Built to Inspire
Like other bold visionaries, the late Group Chairman Dr. George S.K. Ty saw infinite possibilities where others saw none.
This rare trait enabled him to build a conglomerate that spans banking (Metropolitan Bank and Trust Co.), automotive manufacturing and distribution (Toyota Motor Philippines Inc.), insurance (Philippine AXA Life Insurance Corp.), and real estate development (Federal Land Inc.), to name a few.
But more than just the growth potential, Ty steered the group into the highly competitive property sector because of his professed love and passion for architecture, the art and science of building structures, and communities.
Dr. Ty had been fascinated by architecture that he even took subjects on it when he was in college. He may not have become a full-fledged architect, but he never lost his keen interest in the field and always found avenues to give it full expression. He was hands-on in designing some of the Metrobank branches, taking into consideration space planning, efficiency, and modernity. From designing bank branches, Dr. Ty moved on to sketch homes, look at creative ways to transform space, spot good locations, and plan developments that redefine the landscape.
It was then that the mighty seed of the property development arm was planted.
Legacy
First known as Federal Homes, it completed in 1982 its first project, the Tytana Plaza and Mandarin Mansion, considered as Manila’s first high-rise office and residential building that catered to the specific needs of the Filipino-Chinese community in Binondo.
The new core business took the name Federal or “capital city” as it best describes the company’s mission to nurture dynamic communities.
Federal also means unity, harmony, and assembly, which are what Federal Land aspires for in the development of every community that proudly bears its name.
First known as Federal Homes, it completed in 1982 its first project, the Tytana Plaza and Mandarin Mansion, considered as Manila’s first high-rise office and residential building that catered to the specific needs of the Filipino-Chinese community in Binondo, the center of business and finance of colonial Manila. Federal Homes at the same time built townhouses along Roxas Blvd. and United Nations Ave. with the Midtown Executive Townhomes established on the land where the house of Dr. Ty’s parents used to stand.
Federal expanded soon after to Makati, following the lead of Metrobank which had started putting up branches in the new financial district. It built the Metrobank Plaza headquarters, one of the first few tall buildings to be put up in the country’s premier financial district in the 1970s. The Metrobank building at the corner of Ayala and Buendia Ave. housed the first headquarters of the Asian Development Bank. It has since been redeveloped into the distinctive GT Tower International.
At the same time, Federal Homes made its presence felt in the residential development sector with notable high-rise developments as Escolta Towers, Skyland Plaza, Ylaya Mansion, and Federal Towers.
After building significant
momentum, Federal Homes
changed its name to Federal
Land, Inc. in 2002.
The move signified not just a mere name change but, more importantly, an expansion of its focus from just residential and office buildings to include commercial developments. It also signaled its inevitable entry into the big leagues of the property sector and position as one of the key revenue drivers of the George Ty group.
Pioneering Spirit
Federal Land has over the eventful years contributed many firsts to the Philippine landscape, helping define the country’s ever-evolving skyline.
These include the impressive five-star Grand Hyatt Manila in BGC accompanied by the Grand Hyatt Manila Residences, the first residential condominium in Southeast Asia to carry the esteemed and timeless Grand Hyatt distinction.
Federal Land also bring the ultimate Japanese living experience to the Philippines through The Seasons Residences, a product of a partnership between Federal Land and Japan’s Nomura Real Estate Development Co., Ltd. and Isetan Mitsukoshi Holdings Ltd. Together, they will likewise bring to the country the first Mitsukoshi mall.
Eagerly awaited by the discerning few is The Estate Makati, a joint venture between Federal Land and SM Prime Holdings that will develop the ultra-luxurious residential tower designed by the world-renowned Foster + Partners, again another first for the Philippines. The Estate Makati will be constructed in the last parcel of land available for development in the upscale Apartment Ridge area and will also be the tallest building along Ayala Avenue.
What makes Federal Land distinct is the time, energy, and expertise the company devotes to designing homes that are remarkable, sensible, and tailor fit to the needs of its intended residents. The Four Seasons Rivera, for example, is designed to meet the feng shui sensibilities of the Filipino-Chinese community in Binondo. The Grand Midori Ortigas, on the other hand, promise Zen living experience amidst the bustling Ortigas Center. The Quantum Residences in the university belt, meanwhile, caters to young adults transitioning from students to professionals.
Ways Forward
Federal Land has come a long way from its beginnings in Binondo, Manila.
What started with a simple dream to build homes for every person has evolved into what it is today – a tried and tested developer that designs and delivers residential, office, retail, and hospitality developments to meet the ever-changing needs of the people and the communities it serves.
Its developments are executed flawlessly in partnerships with such trusted names as Foster+Partners, Tange Associates, Hyatt Hotels, Marco Polo Hotels, Isetan Mitsukoshi Holdings Inc. and Nomura Real Estate Development that help elevate the standard of property development in the Philippines, thus benefiting all Filipinos.
Those already high standards stand to go up yet another notch as Federal Land is far from being done bringing to the market even more iconic structures to add to its impressive portfolio. For the expanding real estate company, building a nation means more than just building structures. It means adhering to the highest possible quality standards when developing homes, offices, retail spaces, and hospitality projects.
Federal Land is committed to creating nurturing communities at par with the rest of the world, and developments that make a difference in the lives of the people and the communities it operates in, where hard-working individuals, entrepreneurs, executives, families and office personnel alike can create memories and celebrate life-changing moments.
This it does through its master brands Federal Land, which creates thoughtfully designed and innovative developments; Horizon Land, which creates quality and affordable family-friendly communities; and through strategic partnerships for landmark projects that cater to the affluent and high net worth individuals who seek the finer things in life.
And Federal Land is not about to stop, even amid today’s challenging times, because of its vision to be an inextricable part of the Philippines’ fascinating growth story.
In many ways, even at 50 years, for Federal Land, the best is yet to come.