A major new luxury development combining hotel accommodations and private residences is taking shape in Melbourne, Australia, with the unveiling of architectural renderings for the ambitious $300 million project. The Carter Building, designed by renowned Kerry Hill Architects (KHA), represents a collaboration between developers Orchard Piper and The Carter Group, with Como Hotels and Resorts recently selected as the operating partner for the hospitality component.

The project holds particular significance for Como Hotels and Resorts, as it will mark the company's second Australian property following the successful launch of The Treasury in Perth in 2015, which was also designed by Kerry Hill Architects. The Carter Building is strategically positioned on St Kilda Road in Melbourne's inner-south district, offering prime access to some of the city's most coveted green spaces including Albert Park Lake, Fawkner Park, and the Royal Botanic Gardens.

According to Orchard Piper director Luke McKie, the development addresses a gap in Melbourne's luxury hospitality market. "Melbourne has seen an influx of new hotels in recent years, but few are in truly great locations," McKie explained. "This property is perfectly situated for the city's major events and will mark a return to a more understated and timeless luxury experience, one that's not influenced by the latest trends."

The hotel component will occupy the first nine floors of the building and feature 102 thoughtfully designed guest rooms, including several custom-designed family suites to accommodate travelers with children. Supporting the accommodation will be an impressive array of amenities, including a full-floor wellness center, a sophisticated function room for events, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and an indoor lap pool for year-round swimming.

The building's 54 private residences, located on the upper floors, will share access to these premium facilities, creating a unique living experience that blends residential comfort with hotel-level services. Ground-floor spaces will house a restaurant, cafe, and bar that will serve not only hotel guests and residents but also welcome local patrons, helping to integrate the development into the broader community.

The architectural design pays careful attention to Melbourne's historic character, with Como Hotels and Resorts noting that the building's bluestone facade serves as a tribute to the city's architectural heritage. The interior design philosophy focuses on creating what the company describes as "a sanctuary of understated luxury," reflecting Kerry Hill Architects' signature approach of designing buildings that respond thoughtfully to their local context and surroundings.

Construction activities for the Carter Building officially began in August, marking the start of what will be a multi-year development process. The hotel is scheduled to welcome its first guests in early 2028, when it will add a new dimension to Melbourne's luxury hospitality landscape and provide a unique residential option in one of the city's most desirable locations.