Brisbane business identity Steve Wilson aims to elevate Woolloongabba’s Stanley Street to be the city’s premier inner-city strip.
“Cities are not defined by their suburbs, they’re defined by memorable streets — those that have significant character, history and form,” Steve says. “Our ambition is to transform the street into a central hub where artists, musicians, designers, entrepreneurs and business owners can live, work and play in a truly creative environment.”
In what is best described as a ‘meeting of the minds’, Steve’s vision is well aligned with Brisbane-based architect James Davidson, Director of JDA Co. James leads the design of the reimagined Stanley Street precinct. Currently, the strip is home to French restaurant C’est Bon, rooftop bar Le Bon Bar, James’ design studio JDA Co., and Steve Wilson’s own office.
Architect James Davidson describes the mixed-use site as both complex and intriguing. “The architectural challenge was to navigate what is essentially a three-dimensional jigsaw into one harmonious and cohesive design,” says James. “I wanted to honour the precinct’s history yet enliven the strip in a way that introduces a new dynamism to the area.”
In C’est Bon, James went for the removal of internal petitioning to open up the interior to better engage with the streetscape. Inside, the original timber ceilings and sandstone and brick walls were lovingly repaired and restored. The installation of an arched frame over the bar allowed James’ team to add lighting without compromising original building materials.
James also designed a new rooftop bar, known as Le Bon Bar. “We designed the structure to sit atop the heritage walls of the existing building,” James explains. The bar has a view out over Mater Hill and nearby sporting stadium, The Gabba.
According to Steve Wilson, James was the perfect choice for its redesign. “James has the ability to interpret the soul of a place and to deploy design to preserve and protect that feeling well into the future,” Steve says.
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