Natividad Building, Beaux-Arts building in Binondo, Philippines.
The Natividad Building is a Beaux-Arts structure located at the intersection of Escolta and Tomas Pinpin streets in Manila, showcasing classical architectural details. Its symmetrical facade and carefully crafted elements from the early twentieth century remain visible, reflecting the craftsmanship standards of that era.
The structure was designed in 1928 by Fernando de la Cantera Blondeau, a Philippine-born Spanish architect, originally intended to house the Philippine Insurance Commission. The location subsequently became a key commercial hub in Binondo during the city's economic expansion.
The building housed multiple shops and offices across different periods, serving as a commercial hub that reflected the neighborhood's trading traditions. This mixed-use character shaped how locals and visitors moved through and experienced the street.
The building is located in Manila's financial district and is easily accessible by public transportation that regularly serves the area. The original facade is well maintained, making it a worthwhile spot to observe early commercial architecture while moving through the neighborhood.
The building survived the 1945 Battle of Manila relatively unscathed while many neighboring structures suffered heavy destruction. This fact makes it a rare survivor from that turbulent period in the city's history.
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