The Kodak Carlton Centre is steeped in history, dating back to its inception in the 1970s. Initially built as a central hub for both business and leisure, the centre played a significant role in Johannesburg’s commercial landscape[3].
The Carlton Centre itself is a landmark skyscraper complex located in Johannesburg, South Africa. It was designed by the US architectural firm Skidmore, Owings and Merrill, in conjunction with a local South African firm. Officially opened in 1973, the building stands 223 metres tall (732 ft) and for 46 years was the tallest building in Africa. The complex features a fifty-storey office tower, a luxury hotel (the Carlton Hotel, which once was the largest in the Southern Hemisphere with approximately 600 rooms), retail space, and underground shopping levels[1][5].
The centre’s design was aimed at integrating business and leisure. This included large office spaces, retail shops, restaurants, and significant parking facilities. The Carlton Centre’s observation deck, known as the “Top of Africa,” offers sweeping views across Johannesburg and remains a popular destination[1][5].
The Kodak Carlton Centre was established during this era, offering a central point for corporate and consumer activity aligned with Kodak’s prominent status in the film and imaging industry. While specific details about Kodak’s direct involvement in the centre’s architecture or management are limited, the connection reinforces its historical significance as a corporate and civil hub during the height of both Kodak’s and Johannesburg’s commercial prominence in the latter half of the 20th century[3].
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