email: roadarch@outlook.com

Virginia Mid-Century Modern Buildings

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Markel Building
Richmond, VA
The Markel Building was completed in 1965. The architect, Haigh Jamgochian, had originally planned a mushroom pod style building for this site. But budgetary restrictions led him to the inspiration for this design: a baked potato wrapped in aluminum foil. Each floor is covered with a single piece of aluminum. The crinkles were created with sledgehammers. The building was home to Reach Magazine and is now occupied by Enterprise Center. I believe it was originally a bank. The foil-like surface is now patched in many places with duct tape. The entrance area is cylindrical and set deep underneath the building. Local residents sometimes refer it as the "Jiffy-Pop Building". For more, see this website. [top photo thanks to Steven Winner] [map]

WRVA Building
Richmond, VA
The WRVA Building was designed by Philip Johnson and completed in 1969. It originally housed the WRVA AM radio station. The station moved in 2000. The building now houses ChildSavers. [map]

Hampton Coliseum
Hampton, VA
The Hampton Coliseum was designed by Odell Associates and built between 1968-1970. It is mainly used as a concert hall but also hosts the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, Monster Truck shows, the Ice Capades, etc. A new Convention Center is being built next door. [map]

Dulles International Airport
Dulles, VA
Dulles International Airport was designed by Eero Saarinen and built from 1958-1962. The roof construction was created with suspension-bridge cables hidden behind concrete. Saarinen also designed the TWA Terminal in NYC. For more, see these websites: 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5. [map]

YMCA Building
Roanoke, VA
This YMCA Building was built in the 1950s. In 2004, the YMCA moved to a new building. This building now houses the Locker Room Lofts. [map]

Breezeway Motel [gone]
Fairfax, VA
The Breezeway Motel was built in the early 1950s. In 2023, the motel was demolished and will be replaced with offices and residential space.

More Virginia:
Huntley Meadows Visitor Center (Alexandria)
Terminal A, Reagan National Airport (Arlington)
former Anchorage Motel (Fairfax)
Elizabeth Kizer Elementary School (Lynchburg)
office building (Lynchburg)
Chrysler Hall (Norfolk)
Richmond Coliseum (Richmond)
Scottish Rite Temple (Richmond)
Skateland of Richmond (Richmond)
Tower Building (Richmond)
Cutty Sark Motel (Virginia Beach)

VA Banks VA Churches VA Domes VA Offices VA Roofs

Mid-Century Modern Buildings
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Tips & Updates. If you have suggestions about places that I haven't covered, historical info, or updates about places/things that have been remodeled or removed, I'd love to hear from you: roadarch@outlook.com.