Developer Cbus Property has called on John Wardle Architects to transform one of Collingwood’s 1920s art deco buildings into spacious apartments for owner-occupiers.

Located at 68 Cambridge Street, Collingwood on a rare 2,100sqm island site, formerly home to The Monthly newspaper, the proposed $130-million boutique apartment development, Holme targets an aspirational segment of buyers seeking large format apartments on Melbourne’s CBD fringe.

JWA’s vision for the site is a boutique building that retains the art deco elements of The Monthly building with the addition of tower elements, marked by sculptured curvature and indents inspired by the vast grain silos that once dominated Collingwood’s skyline.

The project will feature 154 apartments across 14 levels, comprising of spacious one bedroom and two bedroom apartments as well as 30 three bedroom apartments averaging 115sqm.

In designing homes for Collingwood’s aspirational creative professionals and culture aficionados, JWA looked to the suburb’s past in designing the site’s new future. Paying tribute to the building’s heritage past, the architect is retaining the 1920s two level brick façade, including its original steel gate entry.

JWA founder John Wardle said Holme aimed to directly appeal to cultured homebuyers seeking easy access to the city, while also wanting to enjoy apartment living that placed comfort, privacy and consummate, quality living experience high on the priority list.

A large indoor and outdoor communal facility on level nine spans 240sqm and features expansive views, reading and dining tables, a cosy fireplace, as well as landscaping to the south.

Wardle adds that the curved silo inspiration signifies the apartments’ wider language from the outside right through to interiors, allowing an ease of flow for residents to comfortably make use of their space and enjoy an exemplary way of living.