Exclusive “Oh! 11” development reinforces Braamies’ new trend status

Known for its regeneration projects in Braamfontein, urban renewal specialist Aengus Investment Properties is adding to the growing creative spirit of this part of the city by launching the Oh! 11 project.

Oh! 11 – pronounced oh-one-one, as in the dialling code for Gauteng landline numbers – is part of a national brand of creative retail spaces being launched by Aengus. The company already has two similar projects in Port Elizabeth, under the Oh! 41 banner.

The first Oh! 11 project, opening at the end of April 2013, is situated at 6 Ameshof Street in Braamfontein, hence its quirky name, 6AM. Its mix of retail space with office space is designed to appeal to the inner-city corporate worker and discerning shopper.

Like the Juta Street development and the arty Maboneng Precinct, this creative new retail and commercial hub puts more impetus behind the ongoing rejuvenation of Braamies.

6AM will be home to a select group of tenants who will bring a sense of creative flare to this upmarket shopping and socialising space.

The creative guru behind 6AM is clothing and interior designer, Ivan Kirstein, the managing director of the Aengus Group’s bespoke tailoring and lifestyle company, Richie Rich.

Kirstein has taken his inspiration for the project from creative retail projects like the uber-trendy Woodstock Exchange in Cape Town. On top of this local inspiration, Kirstein says he was also influenced by “the vibe of Italian piazzas and Parisian pavement cafes … think open, airy, communal shopping and eating”.

The result is a convivial socialising zone with pop-up stores and micro retail spaces, creating a stylish, arty ambience not often found in mall-fixated Joburg.

Aengus has already secured three tenants for 6AM, all of them upmarket, trendy, owner-run businesses.

Kirstein himself is making 6AM the base for Richie Rich.

Then there’s the gorgeous Deli-style cafe, Love Food, serving up delectable, freshly-prepared food to a bustling crowd of appreciative foodies. There’s more to savour at Love Food’s sister shop, Next Door, which offers the peckish visitor a social place to relax with a coffee and a baked treat.

A beauty salon has also snapped up space, giving time-starved corporates a destination for lunch-hour manicures and other grooming essentials.

Which leaves space for only five more tenants… and with rentals at a reasonable R110 per m2, this availability won’t last long.