Shamwari Townhouse scoops 2009 SAPOA regional awards for excellence in property development

Shamwari Townhouse, a Mantis boutique establishment in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape was awarded the winner in the refurbishment category at the 2009 SAPOA Regional Awards for Excellence in Property Development, in recognition of responsible development in the region.

Over the years, Adrian Gardiner, a strong advocate of the Eastern Cape, wanted to develop a five star Art Deco boutique accommodation in the city of Port Elizabeth, and hence waited patiently for the correct property that was befitting of the Mantis portfolio. For years, Adrian Gardiner has always shared a great passion for Art Deco and even relocated from suburban Sunridge Park to an Art Deco Building in Summerstand, which he absolutely adores and still enjoys.  So, from the start the Art Deco façade of the Shamwari Townhouse building was a huge draw card for Adrian. The original Shamwari Townhouse building was built in 1937.  The building created such a bold statement as its architectural design and style was quite revolutionary for the 1930’s.  With this in mind, Adrian Gardiner and his planners kept its Art Deco façade and ensured that any building additions or renovations respected and complimented its origins.

Art Deco boutique accommodation is not notable in the international and local hospitality industry, but this opportunity granted Adrian with yet another dream, to provide an ultra unique and unusual offering in the Eastern Cape tourism marketplace.  Today, some of the finest surviving examples of Art Deco architecture can be found in Cuba, Brazil, South Beach in Miami.