MANILA EXCHANGE BUILDING M3

At the outset of this project, this four-storey building was in a sad state of disrepair. Eastern Telecommunication Philippines Inc. acquired and renovated it to house one of its three Manila Network Exchanges.

Designed by no less than National Artist, Pablo Antonio, the Art Deco architectural style depicted the country in the 1930’s. Despite years of neglect and unrestrained changes by previous tenants, the building facade and interior retained its original art deco character, emphasizing form as an expression of function. Thus, Eastern Telecoms decided to restore it to its full glory.

Tests were performed on the building to ascertain its structural soundness and floor loading capacity. Structural reinforcements were undertaken in some areas to ensure stability.

To compliment the original design, the existing intricate iron grill work, marble floor finishes at the lobbies and stairwells were retained and repolished. New windows and other architectural improvements were introduced only to reinforce the original design.