Near Richmond in Henrico County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

The Markel Building

Photographed By Bernard Fisher, December 18, 2009

1. The Markel Building Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

The Markel Corporation commissioned architect Haig Jamgochian, a Richmond native, to design their headquarters in 1962. The aluminum clad conical structure was inspired by a baked potatto wrapped in foil served to Jamgochian while attending an American Institute of Architect's dinner. Each floor consists of a single piece of 555-foot aluminum. They are the longest unbroken pieces of aluminum ever used as siding material. Jamgochian personally sledge-hammered crinkles into the 3rd floor siding before contractors finished the job on the other two floors in 1965. The building is a unique architectural example of its era.

Erected 2005 by County of Henrico. (Marker Number HC-23.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1962.

Location. 37° 35.059′ N, 77° 29.966′ W. Marker is near Richmond, Virginia, in Henrico County. Marker is on Markel Road, 0.1 miles Willow Lawn Drive, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 5310 Markel Road, Richmond VA 23230, United States of America. Touch for directions.

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At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. The Westwood Community (approx. ¾ mile away); Westwood Baptist Church (approx. 0.8 miles away); Westwood Club (approx. 0.8 miles away); Ampthill (approx. 1.4 miles away); Wilton (approx. 1.4 miles away); Outer Defenses (approx. 1½ miles away); Mary-Cooke Branch Munford (approx. 1.6 miles away); West of the Boulevard Historic District (approx. 1.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Richmond.

The Markel Building image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bernard Fisher, December 18, 2009

2. The Markel Building

Inspired by a baked potato in foil. image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bernard Fisher, December 18, 2009

3. Inspired by a baked potato in foil.

Credits. This page was last revised on January 25, 2020. It was originally submitted on December 18, 2009, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,577 times since then and 61 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on December 18, 2009, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.