I sat down with Kurt Jones from the Ikon Building to find out what he loves about the local area.
Kurt has not only worked at Ikon since the beginning, but he’s also become a true local icon in his own right, with an in-depth knowledge of what’s going down in 2011.
After beginning as a concierge at Ikon in 2004, Kurt has been the building manager since 2013.
He loves his job, saying, “I’m really just part of the furniture now. I have come to know a lot of the residents, especially those who have moved in at the start.”
Tell us a bit about the Ikon building?
The Ikon was originally the Chevron-Hilton Hotel in the 1960s. The Rolling Stones stayed here in 1973, Barry Gibb was photographed in the suites in 1970. It was also known for the Silver Spade Room where a number of celebrities have performed. We have a small gallery at the rear of the lobby which has a collection of photos from those days.
It had gone through a number of changes, becoming Landmark Park Royal and Hotel NikKo, and then Mirvac re-developed the building and the Ikon was opened in 2004. I began working here at the beginning so I’ve been here fourteen years.
What is your favourite thing about your job?
Being here for that amount of time, I’ve seen families grow. Ikon is its own community. It adapts and changes, new faces move in and mix with the old and become a community and a part of Potts Point.
What is the best thing about being based in Potts Point?
Potts Point is a vibrant and eclectic blend of all kinds of people and backgrounds. I guess its location brings everyone together in a melting pot.
You have the professionals that are working every day, which gives the area a busy pulse from early morning to the late evening. The real estate agents selling and leasing give us a wave or a quick update on what’s happening in the area. Then there are the coffee shops where everyone meets and you can catch up on the latest gossip. There are families together doing the everyday chores and school life, and enjoying weekends out and about. And then there’s the international travellers and students enjoying their time in Sydney meeting new people while staying in the area.
What is the worst thing about being based in Potts Point?
I must say that it is a pretty convenient area and everything you need is here or easy to get to. It’s close to the city and public transport, beaches are only a 15-minute trip. Everything is there for you to step out to and enjoy. Numerous parks and harbour walks – it really doesn’t take long to see all that Sydney has to offer. I can’t think of any downsides.
What advice would you give to people who are about to move to the area?
I think that they would love the area. Like I say, there is a huge blend of different types of people. There is so much to the area.
How has Potts Point changed in the time you’ve worked here?
Well, we all know how colourful Kings Cross was and in some ways it still is. I think since the lockouts, the nightlife and clubs have slightly changed. It’s a little quieter than what I remember about the Cross back in the day. We have more décor shops and it has more of a village feel.
What’s your top recommendation for coffee in Potts Point?
Well, I have a little bias but Gypsy Espresso has been part of my building for a very long time and is so convenient for me with great coffee. The staff are fantastic.
Where would you recommend people go for a night out?
Potts Point has a great number of restaurants in the area and there’s always more still developing. One that is conveniently located across from Ikon is The Apollo on Macleay St, which offers a modern twist on Greek dishes and industrial décor.
For a cold pint or cocktails, there is Gazebo Wine Bar, The Bourbon Hotel, or the Kings Cross Hotel. At World Bar, you can have some great food to accompany the thirst. For something different, Holey Moley putt golf is located on Darlinghurst Road.
What do you think the future holds for Potts Point?
Potts Point is always growing and always evolving. There are more businesses opening and it never stops moving. Location is the key for the area and developments are on the increase, taking advantage of Potts Point’s location to the city.
