First look exclusive: JMSN file plans for first apartment development in Fitzroy

New Melbourne developer JMSN has lodged plans for its first residential apartment development in the heart of Fitzroy.

JMSN, led by Sam Jamieson, is seeking to develop a six-level building at 227 Napier Street, Fitzroy, a 394 sqm site which they acquired mid-last year.

The plans are for just 10 apartments, four two-bedroom units and six three-bedders, with internal living spaces ranging from around 120 sqm to the 205 sqm whole floor penthouse, which has has two living areas, two balconies, and a private roof terrace.

Warren & Mahoney, who are well known for their interpretation of designs with a heritage element, have handled the architecture, noting the project vision is supported by a high quality architectural design response that will see the development fit within its context - neighboured by highly praised and awarded multi-residential developments.

"JMSN is heavily influenced by European heritage architecture and global street culture - delivering a residential building that takes influence from the area’s hospitality and retail offering while also paying tribute to beautiful heritage homes and materiality," Warren & Mahoney noted in the Urban Context Report submitted to the Yarra City Council.

To be alerted when 227 Napier Street hits sales, enquire here.

"227 Napier Street is in the heart of Melbourne’s coolest suburb - Fitzroy - and is surrounded by other award-winning and highly revered multi-residential developments."

Milieu's 231 Napier Street and Whitlam Place are just a few doors down, as is Dealcorp's CF Row, designed by Woods Bagot. 

"The development will be a good neighbour," the architecture firm suggested.

"A good neighbour to its context in that it respects the architecture that is already there; in that it reflects the historical development of the area; in that it seeks to provide cohesion between the buildings already on the block; and in that it provides high quality and higher density living option for Fitzroy residents. It is a building that you want to be in your community; it’s a good neighbour."

The project will feature a large light well, another nod to neighbouring buildings. The large void will create a large courtyard in the middle of the building to ensure apartments get good access to natural light.

"The building seeks to be timeless - built with natural materials and a formality that doesn’t date, as if it has always been there."

The building will sit less than 200 metres from tram stops for the 11 and 86 lines, while bicycle routes line Napier and Brunswick streets.

To be alerted when 227 Napier Street hits sales, enquire here.

There was a pre-application meeting held in October, with planning consultant Tract noting the comments in the meeting were overwhelmingly positive, particularly in regard to the high level of internal amenity afforded through generous voids and lights courts, and the considered response to massing and articulation of form in response to adjoining buildings.

"The development plans were subsequently refined with a focus on the interface of the building with Napier Street and as guided by consultant input in relation to ESD, waste, traffic, heritage, landscape, wind and acoustic considerations," Tract's planning report read.

When securing the site last year, Sam Jamieson said that "securing the A-grade site in a suppressed market, coupled with a market wide undersupply of apartment developments, gives them supreme confidence in this investment opportunity.

"You only have to look at the success of the neighbouring multi-award-winning developments to see the great results so far," Jamieson said.

"We look forward to sharing the JMSN vision and executing a boutique residential apartment development that will align with the community and stand the test of time."

Fitzroy has been a popular spot for larger, owner-occupier focused apartments in recent years.

Veteran Melbourne developer Piccolo has just launched A Piccolo House on Gore Street, while Pace, who are developing The Darley on Flemington Racecourse, will launch their heritage-focused Fabbrica later this year.