Torre de Manila
14°35′05″N 120°59′03″E / 14.58472°N 120.98417°E
| Torre De Manila | |
|---|---|
| File:Torre de Manila construction.jpg The Torre de Manila in June 2016 | |
 | |
| General information | |
| Status | Under construction |
| Type | Residential |
| Architectural style | Contemporary Art Deco inspired |
| Address | Taft Avenue |
| Town or city | Ermita, Manila |
| Country | Philippines |
| Construction started | 2012 |
| Estimated completion | 2018 |
| Opening | 2019 |
| Height | |
| Roof | 165 m (541.34 ft) |
| Technical details | |
| Floor count | 46 |
| Floor area | 7,448 m2 (80,169.60 sq ft)[1] |
| Design and construction | |
| Developer | DMCI Homes |
| Other information | |
| Parking | 702 slots |
The Torre de Manila is a residential building under construction in Ermita, Manila.
Architecture and design
Torre de Manila is a condominium project of DM Consunji Inc. (DMCI). The building is planned to have 46 floors above ground level, 41 of which is allotted for residential use, 4 of them for podium parking space, and the ground floor for amenities. The building will also have three basement levels.[1]
According to its developers, the building has a contemporary art deco inspired design.[2]
Construction
In June 2012, DMCI managed to secure a zoning permit that allows the company to build the Torre de Manila in a lot along Taft Avenue. The planned location of the building is behind the lot previously occupied by the Manila Jai Alai Building. The following month, the Manila city government under Mayor Alfredo Lim, granted a building permit to DMCI. In November 2013, the Manila City Council suspended the building's construction citing zoning violation. The city government by that time is now under Mayor Joseph Estrada.[1]
After the Manila Zoning Board of Adjustments and Appeals granted DMCI a zoning regulation exemption, the construction of the Torre de Manila continued in January 2014.[1] In the same month, an online campaign against the construction of the high-rise condominium project was launched by tour guide and activist Carlos Celdran, who said that the structure would mar the view of the iconic monument of national hero Dr. Jose Rizal at Luneta.
By September 2014, the building is already 23 percent complete with 19 floors completed.[1]
The turnover of the building is planned in November 2017.[2]
Controversy
The Torre de Manila has been considered as an eyesore by its critics, especially heritage conservationists. Critics insist that the building will ruin the sightline of the Rizal Monument in nearby Luneta Park.[1][3] On June 17, 2015, the Supreme Court issued a temporary restraining order on the construction of the said project.
A online petition was launched in July 2012 by activist Carlos Celdran, a month after DMCI acquired zoning permit to the land occupied by the Torre de Manila. The building has been called names such as "Terror de Manila "and "Pambansang Photobomb" (National Photobomb).[1][4][5]
The Knights of Rizal also opposed the project.[6]
The building was also alleged to have violated building and zoning regulations. It was reported that the building's floor area ratio is 7.79, exceeding the limit set for buildings in Torre de Manila's location which is 4.[3]
References
- ^ a b c d e f g "What Went Before: The saga of Torre de Manila". Philippine Daily Inquirer. 17 June 2015. Retrieved 17 June 2015.
- ^ a b "Torre de Manila". DMCI Online. Retrieved 17 June 2015.
- ^ a b Ranada, Pia (4 August 2014). "Pia Cayetano to look into Torre de Manila violations". Rappler. Retrieved 17 June 2015.
- ^ Palabrica, Raul J. (June 22, 2015). "Photobomb at Rizal monument". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved September 27, 2015.
- ^ Arcangel, Xianne (October 28, 2014). "Solons urge NHCP to stop Torre de Manila construction". GMA News Online. Retrieved September 27, 2015.
- ^ "Philippines stops 'photobomber' building construction". Business Recorder. 17 June 2015. Retrieved 17 June 2015.