Markham's Building Johannesburg, Gauteng Architect: George RANSOME

Corner view from south east Submitted by William Martinson Photographer: Derek Walker - 2011

Date: 1896 Type: Retail Status: Extant Street: Eloff/Pritchard Sts

Coordinates: 26°12'10.51" S 28°02'36.81" E Alt: 1767m

Notes: In the late 1970s the Foschini Group bought Markhams and two adjoining buildings on the corner of Eloff and Pritchard streets in the CBD. They submitted plans for a new building consisting of shops and offices, which would entail the demolition of the historic building and its two neighbours...It took lengthy negotiations and a “memorable compromise” before the building was saved from demolition. For the full story see Markhams' battle for survival by Lucille Davie, The Heritage Portal, Wednesday, October 24, 2018. Transcription of Blue Plaque: JOHANNESBURG CITY HERITAGE MARKHAM'S BUILDING Built in 1897, the mining town's tallest building expressed confidence in the future. This premier gentlemen's outfitter symbolises the city's retail history and remains a landmark in time and place. The building was saved from demolition in 1978, thanks to a public outcry and the combined efforts of heritage organisations, together with the the city council. (The Heritage Portal)

References:

The clock tower being saved from demolition Photographer: Roger Fisher - 1975 The clock tower in city context Photographer: Roger Fisher - 1975 Detail of clock Photographer: Roger Fisher - 1975 Detail of clock tower Photographer: Roger Fisher - 1975 Roofscape context taken from the top of the Carlton Centre Source: The Heritage Portal Photographer: James Ball - 2010 Detail of clock tower Source: The Heritage Portal Photographer: James Ball - 2013 Unveiling of the Blue Plaque Source: The Heritage Portal Photographer: James Ball - 2012 Blue Plaque Source: The Heritage Portal Photographer: James Ball - 2012

Drawing 62 of 365 by Shaun Gaylard Click for larger image Markham Building and the Telephone Station. Early undivided back postcard printed by Curt Nietschmann at Halle (Saale), Germany, for Johannesburg publisher G. Franssen. Posted to Wiltshire circa 1904 Posted on Artefacts FB page courtesy of Mark Finnigan Photographer: Unidentified