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Belvedere

Location 22 The Esplanade,, ST KILDA VIC 3182 - Property No B7083 File Number B7083 Level State

[1/2] B7083 Belvedere Flats [2/2] B7083 Belvedere Flats Front

Statement of Significance

The Belvedere, designed by architect W H Merritt and completed in 1929, is of architectural and social significance at the State level.
Architecturally, the Belvedere is one of the most sophisticated and evocative examples of the Spanish Mission style applied to flats in Melbourne. The use of large flat areas of textured render, panels of Rococo derived decoration, attached wrought iron balconies, and particularly the arched, tiled roofed belvedere on the corner are all hallmarks of the style rarely found on other examples. Located on a corner on the Upper Esplanade, the main promenade of St. Kilda, the Spanish details, and particularly the tower-like corner element topped by the ornate belvedere, create a prominent landmark
The Belvedere is socially important as one of the major buildings that establish St. Kilda as an exotic seaside locale. The Spanish Mission style of the building is associated in the popular imagination with Hollywood as well as the Mediterranean. It is also one of the most prominent flat developments in St. Kilda, the suburb most strongly associated with flat development in Melbourne.
Classified: 04/12/2000