[APP] Masonic Lodge | 183m | 37 Levels | Mixed Use

[prometheus2704]

If they can't get the museum idea off the ground I'd love to see a new performing arts aspect built into these double-height floors! retractable tiered seating, green rooms and dressing facilities. Could be a new modern performance space promoting and fostering South Australian talent. I personally know how hard it is to find decent performance space for developing new works/companies here in Adelaide.

Add in a museum of contemporary visual art as well maybe?

That's a cool idea, but is there any organisation with the budget to pay for it currently in the position of wanting such a space?

It would absolutely have to be a philanthropic organisation. There's no government appetite for anything related to investment in the arts that isn't related to one of the already established organisations. So this is a complete and utter pipedream unless the Masons themselves want to set up such an organisation

[abc]

Puff piece in The Advertiser about resistance to this based on location if anyone can post it.

did they mention anything about the creek which runs under the existing building?

[Mpol02]

You should go and take a swim in it.

[Jaymz]

Here's the article as requested, from todays online version of The Advertiser. I've included the online poll, this was the current polling at time of posting.

Controversial Freemasons skyscraper development facing heritage lobby pushback amid criticism of shape and location
The Free Masons and Pelligra say their $400m plans for North Tce will be a stylish and valuable contribution to Adelaide. Critics are not convinced.

January 16, 2024 - 5:30AM
147 comments

A 37-storey building set to be Adelaide’s first skyscraper has divided heritage advocates because of its location and “glass box” shape, as public consultation on the controversial project nears an end.

The $400 million Keystone Tower is a venture by the Freemasons with developer Pelligra and is currently before the state planning panel.

If approved, it would be built behind the fraternity’s heritage-listed hall on North Terrace, measuring 183m tall and featuring a 236-room hotel, office space and a state history museum.

Debbie Williams runs the Facebook page “Help save South Australia’s history from demolition” and has been inundated with comments blasting the development.

Do the plans for 'Adelaide's first skyscraper'suit the city's skyline?
Yes
62 %
No
38 %
1308 votes
“To allow the Freemasons to make such a monumental statement on our cultural boulevard is a distinct slap in the face to our prestigious terrace,” Mrs Williams said.

“It’s slowly being destroyed by unimaginative boxes, all claiming architectural advancement, and innovative design. It is staggering that this build seems to be the best they can do.”

The developers have also been criticised for seeking to demolish the heritage-listed Great Hall at the building’s rear in order to pave way for the tower.

In 2020, the Freemasons said repairing the Great Hall would cost around $8.5 million.

Mrs Williams blamed “poor past management” and lack of maintenance for its condition.

“The neglect of the Great Hall has taken decades, although granted, the current membership are now faced with such neglect,” Ms Williams said.

“An urgent need for cash to now repair said damage should be no surprise.”

Greens MLC Robert Simms said North Terrace was the wrong spot for the build.

“I’m not against the idea of having a large-scale tower in the CBD, but for me the key question is location,” Mr Simms said.

“We want to make sure the design is tasteful and doesn’t undermine any of the heritage buildings surrounding it.

He described it as a “curious use of prime, decent land”.

“Do we really need another hotel in the CBD, and more office space when we have a number of office buildings sitting vacant in the city?” Mr Simms said.

“We’re in the middle of a housing crisis, and if you’re going to have a large-scale tower of this kind, it would make more sense to have housing as part of that.”

However, History Trust of SA chair Elizabeth Ho OAM has defended the build and said the Freemasons have approached the Trust about operating a 5-level museum of South Australian history in the tower.

The Trust has been trying to secure space for the museum for 40 years.

“If the decision had been made 15 years ago that the precinct would have no tall buildings, then the situation might be different,” Ms Ho said.

“From my point of view, the main issue is there is an investment in the lodge, and an investment in the future by making a cultural offering to the South Australian public.

“This new museum would go right back to our Aboriginal foundation 65,000 years ago up to more recent times, and also point out some of the great inventions and contributions right across medicine, sport, and even our great Antarctic explorers.

“What we have here is an opportunity to preserve this wonderful asset and serve the community by presenting a 21st-century vision inside it.”

TIP Group head of wealth Michael Baragwanath, a consultant on the development, said it would be “a subtle yet strong contribution to the style of Adelaide”.

“The ground floor lobby area will retain the grandeur of the rear hall it replaces, with 85 per cent of the floor space of the original building being retained,” Mr Baragwanath said.

