Heritage value of historical Lutheran block 'to be restored'

The proposed development of the "Lutheran" block in the city centre will make this historical property economically viable, create a working building for people to see and experience, and allow for it to be maintained and protected for the future, say the developers.

The proposed new office building on top of the historic warehouse

The development centres on the historic 18th-century warehouse of Martin Melck in Bree Street, which has been gradually split up into individual pieces.

During the 20th century, some parts were used as a car showroom, a motor spares outlet, a bar/nightclub and an engineering works.

The developers, the Augoustides family, acquired all six portions of the property in recent years, and have reconsolidated it.

They point out that each of the pieces has been modified according to the particular owner's needs, and without consideration for the whole.

"Consequently, most of the interior of the building was 'gutted' and the old historic walls and timber replaced with modern concrete slabs and columns," said spokesman Casey Augoustides.

"The net result was that over time, changes were made in a haphazard manner and the building was degraded terribly."

Augoustides conceded that when they had first bought the property, it had been purely for investment purposes.

They had had little knowledge of the heritage value of the building, which had been very poorly maintained and was slowly disintegrating.

As a result, an initial development plan submitted to Heritage Western Cape in 2006 had been rejected.

"It was then decided to approach Fagan Heritage Architects, not only because of their experience and knowledge, but because it was well known that they have a passion for preserving this particular block and have been consultants to the Lutheran Church for decades."

The new scheme had been designed to restore, rationalise and protect the remaining historical fabric of the old warehouse.

The new component - a four-storey office block - to be added, had been designed around this historical fabric in such a way as not to disturb or damage it, Augoustides said.

It would have a "minimal" impact on the surrounding landscape, and was less than half the bulk and approximately only one third of the height allowed.

Cape Argus

Posted at 08:33AM Mar 09, 2011 by Editor in Cities and Towns  |