42 The weekly review \ NOVEMBER 11, 2015 NOVEMBER 11, 2015 \ The weekly review 43

Apartment living has become a reality for many in Melbourne. But what kind of apartment living works for families? The Zeinis live on the 13th floor of the former Russell Street telephone exchange, in the Little Hero apartments, by architect Nonda Katsalidas,

completed in 2010. The Lynches have a bird’s-eye view of the city from level 33 in the Southbank high-rise Prima, by PDG. ●

ckennedy@theweeklyreview.com.au

the hig

h l

ife

Clare Kennedy

meets two families making city

apartments their home

Who lives here? Teena Lynch, husband Damon and their daughter Elle, 12, have lived here for 12 months.

The space \ A small and functional 86-square-metre, two-bedroom apartment with two bathrooms and a small balcony on the corner of Power and Queensbridge streets, Southbank.

Why a city apartment? The Lynches sold their family home in Coburg to be closer to Elle’s school and work. Teena works in Swanston Street with the building’s developer PDG, and Damon is a project manager with a Thomastown office.

The family were drawn to the building’s luxurious facilities and proximity to major arterial roads, making it easy to get to their spacious holiday house in Rye.

Does it work for the family? It works because they divide the week between the apartment and the house in Rye, Damon says. “Some days it’s great and other days you feel a bit boxed in. It’s about finding that balance between affordability, lifestyle and convenience,” Teena says.

Elle plays soccer in Albert Park, and they love the ease of shopping in town. “Actually that’s a negative!” Damon jokes.

The upside \ The amazing sunsets and views, the easy commute to work, that the state-of-the-art gym, pool and spa are a lift ride away. Elle loves using the pool, and that she can tram to school with friends who also live in Prima. The family enjoys shopping at South Melbourne market and the convenience of walks along the Yarra.

The downside \ The balcony has standing room only. “I wouldn’t say it’s natural family living because you don’t have the release of the outdoors,” Damon says.

Elle is sad she can’t have a pet. The family dog died last year and for her it was like losing a sibling.

Long-term prospects? They are weighing it up. Last month, when Elle was missing her dog, they thought about breaking their two-year lease. Teena says: “There are gives and takes. We think life is for living and you’ve got to do what works for now. Overall we are happy.” ●

Who lives here? Dina and Dani Zeini live on the 13th floor of the Hero apartments with children Benjamin, 3, and Mirra, 2.

They have lived here for four years. Dina was 12 weeks’ pregnant when they moved in.

The space \ A modern 130-square-metre, three-bedroom apartment, on the corner of Russell and Little Collins streets.

Why a city apartment? The couple lived in Frankston and had always dreamed of a city lifestyle.

Does it work for the family? Yes. “I love walking to the public parks, we go by train to the zoo, we walk to the aquarium, everything is so accessible,” says Dina.

“My post office and bank are around the corner. I can literally be at QV in five minutes for last-minute children’s gifts.” The Zeinis enjoy the 70-square-metre balcony softened with fake grass, and the zero garden maintenance.

The upside \ The fact it is mostly owner-occupied from level 10 up drew

them to the building. A highlight are the views from Collins Street to Port Phillip Bay, taking in Federation Square, the Shrine of Remembrance and the Yarra. Directly in front is the Hyatt.

“It looks golden when the sun sets. If you get a telescope, you can see into the rooms. We’ve seen some strange stuff,” Dina jokes.

“On New Year’s Eve, we invited friends over, lined up the deck chairs and put our feet up on the balcony and watched the fireworks.”

Owners of the Dandenong Pavilion, the Zeinis love walking to the city’s many dining options; a favourite is their building’s basement restaurant Izakaya Den.

The downside \ People can be reluctant to visit due to concerns about parking. When visiting the ‘burbs, they wish they had a backyard.

Long-term prospects? The design is simple, tasteful and comfortable. “The longer we stay the more we love it,” says Dina. “An apartment can be a home as well.” ●

The Lynches \ Prima, Southbank

The Zeinis \ Little Hero apartments, CBD

“The longer we stay the more we love it”

The lynches

The Zeinis

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