In the heart of Cape Town, on one of its oldest arteries, stood a tired grand dame: a historic Long Street hotel whose best years were, on the surface, behind it. Built in 1895 and originally designed by Anthony de Witt as a pioneering “high‑rise” with a steel frame and a then‑revolutionary lift, the building had slipped into decline—its pedigree obscured by wear, noise and time.

 

Where others saw a problem, I saw a once‑in‑a‑generation opportunity.

The vision was clear: acquire the asset, strip it back to its bones, and restore it as a contemporary boutique destination that honoured its 18th/19th‑century character rather than erasing it. That meant treating the building not as a generic hotel, but as a piece of living heritage.

 

The project unfolded in three deliberate movements:

• Architectural restoration – The façade, public spaces and circulation were carefully returned to their original proportions and rhythms. Period details were reinstated or recreated where necessary, using historic references rather than guesswork.

• Interior reimagination – Rooms and bars were redesigned to evoke an 18th‑century look and feel—rich textures, considered lighting, and layered detailing—while quietly integrating 21st‑century comfort, technology and safety standards.

• Iconic lift resurrection – The original lift, once a marvel of its day, became a focal point. It was completely refurbished and re‑engineered, both as a functional asset and as a storytelling element that connects guests to the building’s pioneering past.

 

The result was not a themed hotel, but a true city landmark reborn: a property that feels simultaneously historic and current, intimate and urban. Guests step into a world that acknowledges its 1895 origins, yet operates seamlessly to modern expectations of service, safety and experience.

 

From an investment perspective, the transformation unlocked significant value—elevating a run‑down asset on a busy street into a differentiated boutique destination capable of commanding premium rates, strong occupancy and meaningful brand equity in a crowded market.

 

For me, this project reaffirmed a core belief: when you respect the soul of a building and pair it with disciplined capital and thoughtful design, you do more than refurbish a hotel. You restore a piece of a city’s story—and create an asset that outperforms because it truly belongs where it stands.