Freemasons reveal expanded plans for Adelaide’s first skyscraper

The Freemasons have expanded their plans to build Adelaide’s first skyscraper – and recruited a well-known property magnate to make their $400m vision a reality.

The proposed $400m Keystone tower behind Freemasons Hall would be the tallest building in Adelaide. Picture: Supplied by Freemasons SA/NT

The Freemasons have expanded their bold plan to build Adelaide’s first skyscraper and joined forces with property magnate Ross Pelligra to make their $400m vision a reality.

Original designs unveiled in 2021 included a $120m tower scaling 160m behind heritage-listed Freemasons Hall on North Tce, with spaces for a hotel, student accommodation, offices and rooftop restaurant with public viewing platform.

The Freemasons’ local SA/NT branch is now looking to build a tower rising up to 183m, eclipsing Adelaide’s current tallest building – the Crowne Plaza hotel on Frome St – by 45m.

A skyscraper is generally accepted as being a building exceeding 150m in height.

Dubbed ‘Keystone Tower’, the expanded project would cost about $300m to build and would have an end value of $400m.

Artist's impressions of $400 million Keystone tower behind Freemasons Hall on North Tce, Adelaide. Picture: Supplied by Freemasons SA/NT

The proposed Keystone tower would dwarf nearby high-rise buildings. Picture: Supplied by Freemasons SA/NT

The expansion has been designed to accommodate a new social history museum proposed by the History Trust of South Australia.

The Adelaide Museum of South Australia’s History (AMoSAH) has been earmarked for most of the space within the original heritage building and five levels of the new tower.

A preliminary business case commissioned by the History Trust, which identified Keystone Tower as the preferred location for AMoSAH, suggests it would attract up to a million visitations every year.

The Freemasons and the History Trust are in talks with the state government to fund a full business case for AMoSAH, which would showcase artefacts and significant South Australian items that have not had a dedicated place for display.

Michael Baragwanath, a consultant on the Keystone Tower project, said he was hopeful the state government would provide the financial support needed to bring the museum concept to life.

“We’re pushing really hard to try to make it happen because we think it’s just a missing piece of our state’s cultural boulevard,” he said.

“And we’re willing to fund 100 per cent of the construction costs for the museum, and then lease it to the government. We’d be willing to go that far.”

Artist's impressions of $400 million Keystone tower behind Freemasons Hall on North Tce, Adelaide. Picture: Supplied by Freemasons SA/NT

A full business case would cost about $1m, while ongoing costs to run the museum, including leasing expenses, would cost the state government about $6.5m a year.

History Trust chief executive Greg Mackie said a museum dedicated to the state’s social history had been in the group’s sights since it was established in 1981.

“We still do not have a museum dedicated to South Australia’s social history, and by social I don’t just mean society – I mean, business, economics, environment, etc.,” he said.

“It would be an act of great political leadership for this to be realised.”

Meanwhile Melbourne-based Pelligra Group has been chosen to partner with the Freemasons on the Keystone Tower project, which remains subject to the approval of the local Freemasons membership.

Artist's impression of the observation deck. Picture: Supplied by Freemasons SA/NT

The revised designs incorporate a 240-room hotel, conference facilities, a business lounge, wellness retreat and three-storey observation deck.

Around $8m will be spent restoring Freemasons Hall – one of Adelaide’s grandest heritage buildings, which opened on North Tce in 1927.

Planning approvals for the project are expected to be lodged in May ahead of a “grand communication” in June involving a vote of around 1800 Freemasons members.

Mr Baragwanath said the development was fully funded through a managed investment scheme arranged by TIP Group, with construction likely to begin early next year.

“It’s in the interests of the Freemasons to try to control as much as they can themselves,” he said.

“For me it’s all about making sure that the membership organisation receives the maximum share of profit they can because they are going to donate it to charity.”

Keystone Tower would includes spaces for a hotel, offices and observation deck. Picture: Supplied by Freemasons SA/NT

Under the funding model the Freemasons would retain more than 50 per cent ownership of the building, allowing it to boost its annual donations to not-for-profit organisations from $2.6m to more than $5m.

Freemasons SA/NT grand master David Booker said the tower project would also raise much needed funds for the restoration of Freemasons Hall after ‘extensive concrete cancer’ was discovered in the building in 2020.

“The protection of the building’s heritage is paramount to the organisation, and we are dedicated to preserving the appeal and access to the building,” he said.

“Keystone will drive us to new heights and place our fraternity in a position where we expect to be able to donate more than $5m every year to make a tangible and long-lasting difference to our communities.”

Since acquiring the former Holden site at Elizabeth in 2017, Pelligra Group has become one of the most active investors in Adelaide, rapidly expanding its portfolio of office buildings, health precincts, industrial sites and development projects including the $60m Holiday Inn hotel at Mawson Lakes.

Mr Pelligra said a shortlist of luxury hotel operators was being considered for the Freemasons site, which would become a city landmark.

“The Keystone Tower development is an opportunity to create a landmark building inspired by classical architecture that will enrich the lives of South Australians and visitors alike by offering a beautiful and meaningful addition to Adelaide’s skyline.”

A state government spokeswoman said it was focused on delivering the new $200m Aboriginal art and culture centre at Lot Fourteen.

“The government’s current priority for the History Trust is to grow visitor numbers and school participation at its existing fantastic museums – which will enhance the knowledge and appreciation of South Australian history,” she said.

“Ensuring we first deliver on the vision for a landmark centre for First Nations cultures at Lot Fourteen is critically important. It is important this is resolved before the government considers any other new museums.”

The government recently contributed $4.2m to support the History Trust’s relocation to a new headquarters at Security House on North Tce.