Once, a royal decree sparked a railway revolution. That revolution transformed Manila and Luzon. We are standing before Tutuban Center. It is more than just a shopping complex. It is a landmark steeped in history.
Tutuban Center’s story began long before the first mall opened in 1993. The area was once home to the main terminal of the Manila-Dagupan railway. King Alfonso of Spain ordered the railway’s creation in 1875. The goal was to connect Luzon’s provinces. Spanish engineer Don Eduardo Lopez Navarro proposed a vast network. This network would stretch 1,730 kilometers.
The Manila-Dagupan line was the first to be built. It stretched 195 kilometers. The Tutuban Main Station was completed in 1887. Spanish architect Juan Jose Hervas designed it. The building’s style mirrored the “bahay na bato.” This is a traditional Filipino house. The station’s ground floor used concrete with brick. The upper floor featured wood and steel.
The railway revolutionized travel. It transported people and goods. It spurred growth in Luzon’s regions. However, the railway faced challenges. Andres Bonifacio commandeered the railways during an uprising. Later, war damaged much of the network. Despite these setbacks, the railway persisted.
In 1988, the Philippine National Railways sought to revitalize the area. They planned to lease land around the Tutuban station. This would promote business and trade. A lease agreement was signed with Gotesco Investments Inc. in 1989. Prime Orion Philippines Inc. later took over the lease.
The PNR moved the Tutuban station in 1991. The old station was redeveloped into Tutuban Center Mall 1. The new station opened in 1994. The complex expanded with more buildings and facilities. By 2015, the complex had many retail units. These units were spread across several buildings.
Tutuban Center launched a night market in 1998. It continues to operate today. Fires damaged Cluster Building 1 in 2012 and 2013. Ayala Land acquired a majority stake in Prime Orion Properties in 2015. They took over ownership in 2016. Ayala Land Logistics Holdings Corp. now manages the mall.
Today, Tutuban Center is a mix of old and new. The main building retains its original structure. Its facade evokes the Spanish Colonial era. Renovations have restored its original colors. The complex houses a variety of tenants. It offers a wide selection of affordable products.
Tutuban Center remains a vital hub in Manila. It blends history, commerce, and community. As you explore Tutuban Center today, remember its rich past. Remember its role in shaping Manila’s present. The echoes of steam locomotives still resonate here. They mix with the energy of modern commerce.