Standing taller than any other building in Africa, at 234 m, The Leonardo is only a couple of weeks away from being officially unveiled.

The Leonardo, situated in the heart of Sandton’s business district, is the latest venture by property developer the Legacy Group and was built in partnership with Nedbank Corporate and Investment Banking. 

To date, construction has totaled R3-billion for the 56-storey multi-use tower block.

More than 100 000 ton of concrete was used in its construction. The tower features a range of amenities, including a spa, preschool, restaurant, conference centre and a 25-m-long swimming pool.

It will house 254 apartments, a three-floor penthouse and five floors of office space as well as shops and restaurants.

Prices currently average around R65 000 per square metre at The Leonardo, with entry-level apartments sold at around R4.5 million. Penthouses average around R80 000/m2, while the uber luxurious Leonardo Suite is anticipated at R250 million.

Legacy Hotels & Resorts marketing director Robert Hodson says around 220 of the apartments have already been sold. The building’s eight penthouses and iconic 3 000m2, three-floor Leonardo Suite have now been put on the market

“Set over three floors and covering 3 000m², the Leonardo Suite will be the most sought-after penthouse suite in Africa,” he added. “It offers 360 degree views of Sandton and Joburg. In fact, on a clear day you can see as far at the Voortrekker Monument in Pretoria and planes taking off at OR Tambo International Airport.”

Moreover, Hodson says the tower will eb a beacon of hope for SA’s construction sector.

“The Leonardo is a labour of love for me and all the people involved. It stands as a beacon of hope for SA, coming to market in a really difficult time for the economy. It’s a major investment and is testament to our belief in SA’s future.”