ONE of the city’s most iconic landmarks, Ponte City, is in need of a new owner. Africa’s first cylindrical skyscraper, a focal point of Johannesburg’s skyline for the past 50 years is for sale by private tender. The 173m tower, designed by architects Mannie Feldman, Manfred Hermer and Rodney Grosskopff, and the continent’s tallest residential apartment building for 48 years, has a storied history from its days as an address for the wealthy.
“This legendary high-rise building, topped with South Africa’s most desirable outdoor advertising space, has ridden the highs and lows of the property market over the decades as Berea’s fortunes changed, and remains a one-of-a-kind, and once-in-a-lifetime asset which is an integral part of Johannesburg’s skyline. Ponte is the epitome of true urban grit, having weathered the highs and lows of the evolving urban and economic landscapes that shape our country,” said CEO of Broll Auctions and Sales, Norman Raad,.
Located on the edge of Hillbrow, once home to a cosmopolitan mix of writers and intellectuals, and where interracial-mixing saw Apartheid laws flouted, Ponte’s unique design with its hollow interior resulted from regulations which stipulated that both kitchens and bathrooms required light and ventilation. At the time, the City authorities favoured taller, slimmer buildings which allowed sunlight and occupied less space. The building’s architecture has resulted in it being one of South Africa’s most recognisable and photographed buildings.
Ponte’s fortunes changed in the early 2000s when it was purchased by a property group who refurbished its 484 apartments over 54-storeys.
“Today the rental-only property, which includes penthouse, bachelor, studio, one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments, is tenanted above 80%, and is home to people from across the continent who enjoy living safely within its confines. We are really hoping that the new owners can work with the City to continue the legacy of the building. The building is very sustainable. Everything works. I do feel we are on a good trajectory here,” Raad said.
When the property was hijacked in the early 90s, between eight and 10 000 people lived there, well above its maximum capacity of 2 500. The building landed in the hands of the Kempston group in 2001 through a debt default ruling. It took the new owners three years to remove the trash which had built up, 14 storeys high. Several bodies were also found when the big clean-up began. People often used the building’s hollow centre as a suicide point.
The property is also the current owner’s last residential property listing. On the first day of listing, the building received 50 enquiries. The property has 570 parking bays and is zoned Business 1, with retail stores on the bottom floor offering convenience for tenants and passing traffic. Aside from defining the skyline, Ponte is a cultural icon that has featured in several movies including District 9 and Resident Evil: The Final Chapter, a Drake music video, art exhibitions, books and a TV series.
“This historic building, which has been home to people from all walks of life, is now awaiting an investment group or developer to take it into its next chapter.”
Today, Ponte City boasts bachelor, studio, one, two, three, four and penthouse apartments. There are more than 50 storeys and the elevator ride from the top floor to ground lasts a mere 30 seconds. The private tender closes on April 10, 2025.