. mb

Woah! Um, how would you like to be sitting up in that crane watching those lumbering semi-trailers doing u-turns at your foundations! Yikes!!!

Blue:eek:

construction proper finally under way

http://home.iprimus.com.au/revlis81/cblue_20030527=1.JPG

http://home.iprimus.com.au/revlis81/cblue_20030527.JPG

sorry bout that, here's the pic.
the placement that I thought may have been for the second crane in my earlier post is actually for the pump arm.

Anyone been up this way recently ?

The upper reaches of the old Deco Tower are now visible once again (caught a quick glimpse the other day from Rialto)....

...what's going on ?

tays

That is the biggest f'n buzzsaw I've ever seen in my life !!

:eek2:

Take a look at thing in silvers big pic !!

Second crane assembled today.

Old spire aerial is [temporarily (from memory?)] gone:

http://members.iinet.net.au/~tayser/conceptblue2406031.jpg

I wonder if any ex cops will buy an apartment -just for old times sake?:guns1:

No action on the tower as yet. There is a hell of a lot of work being down to the north-west corner of the site behind the historic 1880s facade. I think it will reach ground level within the next month, but still no core visible for the new residential tower.

The core has now surfaced and is at La Trobe Street level. Yipeeeeeeeee

shameless bump

[hint hint silvermb :D]

I thank you dearly for this shameless bump tays, because I forgot that this is a freckin cool project!!

just because you asked big man

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/photopost/data/510/483cblue_20030924.jpg

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/photopost/data/510/483cblue_20030924_4.jpg

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/photopost/data/510/483cblue_20030924_6.jpg

thanks big fella :guns1:

http://www.conceptblue.com.au/images/news/BlueConSEP_59k.jpg

Hey guys!

I walked past this site yesterday while I was on the Golden Mile tour (which is a great tour might I add) and I noticed how intricate the setbacks and facade of the old Police Head Quarters are. It's a fantastc building and would make great apartments. Are they converting these too or is this going to be office space?

MG2

The whole lot is being converted into apartments.

Digging up some old threads here.

Oh looky what we have here :cool:

http://metropolis.tayser.net/misc/conceptblue1111031.jpg

Originally posted by MG2
Hey guys!

I walked past this site yesterday while I was on the Golden Mile tour (which is a great tour might I add) and I noticed how intricate the setbacks and facade of the old Police Head Quarters are. It's a fantastc building and would make great apartments. Are they converting these too or is this going to be office space?

MG2
The former Russell Street Police HQ of 1943 is one of my fav tall buildings.It measures 45m/150ft to roof (which was melb's 2nd tallest bldg to the APA built 1889. Its communication mast tips out at 89m. The citys' 3rd highest point for many years. (only spires of ST PAuls and St Pats were higher).
The NYC influenced scraper was used in every episode of TV police drama HOMICIDE back in the 70s'. Does anyone remember that? Im showing my age!lol
# Has someone taken a recent pic of the old bldg, as there isnt any pic on ss.com. Ive just updated the stats ect.

some old pix.

http://naa12.naa.gov.au/scripts/ShowImage.asp?B=11891099&T=P&S=1

nearly 300ft high with mast!

http://www.statelibrary.vic.gov.au/pictoria/b/0/0/im/b00991.jpg

Cul , the old Russell St. police headquarters remind me of this building on the old Dragnet police badge

http://web.umr.edu/~jharman/Tad/dragnetbg.jpg

And yes Cul some of us still remember

http://home.1asphost.com/aussietv/Homicide/HomComIntNYMP.jpg

Originally posted by CULWULLA
The former Russell Street Police HQ of 1943 is one of my fav tall buildings.It measures 45m/150ft to roof (which was melb's 2nd tallest bldg to the APA built 1889. Its communication mast tips out at 89m. The citys' 3rd highest point for many years. (only spires of ST PAuls and St Pats were higher).
The NYC influenced scraper was used in every episode of TV police drama HOMICIDE back in the 70s'. Does anyone remember that? Im showing my age!lol
# Has someone taken a recent pic of the old bldg, as there isnt any pic on ss.com. Ive just updated the stats ect.

some old pix.

http://naa12.naa.gov.au/scripts/ShowImage.asp?B=11891099&T=P&S=1

nearly 300ft high with mast!

http://www.statelibrary.vic.gov.au/pictoria/b/0/0/im/b00991.jpg
I have too agree CUL this has always been one of my favorite buildings in Melbourne town.
Its a pity it wasnt expanded by the police and kept as their HQ its much better than the ugly non descript building down at the WTC that the police now use as HQ.

