Jozi's Sparkling Night Sky

2Summers | 26 March 2011
johannesburg architecture

Ansteys Building is a South African national monument – an 80-year-old art deco skyscraper in downtown Joburg at the corner of Joubert and Jeppe Streets. The building is mid-refurbishment and in what would be called a “transitional” neighborhood in the U.S. Extremely transitional.

Joe and I had dinner with our friend Jeroen last night. Jeroen asked if we wanted to go to a party in a penthouse apartment at Anstey’s. I was tired and not that into the idea at first (my bed-time is normally 9:30), but Joe and Jeroen convinced me. I’m glad they did.

Spectacular view from the roof of the Ansteys. Scroll about halfway down this page to see a photo of the building from the outside.

The party was on the 16th floor, but we also visited an apartment on the 12th floor and climbed up to the roof, where we had to dodge clothes lines to check out the views.

The lobby of the Ansteys. It has crazy tiles and brass monkeys.
Close-up of the monkey.
Balcony on the 16th floor.
It felt like being in New York City, only the buildings weren’t quite as tall and it was quiet – no honking. There’s very little traffic in this part of town at night.
From the roof. The brightly-lit blue building is in Braamfontein and used to belong to South African Airways. Not sure what it is now.

Thanks to Jo (who runs a cool tour company called Past Experiences) and her friends for organizing this party and showing us a new perspective on Jozi.