History of the Cosmopolitan
JOHANNESBURG – Learn about The Cosmopolitan's rich history.
You might have attended an event at this historical building, but what do you really know about The Cosmopolitan?
The Cosmopolitan, also known as Cosmopolitan House, is an interesting building due to its late Victorian design and, upon inspection of the ancient vessel, you might be inclined to think that there’s a story behind those walls – because there is.
The building, situated on Albrecht Street in Maboneng, was designed in 1899, but construction fell behind as the Anglo-Boer war began shortly after.
According to Johannesburg 1912 and The Heritage Portal , the building could have only been completed around the turn of the 20th century. It was situated close to the Rand Tram which made its way through what was a township back then.
It was built as a hotel and owned by a number of wealthy businessmen who created an exciting ambiance that attracted the rich and glamorous of the town, with attractions such as the wood carved lions and buffalo heads mounted in the bar area. It was such a popular location for the city’s wealthiest that it was later called the Rand Club of Jeppe.
Soon after its time hosting the rich and famous, it was bought by South African Breweries (SAB) in 1914, according to Daphne Saul, the author of Bird of Paradise – a biography of Jose Dale Lace.
Once SAB relocated to Newtown, opening the SAB World of Beer, The Cosmopolitan sat in a sorry state, becoming run down and dilapidated as the years passed. It was years after Propertuity began its overhaul of the Maboneng Precinct that they began to use the building once again, hosting markets and parties within the walls of the old building.
The building will even become a part of the third annual Street Food Festival to be held on Albrecht Street and inside other buildings situated on this street.
