First United Building

First United Building
source
Name	First United Building
Location	Manila, Philippines
Completion date	1928
Architect	Andrés Luna de San Pedro
Architectural style	Neoclassical with Beaux-Arts elements
Floor count	14
Building type	Commercial and office

Contents

History
Architecture
Cultural significance
Current use
See also

First United Building. Located along Escolta Street in the Binondo district of Manila, it stands as one of the most iconic pre-war structures in the Philippines. Originally known as the **Perez-Samanillo Building**, it was designed by the renowned Filipino architect Andrés Luna de San Pedro and completed in 1928 during the American colonial era. The building is a celebrated landmark of Escolta's golden age as the country's premier financial and commercial hub.

History

The building was commissioned by the wealthy Samanillo family, prominent landowners and businessmen in Manila. Its construction was part of the rapid modernization of Escolta Street following the devastation of World War I and during the economic boom of the 1920s under the American administration. Upon its completion, it became one of the tallest and most modern edifices in the city, housing prestigious commercial tenants and professional offices. The building survived the intense bombardment of Manila during the Battle of Manila in World War II, a testament to its robust construction. In the post-war era, it was acquired and renamed by the First United Bancorp and has since been known by its current name, standing as a physical link to the pre-war prosperity of the Philippines.

Architecture

Designed by Andrés Luna de San Pedro, son of the famous painter Juan Luna, the building is a masterful blend of Neoclassical grandeur and Beaux-Arts elegance. Its facade features a rusticated ground floor, classical pilasters, and ornate decorative motifs. A distinctive crown, consisting of a intricate metal and glass dome, tops the structure, making it a recognizable feature on the Manila skyline. The interior originally boasted high ceilings, grand staircases, and detailed ironwork, elements characteristic of the architect's training and the opulent style favored by the elite during the Commonwealth period. The design reflects the influence of both American architecture and European classical traditions prevalent in major Philippine projects of the era.

Cultural significance

The building is an enduring symbol of the golden age of Escolta Street, once dubbed the "Queen of Streets" and the center of finance, fashion, and culture in the Philippines. It represents the architectural ambition and economic confidence of the Filipino elite during the late 1920s. As a surviving pre-war structure, it is a tangible relic of Manila's history before the widespread destruction of World War II. The building is frequently featured in historical documentaries, photographic essays, and cultural tours focusing on the heritage of Binondo and Manila. It is a cherished subject for heritage conservation advocates, including groups like the Heritage Conservation Society, who highlight its importance in the nation's architectural narrative.

Current use

Today, the building continues to function as a mixed-use commercial and office space. While it maintains some traditional retail and professional offices, it has also adapted to contemporary needs, housing creative studios, small businesses, and startup companies. The ground floor often hosts pop-up markets, art exhibitions, and cultural events organized by community groups like Escolta Commercial Association and Renacimiento Manila, revitalizing the area as a hub for heritage and creativity. Its preservation and active use make it a key anchor in ongoing efforts to rejuvenate the historic Escolta Street district, blending its storied past with new economic and cultural life.

First United Building

History

Architecture

Cultural significance

Current use

See also