Background History – Sontonga Lofts

Background History

Situated on the corner of Enoch Sontonga Street and Solomon Street, the former Post and Telecommunications buildings have been overhauled and transformed into global contenders in industrial loft conversions known as the Sontonga Lofts.

The transformation of these once forgotten buildings and their surrounds into a striking designer urban lifestyle precinct, has taken what once was a hidden gem that had faded into obscurity and styled it into every progressive and inspired home owners dream.

Encompassing the existing architectural elements of these face brick and rendered buildings with stylish modern finishes, the Sontonga Lofts are a designer blend of new and old world.

The lofts and buildings retain several original elements including pressed ceilings, vast entrances, immense volumes, Oregon pine flooring, exposed industrial features, loading platforms, expansive window frames and concrete flooring, whilst combining modern building techniques and finishes to produce authentic loft conversions for the discerning enthusiast.

Johannesburg's original

communications hub

Established in the early 1900's, the site on which Sontonga Lofts now stands retains several remaining heritage elements. Ideally situated in Braamfontein Werf, the site served as a communication hub at the turn if the 20th century when the original Johannesburg Post Office was built in 1906. The Post Office was later moved to 11th street but the original building stands as do the platforms used to bring in and offload the mail.

The site retained its usage as a communications core with telecommunications company Telkom utilizing it until only a few years ago.

Bordering the Sontonga Lofts is the expansive tree lined Sontonga Memorial Park, which provides a green reprieve within the concrete surrounds of the city.

Neighbouring Heritage

Sontonga Lofts finds itself nestled between several heritage sites. Along Solomon Street, there are numerous important heritage buildings including Cohn's Pharmacy, designed by MJ Harris in 1906. Associated shops were built from 1932 as well as doctors rooms which remain standing.

Another heritage building with eclectic remnants of the past is the Smit Street Compound for Municipal Workers. Here historical elements including a steel ring used to tether workers who returned drunk to the ground still remain.

Opposite the Sontonga Lofts at the Braamfontein Station is the Cape Dutch style station building from around 1910.