Markham Building, Victorian commercial building in Central Business District, Johannesburg, South Africa.
The Markham Building is a six-story Victorian commercial structure located at the corner of Eloff and Pritchard streets featuring a clock tower with four faces imported from Scotland. The building displays Second Empire architectural details including metal panel roofing and round porthole-style windows throughout its facade.
Built in 1896 by architect George Ransome, the structure was the tallest building in early Johannesburg during the gold mining boom. Its prominence reflected the economic expansion driving the city's rapid development at that time.
The building housed a prestigious gentlemen's outfitter that served wealthy businessmen in early Johannesburg. It represented the arrival of refined shopping culture during the city's rapid growth in the 1890s.
The building stands at a prominent corner intersection in the central business district and is easily accessible on foot. The clock tower is visible from street level, making it simple to locate and view from various vantage points nearby.
The clock tower originally contained an artist studio, showing how the building served both commercial and creative purposes. This dual use reveals how early Johannesburg structures often combined practical functions with spaces for artistic work.
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