R + N Master Builders celebrates anniversary with NGO renovation

CAPE Town construction company, R + N Master Builders, formerly known as Resnekov & Nielsen, is celebrating its 65th anniversary.

The company has been involved in construction in Cape Town since 1948, and has grown from a small enterprise into a major firm.

In a fiercely competitive environment, R + N is renowned for technical proficiency, complemented by solid construction methodology, project management skills, and an experienced workforce.

“Our staff are key to our success,” says R + N director Shay Nicholls.

“Sixty percent have been with R + N for more than 15 years and 15 percent have had more than 35 years’ service.”

The other directors are Brian Rabinowitz, Kevin Dore, Carla Bester and Roger Buttress.

Rabinowitz says: “The work ethic of the five directors is based on good old-fashioned values, hard work and real collaboration between client and contractor, which are key differentiators.”

Successful projects include both phases of the 60 000m² Cape Quarter shopping centres, Standard Bank, Absa Bank, Netcare Hospitals and the Atlantic Centre on the Foreshore, and the Tramways Building in Woodstock.

R + N has also made a name in renovations, office refurbishments and restorations and for many years has been associated with the preservation of heritage buildings.

“Rather than demolish buildings that are of cultural and historic significance, old structures are redesigned and remodelled to meet the requirements of the new function and the owner’s particular require- ments, with as much of the original construction as possible being preserved,” Rabinowitz says.

“We have tackled projects ranging from the Lifestyles on Kloof Centre, Sovereign Quay in Somerset Road and the Kirstenbosch Restaurant to the conversion of 34 St Georges into 68 apartments and the Longkloof Studios.

“However, our business does not exist in isolation – contributing to the community is imperative for us.

“We recently upgraded Ons Plek – Siviwe House, a home for girls who have lived, worked or begged on the streets of Cape Town. We committed a large sum of money and resources to upgrading the home of these girls, to help them uplift themselves and strive to better their lives... our company philosophy is simple: we get involved from beginning to end.”

HOME RUN: Residents of Ons Plek – Siviwe House, which has been upgraded as part of R + N’s 65th anniversary celebrations.