City Property takes over Joburg

Urban renewal is the aim of the game for City Property.

From Newtown on the west side of Johannesburg, all the way to the inner city and the east side of the city, as well as in Braamfontein, City Deep and Selby, City Property has bought and revamped or converted more than 70 buildings in their aim to rejuvenate the city we love.

The idea of urban renewal is accomplished by ridding the community of the buildings which have been abandoned or hijacked, become dilapidated or attracted a crowd which has created an unsafe neighbourhood.

City Property attempts to renew the city by purchasing these properties within close proximity of each other and revamping or converting them into safe commercial or residential spaces, effectively creating a safer community.

The latest addition to their 72 buildings in the city is Frank’s Place which has recently been converted to dual-purpose residential and commercial spaces and is set to be completed in June.

Situated on 99 Eloff Street, Frank’s Place was previously called Bosmont Building and was used as housing for medical doctors from when it was built in the 60s until the 90s.

Before it was bought by City Property, the third floor was occupied by the Jeppe Education Centre, which was relocated on the acquisition of the building. “We relocated them to the building across the road and actually built them some offices and, as you can see, they now occupy most of the building. It’s obviously worked out quite well,” said Scott Jones, general manager of City Property’s Johannesburg branch.

Just around the corner, the company also converted the property which stands on 165 Jeppe Street called Dan’s Place into safe residential apartments, thus starting the process of rejuvenating the area.

In case you were wondering, Frank Kramer, after whom the building was named, worked in what was then Bosmont Building and later married Sharon Wapnick of the family which owns a large share in Octodec, a real estate investment trust. Later they had a baby and named him Dan, and thus, Dan’s Place was named.

City Property doesn’t only aim to create safe residences, but also indoor entertainment areas which will keep children in the building off the street and out of harm’s way.

With the overhaul on Frank’s Place having started only one year ago, it has already gained recognition from Sapoa (South African Property Owners Association), which has chosen the building as a finalist in the competition for their annual residential awards.

City Property does nothing in half measures so keep an eye out for the company’s good work in your city.

Details: www.cityproperty.co.za