The Kings Cross building in which John Polson conceived Tropfest, and where a host of noted artists, scriptwriters, set designers and composers shared offices, has been ‘reborn’ into strata space designed to retain its creative vibe and foster collaboration among occupants.
Minton House, on the corner of Darlinghurst and Bayswater Roads, has long been known as the hub of creative excellence. Here filmmakers Baz Luhrmann, Jan Chapman, Jane Campion and Ken Cameron plied their trade, alongside artists John Coburn, Gary Shead and Martin Sharp, playwright Louis Nowra, and Dinosaur Designs.
Jose Ramos Horta, now President of East Timor, was also a resident for a while.
The local landmark was originally built in 1925 by solicitor Harold Minton Taylor, and played an important role in the bohemian appeal of Kings Cross. More than 50 films have been produced from the premises, including Little Fish, Mullet, Walking on Water, Somersault, Soft Fruit, Garage Days, Idiot Box and Dirty Deeds.
Sydney developer The Hayson Group has undertaken a $3-million ‘rebirth’, retaining the classic Art Deco façade and features, and returning the three-storey building to its former glory. The result is 30 studio suites ranging from a compact 11 square metres to 77 square metres, and averaging around 35 square metres.
The practical offices, which start from as little as $126,000, are targeted at creatively-minded owner-occupiers who want to feel part of a ‘fertile’ environment where ideas flourish and business synergies evolve.
‘We have brought the building into the 21st Century without foregoing its heritage charm,’ said Chris White from the architectural firm Marchese + Partners. ‘It is a modern take on the Deco era; understated elegance with the feel of a comfortable New York lounge.’
The building, which backs onto Kellett Street, has been given a sophisticated livery of grey, charcoal, chocolate and beige. Fluted opaque doors mark the entry from Darlinghurst Road; the lobby has pendant lighting, beveled mirrors and custom-designed furniture; and the corridors and common areas retain their seductive appeal.
Original terrazzo flooring, ceramic tile dados, ornate ceilings, cornices and detailed timberwork have been retained and restored. So too has the dramatic central staircase, with its terrazzo risers and treads, wrought iron balustrades and timber hand rails.
All building services have been upgraded. A lift, security system and communal storage rooms have been added, and each office equipped with
individual air-conditioning, an intercom and high-speed broadband connection.
Most suites have large windows overlooking either the roadways or the internal courtyard/lightwell which provides excellent filtered light,
boosted when needed by new lighting. Many offices have a kitchenette, and some even have their own private bathroom.
All suites evoke a feeling of gravitas, with plush heavy-duty carpet, heritage touches and a muted colour scheme; they are the antithesis of
today’s minimalist open-plan offices.
‘We haven’t changed the internal layout much, with offices basically remaining in their original positions, so I dare say it could be a nostalgic homecoming for former occupants,’ said Mr White.
Suites at Minton House are being sold through Warren Duncan of City Commercial Property and Erle Cramer of Cramer Property Group.
‘The offices promote interaction among occupants so we know they will appeal to people engaged in artistic endeavours such as fashion, photography, architecture, advertising, film production and scenic arts,’ said Mr Cramer, who has worked in the Kings Cross area for the past 25 years.
‘The building is the gateway to Kings Cross, opposite the train station, so it is well served by public transport and just minutes from the CBD and the eastern suburbs.’
Mr Duncan, whose company has also been leasing the building’s 15 refurbished ground level shops, said ‘Minton House’ is the latest addition to Kings Cross’ working renaissance.
‘Kings Cross is in the midst of returning to its golden era,’ he said, ‘and is being transformed at a speed I will probably never see again in my lifetime.
‘Over the past few months we have signed deals with 40 new upmarket retail tenants who are in various stages of their fitouts and DA approval process.’
The retail cachet of Kings Cross has been boosted by the Challenger Group’s Kings Cross Centre in the former Hyatt Kingsgate building which comprises 7,500 square metres of space, including a two-level Coles supermarket, 30 speciality shops and a massive fitness centre.
The hospitality sector is also booming with major renovations underway at The Crest Hotel, The Kings Cross Hotel, The Mansions Hotel, The Lincoln Hotel and the Australian Rules Club. The Piano Bar and The Lounge Bar at the new Trademark Hotel in the Kings Cross Centre, directly opposite Minton House, recently opened and has been visited by Giorgio Armani. A two-level steakhouse and bar complex called Springfields has also opened, while the new Barclay Hotel is due to open shortly.
The owners of three upmarket nightclubs at Kings Street Wharf – The Cargo Bar, Loft and Bungalow 8 – are underway with a new four-level entertainment outlet in the former Westpac bank building, while the Red Rock Leisure Group from Melbourne is transforming the former Commonwealth Bank at 42 Darlinghurst Road into a nightclub and restaurant.
The residential resurgence at Kings Cross has been underway for the past decade, led by such prestigious apartment buildings as Altair, The Horizon, Rockwell Apartments, Manhattan, Ikon, Top of the Town, Encore, The Rex, Pomeroy, Millennium Apartments, Gazebo and Paramount.
‘With commercial developments such as Minton House now available people can work, live and play in Kings Cross,’ Mr Duncan said.
Minton House can be inspected by appointment through Warren Duncan of City Commercial Property (Ph: 8354 1180) and Erle Cramer of Cramer Property Group (Ph: 9360 4510).
[release from PR Plus]