Wasn't the Russell St Police Station used prominently in a very old but popular Australian cop show? It was back in the 50's...


Yeah very Dragnet! Dun - Dun Dun Dunnnnn!!

:colgate:

Oh, LM actually answered my question. It was Homicide. Article as below:

Crime drama series. A very influential series in Australian TV history and one of the most popular. The show helped to pave the way for popular TV production in Australia. The series basically detailed the cases of a group of Homicide cops. Victoria's old police headquarters based in Russell Street was often used for exteriors. The show won 11 Logies, 5 Penguins, 2 Awgies and 4 Sammy's.

http://www.memorabletv.com/austvimages/HomImage105a.gif http://www.acmi.net.au/global/images/lib/img_mos_homicide.jpg
http://home.1asphost.com/aussietv/Homicide/HomOpenFinal.jpg

Once agian, like all other Multiplex constructions in Melbourne, tomorrow i.e. 19th Dec. is the last day of construction. Work will resume on 15th Jan..

slightly different angle, albeit SHITE quality (damn you realestate.com.au )

http://www.realestate.com.au/objects/props/1098/101261098ml1069110483.jpg

Walked passed today and I didn't have my camera!!!

The core is at about level 6/7?!? maybe a little over halfway up the old police centre I think.. The floors aren't too far behind it..

From the official website:

Concept Blue Construction Progress
Last Updated: 27th January, 2004


January, 2004 update:


Project Summary

Deco Tower
The Architect has inspected 50% of units and Multiplex are recifying inspection defects ready for Handover. The feature Lobby works are well underway with specialist tiling works beginning February. Both Lifts are complete and ready for handover.

Indigo Lofts
All Mezzanine Structres are complete with Stair Access. The Services and Plasterboard trades are now setting out works and beginning the fitout stage on Ground Floor.

Blue Tower
Structure is well on its way with the Lift Core at Level 8 and Apartment Floor is at Level 4. Fitout Works begin to Ground Floor Apartments after Australia Day Weekend. The Blue Tower Entrance Lobby has begun Services Rough-In and is ahead of schedule.

The Carpark Services are nearing completion with Signage and Linemarking due to begin in February ready for the Deco Handover.

http://www.conceptblue.com.au/images/news/Jan04_Pic014Cnr.jpg

http://www.conceptblue.com.au/images/news/Jan04_Pic012LaTrobe.jpg

http://www.conceptblue.com.au/images/news/Jan04_Pic002BT.jpg

thanks for update. hey when do you think the landmark tower is to be put back on the former police bldg?

I think they will probably wait for the cranes to come down before re-erecting the mast.

rumour going about that one crane on concept blue will climb three towers tomorrow if the weather holds

grollo I think that they may actually need the crane to re install the refurbished tower mast......

cat

As you building buffs wake up and look out your windows or arrive at work this morning (Fri 13th Feb), you may notice the 1000 on Concept Blue has climbed two towers, not three as predicted.

Anyone seen this render before?

http://listings.colliersresidential.sitesuite.com.au/images/listing_photos/212_20020912_2040_russellstreetcbd_2[1].jpg

Sweeet.

yes grollo there was a large pano of this in the original display suite with the view of the whole city

don't know if a copy survived

Time to reflect...

From Melbourne Architecture
Philip Goad

Located next door to the 1888 Italianate Police Barracks, the Russel Street Police Headquarters is the central city's most obvious landmark to Percy Everett's career as Chief Architect within the Public Works Department. A Beaux Arts-influenced skyscraper of emphasised vertical orange brick panels and a stepped tower form, this ode to Gotham City was further linked to its New York counterparts with a steel-framed communications tower. Associated for decades with TV police dramas such as 'Homicide' and the symbolic home of Victoria's police force, as well as the site of the infamous Russell Street bombing of 1986.

