The Worrying Fate of Manila’s El Hogar Building

A slight diversion to the Philippines today to look at the El Hogar building which is, according to Filipino preservationists, currently under threat. The El Hogar was Manila’s first “skyscraper” built in 1914 in the beaux-arts style, popular during the American occupation of the archipelago, and designed by local architects. It was actually constructed as a wedding present for a daughter of the powerful Ayala family. It fronts impressively onto the Pasag River and forms a crucial element of Manila’s skyline still.

To say it is a treasure for Manila is to understate the buildings grandeur and it is preserved supposedly as part of the historic Binondo District and Escolta Street. Preservationists are worried that the building’s new owners have not been named and their intentions are unclear. The city government appears somewhat reticent to say whether a demolition permit has been issued or not. More from the Philippines Daily Enquirer here. Important to note that the Pacific Commercial Company Building nearby and erected in 1922 has been praised as a great example of “adaptive reuse”. The same is clearly possible for El Hogar. Here’s hoping and supporting the Manila preservationists.