Contact Artefacts please if you have any comments or more information regarding this record.	Menu Home Upfront Now Up Books Towns Structures People Firms Lexicon		University of Natal, Commerce Block Durban, KwaZulu-Natal Donald Calvert McDONALD: Architect

Date: 1936 Type: University Status: Derelict Street: 44 Lancers Road   Click to view map Coordinates: 29°51'29.70" S 31°00'33.50" E Alt: 8m

(SAB Sep 1936:58 tend) Brickwork at its decorative best is featured in the new wing of the University of Natal's Commerce Block. Grouped brickwork on different planes form a subtle and delicate pattern against a background of bronze facings; the grille block screen wall provides the light and airy base necessary to the success of this artistic venture. (Journal of the South African Brick Association 2/1963:11) The Commerce Building still exists but is in very poor condition. It is located in the market area of the Durban CBD called Warwick Triangle. The address is 44 Lancers Road (corner University Avenue). The building was part of the [black African] section of the University of Natal. It is now owned by eThekwini Municipality and they have earmarked this site for a low cost housing scheme. They have applied for a demolition permit from Amafa without success. (Frank Reitz, 2024, submitted by William Martinson)