The uniqueness of the 20,000m² Alice Lane Office Tower, has already attracted respected law firm Deneys Reitz Inc which, through Broll Property Group, has signed up to take two thirds of the space in the building on completion in 2010.

A joint development between Zenprop and Tiber, the 18-storey Alice Lane Office Tower is being developed at a cost of R600million and designed by up-and-coming young architect Anthony Orelowitz of Paragon Architects.

The office tower will stand amongst Sandton’s tall buildings as a high-profile destination providing ultra-desirable office space in Sandton, explains Broll’s Fran Teagle who introduced the site and the project to the tenant; co-ordinated an extensive space-planning exercise and worked with the relevant parties for approximately a year until the lease was signed.

Deneys Reitz Chairman Michael Hart explains that the leading law firm’s existing building is no longer big enough for its expanding business. The practice has already reconfigured the interior of its premises to maximise space usage. Despite this indications are that by 2010 it would either need to take supplementary premises to facilitate growth, or make a move.

A number of companies proposed their developments to the attorneys and ultimately Zenprop was selected for their ability to deliver to the practice’s specific requirements and do so at an appropriate market rental.

“We are comfortable that we have selected excellent partners. We have worked well together through some complicated negotiations and look forward to a building which delivers on its promises,” says Hart.

The requirements sought by Deneys Reitz were precise: the efficiency and environmental friendliness of the building, quality of space and facilities for staff and clients, and to be located within the Sandton Central area. Most importantly, they needed to come in at the right price.

“With seven of South Africa’s major law firms all located within a kilometre of each other within the Sandton Central node, we definitely wanted to stay within an area which has become the central financial district and also the central legal district and certainly believe we have secured the best site available,” notes Hart.

The building will offer the requisite infrastructure in terms of functional offices complemented by adequate and appropriate consulting rooms and an auditorium to host the variety of seminars which Deneys Reitz Attorneys regularly presents for its clients, many of which it is currently forced to host outside of its existing premises.

Alice Lane Office Tower also meets the practice’s need for future expansion options within the building. “With some 500 staff members the building offers us the space we require and with 85 years in business in South Africa we are certainly committed and confident about our future as an integral player in the financial services market,” says Hart.

Teagle points out that careful thought has been given to every element of the building, from its position in the heart of Africa’s most vibrant and prestigious business hub, to the building’s energy footprint.

“Material selection, the placement of the building itself, and attention to detail have been used to achieve the best possible energy performance for a high-rise commercial property,” notes Teagle.

The building will be iconic in design as well as in its environmental principles.

Both the eastern and western facades are thermally insulated with punched windows to reduce glazed areas; the northern and southern facades are double-glazed to cut energy costs.

“The design ensures that the end wings of the northern and southern facades are shaded with blinds to reduce the heat load,” explains Orelowitz. The building’s green nature is highlighted by its location in an extensive greenscape surrounded by reflective ponds and water elements.

“Picture two sculpted towers linked by a vertical atrium. Bridges spiral upwards in a fan-like fashion creating a dramatic internal environment,” describes Orelowitz.

Internally, the lobby offers high ceilings and generous volumes to create a sense of opulence on entry, and extends into the 18 floors of premier office space.

“In addition, Alice Lane Office Tower offers a six-storey parking basement,” he adds.

Zenprop CEO Rodney Weinstein reports that the development of 15 Alice Lane is a continuation of the company’s strategy to be invested in Sandton, South Africa’s premier office node. Zenprop’s projects in Sandton Central include  Werksmans, Routledge Modise, Sun International and The Chambers in Fredman Drive, 3 & 4 Sandown Valley Crescent, and Peregrine House.