When Hallmark House launched in Johannesburg’s Ellis Park precinct, the developers asked a simple question in their campaign material: ‘Would you live here?’ It was, in fact, a big question for their new investors in CBD developments, particularly for one of the country’s most ambitious inner-city residential schemes. The multi-billion Rand project brought in super-starchitect Sir David Adjaye to reimagine the giant residential tower, who said at the time, ‘I am very excited about Hallmark House. I could have gone anywhere in SA and built a luxury living space, but my focus is redeveloping buildings in areas with strong potential. This part of Johannesburg has tremendous potential and Hallmark House will be the start of a new wing of Maboneng for the city.’
Investors scrambled to get their piece of the action, but since the initial success of Hallmark House’s launch and first phase – which includes (over and above the residential component) retail spaces such as a barber, restaurants like the famous Marabi Jazz Club, and its namesake boutique hotel and spa — the building’s enormous promise drove to a grinding halt. When the news broke that Maboneng’s developers Propertuity had gone into liquidation, any further investment in the project stalled. It left the building’s first generation in a kind of property limbo, waiting for their dream of Hallmark House to be realised.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
At The Breakfast Table With Jonty Rhodes And Family
Recently renovated, the historic Cape Town home of Jonty and Melanie Rhodes is an adaptable base for an active, clean-eating clan of six
LUNCH IN THE GARDEN with siblings Bronwyn and Jonathan Cane
Alfresco gatherings are the order of the day at this updated century-old semi – the home of a design-centric sister and brother in Brixton, Joburg
IN THE KITCHEN with Karen Dudley and family
For Karen Dudley, food informs the family dynamic and her home is as multilayered and as delicious a delight as her colourful personality and cooking style
THE TRADITIONAL KITCHEN
The perfect piece to pull together a country-style kitchen is a beautiful wooden table that will age with time and hold its place in the memories made around it.
IN THE FRAME
'The history of architecture is the history of the struggle for light.’
DRINKS AT THE TABLE with David Cope and Donné Bullivant
A dream kitchen renovation meant wine lovers Dave Cope and Donné Bullivant could finally settle down in their wondrously moody City Bowl apartment
THE MODULAR KITCHEN
DECOR TIP Modular elements like these USM Haller systems are a great way to create interesting, non-permanent storage that can be customised to your needs.
SUPPER IN THE BARN with the Thatenhorst family
Munich-based interior designer Stephanie Thatenhorst transformed the barn at her parents’ farm in Bavaria into an eclectic family retreat
BREAKING BREAD
The pendulum has swung back for this nutritious, crusty staple of flour, yeast, water and time – the much-beloved artisanal loaf
SNACKS ON THE TERRACE with sisters Vicky Crease and Maira Koutsoudakis
The traditional Cycladic home of dynamic sisters Vicky Crease and Maira Koutsoudakis on the island of Serifos is a reminder of what it means to be a part of a close-knit family
