Crazy John's founder wanted to build a mobile phone-shaped tower at Southbank Crazy John's founder John Ilhan with the must-have gadgets that have made him a wealthy man. Picture: Manuela Cifra Source: Sunday Herald Sun BUSINESSMAN "Crazy" John Ilhan wanted to build a 120m office and apartment tower in the shape of a mobile phone at Southbank. But the City Rd site was sold after Mr Ilhan's death in 2007, and the new owner has less controversial plans. The Salvo Property Group will tomorrow officially launch its Platinum project - a 52-level luxury apartment building near Crown Casino. It will boast one of the world's biggest vertical gardens and the city's highest swimming pool on the top level. Apartments will feature balconies and floor-to-ceiling windows, while the upper level units and penthouses will be surrounded by special bronze and indigo glass. Mr Ilhan's "phone tower" would have housed the headquarters of his telco business with luxury units on the top levels. His widow, Patricia, sold the land for $10.5 million. Construction on Platinum is due to start later this year with the project finished in 2016.