Looking through old editions of the SA Builder is a fascinating experience. Many of the magazines have high quality photographs (and some sketches) and solid descriptions of projects occurring at the time. As one browses through these projects it becomes clear that only a small number of buildings have survived to this day. Below is a random selection of ten buildings from the 1920s and 1930s that were featured in their day but no longer grace the streets of Johannesburg.
1) Reid Bros Building (corner Main and Harrison, 1924)
The building is an example of simplicity and reasonable economy, and was designed by Mr. Gordon Leith. It was designed on a strictly geometrical basis with a module of 11 ft. 6 3/4 ins. The proportion of window space. To wall surface was only determined after exhaustive attempts to arrive at the correct ratio.
A feature of the building is its large projecting cornice, which throws a pleasant shadow on the walls below, and is constructionally an exceedingly fine piece of work.
The builders, Messrs. T. Clark and Sons, deserve every possible praise for the splendid manner in which they executed the work.
Among the originalities of the building may be mentioned the centreless barrel vault spanning the entrance vestibule, the blocks for which were designed by the architect.
Reid Bros Building (SA Builder)
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