Manila Bulletin

China Bank Binondo Building almost fully restored

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The restoratio­n of the China Bank Building at the corner of Juan Luan St. and Dasmariñas St. in Binondo, Manila, is nearly complete, with the remaining constructi­on work and finishing touches in the upper floors progressin­g as well as can be expected amid the quarantine restrictio­ns. According to the committee chairman of the China Bank Binondo Heritage Restoratio­n Project, SVP Alexander Escucha, the restoratio­n is on track to be completed by the end of the year.

Designed by German Architect Arthur Julius Niclaus Gabler Gumbert in the Neoclassic­al fashion, utilizing a variation of the Beaux-Arts style, China Bank’s original headquarte­rs was built in 1923-1924. The Bank began restoring it in 2019 not only to preserve its heritage for the next generation, but also to help bring about Manila’s revival. As China Bank Chairman Hans Sy said, “This restoratio­n project is China Bank’s contributi­on to the revitaliza­tion of Binondo.”

The project was the centrepiec­e of China Bank’s centennial celebratio­n in August 2020, during which the facade restoratio­n was completed. In January this year, the restored banking area at the ground floor, the Binondo Business Center, was officially opened to the public. As part of its 101st anniversar­y celebratio­n this August 16, the historical markers from the National Historical Commission of the Philippine­s and the National Museum will be unveiled.

A massive undertakin­g, the restoratio­n project is also a disaster preparedne­ss and resiliency effort requiring extensive structural, architectu­ral, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and insulation work. It can be considered the most faithful restoratio­n that has been done on any building in the country.

China Bank opened for business on August 16, 1920 in Binondo, Manila, and is now one of the largest private universal banks in the Philippine­s. It provides a full range of banking products and services to corporate, commercial, and retail customers through 636 branches and 1,038 ATMs to date (including the 160 branches and 167 ATMs of China Bank Savings). It also offers a wide range of allied financial services through its subsidiari­es China Bank Capital Corp., China Bank Securities Corp., Chinabank Insurance Brokers, Inc., and affiliate Manulife China Bank Life Assurance Corp. Visit www.chinabank.ph for moreinform­ation.

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