The Eminence : when good research and open minds come together
Mosaic Group are often well known for their residential design flair in medium density. The Pellegrino Group Australia have delivered just about all types of property up the east coast of Australia. Combining the talent pool from both companies was always going to provide an outstanding outcome that was many years in the making.
When was the site acquired?
The site was purchased by Pellegrino Group Australia (PGA) in two parts; 91 McLachlan Street (the corner block) was purchased in 2014 for a small commercial office scheme. Shortly after the DA was obtained, 89 McLachlan Street became available for sale from an estate. PGA then acquired this site prior to it going to market in 2015.
How long did it take to get approval and what were the challenges?
Following the acquisition of the second lot, PGA obtained a residential DA in 2016 for a 9-storey building with 57 apartments. It was while undertaking extensive research for this development that Mosaic and PGA then identified a major shortage of A-grade commercial office space for companies with a smaller footprint.
This formed the vision of creating an exclusive, boutique offering that catered to the under-supplied small business market. A commercial office DA was obtained in 2018 for The Eminence.
When was the first sod turned?
Construction commenced in November, 2018.
How big is the project in terms of number of floors, floorplate sizes and parking?
The Eminence consists of 4,210sqm total floor space over six levels. This includes 3,653sqm of office space, 372sqm of retail space and a 320sqm exclusive-use sky terrace with city views. The building has a 350 person capacity, offering premium end-of-trip facilities. Three levels of basement car parking are available, providing a total of 73 car parks - equating to an impressive 1:60 car park ratio.
The increased car parking ratio creates a significantly more flexible building in terms of attracting businesses that have a high sales function that require reps to be out and about. The premium offering means that medium sized businesses can have a prestige profile without being lost in some of the bigger CBD and near CBD projects.
What makes your project special/unique?
· The building’s unique architectural form and its striking juxtaposition of the neighbouring heritage listed St Patricks Church.
· Its innovative sloping design, featuring a perforated folding metal screen tapering up the building at 10 degrees.
· Innovative planning and engineering resulted in minimal use of columns, creating a cohesive interior flow that maximises functionality and usable area.
· Each commercial floor benefits from two balconies at either end of the building, allowing for natural light and ventilation, and an additional informal space.
· The sky terrace with framed views of Brisbane’s CBD offers occupants a third space to use throughout the day, outside of their office.
· The ground floor café provides a premium, price accessible dining alternative to the more expensive James Street precinct offerings.
· Significant additional investment was made on material selection and finish to ensure the building will retain a timeless relevance and appeal to the market and streetscape.
· The design confidently fuses a range of contrasting natural and man-made materials including stone, exposed concrete, steel, exposed ceilings, glazing, timber, tiling, lush greenery and soft furnishings.
· All common areas include custom designed furniture by Jardan – the first time the company has ever undertaken a commercial project in Queensland.
· The Eminence was custom designed to meet a combination of NABERS, Green Star and PCA A-grade environmental requirements.
Why was this destination chosen?
Fortitude Valley and its surrounding area was identified as having an under-supply of A-grade commercial office space for companies with smaller footprints, requiring anywhere from 200sqm to 4,000sqm of office space. The Eminence has been purpose-built for this market.
Situated just a stone’s throw from Brisbane’s CBD, Fortitude Valley offers exceptional amenity and public transport options, including James Street retail and dining precinct, Gasworks Plaza, various fitness and lifestyle offerings, and is in close proximity to major transport nodes, such as the Valley Metro Train Station, Story Bridge, Gateway Motorway, Pacific Motorway, Clem 7 Tunnel, ICB Northern Tunnel and the Brisbane Airport.
In many respects, the same things that are highly regarded as residential drivers, are now becoming fundamental to good office amenity and the retention of staff.
What was the reason for moving or creating this project?
Initially earmarked for residential, plans pivoted to a mixed-use commercial and retail development when a gap was identified for smaller format premium office buildings with flexible floor plates.
Mosaic Property Group and Pellegrino Group Australia identified that most of the existing and planned office buildings in Brisbane’s city-fringe and inner-ring were greater than 15,000sqm and positioned for large tenants. This formed the vision of creating an exclusive, boutique offering that catered to the under-supplied small business market.
How has this project been influenced by the Staff?
The Eminence’s design rose from the need for work-life balance and increased collaboration. Staff required a greater variety of spaces to collaborate with their teams, as well as office amenity to promote health and wellbeing.
The Eminence features 24/7 end of trip facilities as well as a rooftop sky terrace, promoting convenience and staff exercise before or after work.
How has this project influenced Staff?
Mosaic’s move to The Eminence has resulted in notably positive feedback. With almost all staff now in the one building and the ability to access several formal and informal meeting spaces as well as outdoor areas and end of trip facilities, we have seen an improvement in collaboration, engagement and overall employee sentiment.
Has your project won any awards?
It is only recently completed, The Eminence has been entered into numerous awards, with winners yet to be announced.
Best of luck to the team.