How Joburg turned abandoned buildings into thriving creative spaces
These Johannesburg buildings were once a diamond-polishing centre, a military training facility, and a high-end department store.
Abandoned buildings are not only an eyesore but can also pose safety hazards and become sites for criminal activity.
While there are scores of abandoned buildings in Johannesburg, many have also been turned into creative new spaces.
Here's a look at some of the old buildings that have been given new life.
Hallmark House
Johannesburg is known as the 'City of Gold', but during the mid-1920s, it was also a popular place for diamond cutting and polishing. Hallmark House in New Doornfontein was once a diamond-polishing centre.
According to its website, Greg Cohen designed the 16-story building, built in the 1970s. However, by the time the 1980s rolled in, many factories were experiencing difficulties, leading to reduced operations.
Eventually, Hallmark House became an abandoned, derelict building, which was a stark contrast to the precious stones it once housed. Ghanaian-British architect Sir David Adjaye transformed the building into an "upmarket stay, work, play mixed-use development in 2016".
"I saw this as a transformative opportunity to combine an African aesthetic with a contemporary vision, and also to show that the relics of the old mode of the city had the capacity to adapt and to change," Adjaye said, per Hallmark House's website.
Location: 54 Siemert Rd, New Doornfontein
Anstey's Building
Anstey's Building in Johannesburg was originally a high-end department store. Founded in the 1930s, the store also had a location in Durban.
"Designed in 1935 by Emley and Williamson for Norman Anstey, founder of the elegant department store of the same name, which occupied the first four floors," a sign on the building reads.
"Two apartment wings soar another twelve storeys with magnificent views of the city. Cecil Williams, actor, playwright and member of Umkhonto we Sizwe, lived here. Nelson Mandela was disguised as his driver when captured on 5 August 1962."
The Art Deco building faced demolition in the late 1980s/early 1990s, but was saved. It underwent a major refurbishment in 1994, during which time it was converted into residential apartments and a mixed-use space.
Location: 59 Joubert Street, Joburg CBD
Drill Hall
Drill Hall in Johannesburg has a rich history that dates back to the early 1900s. According to The Heritage Portal, the building was erected on the site of an old prison. It was used as a military training facility serving British interests.
"At the end of World War I, some of the rooms were converted into detention rooms for the custody of military prisoners. In 1922, the buildings, which had been administered by the English, were handed over to the South African Government as part of the Imperial Gift."
Between 1956 and 1961, the building was used as the site of the Treason Trial. Struggle hero Nelson Mandela was among the more than 150 anti-apartheid leaders tried for high treason.
The South African Defence Force vacated the premises in 1992. In 2002, a fire broke out at Drill Hall, killing five homeless people. Over the years, there have been attempts to renovate and revive the site.
In February 2026, GroundUp reported that Drill Hall has now become an arts sanctuary.
"The old Drill Hall in Joburg’s city centre has been brought to life with vibrant art installations and greenery. Rows of fruit trees have been planted along the boundary wall facing the busy Noord Taxi rank in Hillbrow. Inside, pineapples grown out of repurposed plastic bottles and brightly coloured artworks made with recycled materials fill the corridors."
Location: 16 Twist St, Hillbrow
Listen to Jacaranda FM:
- 94.2
- Jacaranda FM App
- http://jacarandafm.com
- DStv 858/ OpenView 602
Follow us on social media: