Double Bay placemaking developer Fortis is turning its attention to a Brisbane high street on the precipice of urban renewal.  The developer has filed plans for a 1205sq m site at 53 Racecourse Road at Hamilton, neighbouring south-east Queensland developer Graya’s latest project, The Gallery .  The Koichi Takada Architects-designed project comprises 12 two and three-bedroom apartments with private basement parking as well as 528sq m of ground floor retail tenancies, a key part of Fortis’s Double Bay experience.  The project would also include an expansive rooftop terrace for residents with pool, spa, and wellness facilities.  The latest project, the developer’s fourth in the Sunshine State, follows hot on the heels of plans for another Fortis project at the coveted Ozcare site at New Farm.  Fortis Queensland general manager Dan Boman said the brick detailing in the Hamilton proposal’s facade design was an homage to the suburb’s St Augustine’s Church, while integrated planting would provide a visual connection to nature.  “This is an important site for Hamilton and Ascot,” Boman said. “Racecourse Road is going through a massive revitalisation and we’re proud to be a part of that transformation.” Boman said the site was one of the precinct’s “most prominent corner sites”, which had both city and river views.  â–˛ Deep planting and a detailed brick facade would help connect the residential development to its streetscape. “Rather than imposing a building onto the site, we’ve taken the time to understand the neighbourhood and create something that fits naturally into its local context,” he said. Inspired by successful placemaking initiatives such as Double Bay in Sydney, Fortis is applying the same principles of integration and elevated living to its Brisbane projects. Fortis lodged a proposal for the former Ozcare 5727sq m site at 424 Bowen Terrace last month, which was listed by the aged care provider last year . The Bowen Terrace site, about 5km from the CBD by road, and is zoned low-medium-density residential with 200m of street frontage. Fortis plans to rezone in line with densification nearby, aiming for seven storeys on the parcel.  â–˛ Four freehold houses interface with the largely residential community surrounding the expansive New Farm site.
