A local developer wants to breathe new life into this address while at the same restoring it to its former glory and honouring its rich past. Greenspace Architects is finalising the design for Jason Scholtz of Envision Investments, who is planning a commercial development that promises to create a vibrant quarter focused primarily on a culinary and leisure experience. Envision acquired the premises earlier this year.
Heritage Square, as it has been named (subjected to final approval), will house a well-known national restaurant chain as anchor tenant with a French bakery, famous Italian coffee shop and organic fresh produce supplier counting among the auxiliary businesses. It is envisioned to be an upmarket meeting place for the whole family that will boost efforts to keep the CBD alive. Tenants will be announced officially at a later stage.
Preparation work, which involves peeling down many layers of plaster and paint and the demolition of a section that was added in the 1970s, will start in two weeks’ time. Ceilings will also be removed. Heritage Western Cape will be involved in every stage of the process, says Herman Fourie, principal of Greenspace Architects. Eventually, a breathable finish will cover the walls in order to protect the original brickwork.
"We are starting with the painstaking process of taking the building apart carefully before construction commences. By April next year, trading should start."
Mix of modern and old
"This corner has traditionally been a gathering place and we want to restore this former status. In addition to it being a public place of leisure and culinary pleasure, it will provide an architectural and historical experience," says Fourie.
Trendy, quirky interior decor and large mounted photos depicting the history of the building will complement the architectural design that combines the old world features of the building with a number of modern elements. Sections of the original brickwork will be left exposed and industrial finishes will reflect its former use.
The building was erected by Searles Brothers, wagon makers and general dea-ler. In later years it was also home to AE Motor Spares and Toyland. Its use has therefore always been part industrial, part business. A series of businesses and restaurants traded here since the 70s.
Various additions and alterations over the years affected the building significantly, but it will be restored as close to its original state as possible.
"We could not find definite dates in the archives, but we have reason to believe that the oldest part of the building was constructed in 1885, although it could have been earlier. In 1906 the sections to Davidson Road and to the southwest were added on," says Fourie.
Toothpick gable the gateway
The Davidson Road aspect will retain the well-known Toothpick gable - in a bright colour to honour tradition as it has been painted throughout its history: bright yellow and bright green. The Toothpick section was built probably around 1936. Fourie says although it has very little architectural significance and the gable is out of proportion, it possesses some cultural historical interest.
Through the gable - to be the main gateway to Heritage Square - visitors will enter into an outdoor restaurant deck area with a glass roof overhead and enveloped by large glass stacking doors, letting in lots of light and creating a sunny space.
"It will also form a visually pleasing top end for lovely Caledon Street and from the inside out, the view will make full use of the Outeniqua Mountain, the town’s biggest asset. This area will give onto a green inner court with water feature and children’s entertainment," says Fourie.
Ample, safe parking will be available on the northern side.
The facade on the York Street side of the building will be restored to the original look of around 1906.
Heritage Square
The name Heritage Square hints at the history of the square that incorporates a busy traffic circle and Unity Park today. It was traditionally a public gathering place for citizens, named, in succession, Caledon Square, Victoria Square and Memoriam Square (when it housed the Gardens of Remembrance).
Archaeological excavations still to be done may reveal interesting facts of the wagon-making industry. Heritage Square is also neighbour to the Slave Building to the west. "Excavations may also indicate the foundation of a coach house that was demolished long ago, the layout of which the George Heritage Trust will require us to demarcate in the paving and green inner court," says Fourie.
During construction a solid temporary fence will be erected around the premises, but once this comes down, this historical meeting place will welcome Georgians to keep the tradition of the square alive.
The Toothpick gable will be the main entrance that leads onto a deck with a glass roof overhead.
Searle’s Building in times past.
.jpg)
Herman Fourie, architect of Greenspace Architects, with a colleague, Guillaume Narainne in, in their office in Church Corner. Photo: Alida de Beer
ARTICLE: ALIDA DE BEER, GEORGE HERALD REPORTER
