But at the end of May 2010, the building was once again fit to call itself home to dozens of individuals, couples and families after a redevelopment of R2,77m.
Infested with rats and seeping with sewerage, vandals had destroyed its infrastructure – including water pipes, electrical fittings and lifts – and transformed a once proud 16-storey building into a dangerous health hazard unfit for human habitation. Apart from its internal and aesthetic degradation, the building had also become a haven for unscrupulous criminals.
After relocating the last few residents still eking out an existence in the building, the Johannesburg Social Housing Company (JOSHCO) initially undertook emergency maintenance just to stem the rot before coming up with a comprehensive redevelopment plan. It was equivalent to the sort of rehabilitation needed after the building had experienced a fire, apart from the building’s shell remaining largely intact.
Tenders for the redevelopment were called for with contractors and subcontractors encouraged to use local labour and service providers from within the Bellavista community wherever possible.
In May 2009, the redevelopment plan was initiated with the end goal of bringing 78 two bedroom units (each 55sqm in size) and one three-bedroom unit back onto the residential rental market.
Citrine Court has been treated to a massive refurbishment that has included a complete overhaul of everything except for the building’s actual structure. “The before and after is like comparing the darkest night with the brightest day,” says Rory Gallocher, JOSHCO’s CEO.
The main repairs include plumbing (including baths and showers), electrical works (including lights and light fittings), lifts, ceramics, flooring, painting, windows and window frames, and palisade fencing.
“Significantly, a major new feature will be added to the building: A state-of-the-art access control system.”
Gallocher says this system is following the trend in inner city developments locally and in many other parts of the world.
The computerised access control system will comprise integrated thumbprint technology, an intercom, turnstiles, pedestrian gate for visitors and guard house. Importantly, the computerised system incorporates tenant information and is able to track whether tenants are inside the building or have gone out.
Each unit has a parking bay and there are also plans to establish a play area for young children.
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