Certain buildings stand out for their beauty, others for their history. And then there are those that seem to defy explanation. That’s probably the best way to describe Richmond’s Market Building, easily one of the strangest buildings in Virginia. This three-story office building in the city’s West End is almost impossible to miss, mostly because it looks almost exactly like a foil-wrapped baked potato. And the strangest part of all? That’s exactly what the architect was going for.
What Makes Architecture in Virginia So Unique
First, a little background. Let’s take a moment to appreciate just how architecturally rich Virginia is. From Colonial-era homes to Thomas Jefferson’s neoclassical designs, ornate Victorian builds, and mid-century modern masterpieces, one could easily spend a lifetime devoted to exploring Virginia’s architecture. And Richmond is easily one of the most noteworthy destinations for exploring these iconic sites. Perhaps this is what makes the Markel Building all the more surprising.
The Story Behind the Markel Building
The year was 1962. An architect by the name of Haig Jamgochian was served a foil-wrapped baked potato at an American Institute of Architects Dinner, which sparked his idea for a new building that would be the new headquarters of the Markel Corporation. Rather than create something sleek, with lots of glass, or a classical revival, a trend of that era, Jamgochian pursued something else entirely. The result was something that looked like it arrived from another planet. To achieve the baked potato look, the architect designed each floor to be wrapped in a continuous 555-foot piece of aluminum—a completely unconventional use for siding. This, along with the fact that Jamgochian hammered the aluminum himself, gives the building its hallmark crinkled texture.
The Markel Building is truly one-of-a-kind, and it was Jamgochian’s legacy. Not everyone understood its quirky nature; in fact, it has been listed among the world’s ugliest buildings. Yet its history is undeniable, and fortunately, it’s celebrated as one of the 75 Most Important Buildings in the city, according to Richmond Magazine.
Photo Opportunities at Virginia’s Weirdest Building
If you’re curious to check out one of the strangest buildings in Virginia yourself, you’ll find it at 5310 Markel Rd. Richmond, VA 23230, just outside of the Richmond city limits. Today, the building still operates as an office building, and visitors can view the exterior from the parking lot. You might consider stopping by on a weekend, when you won’t be competing for parking with any office employees. Generally, it is not possible to tour the inside of the building.
So, what do you think? Will you add a trip to check out this weird architecture in Virginia to your bucket list? If so, share this article with a friend and let the planning begin! Feeling inspired? Try planning your own trip to Virginia using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner…