MONNO launch new brand with Geelong development Stella Maris in the pipeline
A 53 residential-project and reimagining of a historic mansion and former Catholic convent as a private home is on track to create Geelong’s most expensive waterfront real estate.
After a number of years under the name CostaFox, the group are establishing themselves under a new identity, MONNO, and relaunching with a luxury Geelong project, Stella Maris.
Spearheading the team is Managing Director Geno Hubar, along with partner and CostaFox co-founder and Chairman, Robert Costa, with the group currently boasting seven live projects.
MONNO’s latest residential project joins a pipeline amassing a diverse $1.2 billion portfolio of residential and commercial projects in premium locations across Greater Melbourne and the Bellarine Peninsula.
Render of the Stella Maris development at 39 Bay Street.
Stella Maris takes inspiration from the site’s Italianate heritage mansion which will be returned to its former glory , setting up shop along Geelong’s waterfront at 39 Bay Street, Rippleside.
Offering unencumbered views of Corio Bay and the Geelong city skyline, the $125 million development will deliver 50 generously-sized apartments, along with three exclusive townhomes.
Designed by award winning architects Rothelowman, in collaboration with Carr Design, Stella Maris is one of the most premium apartment or townhouse offerings to hit the Bellarine Peninsula, positioning itself as the first truly luxurious waterfront residential development in Geelong.
The Italianate mansion at the centre of Stella Maris was built in 1848 and was one of the earliest mansion houses in Geelong. Known as St Helens, it was originally a substantial coastal private residence prior to being acquired by the Sisters of Mercy in 1923 and renamed Stella Maris – “Star of the Sea” – to be used as a convent and teaching institution.
MONNO engaged Rothelowman to reimagine the 1.25 hectare waterfront site with contemporary residential buildings centred around the retained and celebrated St Helens. Carr is tasked with returning the mansion back to its former glory as a single coastal residence paired with a contemporary rear addition with all the mod-cons synonymous with luxurious and contemporary living by the sea.
One-bedders in Stella Maris will start at $595,000, with the six three and four-bedroom penthouses ranging from $4 million to $6 million.
Render of the wellness centre set for Stella Maris.
The project will include layered and textured landscaping, as well as sustainability features throughout, with the development boasting a fossil fuel free status.
As per all luxury developments, a host of residential amenity offerings will find a home within Stella Maris, with a comprehensive wellness centre planned, inclusive of a lap pool, gym, yoga and steam room, in addition to an edible garden, dog washing facilities and EV charging bays.
Hubay said the group was incredibly confident to bring Stella Maris to the market.
“It’s an exceptional coastal enclave that offers striking architecture with a new kind of living that the Bellarine Peninsula has not seen before. The project’s size and location are unique for Geelong and we’re excited about launching this November,” Hubay said.
Construction is set to commence in Q3 of 2023, with completion forecast for 2025.