“The main building fronting North Terrace will receive an estimated $8 million restoration, retaining all aspects of built heritage and restoring it to its original 1927 glory.”

Public consultation through PlanSA will close on January 17.

[gnrc_louis]

The fact there’s three 115m+ buildings (including Adelaide’s tallest) all within about 200m kind of undermines their argument that it’s inappropriate for the area. Also, Mr Simms’ comments are tedious and misinformed.

[AG]

The fact there’s three 115m+ buildings (including Adelaide’s tallest) all within about 200m kind of undermines their argument that it’s inappropriate for the area. Also, Mr Simms’ comments are tedious and misinformed.

And even if Keystone is built, it will still be partially obstructed by Yugo and other North Terrace buildings which aren't set back from the street.

[rev]

Typical Adelaide fuckhead mentality. Sorry for the blunt vulgar words, but it's true.

People wonder why the young continue to flee Adelaide for the east coast? Fuck head "critics" in that article play a big part in why this city is so fucking backwards still, so slow in every god damn aspect.

You don't like tall buildings? Go live in the country side you dumb bastards. It's 2024 and these cockroaches are still pissing out the same tired arguments.


If anything, out of all the proposals for 'towers' on North Terrace, this one is far superior to the rest.

May they not only build this, but propose and build 100 more, just so we can see if the heads of these typical Adelaide fuckheads will explode.

[timtam20292]

Couldn't agree more with you Rev.

[Pikey]

Review the article for what it is: a journalist found a Facebook page of people who are very much anti-development of any kind trying to generate opposition to a development that has two days of public consultation left. Add in a vaguely dismissive/negative view from a member of opposition (with some topical statements around cost of living/housing crisis) and then rounded off with two parties who support it. It's a basic, no thought article from the Advertiser designed to illicit a reaction either way, which it's done.

I'd say it'll have zero impact on this development and its approval.

[Algernon]

Review the article for what it is: a journalist found a Facebook page of people who are very much anti-development of any kind trying to generate opposition to a development that has two days of public consultation left. Add in a vaguely dismissive/negative view from a member of opposition (with some topical statements around cost of living/housing crisis) and then rounded off with two parties who support it. It's a basic, no thought article from the Advertiser designed to illicit a reaction either way, which it's done.

I'd say it'll have zero impact on this development and its approval.

The journo also found a Greens MP. Classic Greens not wanting anything. Can't be low density, can't be high density, can't be here, can't be there. Just generalised hate. For the... environment.... yeah.

[Ben]

Typical Adelaide fuckhead mentality. Sorry for the blunt vulgar words, but it's true.

People wonder why the young continue to flee Adelaide for the east coast? Fuck head "critics" in that article play a big part in why this city is so fucking backwards still, so slow in every god damn aspect.

You don't like tall buildings? Go live in the country side you dumb bastards. It's 2024 and these cockroaches are still pissing out the same tired arguments.


If anything, out of all the proposals for 'towers' on North Terrace, this one is far superior to the rest.

May they not only build this, but propose and build 100 more, just so we can see if the heads of these typical Adelaide fuckheads will explode.

It’s called clickbait and to generate controversy and get people talking about their shitty website. In this case it worked.

[Prodical]

Submissions on this proposal close at midnight tomorrow (Wednesday).

The link is a few pages back.

Have your say in support of this proposal to show Masonic Lodge's "Keystone" project has broad support, and to counter the puerile, predictable bollocks those against it will submit.

[Nort]

Typical Adelaide fuckhead mentality. Sorry for the blunt vulgar words, but it's true.

People wonder why the young continue to flee Adelaide for the east coast? Fuck head "critics" in that article play a big part in why this city is so fucking backwards still, so slow in every god damn aspect.

You don't like tall buildings? Go live in the country side you dumb bastards. It's 2024 and these cockroaches are still pissing out the same tired arguments.


If anything, out of all the proposals for 'towers' on North Terrace, this one is far superior to the rest.

May they not only build this, but propose and build 100 more, just so we can see if the heads of these typical Adelaide fuckheads will explode.

I agree, but also important remember that it's always ok for people to say no to things that offend them while not affecting them in any way.

[abc]

You should go and take a swim in it.

why so hostile?

[Mpol02]

That isn’t hostile? I just see you like to dwell in swamps and underground rivers.