_______________________________
'It is not the bulk of a fabric, the richness and quantity of the materials, the multiplicity of lines, nor the gaudiness of the finishing that gives grace or beauty or grandeur to a building, but the proportion of the parts to one another and to the whole, whether entirely plain or enriched with a few ornaments properly disposed'
Jame Gibbs 1728:cheers:

beginning to stack on floors rapidly, suprisingly going with two tower cranes all the way up, not the standard one for resi tower this size

the detail of the revamped police complex is great

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/photopost/data/510/483cb_20040310.jpg

backs onto concept blue

9-39 MacKenzie Street, Melbourne

http://www.propertylook.com.au/listings/CBRE/CBRE_61/300/CBRE_61_28008_16827.jpg

Located between cosmopolitan Carlton the CBD proper, these five adjacent properties represent an exciting opportunity to landbank a massive site with the benefit of two street frontages, and a current gross income of $456,000 (approx.). These properties are to be sold "in one line" and include:


9 MacKenzie Street
39 MacKenzie Street
52 La Trobe Street
54-56 La Trobe Street
58-64 La Trobe Street

Surrounded by a broad range of uses, including; Educational; Commercial; Residential; Hotel/Accomodation; and Retail, this elevated site may eventually be redeveloped into practically whatever use you could dream up.

sooner or later, this 6000 sq m site will be something big?

Perfect site for a nice 90m mixed use tower or two residentials. The buildings fronting Latrobe Strret are in dire need of demolition, they are basically derelict.

This view's certainly set to change

http://metropolis.tayser.net/tours/020404/autumnapril3.jpg

http://metropolis.tayser.net/projects/cbd/latrobest0204041.jpg

The original communications mast is being resurrected on top of the old police headquarters and this time it's beige in colour to somewhat match the brick facade.

_____________________________________________________________
I collect, therefore I am. :cool:

beige?? was it white/red before? thats a big call changing the original colour. hopefully it will look smart! how is the whole project looking now?

http://www.members.optusnet.com.au/lukekasper/conceptblue.jpg

The original communications mast being resurrected on top of the old police headquarters appears to have been completed and is not beige in colour like I originally thought but two-tone, white and orange instead!
I suppose the beige colour was a reflection off the bricks.

_____________________________________________________________
I collect, therefore I am. :cool:

excellent. pix please??? :hi: :naughty: :cucumber:

This one's floorplates must surely be at least to the same level of the older cop-shop's roofline by now. Maybe even a panel of glass or 2 appearing?

The website's construction pix haven't been updated since January :(.

Yes. Pix please.

sounds like Melbourne needs a fabian or cc? lol

glazing is just appearing now, on west and south sides. Is deep blue (big surprise) about the same as Eureka, actually.

Blue

Thanks Bluestar.

The Vic/Melb. section could even do with a CULWULLA, CULWULLA.

well this is a gem, good contrast with the older architecture of the area and like most towers around town the facade seems much better than the renders, not that this was a dud to start with. nice work merging the old podium to the new tower with varying layers of glass/colours

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/photopost/uploads/483/cb.jpg

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/photopost/uploads/483/cb1.jpg

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/photopost/uploads/483/cb2.jpg

This building is going to be a monster at this corne rof the CBD. Now we only need another intense development right next door, "and she'll be right!"

Floor plates are at level 17 and the core is about Level 20.

looks like the developers have gone out of their way to get product advertising on the Bloc.? the Melbourne chick was wearing a Concept Blue T-shirt on tonight's (Sun 30/5) episode ;)

The floor plates are about level 18 and the core is about level 20.

These pics are a little old, but worth a look.
http://www.conceptblue.com.au/images/news/BalloonTrip_Re2.jpg

The mast being re-erected
http://www.conceptblue.com.au/images/news/Masthead_HSc.jpg
http://www.conceptblue.com.au/images/news/Masthead_HSe.jpg

The floor plates are now at level 24 with the core at level 26.

http://home.iprimus.com.au/revlis81/cb 200406.JPG

^ Ah, looking so nice. If only most apartment towers had the coolness of this. Don't know about the little flip-out windows but nice nonetheless.

For quick scroll comparisons:

http://img62.photobucket.com/albums/v190/Muse11/conceptblue1.jpg

The windows actually become balconies: with the window shut there's a about 5cm of balcony protruding outside, and you open the windows (floor to ceiling height, like bi-fold doors basically) to make your living room / bedroom(s) become a part of the balcony!

Although - I definitely wouldn't want to live on the Western side of the Blue Tower, full sun exposure from 2pm onwards (scorching heat in summer) with nothing to provide any shade - same goes for anything along La Trobe Street really.

Looking good, I like the flip out windows, they match the style of the windows on the old police HQ.

^ LOL You're seeing something I can't see. Both sets rectangular in shape, yes, however ratios for width and length quite different. In regard to all the windows of the newer tower, maybe made similar enough to blend with the older yet different enough to be, well....different.

