R Hotel is a new apartment complex located at the site of the former Ritz Flats. This new development has 128 apartments, a restaurant and bar.
Details
Height: 11 Stories
Architect: Mark Gratwick
Developer: Integrated Development Solutions
Builder: Ireland Brown Constructions
Before The Development
The Ritz had had been an eyesore in the Geelong CBD for decades. The building, which was at the intersection of Corio Street and Bellarine Street, had been vacant for forty years.
It was a popular photography spot for locals. We experimented getting photos at night time and in black and white. It was repeatedly a target for graffiti.
We continued to get photos despite the lack of changes. We got photos in September 2015. In August, 2017, the exterior of the building had been painted white. We got photos of the graffiti and how rundown the building was in August, 2018.
In March, 2017, plans were launched to redevelop the site. They were approved in December, 2017.
We expected work to start on the Ritz in November, 2018. In October, 2018, fencing went up around the building site. Nothing seemed to have changed to by March, 2019.
You can learn more about the history of the building at The Ritz Flats at Intown Geelong (external link.)
Demolition
Work finally started at the site in July, 2019. Scaffolding went up around the facade and there was equipment on the site. Demolition had started by July 26. By August 1, the facade was all that remained. I got closer views of the facade on August 4.
On August 16, more scaffolding had gone up and a crane was on the site.
Excavation started around October. I got photos early in the month showing a piling rig at the site.
By October, the scaffolding had come down. The facade of the original building looked pretty impressive.
Construction
