Maboneng: The Rebirth Of Johannesburg's Forgotten City

Maboneng, meaning ‘place of light’, is a privately developed urban neighbourhood on the east side of Johannesburg CBD. Previously a long neglected city, Maboneng has now become known as Johannesburg’s creative capital.

Jonathan Liebmann is the man responsible for breathing new life into Maboneng.

 He built a fully functioning neighbourhood consisting of six major complexes, with a seventh in development, that has created the heart and soul of this regenerated city.

Propertuity
Founded by Jonathan Liebmann, Propertuity is the development company behind the

Maboneng Precinct. Propertuity's primary focus was on developing mixed-use buildings that offer urban spaces for residents and businesses. Propertuity has also contributed to the regeneration around Johannesburg’s inner city.

Daffonchio & Associates has been architectural partners with Propertuity from the beginning. With a focus on green and sustainable design, the architects’ objectives blended well with Propertuity’s vision. The architects have ensured the original features of the buildings have been retained, and any elements introduced honour the buildings' history.

Daffonchio & Associates have been nominated for a ‘World Architecture’ award for their substantial work on Maboneng.

The Creative Complexes
Home to several independent retailers, restaurants, entertainment venues, and a museum - as well as loft apartments, office spaces, hotels, and a creative factory space - Maboneng has the right combination of creative and commerce.
Arts on Main

The first building to begin the redevelopment of the city,

Arts on Main was a big step towards an arts-gentrified Maboneng.

Originally an old warehouse, Arts on Main is a mixed-use creative hub in the Maboneng Precinct, consisting of artists’ studios, galleries, eateries, and various office and retail spaces, offering visitors a range of events, arts and merchandise.

It is a unique environment for the city’s creative community to develop and share ideas and engage in multiple innovative experiences in one venue.

Shortly after the completion of Arts on Main, Jonathan Liebmann began further development on other complexes in the surrounding areas.

Main Street Life

Main Street Life is the transformation of a once forgotten and seedy part of industrial Johannesberg into one of the city's trendiest, edgiest and coolest places to live, work and play.

Main Street Life on Fox Street has been redeveloped into a housing and lifestyle apartment building, with ground floor exhibition space, restaurants, the POPArt Theatre, and Johannesburg’s only independent cinema, The Bioscope.

The Main Street Life changes into a party hub at night, with DJ’s on rooftops.

Fox Studios

Adjacent to Main Street Life,

Fox Studios is home to Johannesburg’s first community centre. It features trendy restaurants, and fashion and design retailers, with a floor space of 1,200 square meters.

The Main Change

The Main Change, situated on the same block as Main Street Life and Fox Studios, is a 6,000 square metre complex that houses creative entrepreneurs and innovators in a collaborative working environment.

The Main Change building includes a spa, meditation zone, holistic healing centre, and health food cafes, as well as fashion and furniture retailers.

Revolution House

Revolution House, situated across the street from The Main Change, is an apartment complex which shares its space with creative studios.

The 4,800 square metre complex holds film and sound studios, a barber shop, an art and fashion store and Black Box event space.

Craftsmen's Ship

Craftsmen’s Ship, located across from Revolution House on Main Street, will see the conversion of typical industrial spaces into a collection of residential and retail spaces varying in size.

The 8,000 square metre complex will have a central courtyard and garden area with a swimming pool and clubhouse.

The façade of the building will be embellished with artwork designed in collaboration with South African acclaimed artist

Stephen Hobbs.

The rebirth of Maboneng through art and culture has enriched the entire community of Johannesburg. Blurring the lines between art and industry, Maboneng connects the entire community with art, so that all can benefit from this creative city.