Every day a few come in. They’re still looking for the Main Roads Department. Nowadays that place you used to register your car has been transformed into the very swish The Johnson – the latest addition to the Art Series Hotel Group.
The Johnson honours Michael Johnson – one of Australia’s most acclaimed abstract artists. His career began in Sydney but his hotel is located in Brisbane’s Spring Hill. The Wynne Prize winning artist is best known for his broad masses of flat, uninterrupted colour always alluding to nature.
Will Deague, CEO of the hotel’s developer Asian Pacific Group sounded like a new dad at the launch recently. Despite the building garnering heritage listing only two days after purchase, the company persevered with their grand renovation plan. Taking 3 years and over $22 million, the industrial undertone makes for a perfect ‘gallery’ to showcase Michael Johnson’s art.
Dr Karl Langer designed the former Main Roads Department building. The Modernist structure was Queensland’s largest reinforced concrete development. Today, the ultra stylish hotel houses 87 self-contained open plan suites as well as owner occupied and long-term apartments including 2 penthouses.
The 50 metre Michael Klim designed pool is part of a large rooftop sundeck with some of the best views of the city and surrounding suburbs.
Master colourist/abstract artist Michael Johnson is the latest Australian to be honoured with an Art Series hotel moniker. His son Matthew Johnson spoke at the launch, “art is the beginning point … not an afterthought for the Art Series Hotel Group”.
The artist’s vibrant use of colour and evocation of nature makes for striking pieces. His art is featured throughout the public spaces, suites and apartments.
It wouldn’t be an Art Series Hotel without all the extras including bike and scooter hire, free art tours and complimentary Wi-Fi. The Residences also enjoy all the benefits of living in a hotel with in-room dining, Smart car hire, 24 hour concierge and best of all? No cleaning.
http://www.artserieshotels.com.au/johnson
* Full review soon.
