First Look: Sarina Russo plots skinny Brisbane CBD apartment tower
Recruitment industry boss Sarina Russo, who heads up one of Australia's largest education, training, and employment providers, is turning to residential apartment development.
An entity tied to Russo has filed plans for a skinny 36-level tower, on a narrow 367 sqm site on Adelaide Street.
There are just 20 apartments proposed, some full-floor, some multi-floors.
Designed by Nettletontribe, the project would replace Jamison House, an existing five-storey office building.
The architectural vision promotes “biophilic design, passive design, and open flowing spaces,” with interiors promising high-end finishes and abundant natural light, the documents submitted to the Brisbane City Council noted.
Each apartment has direct lift access, and most occupy entire or half floors, reinforcing the project’s high-end positioning. Generous private balconies face either Adelaide and Howard Streets.
According to the assessment report by Urbicus, “the building is well designed and articulated with varying setbacks, deep balconies, and variations in façade treatments and materials,” allowing it to integrate with its taller surroundings while minimising amenity impacts.
The uppermost levels will host communal amenities, including a rooftop pool, covered BBQ area, and multiple outdoor lounging zones, with additional resident facilities provided on Level 1 and a mezzanine.
Access to the site is split across its two frontages, with pedestrians entering from Adelaide Street while vehicle access is provided from Howard Street via a single 6.5-metre crossover.
Car parking is facilitated through a car stacker system across three basement levels, accommodating 24 spaces, 20 for residents and 4 for visitors, as well as bicycle storage.
The project is a rare one for the Brisbane CBD, which hasn't had a new tower launch in years.
Meriton has approval for its two-tower development on Alice Street, but they are yet to start marketing the 753 apartments.
Joel Robinson
Joel Robinson is the Editor in Chief at Apartments.com.au, where he leads the editorial team and oversees the country’s most comprehensive news coverage dedicated to the off the plan property market. With more than a decade of experience in residential real estate journalism, Joel brings deep insight into Australia’s evolving development landscape.
He holds a degree in Business Management with a major in Journalism from Leeds Beckett University in the UK, and has developed a particular expertise in off the plan apartment space. Joel’s editorial lens spans the full lifecycle of a project—from site acquisition and planning approvals through to new launches, construction completions, and final sell-out—delivering trusted, buyer-focused content that supports informed decision-making across the property journey
