Ponte City Apartments

Johannesburg, South Africa

Access unknown

We could not determine this from the source data.

Find out more

Ponte City is a 173-meter cylindrical brutalist skyscraper completed in 1975 in Johannesburg's Berea district, designed by architect Manfred Hermer. Its distinctive 55-storey form features an open central core that rises above uneven bedrock, allowing additional natural light to penetrate the residential apartments. When completed, it was the tallest residential skyscraper in Africa, a distinction it held for 48 years until 2023. Crowned by the Southern Hemisphere's largest neon sign—originally a Coca-Cola advertisement, later replaced by Vodacom signage—Ponte City was initially regarded as a prestigious address offering commanding views over the city. However, it suffered significant reputation damage due to crime and neglect during the late 1980s and 1990s before undergoing comprehensive refurbishment.