- Former American Consulate in Brisbane's Spring Hill being converted into five luxury apartments, including two dual-level penthouses
- Project, named Park Row, retains the original 1970s building structure and is being developed by Chapter Two with designs by Cera Stribley
- Development includes whole-floor apartments exceeding 300 square metres, featuring four bedrooms with ensuites and dual living zones
- Project will save approximately 1,500 tonnes of embodied carbon by retaining 1.7 million kilograms of existing structure
- Construction being handled by Mettle builders, with completion expected by mid-2027
Construction is set to begin on one of Brisbane’s most distinctive adaptive reuse projects, transforming a former American Consulate in Spring Hill into luxury apartments.
The five-residence Park Row project will see Brisbane based developer Chapter Two convert the 1970s office block on Wickham Terrace into a boutique collection of whole-floor apartments and two dual-level penthouses overlooking Roma Street Parklands and Brisbane CBD.
Designed by Cera Stribley, the building retains the structural integrity of the existing framework while introducing a refined architectural expression inspired by the minimalist luxury residences fronting Central Park in New York.
Highly experienced builder Mettle has been appointed to deliver the project, bringing extensive experience across complex refurbishment and heritage construction.
Backed by Brisbane City Council, the development is set to become a showcase of adaptive reuse, creating economic, environmental and social benefits while delivering something special for inner city Brisbane.
Chapter Two Director Oliver Bagheri said the start of construction was a significant milestone for the project, which had been several years in the planning stages.
“Park Row will be an exemplar adaptive reuse development, turning a lower graded office building on the city fringe into a unique collection of high-end apartments,” Mr Bagheri said.
“Mettle brings an exceptional track record in delivering adaptive reuse projects and understands the care and precision required in high end residential. We’re excited to see construction commence and bring this vision to life.”
The collection of five residences at Park Row comprises two whole-floor apartments, each exceeding 300 square metres, offering four bedrooms with ensuites and generous dual living zones rarely seen in inner-city projects.
Above them, the penthouses will include four bedrooms plus a multipurpose room or optional fifth bedroom, with one enjoying uninterrupted parkland views and the other commanding sweeping city skyline vistas.
Completing the building is an amalgamated residence spanning the ground floor and level one, offering six bedrooms and four bathrooms. It has already been reserved by a local family with children going to Brisbane Grammar School.
Each residence will feature private lift lobby entry, lavish primary suites, wine displays, premium appliances and natural stone and timber finishes. Generous floor-to-floor heights and a clear-span structure free of internal columns provide exceptional flexibility in layout and design.
Cera Stribley Associate Director Darcy Kay said the Park Row design carefully balanced respect for the building’s origins with a forward-looking architectural approach.
“Our design builds upon the existing grid and rhythm of the structure, which we have softened by introducing more tactile brick finishes and significant glazing. The insertions and additions open up the existing building to the parklands and the city, defining a contemporary and enduring architectural identity,” Mr Kay said.
“This is about elevating what already exists. Adaptive reuse allows us to honour the building’s legacy while delivering contemporary luxury living with strong environmental credentials. The minimalist form is intentional — it’s restrained, confident and designed to age gracefully.”
Mettle Director Michael Sutcliffe said the construction team was looking forward to delivering a project of such architectural and structural significance.
“Park Row is a rare opportunity to work with an incredibly solid and well-built existing structure while introducing new layers of craftsmanship and detail,” Mr Sutcliffe said.
“Adaptive reuse demands a high level of precision and coordination, and we’re committed to ensuring the quality of delivery reflects the calibre of the design and the expectations of future residents.”
Park Row is positioned on one of Spring Hill’s most tightly held ridgelines, commanding uninterrupted views across Roma Street Parklands to Mount Coot-tha on one side and sweeping city skyline vistas on the other – outlooks that cannot be built out.
Just moments from Brisbane CBD, the address offers walkable access to the Grammar schools, major hospitals, the legal precinct and Central Station, placing residents at the intersection of convenience and prestige. The future Olympic Stadium and infrastructure at Victoria Park further strengthen the location’s long-term appeal, accelerating investment in connectivity and public amenity.
Park Row will deliver meaningful sustainability outcomes through the retention of almost 1.7 million kilograms of existing structure, saving an estimated 1,500 tonnes of embodied carbon – the equivalent of charging 100 million iPhones or flying from Brisbane to Los Angeles 2,500 times.
The design incorporates cross-ventilation and a focus on natural light, while avoiding gas infrastructure entirely. By retaining the building’s substantial structural frame — originally constructed for diplomatic use — the project significantly reduces environmental impact compared to demolition and rebuild.
Chapter Two Director Jon Quayle said: “By repurposing this structure and using existing materials rather than sourcing new ones, we forecast a significant reduction in embodied carbon.”
“In addition, our focus on passive design strategies, such as access to natural light and ventilation, shading control and screening, will reduce the operational carbon footprint of the building.”
Sales are expected to officially launch in the coming months, providing buyers with confidence around delivery. Early interest has come from Brisbane right-sizers and younger families seeking a prime location, including buyers exploring multi-generational living solutions.
The development is expected to be completed by mid-2027.
To find out more, please visit https://www.chapter-two.com.au.
About us:
About Chapter Two
Chapter Two is a boutique Brisbane-based development company focused on building timelessly designed residences in the southeast Queensland region. Alongside some of Australia’s most celebrated architects and designers, we envision and actualise homes, communities and destinations that are as uplifting as they are enduring. Our approach to development is holistic. It encompasses a careful attention to not only the spaces we create but the people that inhabit them. To be purpose driven means our focus extends beyond profit, into the art of placemaking and community development.
Contact details:
Hannah Davies
Pitch Public Relations
E: [email protected]
P: 0434 929 523
