Heritage opportunities in Pretoria’s ever-changing inner-city:
HPA was appointed in 2015, at the time the building was mothballed. The owner was in possession of a demolition permit with the intent to demolish and start with new-build. HPA presented the client with a business model to illustrate that it would cost 40% less to go the restore-and-refurbish route, as opposed to demolition and new build. The subsequent decision was to restore and refurbish the Madeleine Hotel to a 3-star hospitality node.
In February 1890, a total of 651 erven were established in Arcadia, Pretoria. The newly established suburb of Arcadia was – and still is – in close proximity to the Union Buildings, the city centre, Church Square, and the National Zoological Gardens. As a result, many hotels and apartment blocks were developed during the 1930s in Arcadia. The erf where the Madeleine Hotel is located has been subdivided and consolidated over the years, with various errors appearing on the title deeds including incorrect street and erf numbers, and even the misspelling of the name Madeleine as “Madelaine”. The east wing is the oldest part, constructed in 1913 and housing the original Sunnyside police station. The doublestorey building facing Pretorius Street was constructed in the mid-1930s. Materials and style elements used on the facades were typical of the Art Deco style.
Handcuffs (found during construction) and photos of old Pretoria are exhibited in the foyer leading to the conference area, narrating the story of old Pretoria. The restored building (with conference facility and hotel rooms) is now the preferred wing for patrons, who prefer the ambiance of the restored historic building fabric.
