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

[EBG]

There are plenty of new projects in Melbounre that have been progressivley opened while still under construction - all 4 towers (50-78 stories) in the Westside project (corner of Spencer St & Lonsdale St), Australia 101 in south Melbourne, Town Hall and State Library underground railway stations will be opened while massive office buildings are being built above.

[abc]

There are plenty of new projects in Melbounre that have been progressivley opened while still under construction - all 4 towers (50-78 stories) in the Westside project (corner of Spencer St & Lonsdale St), Australia 101 in south Melbourne, Town Hall and State Library underground railway stations will be opened while massive office buildings are being built above.

imagine thinking this is an equivalence to opening a single hotel building under construction

the mental gymnastics required to win at internet is strong in this one

[Prodical]

For a late 2027 hotel and building opening, we can work backwards and use as a guide not too dissimilar building schedule (recognising that the finishes, fittings and height for the Keystone building are obviously more complex and time consuming).

The Victoria Tower started its siteworks (after demolition and site prep) in July 2023 and has now been going for 20 months, with practical completion somewhere around mid-year (ie the top out soon, final floors poured by end of March and fitting out the final floors by maybe June?)

So that's a 24 month construction time using a fast and efficient builder in Synergy.

Say the Keystone building can be built in 30 months, with the demolition and site prep taking an additional 2 months, so a total of 32.

For a November 2027 opening, that would require a start on site by the beginning of April, 6 short weeks away. I hope that happens

[VinyTapestry849]

There are plenty of new projects in Melbounre that have been progressivley opened while still under construction - all 4 towers (50-78 stories) in the Westside project (corner of Spencer St & Lonsdale St), Australia 101 in south Melbourne, Town Hall and State Library underground railway stations will be opened while massive office buildings are being built above.

imagine thinking this is an equivalence to opening a single hotel building under construction

the mental gymnastics required to win at internet is strong in this one

It doesn’t mean the entire hotel has to open by that time. Just some of the lower level of the hotel can start opening up.

It’s not like the drills, hammers, and banging and crashing from the top levels with ongoing construction is gonna seriously affect lower level tower hotel suites, the building has insulation to mitigate that.

[Patrick_27]

There are plenty of new projects in Melbounre that have been progressivley opened while still under construction - all 4 towers (50-78 stories) in the Westside project (corner of Spencer St & Lonsdale St), Australia 101 in south Melbourne, Town Hall and State Library underground railway stations will be opened while massive office buildings are being built above.

imagine thinking this is an equivalence to opening a single hotel building under construction

the mental gymnastics required to win at internet is strong in this one

It doesn’t mean the entire hotel has to open by that time. Just some of the lower level of the hotel can start opening up.

It’s not like the drills, hammers, and banging and crashing from the top levels with ongoing construction is gonna seriously affect lower level tower hotel suites, the building has insulation to mitigate that.

You've obviously never stayed or lived in a building that's partway under construction, I have (Australia 108) and it's neither quiet nor clean. I don't imagine a hotel operator is going to opt for opening half of their hotel rooms whilst the other half remains under construction for the sake of appeasing a few high-rise enthusiasts. Projects falls behind the scheduled deadline all the time, this not meeting the 2027 deadline wouldn't be a first with this sort of development.

[AG]

imagine thinking this is an equivalence to opening a single hotel building under construction

the mental gymnastics required to win at internet is strong in this one

It doesn’t mean the entire hotel has to open by that time. Just some of the lower level of the hotel can start opening up.

It’s not like the drills, hammers, and banging and crashing from the top levels with ongoing construction is gonna seriously affect lower level tower hotel suites, the building has insulation to mitigate that.

You've obviously never stayed or lived in a building that's partway under construction, I have (Australia 108) and it's neither quiet nor clean. I don't imagine a hotel operator is going to opt for opening half of their hotel rooms whilst the other half remains under construction for the sake of appeasing a few high-rise enthusiasts. Projects falls behind the scheduled deadline all the time, this not meeting the 2027 deadline wouldn't be a first with this sort of development.

Given that the hotel will be on the top, it's probably not the hotel that would open first, but whoever is on the floors below the hotel.

[rev]

It should be noted for those interested, that internal fitout works haven't been finished in Festival Tower. Yet it's partly occupied.
About a week ago, or two, on the eastern side there was clearly fitout work and workers with hard hats walking around inside.

[MicBara]

Hey guys. Those pages were fun to read.
You can’t open a hotel until it’s finished but you can open other parts, near the top for example. Quality fitout for hotels takes time.

