As the iconic The Standard hotel temporarily closes down in LA due to continued restrictions, there are official plans for one to pop up in Fitzroy, the cultural hub of Melbourne’s inner-north.
The Standard originally opened up in 1999 on the Sunset Strip in LA and was later bought by developer Andre Balazs, who, with the help of Leonardo DiCaprio, Cameron Diaz and Benicio Del Toro, transformed it into the fast-growing boutique hotel chain that it is today.
With hotels in Hollywood, the Maldives, Miami, New York City and London, this is the first time that The Standard is coming to Australia, and personally, we’re stoked. The Standard is not only known for its quirky abstract architecture and big open spaces, but also for overstocked minibars, huge TVs and pet-friendly vibes.
Private Melbourne developer DealCorp has announced a new partnership that will see this global sensation of a hotel make its debut in Fitzroy, on the corner of Rose Street and Fitzroy Street.
The Standard Fitzroy will feature 127 rooms over seven levels including an intimate rooftop area that will surely deliver beyond any of our current rooftop offerings. Since launching in 1999, the boutique hotel chain has become famous for its blend of relentless class and abstract design, so much so that it’s caught the eye of the world’s most esteemed — and Hollywood-famous — investors.
With a few upcoming hotels in Asia, Australia might not seem like an obvious choice for this expansion. However, Standard International CEO, Amar Lalvani believes it’s the perfect fit.
“The Fitzroy neighbourhood in Melbourne represents exciting new territory for The Standard but at the same time feels totally familiar,” Lalvani said. “DealCorp’s commitment to making long-lasting contributions to its community is aligned with our own history of enhancing the neighbourhoods we become part of.”
Taking cues from Fitzroy’s industrial heritage and Melbourne’s general love of industrial design, The Standard will be designed by Woods Bagot architects with interiors by Hecker Guthrie.
“In designing this hotel, we designed it to be local—to continue the architectural traditions of Fitzroy and sustain the neighbourhood’s artistic and cultural spirit,” said Woods Bagot principal and regional design leader (Australia & New Zealand), Peter Miglis. “Fitzroy’s history of corner pubs, workers cottages, grand housing and industry-inspired our approach to the building’s façades. Weathered steel and concrete are robust, timeless materials that sit comfortably straight away and, over time, will add charm as they patina.”
The Standard Fitzroy is set to be completed in 2023. Hopefully, by then, our borders will be reopened and both locals and tourists will be able to enjoy the anything but standard design and branding of Australia’s first The Standard venue.
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