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.
The Markel Building. . 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.
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.
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 1,614 times since then and 23 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3. submitted on December 18, 2009, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.