The statement about the flip-out windows really wasn't a deep nor profound observation.

@ tayser, You have explained the concept (appropriate word) before. I still imagine the bottom fold-out section becomes a floor. Cool!! A high-rise glass floor. ;)

As far as cooking in an oven on those sweltering 40 degree arvos, it will be fitted with the appropriate Low-E glass as would any new apartment building. Also a double-glaze of the stuff. It would be impossible to live in otherwise.

I must say (besides the flip-outs ;) ) this is one of the rarities that is coming close to its render. The sheerer dark glass and white-panelled fin on the side seem to be accentuated in the render however...the sheer plane of 6/7-level glass toward the top will make this special.

I am wondering how the other side of this tower is looking. I imagine its going to be a lot of white balconies jutting out, a'la Gold Coast.

^ LOL You're seeing something I can't see. Both sets rectangular in shape, yes, however ratios for width and length quite different. In regard to all the windows of the newer tower, maybe made similar enough to blend with the older yet different enough to be, well....different.

Well they are rectangular framed windows with horizontal elements, closer in stylt to the windows on the old Police HQ than just a plain curtain wall :-)

To use a technical term the AWNING windows are there to provide natural ventilation to rooms that do not have the extreior sliding panels. It is a statutory requirement to allow for fresh air to habitable rooms. It seems that people need fresh air.

It has nothing to do with the windows on the Deco tower. In fact most Architects think they spoil the facade.

An awning is actually a sunshade-like potrusion ABOVE the window which is very common in many tropical climate houses - I'm not sure what you're referring to. Tayser's description sounds more like a winter garden/Juliet balcony concept.

Awning refers to the hinge location being at the top of the window making it act like an awning

side hinges are casement windows etc

http://www.gtawindows.com/images/win5.gif

^ A typical eg. of an awning window albiet a domestic architectural image from the net (lol @ flip-outs on previous page - a layperson's term perhaps :?).

BTW Melburian photographers-on-the-go forumers, if you can get a couple of pics of the back of Concept Blue at this stage of its construction, it would be truly and greatly appreciated.

Which "back" Muse? you mean from the north looking back at the project with East end in the background?

http://home.swiftdsl.com.au/~ciaobella/Scott/blue110704.jpg

^^ yee haw ;)

thanks for that, I've been taking images from Exhibition Street (near base of T-HQ) and just have not been bothered to go up there of late, don't need to now ;)

This has to be the biggest "sleeper" in town at tne moment.It just seems to have sneaked up on us.

Yes.....sleeper.Which "back" Muse? you mean from the north looking back at the project with East end in the background?Simply, the other side to what we have mostly been seeing. i.e. not the Russell St facade but the Exhibition St side.

Nice image ciaobellaxo. :)

Russell Street is far more interesting.

got tree?

http://www.thehoddlegrid.net/projects/updates/cbd/cb/cb0807041.jpg

^^ from the base of 242Ex.

The rear end of Concept Blue, not very pretty but the site next door is currently up for sale and could fit two towers the size of Concept Blue so not much point having to many windows on that side.

http://www.members.optusnet.com.au/~naharrison/concept blue web.jpg

:okay: That's what I meant. Thanks. First time I'm seeing. Just a bunch of non-descript properties on that side just behind.

lol @ tayser (got tree?)

im feeling blue...

http://members.optusnet.com.au/~wadad/mypic134.jpg
http://members.optusnet.com.au/~wadad/mypic135.jpg

Looks nothing like the renders. Wait for the big white blade, but at the moment, this one's a disappointment for me.

looking great!

http://img68.exs.cx/img68/5739/CB4.jpg

http://img68.exs.cx/img68/4792/CB5.jpg

http://img68.exs.cx/img68/9242/CB6.jpg

Looks like the white blade is rising up the front, but in the middle of the balconies rater to one side as is shown on the rendering.

looks good on this side

http://members.optusnet.com.au/~wadad/mypic154.jpg

:banana:

http://www.thehoddlegrid.net/projects/updates/cbd/cb/conceptblue1708041.jpg

Sad but true, Concept Blue has toped out! The core box was being removed.

It's all good - it's the perfect height for La Trobe street away from the Swanston and Elizabeth trunks - just like Market Precinct towers, bring it on!

