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 | |
|---|---|
.JPG) | |
 | |
| General information | |
| Architectural style | Brutalist |
| Address | Escolta Cor. Yuchengco Streets, Binondo |
| Town or city | Manila |
| Country | Philippines |
| Coordinates | 14°35′48″N 120°58′38″E / 14.59665°N 120.97733°E |
| Current tenants | BPI Escolta branch |
| Completed | 1969 |
| Owner | Bank of the Philippine Islands |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect(s) | José María Zaragoza |
| Designations | Important Cultural Property (June 27, 2019) |
History
editThe 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
editThe Comtrust Building was designed by Filipino architect José María Zaragoza.[4] The semi-dome building exhibits a Brutalist style of architecture.[3]
References
edit- ^ a b Gusali ng Commercial Bank and Trust Company. Daily Tribune (Marker outside building). Rigos Hall: National Museum of the Philippines. June 27, 2019.
- ^ Garcia, Joseph Emmanuel (September 5, 2023). "BPI Escolta Branch declared an important cultural property". BusinessWorld. Retrieved September 7, 2023.
- ^ a b c "BPI Escolta branch declared an important cultural property". The Manila Times. September 7, 2023. Retrieved September 7, 2023.
- ^ Severo, Jan Milo (March 30, 2023). "7 historical buildings to spot in Escolta". The Philippine Star. Retrieved September 7, 2023.
