The Markham building, once so tall in the town that people living in suburbs would read the time on its clock tower, is one of Joburg's gems. Markham was an exclusive men's outfitters, offering personal service to the gentlemen of the town. It was built in 1897. A protracted fight involving the government, the heritage community, residents and big business finally saved the building from destruction and redevelopment in the late 1970's.