The high rise became famous when the original upper class inhabitants moved out of the city and the building turned into a sort of vertical slum during the 1980s. After refurbishments the occupancy changed once more with gentrification. Today it is considered chique to live there again.

The building fell into disrepair in the 1980s and 1990s due to the high crime rate and urban decay in the Hillbrow area. In the 1990s, the building was “hijacked” by gangs and became notorious for its dangerous living conditions.

In the early 2000s, however, efforts began to redevelop the building. After the squatters were evicted and the building cleaned up, Ponte City was renovated from 2008 to 2012. Despite its infamous past, the building has since provided affordable and safe housing. The bush-hammered exposed concrete façades appear to have been preserved (last updated on September 23, 2024).