A mere six years ago scores of squatters were escorted from the building, while their belongings were carried and then thrown out under the watchful eye of police and other security.
Today marks another chapter for what was previously called the Boston Centre as a brand new Spar opens in the building.
The Spar now operates from the whole bottom floor, encompassing an area once occupied by the Department of Home Affairs and a corner shop.
“A lot of people told us we were brave to take on this project,” Gerdus Brönn, senior project manager from Bronn Properties, says.
“There weren’t many who were saying this is a good idea.”
But they definitely made the right choice in buying and revamping the building he says, and look forward to everything the future will bring.
The New Boston, as it is now known, was bought by Gerdus’ father, Alewyn, at an auction a few months ago.
Alewyn, who started buying residential investments in 1993, bought the whole building without even seeing it in person.
“My father’s philosophy is buying something others don’t want and then making it safe, clean and pretty,” Gerdus says.
It’s been a successful recipe.
Brönn Properties’ portfolio’s currently consists of at least 10 residential and commercial buildings, mostly in Somerset West and Strand.
The New Boston is the second development by the group.
Alewyn is very positive about the building and believes it will be a great step forward in renewing Bellville.
“We’re hoping to motivate other developments by taking this risk.”
The Spar is owned and run by Morné and Annalise Putter, who have also owned the Spar in Bill Bezuidenhout Avenue for the past 13 years.
They’ve employed 107 people at this Spar, 25 more than those they have employed at the Spar in Bill Bezuidenhout.
It sees a diverse offering of goods, including sushi and pizza.
Entry to the shop can only be gained at the back from the parking area, adding to what Gerdus says will be a safe and convenient shopping experience.
Apartments
The rest of New Boston is being gutted and stripped and 74 semi-luxury apartments will soon be available.
The floor above the Spar is dedicated only to parking for residents.
“We took out all plumbing, all wires, all dead birds. We essentially sat with a shell,” Gerdus explains.
Since then the building has been a flurry of construction personnel and other roleplayers.
Father and son both say part of their success so far is the professional team that has helped them.
Paul Luck (an architect from Lightspace), Jacques du Plessis (from JDP Building Services Consultants), JP Lourens (from PR Engineering), Michiel Knoetze (from Endecon), AVID (builder at Spar), GPD Projects (builder at flats), OTS (electrician) and Vortex (plumber).
Information on when the flats will be open for lease is still vague, but Gerdus believes it will be later this year.
The Spar is open from Monday to Friday (07:00 to 21:00), on Saturday (08:00 to 21:00) and on Sunday (08:00 to 20:00). Information about the flats will be released in due course.
