Edgewater Towers

Architect: Mordechai Benshemesh, 1961

Inner South | IS20

Building Description

Edgewater Towers is the only high-rise apartment building south of Luna Park on the St Kilda foreshore. When the building was completed in 1961, it was advertised as luxurious sophisticated, Manhattan living, only minutes from Collins Street. At the time the building’s international style and multi-storey slab construction were very new to Melbourne. Edgewater Towers was designed by émigré architect Mordechai Benshemesh, who along with architects Harry Seidler and Neville Gruzman, was a staunch advocate for high-density apartment buildings. Many people have called Edgewater Towers home, including Sir Hubert Opperman (1920/30s Tour de France cyclist and later, politician) and Josef Ganz, the Jewish automotive engineer, now recognised as the originator of Hitler’s peoples car, the Volkswagen. “Thirteen storeys high, with great views across the bay, Edgewater Towers was a confident expression of progress and, after a period of neglect, has re-emerged as an iconic expression of post-war Melbourne modernism,” writes Harriet Edquist, in Australian Architecture (2010). The building retains many original mid-century features, especially in the lobby, whilst Opat Architects has designed a fabulous new communal rooftop terrace.

What's On

A guided tour by residents including the history of Edgewater Towers, stories of the architect and past notable (some notorious) residents. Panoramic views of St Kilda, the bay and city from the fabulous new rooftop terrace.

Location