Standing as a testament to the golden era of the Gold Coast's transformation, Kinkabool is not just an apartment block; it’s a slice of history nestled in the heart of Surfers Paradise. This heritage-listed building, located on Hanlan Street, is a landmark that marks the beginning of the high-rise phenomenon that now defines the city's skyline.
Kinkabool’s story begins in the late 1950s when the Gold Coast was emerging as a premier holiday destination. Designed by John M. Morton of Lund Hutton Newell Black & Paulsen, and constructed by J D Booker Constructions (Gold Coast) Pty Ltd, Kinkabool was completed in 1960. It was the first high-rise building in the area, symbolizing the shift towards modern, international-standard holiday accommodations.
The vision behind Kinkabool was driven by Stanley Korman, a Victorian entrepreneur with grand ideas for the Gold Coast. Korman’s other notable projects included Lennon's Hotel at Broadbeach, the Chevron Hotel at Surfers Paradise, and the development of Paradise Island. His inspiration came from the luxurious beach resorts he had visited in Hawaii and Florida, and he sought to bring that same level of sophistication and modernity to the Gold Coast.
Before Kinkabool, Surfers Paradise was just one of many modest beach resorts along the coast. The area’s transformation began in the 1950s, fueled by an increase in private car ownership, lifting of building restrictions post-World War II, and a growing preference for American-style resorts. The term Gold Coast was coined during this period, initially used derisively by the Brisbane press but later embraced by locals.
The construction of Kinkabool was a significant milestone. It was the only high-rise project of its kind to come to fruition in the 1950s, despite several other ambitious plans for tall buildings in the area. Kinkabool stood out as a giant in the local press and set the precedent for future high-rise developments.
Kinkabool is a ten-storey building that occupies a small 400-square-meter site. Its design reflects the modernist architectural trends of the time, emphasizing functionality and simplicity. The building's clean lines and practical layout were a stark contrast to the fibro holiday shacks and two-storey guesthouses that previously dominated the area.
The apartments within Kinkabool were marketed as luxurious and modern, featuring conveniences such as refrigerators, clothes washers and dryers, and stainless steel sinks. These amenities catered to the growing number of holidaymakers who arrived by plane or coach, rather than by car, and preferred the comfort and convenience of serviced apartments.
Today, Kinkabool stands as a reminder of the Gold Coast's rapid development and the visionaries who transformed it into an international holiday destination. It was added to the Queensland Heritage Register on February 5, 2009, ensuring its preservation for future generations to appreciate.
Visitors to Surfers Paradise can take a leisurely stroll down Hanlan Street and admire Kinkabool’s enduring presence. The building’s location in the heart of Surfers Paradise makes it an ideal starting point for exploring the area’s vibrant nightlife, shopping, and dining options.
Kinkabool’s legacy is not just in its physical structure but in what it represents – the dawn of a new era for the Gold Coast. It paved the way for the high-rise buildings that now define the skyline, each one a testament to the city’s growth and evolution.
As you stand before Kinkabool, you can almost hear the echoes of the past – the excitement of the 1960s holidaymakers, the vision of Stanley Korman, and the relentless march of progress that transformed a modest beach resort into a world-renowned destination.
In conclusion, Kinkabool is more than just an apartment block; it’s a historical landmark that captures the spirit of the Gold Coast’s transformation. Its walls hold stories of ambition, innovation, and the dream of creating a modern paradise by the sea. A visit to Surfers Paradise would be incomplete without acknowledging the significance of Kinkabool and the role it played in shaping the vibrant, dynamic Gold Coast we know today.
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