Hotham 62

Welcome to Hotham 62, over the past 18 months, this block of twelve apartments has been reimagined by the team at ROWE Studio to bring a new lease of life to the Francelaw Flats, originally designed in 1948 by notable local architect Mordechai Benshemesh.

Between 1948 and 1954, Benshemesh designed a distinct group of significant apartment buildings in St Kilda, St Kilda East and Caulfield North which are fine examples of functionalist style architecture and show impressive boldness in their massing with art deco inflections throughout.

These buildings imbued the area with a progressive, international character, one which was supported by the local community.

Benshemesh was very often also working for European émigré and refugee clients accustomed to apartment living leading to well designed floorplates that are still functional today.

Restoration of a property with such architectural significance is not without its challenges. The team behind Hotham 62, chose to keep each floorplan as original, and to restore each home back to a modern standard, whilst still allowing scope for the new owner to add value, or live in as is.

Modern features such as air conditioning, CCTV cameras, video intercom, and private car parking have been added for each residence during the renovation process.

Art-Deco inspired apartments throughout the St Kilda area continue to see strong demand from buyers due to the large room sizes and high ceilings, of which Hotham 62 is a pertinent example.