For visionary entrepreneur Jonathan Liebmann, buildings are more than bricks and mortar – they’re the heartbeat of vibrant communities.
Best known for creating transformative urban spaces like Johannesburg’s Maboneng Precinct, Jonathan has now turned his attention to a place close to his heart: Umhlanga. Raised in Durban, Jonathan’s latest venture with BlackBrick, the innovative apartment hotel network he co-founded, is bringing him back to his roots.
The new development in Umhlanga isn’t just another project; it’s deeply personal. The building being transformed into BlackBrick Umhlanga holds special meaning for Jonathan – it’s the very same building where his mother once worked years ago, so there’s a beautiful sense of nostalgia in working on this project. He remembers visiting the building as a child, and now, to be part of its transformation into something completely new feels like a full-circle moment.
This blend of personal history and future-forward vision epitomises Jonathan’s approach to urban living. BlackBrick, located close to Umhlanga village and the ocean, promises to be one of the brand’s flagship developments. Combining prime location with innovative living solutions, it’s designed for modern urbanites who thrive on flexibility, community and connection.
Jonathan’s career has always been about reimagining what spaces can do for the people who inhabit them. His pioneering work on the Maboneng Precinct turned a forgotten corner of Johannesburg into a bustling cultural hub, earning him a reputation as a developer with a difference – someone who creates spaces that foster creativity and collaboration.
With BlackBrick, which he co-founded with Moritz Wellensiek in 2019, Jonathan has scaled that vision. The network’s aparthotels cater to a generation that embraces multi-city living, offering fully managed apartments that seamlessly blend work, travel and lifestyle. With successful developments in Johannesburg and Cape Town, BlackBrick’s expansion into Umhlanga marks an exciting new chapter.
Details: ww.bb-umhlanga.co.za; IG: @blackbrick_umhlanga