[VinyTapestry849]

So going through the blueprints of the new Westin hotel in this tower, it's very clear there will be a nice pool on the north terrace facing the facade indoors.

Curious as to the design of this new amenity, and how it will look and function. There is a good chance for this to become the best hotel pool in Adelaide and far exceed Sofitel. What Is certain it that it will be the highest in the city.

It reminded me of the Ritz-Carlton in Melbourne, a 5-star hotel with an attractive elevated pool area for guests.

Now that pool incorporated an infinity-edge design where the water appears to blend with the windows which no Adelaide hotel has done yet, and also has greenery inside. Potentially something to think about @Micbara, give a heads up to the designers potentially? Would significantly enhance the experience, and add a more luxury feel. The Ritz has floor-to-ceiling windows, which at least the keystone tower will have.

Here is the Ritz:

It also has sunbathing chairs (which would be GREAT to incorporate to catch the sun from north terrace throughout the day), as well as accessibility features like a chairlift and water wheelchair are available upon request, making it more inclusive and better for guests with mobility needs.


Now Adelaide has attempted a luxury indoor hotel pool before, but it turned out rather average. Sofitel tried their best, but the result delivered some mid-results. I mean it's OK, guest's seem to think it's alright, but could have been so much better.

Looked good in the construction renders, but not so much in reality. View out of the pool is just office buildings.

Westin's pool will have a much better view out onto north terrace.


Now in comparison to what's planned for the Westin here in Adelaide, the Ritz is much higher off the ground giving it a more luxurious feel, but nothing is stopping fantastic views of the north terrace from giving that WOW-factor to guests for this pool. A lot of potential.

If this pool is done right, it could be the secret sauce to seriously elevate this hotel to one of the best in the country.

[timtam20292]

Very detailed post, Viny. Really appreciate the comparison to Sofitel’s pool.

This one will be a game changer.

[VinyTapestry849]

In addition to what I said, looking at the blueprints, the pool should really be extended to the corners of the building. The plans seem currently too similar the underwhelming length of the Sofitel pool.

If the Ritz-Carlton in Melbourne can have a full-length pool to each edge of the building, then why can't this new Adelaide Westin hotel (unless structural loads on the building forbid it). Maybe another idea mic?

[MicBara]

Hi everyone. New plans have been lodged with the planning dept with a lot more detail. I'll post a copy here later today for you all to have a look at.

Regarding the pool - most swimming pools are an afterthought "compliance' design to tick a box. Our spa and pool level is designed to be an appealing and entertaining place connected to our wellness and restaurant area. I'll be keen to see what you think.

[VinyTapestry849]

Hi everyone. New plans have been lodged with the planning dept with a lot more detail. I'll post a copy here later today for you all to have a look at.

Regarding the pool - most swimming pools are an afterthought "compliance' design to tick a box. Our spa and pool level is designed to be an appealing and entertaining place connected to our wellness and restaurant area. I'll be keen to see what you think.

Hey mic, what is the application ID on plansa? Also great to hear from you again.

[MicBara]

I'll type something about this later but we always had an alternative plan for the museum. Having said that our states history will still be front and center.

Ok so here is the pool level. We wanted to achieve three things here:
1) Make it an appealing place to be and not an after thought - a bar, a view, all the usual features - we want pool parties and fun, way more than just a quiet swim in the morning for guests.
2) Connect the pool area to wellness, fitness and life - Westin is a "wellness" brand we want to make the hotel as "connected" and wellness focused as possible. South Australian's should not have to travel interstate for an awesome experience.
3) Limit the amount of wet guests up and down the lifts - something I don't see often is a change room pathway to access the pool. The idea is that if you're staying in the hotel (or even coming for a day pass) you can bring a bag with a change of clothes, change on the pool level, go for a swim, enjoy yourself and then have a shower and get changed again before returning to your room. This is a WAY easier way to manage kids and access the pool area without the embarrassing traipse back up to your room.

And here is a test fit (NOT THE FINAL LAYOUT) of the restaurant level with an open void looking down to the pool level with a full floor of wellness/massage/retreat below and our executive/business experience above.

[MicBara]

Hi everyone. New plans have been lodged with the planning dept with a lot more detail. I'll post a copy here later today for you all to have a look at.

Regarding the pool - most swimming pools are an afterthought "compliance' design to tick a box. Our spa and pool level is designed to be an appealing and entertaining place connected to our wellness and restaurant area. I'll be keen to see what you think.

Hey mic, what is the application ID on plansa? Also great to hear from you again.

Ha no idea. We lodged it yesterday and I've got to pay the bill this morning. Might not be up there yet. Another Sensational Adelaide Exclusive.