Rising crime in the 1990s saw Johannesburg succumb to urban decay. But in recent years, South Africa's largest city has been undergoing a rebirth.
Johannesburg's makeover —
Rising crime in the 1990s saw Johannesburg succumb to urban decay. But in recent years, South Africa's largest city has been undergoing a rebirth.
Courtesy Gianluigi Guercia AFP/Getty Images
In Johannesburg's central business district, Maboneng Precinct is a trendy new development, full of shops, restaurants, offices and homes.<br />"12 Decades Art Hotel" is a boutique lodging, with rooms designed by some of South Africa's top artists and designers.
Maboneng Precinct —
In Johannesburg's central business district, Maboneng Precinct is a trendy new development, full of shops, restaurants, offices and homes.
"12 Decades Art Hotel" is a boutique lodging, with rooms designed by some of South Africa's top artists and designers.
courtesy maboneng precinct
Maboneng's "Arts on Main" is a mixed-use creative hub that hosts events, art galleries and shops.
Maboneng Precinct —
Maboneng's "Arts on Main" is a mixed-use creative hub that hosts events, art galleries and shops.
courtesy maboneng precinct
Maboneng also offers chic housing. The ground floor of "Revolution House" apartments includes an art and fashion store and an event space.
Maboneng Precinct —
Maboneng also offers chic housing. The ground floor of "Revolution House" apartments includes an art and fashion store and an event space.
courtesy maboneng precinct
On the outskirts of Johannesburg, the Soweto Theater is a symbol of the city's rejuvenation. The $18 million project aims to bring world-class drama to the heart of the Soweto township.
Soweto Theater —
On the outskirts of Johannesburg, the Soweto Theater is a symbol of the city's rejuvenation. The $18 million project aims to bring world-class drama to the heart of the Soweto township.
STEPHANE DE SAKUTIN/AFP/GettyImages
The inside of a derelict building in central Johannesburg. When businesses deserted the city center in the 1990s, squatters took over. The buildings are gradually being reclaimed as companies return.
Johannesburg's makeover —
The inside of a derelict building in central Johannesburg. When businesses deserted the city center in the 1990s, squatters took over. The buildings are gradually being reclaimed as companies return.
STEPHANE DE SAKUTIN/AFP/Getty Images
When it was built in the 1970s, the Ponte City skyscraper was a desirable place to live. But the building fell victim to crime, drugs and prostitution toward the end of the last century.
Ponte City —
When it was built in the 1970s, the Ponte City skyscraper was a desirable place to live. But the building fell victim to crime, drugs and prostitution toward the end of the last century.
Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
But Kempston Group is transforming Ponte City. It has invested tens of millions of dollars into renovating the residential floors.
Ponte City —
But Kempston Group is transforming Ponte City. It has invested tens of millions of dollars into renovating the residential floors.
GIANLUIGI GUERCIA/AFP/Getty Images