Palace Buildings

In 1889, just three years after the founding of Johannesburg, the finishing touches were being put on a building that would become one of the city's landmarks for seven decades. It rose almost 30m into the sky and was the tallest building in town until the Markham's Building claimed the title in 1897. Considering it dominated the skyline, it is no surprise that it gained the nickname the 'Eiffel Tower of the Rand'.

The structure I am talking about is, of course, the Palace Building (or Palace Buildings) located on the prime corner of Rissik and Pritchard Streets. It was designed by John Stanislaus Donaldson and was Joburg's first three storey building. Retail dominated the ground floor, offices were on the first floor and the top floor was used for accommodation. Real estate developer, William Gwynne Evans certainly showed immense confidence in the future of Johannesburg by erecting such a commanding structure at a time when most people believed the gold rush would not last.

The Palace Building under construction 1889-89 (Seventy Golden Years)

If you look closely you can see the date 1889 on the facade (Lost Johannesburg)

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This is an article that we have been wanting to write for years. We have always been amazed how the six storey Markhams building was once the tallest building in the city and thought it would be fascinating to trace the record breakers over the decades. The list is definitely a work in progress and we will need your help to generate a complete picture. Feel free to add your comments below the article. [Updated 2019]

While one could go back further, our list begins with the Palace Buildings located on the corner of Pritchard and Rissik Streets and built in 1889 (demolished in the 1950s). The five storey building was a landmark for decades, reaching 28.35m into the sky.

The Palace Building (Mining & Magnates)

In 1897, a new landmark building rose above the mining town... the six storey Markhams building, located on the corner of Eloff and Pritchard Streets (still standing today - well at least the facades and clock tower). It would hold the height record until 1902/3. [we still need to get an accurate height measurement]

The Markhams Building

After the War, construction began on the new...