Manila’s first skyscraper, this Art Deco landmark once commanded the city’s skyline from its perch on Escolta Street in the historic Binondo district.
At a glance
The First United Building stands as a defining example of early twentieth-century Art Deco design in the Philippines. Completed in 1928, it held the distinction of being Manila’s tallest structure at the time of its opening. The building remains known by its earlier name, the Perez-Samanillo Building, among local residents and heritage advocates.
History
Designed by Andrés P. Luna—architect and son of the celebrated painter Juan N. Luna—the First United Building was completed in 1928. Its construction marked a pivotal moment in Manila’s urban development and modernization during the American colonial period. The building’s prominence reflected the commercial vitality of Escolta Street, then the city’s premier business thoroughfare.
What you see
The building exhibits the geometric forms and streamlined aesthetic characteristic of Art Deco architecture. Its vertical emphasis, typical of skyscraper design, commands attention along Escolta Street. Decorative detailing reflects the style’s influence on Philippine commercial architecture during the interwar period.
Cultural significance
As Manila’s first skyscraper, the First United Building symbolized the city’s aspirations toward modernity and international commerce. Its design by Andrés P. Luna represents a significant moment when a Filipino architect—heir to one of the nation’s greatest painters—shaped the emerging metropolitan landscape. The building remains a tangible connection to Manila’s early twentieth-century growth and architectural heritage.
Key facts
- Country: Philippines
- City: Manila
- Designed by: Andrés P. Luna
- Completed: 1928
- Style: Art Deco
- Notable: Manila’s tallest building upon completion
- Coordinates: 14.5987, 120.9794
Practical information & getting there
The First United Building is located on Escolta Street in Binondo, Manila’s oldest Chinese district. The area is accessible by public transportation, including the LRT-2 line. As an active commercial building, it remains part of the streetscape and contributing landmark to Escolta’s architectural heritage.
Sources & resources
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