Commercial Bank and Trust Company Building

The Commercial Bank and Trust Company (Comtrust) Building is a historic building along Escolta and Yuchengco Streets in Binondo, Manila, Philippines. It houses the Escolta branch of the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI).[2]

Commercial Bank and Trust Company Building
Gusali ng Commercial Bank and Trust Company (Filipino)[1]
Map
General information
Architectural styleBrutalist
AddressEscolta Cor. Yuchengco Streets, Binondo
Town or cityManila
CountryPhilippines
Coordinates14°35′48″N 120°58′38″E / 14.59665°N 120.97733°E / 14.59665; 120.97733
Current tenantsBPI Escolta branch
Completed1969
OwnerBank of the Philippine Islands
Design and construction
Architect(s)José María Zaragoza
DesignationsImportant Cultural Property (June 27, 2019)

History

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The Commercial Bank and Trust Company (Comtrust) Building as its name suggest was initially hold office for commercial banking firm Comtrust shortly after it was built in 1969. In 1981, Comtrust would merge with the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) and consequentially BPI became the building's new tenant. The building would house the BPI Escolta branch.[3]

On June 27, 2019, the building was recognized as an Important Cultural Property by the National Museum of the Philippines.[1] A marker stating the recognition would be unveiled on August 30, 2023.[3]

Architecture and design

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The Comtrust Building was designed by Filipino architect José María Zaragoza.[4] The semi-dome building exhibits a Brutalist style of architecture.[3]

References

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  1. ^ a b Gusali ng Commercial Bank and Trust Company. Daily Tribune (Marker outside building). Rigos Hall: National Museum of the Philippines. June 27, 2019.
  2. ^ Garcia, Joseph Emmanuel (September 5, 2023). "BPI Escolta Branch declared an important cultural property". BusinessWorld. Retrieved September 7, 2023.
  3. ^ a b c "BPI Escolta branch declared an important cultural property". The Manila Times. September 7, 2023. Retrieved September 7, 2023.
  4. ^ Severo, Jan Milo (March 30, 2023). "7 historical buildings to spot in Escolta". The Philippine Star. Retrieved September 7, 2023.