Though summer is ending and the autumn equinox is fast approaching, the month of March brings in more than just a change of weather and the changing of the seasons, for regulars at Fortitude Valley’s bustling James Street district. On March 1, the Silver Needle Hospitality Group, in collaboration with Pacifica and Hutchinson Builders, will proudly present the new 4.5-star Sage Hotel, a stylishly modern boutique hotel, adjoining the ongoing redevelopment of the iconic Queens Arms, on #70 James Street.
The Sage Hotel is a four-level contemporary structure, with a quasi-industrial look and feel. Modern interior styling such as “The Knot”, an avant-garde lighting piece by award-winning design genius Karim Rashid; polished aggregate concrete floors; and recycled sand stock brick at the lobby, are carefully and judiciously combined with traditional touches that align with the design aesthetic of the ongoing Queen Arms redevelopment next door. At the Sage Hotel, guests can enjoy the technology perks that Silver Needle Hospitality properties are known for, such as complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the entire hotel, hotel laundry services at street prices, and convenience store-style mini-bar services at any one of the 93 well-appointed boutique-style rooms. The Sage Hotel will also have a dedicated space for art, fashion, and creative style shows.
Beside the Queens Arms
Adjoining the Sage Hotel is the heritage-listed Queens Arms Hotel, which is currently being refurbished, along with its pub, restaurant, wine cellar, deli and café facilities.
Originally built more than a century ago, the Queens Arms was also once owned by Queensland’s beloved rugby superstar, the legendary Artie Beetson. While the Sage Hotel will be opening first, the Queens Arms Hotel will not be far behind, with a projected opening sometime in the second quarter of this year.
In a $5 million transformation that will set the standard for sustainable redevelopment of historic buildings in Queensland, the Queens Arms Hotel will have a 40-square metre “green wall”, lofty, six-metre high ceilings and an impressive 30-square metre glass panel entry way.
Leon Bowes, managing director of the Apollo Property Group, talked about the unique opportunity to lead the Queens Arms renovation that came their way. “We’re privileged to be given this opportunity to transform this historically rich property that was built over a century ago, and we’re confident we can do it justice and preserve its character, while adding some eye-popping new features as well,” he said.
The Queens Arms pub, long-regarded as the neighborhood watering hole, has been refurbished and has actually endeavoured to remain open during normal business hours, around construction. It has been retrofitted with a state-of-the-art industrial kitchen, capable of servicing the entire Sage Hotel’s 93 rooms.
“This project is all about sustaining the character of the building, but also ensuring we don’t alienate the loyal customers who traditionally come here for a quiet Sunday drink, or to watch a game of footy,” Mr. Bowes said.
Many of the historic details have also been incorporated into the décor of the Queens Arms renovation, such as the original hinges from the stable doors. In a classic case of “then and now”, where stables for horses existed over a century ago, secure basement parking spaces are now available – a definite advantage, particularly when on James Street.
“We’re confident we’ve got the balance right between preserving the old, but creating new spaces as well that we know will ensure the pub has at least another 130 years’ lifespan ahead of it,” Mr. Bowes adds.
The Queens Arms Restaurant
Dining in the 180-seat restaurant will surely be a novel experience, whether it’s a casual meal at the laneways restaurant or dinner against the backdrop of the “green wall” or under the atrium roof. With décor and seating configurations that are conducive to wining, dining and mingling, the area should be a popular choice for cocktail events, banquets or lounge parties overlooking James Street. For a complete dining experience, the restaurant’s bar also features boutique gins and other libations.
The Deli
Deli sandwiches, scrumptious salads, and freshly made pastries. Prepared by talented pastry chefs and served with fragrant, brewed coffee by expertly trained baristas, these “grab-and-go” goodies are available at competitive prices.
Farrier
As the only supper club that is open every day of the week until 2 a.m., Farrier is the go-to place for those looking for a quick, delicious meal or for a leisurely drink in a casual, laid-back setting that’s stylish yet comfortable and down-to-earth. Farrier serves everything from craft beer to top-shelf liquor.
James Street Conference Center
Complete conference facilities, with the capacity to host corporate events will be available at the James Street Conference Center, also accessible from both the Queens Arms Hotel and the Sage Hotel. The use of smart technology is expected to enhance both the entire guest experience, for seasoned business travelers and leisure guests.
Exciting Times Ahead
Beginning with the opening of Sage Hotel on March 1, and given the adjoining Queens Arms renovation, the next few months will prove to be exciting indeed, as Fortitude Valley residents witness the transformation of #70 James Street.
Photo Credit: Silver Needle Hospitality Group and Apollo Property Group