Founded in 2001, Franze Developments’ well-respected founder Paul Franze wasn’t always planning a career in property.

An interest in maths and art led him towards wanting to be an architect but like his favourite sitcom character, George Costanza he ended up in property.

But unlike Costanza, Paul’s career soared to dizzying heights.

Paul’s latest development, Geelong Quarter is one of the most talked about projects in the bayside city right now and it’s creating a vibrant buzz with its exciting lifestyle offerings.

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Leading architect at Architectus Matt Smith and Paul Franze. Photo: Franze

There seems to be a big shift to people wanting to live in regional Victoria. What are the attractions of the Geelong Quarter and what are the driving factors for this surge?

A rising number of Melburnians in search of a sea change have gravitated towards cities like Geelong.

With easy road and transport links to Melbourne, and the lure of the surf and the sand, Victoria’s second largest city has plenty to offer anyone wanting a blend of city and coastal living.

With the workforce of the future potentially continuing to work more often from home, the demand for quality apartment living in the heart of mini cities will provide people with more flexibility and the ability to enjoy nearby leisure and recreational facilities.  

We’re seeing the shift to regional living gain momentum and the impact of 2020 is reinforcing this move.

What exactly is the Geelong Quarter?

Designed by Architectus, the Geelong Quarter will form a visual gateway to the city offering a 180-room state of the art Holiday Inn and Suites Hotel, with 16 luxury apartments and retail plaza plus a second quality 109 unit residential tower, Ryrie Home, offering a mix of one, two and three bedroom apartments.

There is nothing else like it in Geelong and its release coincides with the rise in people seeking that seachange or city swap to a simpler way of life.

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Ryrie Home Kitchen. Photo: Franze

The development originally offered office space, what prompted the change to residential?

The second residential building was originally earmarked for commercial space and we did have interest from potential government, large organisations and individual tenants but as we looked deeper at the local residential market, and on the back of the strong enquiry we had when selling the luxury apartments above the hotel - the Ryrie Residences - we decided to convert the East tower from office to residential.

Now that we are living with Covid the office market has proven more challenging with changing working arrangements whilst demand for residential property in regional centres like Geelong is intensifying.

At Franze we identified a need in Geelong for well priced apartments and that is what Ryrie Home offers.

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Ryrie Home's northern facade. Photo: Franze

What is the one thing you have learnt over the years as a property developer?

Property is as much about building relationships as it is the risk taking.

We need to continue building on these aspects and instilling them into the next generation. Humility in everyday life cannot be underestimated.

Find out more about Ryrie Home here.

Find out more about Franze Developments here.

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