Consolidated Building, Johannesburg

The Consolidated Building, affectionately known as 'Johnnies,' is an office building located in the Marshalltown district of Johannesburg, specifically occupying stands 149, 150, and 152 at the intersection of Fox Street and Harrison Street. Before the construction of the Consolidated Building in 1904, these stands were home to the Jewish Social Club in 1895 and the Johannesburg Waterworks offices in 1897.

The architectural design of the Consolidated Building was the work of Theo H. Smith from London, overseen by the architects Aburrow and Treeby from Johannesburg. It was completed in 1906, featuring eight stories and an eye-catching rounded corner entrance at the intersection of Fox Street and Harrison Street. Originally, it had six stories, as indicated by the cornice with dentil detailing. In 1935, an additional two stories were added to the top, resulting in the loss of the original small dome on the corner tower. These added stories are distinguishable from the original structure due to their setback from the facade and the use of a lighter-colored material for the elevations.

The Consolidated Building's facades are constructed with brick and adorned with plaster embellishments, while a polished grey granite plinth adds to its aesthetic appeal. The vertical elements on the building's exterior reflect its internal steel framework. This building represents a prime example of the American office block style and is likely one of the earliest instances of this style in South Africa. It draws inspiration from the 'Chicago Style of America,' and its facade design bears a distinct resemblance to Adler & Sullivan's Auditorium Building (1887-9) in Chicago.

Presently, the Consolidated Building is owned by Dreamworld Investments 374 and holds a Grade A- listing from the Institute of South African Architects, recognizing its significance as a heritage asset.