Ireland Brown Construction project manager Matt Loncaric and Monno managing director Geno Hubay are pictured at the Stella Maris residential development that’s taking shape in Rippleside.
Construction of the most luxurious apartment development seen in Geelong is on target for completion in late 2025 after already setting sale records.
The $130m Stella Maris development is taking shape overlooking Corio Bay at Rippleside as attention turns to selling the remaining apartments.
As large travertine tiles are fixed to building facades, the heritage trees including a central eucalypt and a mammoth Moreton Bay fig begin to dominate corners of the precinct.
Workers on the Bay St site each day peaked at close to 170, with builders revealing locals represented up to 65 per cent of the workforce.
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Developer Monno is relaunching Nautica House, one of four main buildings in the project that surrounds the 1848 St Helens mansion, which spawned the Sisters of Mercy’s Stella Maris convent, as the construction finish line looms.
Monno managing director Geno Hubay said 75 per cent of the development’s 53 apartments and townhouses have sold off the plan, including a record $5.715m for a four-bedroom, top-floor apartment with a vista overlooking Corio Bay to Geelong’s CBD skyline.
The Arbory building residence enjoys the best elevated views across Corio Bay to Geelong’s city skyline.
The view across Corio Bay to Geelong’s city skyline from within the most expensive apartment in the Stella Maris complex under construction at Bay St, Rippleside.
The facade is taking shape around heritage trees at the Stella Maris apartment development at Bay St, Rippleside.
The 307sq m home’s features expansive living spaces indoors and a 147sq m outdoor terrace, its own wine room, a full butler’s pantry and spacious living area with a lavish kitchen.
A local buyer last week splashed almost $4m on an apartment in Nautica House, which also overlooking the water above St Helens Beach.
Another apartment has already sold for $4.5m in the building, where 15 residences feature two open living spaces, 3m ceilings and expansive outdoor areas.
Builder Ireland Brown Construction is fast-tracking an apartment to display Nautica House to buyers.
Several landmark trees, including this eucalypt, are taking pride of place within the Stella Maris development at Bay St, Rippleside.
The wellness centre and swimming pool, below, take shape amid the surrounding Acreage building at Stella Maris. Once finished, the central precinct will be landscaped, including a cobblestone roadway.
The two-, three- and four-bedroom apartments are designed to offer living space looking out over the water, and gives the same opportunity in rooms behind through windows that jut out that draw sunlight and, in the bathroom for example, gives prime position for anyone soaking in a bath tub to watch the on-water activity.
“Anyone that has got any glimpse of a water view it never to be built out,” Mr Hubay said.
“You’re protected and you’re elevated, so ground level has got beautiful water views that are protected, which is just so rare. And it’s incredibly peaceful. It’s so quiet here to hear the birds.”
An artist’s render shows the internal facade and entry to the Nautica House building at Stella Maris.
Nautica House will offer waterfront views from 15 homes.
The design of rooms will give residences views from all angles.
The residences also offer unique gallery spaces, a private study for working from home, and individual basement garages with storage areas that offer secure space for bikes and golf clubs.
McGrath Projects selling agent Jim Cross said he expects sales to accelerate as the project nears completion.
“It’s no surprise to us that this project continues to hold the price record for Geelong,” he said.
“Nautica House offers an unparalleled level of luxury, unlike anything which has been delivered in Geelong and indeed, anything we are likely to see in years to come.
“We have already sold more than 75 per cent of the residences and will likely sell out prior to completion.”
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