The First United Building (FUB) in Manila’s historic Escolta district stands as a testament to the power of community and creative vision. Once a symbol of pre-war prosperity, housing prestigious banks and businesses within its five floors, this architectural gem designed by Andres Luna de San Pedro, son of famed painter Juan Luna, nearly succumbed to decay and demolition. Today, however, it thrives as a vibrant hub for artists, designers, and innovative startups, a beacon of urban renewal in the heart of Manila.
Built in 1928, the FUB was a marvel of modern architecture, boasting a glass façade and an Otis elevator – revolutionary features for its time. Heavily influenced by the 1925 International Exposition of Modern Industrial and Decorative Arts in Paris, its design reflected contemporary trends, earning it first prize in the City of Manila’s House Beautiful Contest. The building housed Berg’s Department Store, a Manila institution, on its ground floor, rivaling Rustan’s in its prestige. However, the devastation of the 1945 Battle of Manila left Escolta, and the FUB, scarred. While it survived, much of the surrounding area, including Luna’s stunning Crystal Arcade, was destroyed.
The post-war decades saw the Sy Lian Teng family acquire a significant portion of the building, preserving it through various changes in Escolta’s commercial landscape. The turning point in the FUB’s revival came in 2012 when Robert and Lorraine Sylianteng, spurred by a desire to breathe new life into their family legacy, leased space to 98B Collaboratory, a multidisciplinary art lab. This sparked a domino effect, attracting other creative businesses and fostering a collaborative environment reminiscent of Cubao X, a successful artist hub. The building’s affordable rent and burgeoning artistic energy attracted a new generation of creatives, resisting the homogenization that often plagues urban areas.
The FUB’s transformation isn’t simply about restoring a building; it’s about revitalizing a community. Initiatives like the Escolta Block Parties (later reimagined as Hola Escolta) brought thousands to the streets, reactivating a once-blighted area through music, markets, and open studios. The involvement extended beyond the FUB, engaging neighboring building owners, vendors, and security guards, fostering a sense of collective ownership and placemaking. This approach highlights a holistic view of urban renewal, transforming not just physical spaces but also the social fabric of the community.
Robby Sylianteng, the current managing director, has played a pivotal role in the FUB’s ongoing evolution. His background in architecture and urban design, coupled with a fresh perspective gained from living abroad, has been instrumental in guiding sensitive renovations. His willingness to embrace opportunities like the 2024 Good Design Award Philippines—a move his parents, more reserved about publicity, initially hesitated towards—has garnered crucial recognition. The award, along with the Malasakit Gran Prix, further underscores the building’s success as a model for adaptive reuse.
The FUB’s restoration is a careful balance between preserving historical elements and integrating modern necessities. The decision to reveal the original ceilings, hidden beneath decades-old drop ceilings, is a prime example. The exposed ceilings, complete with original sconces and detailing, showcase the architectural language of the 1920s, a key element in the preservation of Philippine heritage. Spaces like Espacio Creativo, a photography studio with its magnificent 15-foot ceilings, and the sixth-floor Dome, now hosting events like intimate candlelight performances, beautifully illustrate the building’s revitalization.
Robby Sylianteng advocates for a shift in terminology, proposing ‘transformative reuse’ over ‘adaptive reuse,’ emphasizing the building’s role in creating experiences and fostering new ways of thinking about urban spaces. The FUB’s success has become a model for others, attracting inquiries from building owners in other parts of the Philippines, inspiring the hope of similar transformations across the nation. It is a story of community, resilience, and the enduring power of heritage in shaping the future of a city.
