This striking New York loft-style penthouse comes with a rich history. The Foy & Gibson building has dominated the Collingwood landscape since its conception in 1876. At the time, it was designed by renowned architect William Pitt as a factory, producing everything from clothing and hats to furniture and hardware.
The company went into receivership in 1968, which saw the once bustling building at number 68 Oxford street lie mostly dormant for 25 years until it was sold to developer, Bladen Gibson, in 1993. Bladen promptly subdivided the building into multiple ‘shells’ for residential use, which were put to market in 1996.
It was up to each individual buyer to configure and fit out the ‘shells’ themselves, and in 1997, number 4A 68 Oxford street received its first home renovation.
Since then, the apartment has undergone a number of updates and improvements. Most notably in 2016, when the current owners acquired the apartment above and joined the two titles to become one incredible 400 square metre home.
Inside, the Manhattan-meets-Melbourne penthouse still champions its roots with timber ceilings, a striking industrial-style staircase and the original exposed brick walls, with the piece-de-resistance being the tall windows, which frame the city skyline.
A view, in fact, that is best appreciated from the rooftop, and its wrap-around deck. ‘It goes without saying that we will miss the incredible views,’ says the current owner. ‘The morning sunrises, evening sunsets and entertaining on the incredible rooftop have been a joy.’
After eight years the owners have decided to put their converted warehouse apartment on the market – ready for someone else to add their stamp to its history.
4A 68 Oxford street, Collingwood, is listed with Simon Shrimpton at Jellis Craig and will be taking expressions of interest until Thursday 24 November, 6pm.
