The rebirth of one of Newcastle East's most storied addresses has reached a major milestone with the 'topping out' of the Chapter boutique apartment complex at 15 Watt Street.
The site has played a pivotal role in the history of Newcastle East - it housed the city's first baker, a fruiterer, The Adelaide Steamship Company, Newcastle Club and the well-known Dalgety & Co Agriculture company among others.
The facade on the corner of Watt and Hunter Streets has been expertly braced in recent years to allow it to be incorporated into the apartment complex.
The two and three-bedroom residences are due to be completed next year.
The pouring of the final structural slab, known as topping out, signifies that the structure has reached its peak and is more than half complete.
Speaking at Thursday's ceremony, developer Keith Stronach said the project represented the fusion of distinguished tradition and contemporary living.
Following a prolonged commercial downturn, he said the inner city was on the cusp of a renaissance.
"The inner city suffered years ago when both Charlestown Square and Garden City Kotara were established, BHP closed down in 1997 and David Jones closed down," he said.
"Since then, things have changed, people realised how great it is to live in town close to amenities."
Stronach Property has been involved in the rejuvenation of the inner city area since the early 1990. It's first major project was the Kingston apartments on Newcastle beach.
With the Chapter apartments' structure now complete, Mr Stronach said the community could begin to see how the project could contribute to the city.
"We have retained the heritage faade and incorporated it in the design to preserve and add to the wonderful historic character of the inner city," he said.
"We are excited to see how this development will enrich the lives of those who will work, live, or visit here in the years to come. Our goal has always been to create something that not only meets functional needs but also inspires those who interact with it."
