1. 42 The weekly review NOVEMBER 11, 2015 NOVEMBER 11, 2015 The weekly review 43
A
partment living has become a reality for many in Melbourne. But what kind of apartment
living works for families? The Zeinis live on the 13th floor of the former Russell Street
telephone exchange, in the Little Hero apartments, by architect Nonda Katsalidas,
completed in 2010. The Lynches have a bird’s-eye view of the city from level 33 in the Southbank
high-rise Prima, by PDG. ●
ckennedy@theweeklyreview.com.au
thehighlife
Clare Kennedy
meets two families making city
apartments their home
Who lives here? Teena Lynch, husband
Damon and their daughter Elle, 12, have lived
here for 12 months.
The space A small and functional
86-square-metre, two-bedroom apartment
with two bathrooms and a small balcony
on the corner of Power and Queensbridge
streets, Southbank.
Why a city apartment? The Lynches sold
their family home in Coburg to be closer
to Elle’s school and work. Teena works in
Swanston Street with the building’s developer
PDG, and Damon is a project manager with a
Thomastown office.
The family were drawn to the building’s
luxurious facilities and proximity to major
arterial roads, making it easy to get to their
spacious holiday house in Rye.
Does it work for the family? It works
because they divide the week between the
apartment and the house in Rye, Damon
says. “Some days it’s great and other days
you feel a bit boxed in. It’s about finding that
balance between affordability, lifestyle and
convenience,” Teena says.
Elle plays soccer in Albert Park, and they love
the ease of shopping in town. “Actually that’s
a negative!” Damon jokes.
The upside The amazing sunsets and
views, the easy commute to work, that the
state-of-the-art gym, pool and spa are a lift
ride away. Elle loves using the pool, and that
she can tram to school with friends who also
live in Prima. The family enjoys shopping at
South Melbourne market and the convenience
of walks along the Yarra.
The downside The balcony has standing
room only. “I wouldn’t say it’s natural family
living because you don’t have the release of
the outdoors,” Damon says.
Elle is sad she can’t have a pet. The family
dog died last year and for her it was like losing
a sibling.
Long-term prospects? They are weighing
it up. Last month, when Elle was missing
her dog, they thought about breaking their
two-year lease. Teena says: “There are gives
and takes. We think life is for living and
you’ve got to do what works for now. Overall
we are happy.” ●
Who lives here?
Dina and Dani Zeini live on the 13th
floor of the Hero apartments with
children Benjamin, 3, and Mirra, 2.
They have lived here for four years.
Dina was 12 weeks’ pregnant when they
moved in.
The space A modern 130-square-metre,
three-bedroom apartment, on the corner
of Russell and Little Collins streets.
Why a city apartment? The couple lived
in Frankston and had always dreamed of
a city lifestyle.
Does it work for the family? Yes. “I
love walking to the public parks, we
go by train to the zoo, we walk to the
aquarium, everything is so accessible,”
says Dina.
“My post office and bank are around
the corner. I can literally be at QV in five
minutes for last-minute children’s gifts.”
The Zeinis enjoy the 70-square-metre
balcony softened with fake grass, and the
zero garden maintenance.
The upside The fact it is mostly
owner-occupied from level 10 up drew
them to the building. A highlight are the
views from Collins Street to Port Phillip
Bay, taking in Federation Square, the
Shrine of Remembrance and the Yarra.
Directly in front is the Hyatt.
“It looks golden when the sun sets. If
you get a telescope, you can see into the
rooms. We’ve seen some strange stuff,”
Dina jokes.
“On New Year’s Eve, we invited friends
over, lined up the deck chairs and put our
feet up on the balcony and watched the
fireworks.”
Owners of the Dandenong Pavilion,
the Zeinis love walking to the city’s
many dining options; a favourite is
their building’s basement restaurant
Izakaya Den.
The downside People can be reluctant
to visit due to concerns about parking.
When visiting the ‘burbs, they wish they
had a backyard.
Long-term prospects? The design is
simple, tasteful and comfortable.
“The longer we stay the more we love it,”
says Dina. “An apartment can be a home
as well.” ●
The Lynches Prima, Southbank
The Zeinis Little Hero apartments, CBD
“The longer we stay the more we love it”
The lynches
The Zeinis
(scottMcnaughton)