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Abandoned Buildings Become hives Of creativity

Joburg architect and property developer Jonathan Gimpel has transformed a rundown building into a hip media facility. The once-abandoned Atlas Bakery property in Milpark is now Atlas Studios – a newly modernised home for film and television producers. Five years ago the bakery left the premises and the building was taken over by homeless people. But with a passion for old industrial buildings and a desire to see them come back to life, Gimpel bought the building with the aim of turning it into film studios.

“I have a soft spot for old buildings because they are a tool for urban transformation. It’s exciting to see it coming together.“ says Gimpel.

Film location

Gimpel was behind the transformation of the nearby Blue Ribbon Bakery into Media Mill, a vibrant complex that houses a newspaper and other media organisations.

The first production to be shot at Atlas Studios is the new SABC sitcom The Res bighted on SABC2 On Saturdays at 7:30pm. Gimpel says the studios are ideally located for film and TV production work. “They are right in the heart of the television industry. The SABC is just up the road and on the west side there is e.tv“ he says.

The building was built in 1951 by the Coca-Cola Company as its headquarters and local bottling plant. It was later taken over by Atlas Bakery. Gimpel’s renovation of the bakery stays true to the original plans of the building. He has kept the old stainless steel floors and exposed cabling inside that emphasise the history’s industrial tradition. Gimpel has also resisted the re-brick walls.

He has installed a mezzanine level that he says creates “a spacious studio feel”.

He and his wife Lorien, who is also an architect, have moved into the studios from their former offices in Melville (which used to be a dairy).

“They are managing the renovation process and the hiring out of Studios to television and film producers. The building houses two large, state-of-the art studios that are sound and light-proof. There are also plans to build mini-studios for smaller productions.

Gimpel believes that while Milpark is one of the city’s most underused towards the redevelopment of vacant buildings through the Joburg city centre. Now, he says. Various developers are looking to develop a series of vacant red-brick factories, owned by Joburg Gas, which stretch all the way to Braamfontein.

Security

Gimpel has met other developers to initiate a comprehensive urban renewal project for the area which will include the provision of 24-hour security.

“This would ensure the safety of television and film producers who work odd hours.“ he says. He adds that the Joburg Development Agency is actively backing the developers plans.

© 2007 Atlas Studios

CNR. FROST AVENUE & OWL STREET, MILPARK, JOBURG, SOUTH AFRICA