How Joe's Quarter pays homage to its boat-making pioneers

Joe's Quarter is named in homage to Joe Pompei, who ran Pompei Boatworks with his brother Jack. Jack was known as Mr Mordialloc and the brothers spent years building and fixing boats at the Main Street site before the old building became neglected and fell into disrepute.
How Joe's Quarter pays homage to its boat-making pioneers
Render of the redeveloped Pompei Boatworks site, Joe's Quarter
Alison Warters October 27, 2022

Sometimes there's more to a residential development than just creating places to live.

Take the newly launched Joe's Quarter, the latest beachside Melbourne project by Shenfield Property Group.

Their new project is on the site of the old Pompei Boatworks in Mordialloc, just south of Bayside in the City of Kingston local government area. Not only have they incorporated the long history of the site in the striking design, but they've also done so in the name.

Joe's Quarter is named in homage to Joe Pompei, who ran Pompei Boatworks with his brother Jack. Jack was known as Mr Mordialloc and the brothers spent years building and fixing boats at the Main Street site before the old building became neglected and fell into disrepute.

Now demolished, the site has been cleared to make way for just 11 residences designed by JFKDESiGN, who used strong, robust materials to reflect the old building's maritime history.

Developer Alister Shenfield has worked with designer Jackson Fitzroy Kennedy for nearly two decades with this project being their most ambitious together to date. 

“Thoughtful bespoke design and quality finishes delivers truly refined contemporary living, all the while making the most of its iconic bayside location,” Shenfield says. 

A robust, yet stylish exterior of unique angled feature brickwork mimics the upward sweep of a bow, enhanced with details in copper, charcoal steel and aluminium.

Inspired by the coastal location, the interior of Joe’s Quarter brings the estuarine environment from the front door to the inside. 

Barry Plant's Damien Murphy said Joe's Quarter was certainly a one off, irreplaceable even, given its location and the size of the apartments.

"There's nothing quite like Joe's Quarter anywhere, it's a very unique opportunity and it's already attracting strong local interest," he said. 

Murphy said they had also had interest out of London, with the internet proving to be as far-reaching as ever, showcasing the marine-inspired development across the globe. 

"We had interest from an Aussie expat living in London, someone in the marine industry who may be looking to make their way back to Melbourne," Murphy said.

"Joe's Quarter will offer an unrivalled location, further complimented by views over the boats and pier and out onto the bay."

Internally, charcoal, saltbush and grey stone combine with rich timber details and brass tapware to create a serene retreat, while satin textures promote gentle touches, with brass accents a nod to the once common hardware of traditional watercraft.

The floor plans are generously proportioned with visible indoor-outdoor connections between the living spaces and adjoining terraces, as each residence enjoys views to the creek and bay, with city skyline views from level three. 

Murphy says those looking to resize will be the most keen on Joe's Quarter, with the residences offering size never seen before in the local market.

"Typically it's a challenge for buyers to move from a house to an apartment in the local area, which has average apartment sizes around 71 sqm."

"Residences at Joe's Quarter start from 116 sqm, more than 50 per cent larger than the average. Some of the dwellings have over 160 sqm of internal living space."

"We're really going to see a lot of buyers resizing, looking for the lock and leave lifestyle, whilst not compromising on space."

Undoubtedly one of Mordialloc’s premium addresses, Joe’s Quarter is positioned on the banks of Mordialloc Creek as it flows into Port Phillip Bay.

With a vibrant shopping and dining strip right on the doorstep, the residences are also close to a number of parklands and schools, as well as Mordialloc Train Station. 

As one of Melbourne’s most iconic bayside locations, the expansive beach is arguably Mordialloc’s most enviable feature, lined with foreshore reserves, walking paths, along with the pier at the mouth of Mordialloc Creek, the area is a playground for all ages and recreation pursuits. 

Alison Warters

Alison Warters is a property journalist for Urban, based in Sydney. Alison is especially interested in the evolution of the New Build/Development space, when it comes to design innovation and sustainability.

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