:)

http://www.melbournephotos.net/pics/2004-08-23%20Melbourne%20-%20Rialto%20Observation%20Deck/IMG_4021.jpg

bump ;)


















http://members.optusnet.com.au/~wadad/mypic208.jpg


and its next door neighbour

http://members.optusnet.com.au/~wadad/mypic209.jpg

podium / the whole street massing is looking good.

And yes, I'd go the 171 La Trobe (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=131706) penthouse anyday ;)

need something substantial opposite melb central. still looks to me as "the street melbourne forgot"

The good thing about La Trobe Street is that there are so many sites still available for redevelopment.

Still not liking the 'back' of Concept Blue though. They're not gonna leave this as bare concrete are they?
stu

maximum height now reached. dont listen to blabby, this'll be a fine addition to the skyline when complete

http://silvermb.thehoddlegrid.net/cb 200409.jpg

Yeah I just noticed today that enourmous 4-storey black cage thing assembled to the roof.. anyone got a good render they can pull out to see what this thing is??

Either way - *THAT* would be far more worthy of being counted officially as a 'spire' - if ever that rule had to exist - then all the other excuses for spires out there..

isnt that 'enormous black cage thing" the internal frame for the blade which runs up and down the bldg?
i think it looks too close to the heritage Police HQ? looks only metres separate it?
maybe a bit more breathing space would of been better?
but overall looks pretty cool project.

But are they gonna leave the 'back" (as seen in the top picture last posted by silvermb) that plain ugly concrete or are there plans for it.... hopefully a bit more than a quick paint job. At the moment it is a really let down on an otherwise rather aesthetically appealing tower. Surely a couple of windows would not have gone completely astray...
stu

isnt that 'enormous black cage thing" the internal frame for the blade which runs up and down the bldg?
i think it looks too close to the heritage Police HQ? looks only metres separate it?
maybe a bit more breathing space would of been better?
but overall looks pretty cool project.

The frame is for the blade which you can see rising up the side of the building and will go across the full width of the roof. The blade rises 8 metres above the roof height of the building to give a total height of 97m. It should look awesome when it is all finished.

I don't think it is too close to the old Police HQ, it is in the CBD after all, it is a completey modern design to provide good contrast and has a great curve in the facade to wrap around the Police HQ building. in my opinion a perfect example of how to restore an old building and intergrate a new tower on the site. You have to remember that their used to be a horrible brick office building directly behind the Police HQ and the previously approved plans for the site also had an huge, ugly boxy tower directly behind the Police HQ. So this development has restored and improved the Police HQ 100%

Here is what the Art Deco Society had to say about the development:

We are delighted to report that the future of the classic Art Deco Russell Street Police Complex now seems to be assured. For some time ADS and other heritage bodies have been involved with discussions with Melbourne property developer, Max Moar, and his architects over the plans for the redevelopment of the site, called Concept Blue. Mr Moar has a deep love of the Deco style and has been determined that the mini-skyscraper will be restored as an integral part of the large apartment complex. A permit was recently granted by Heritage Victoria and the project was officially launched by the Minister for Infrastructure, John Brumby. What a pleasure it was to hear the words 'Art Deco' roll off the Minister's tongue as he spoke of the importance of the building to Victoria. What a far cry from the previous government, which demolished the Agriculture Building and its Grierson Theatre and approved the destruction of the classic modernist Prince Henry's Hospital. The project demonstrates what can be achieved when enlightened developers work with heritage bodies and are supported by government, and ADS is delighted with the outcome.

http://img62.exs.cx/img62/4240/Mvc-017f.jpg

http://img62.exs.cx/img62/9058/Mvc-005f.jpg

http://img62.exs.cx/img62/7924/Mvc-016f.jpg

Aussie Steve on a rampage. :gunz: :gunz: :cool:

Nice view:
http://www.realestate.com.au/objects/props/4472/101934472dl1097417958.jpg

the second pic, a tayser special

http://silvermb.thehoddlegrid.net/cb200410.jpg

hah. ya nuff nuff :cool:

still got some comparison pics of the 3rd from a year or so ago?

speaking of old photos

Silvermb would you mind sending me or re posting the images of the basement and cranes from Feb and May last year. I have an friend who is interested in them for comparison to an overseas project.

please

what's the verdict guys? i reckon it's about a notch up from CE, BUT BARELY!

yeah i agree.
Not as good as i thought it was going to be, its the blue bit that puts it above CE hehe

God I hate blank concrete backsides! :rant: