Eastern Parktown - Echoes of the Past

On the eastern edge of Parktown, the aspiring early settlers built grand Arts and Crafts-style mansions along streets named Park Lane and Princess Place - conjuring up echoes of London’s lofty Mayfair and Belgravia neighbourhoods. In the 1950s, however, apartment blocks replaced the big private homes. And later, Wits University made its mark by building the Wits Junction Student village (which retained a particularly fine home, Musi Yami). 

Today, the old boundaries that divided Parktown from Hillbrow and Upper Houghton have grown softer; creating a blurry socio-economic transitional zone. So, who lives in these grandly-named streets today? And how have things changed over the sweep of more than a century?  

Led by Kathy Munro and Kgao Mashego, this walking tour reveals a corner of Parktown you probably don’t know and uncovers some surprising discoveries: a miniature church, medical milestones, hospitals of note, several classic houses in various states of repair, some fine 1950s apartment blocks, the grand Freemason’s Hall, and a stunning Art Deco luxury apartment block with an unassuming apartment that will take your breath away.  

Please note: this is a relatively long walking tour so please wear comfortable shoes and along sun protection and drinking water.