In 2006, Chris Horn - while working as an Accountant at Investec - saw the incredible change in Johannesburg’s Inner City when developers bought up old buildings and reinvested in inner city properties, converting run down and derelict buildings into vibey, trendy places to live.   Chris formulated a plan to do the same thing in his home town of Durban, and took the idea to his client, Owen Kemp.   

Owen, an extremely experienced and well thought of developer, who had a few years earlier purchased the 86 ha Gillitt Farm, turning it into the prestigious and upmarket tuscan village of Plantations, knew what was happening in the upper end of the market and recognised the need to create more affordable accommodation in the city. He shared the vision and Urbanize was formed to convert the vision to reality.

Having worked extensively with Owen over a number of years, Mitch Cox is the person who took charge of the contractors and the day to day construction and management of the buildings that are being converted into residential apartment blocks in the city.

Between Chris, Owen and Mitch, in the space of 18 months, three of Durban’s run down buildings have been converted into desirable living apartments. 

Stephanie Miller joined the group in 2007 and is responsible for the initial sales and resales for Urbanize.