In the history of the Philippine real estate industry, only a few names have monumentally changed the landscape and skyline of towns and cities, transforming once barren lands into world-class metropolises where businesses and people thrive. Sitting among that very exclusive list is Federal Land Inc. who, for half a century, has built iconic buildings, innovative homes, and class-leading communities – elevating the way Filipinos live, work, and thrive.
Marking 50 years this 2022, Federal Land is proud of the projects under its extensive portfolio, from residential homes, subdivisions and condos, retail spaces, office buildings, masterplanned communities to hotels and recreational venues. These projects fulfill the vision of its late founder, the taipan Dr. George S.K. Ty, when he took it as a mission to build ideal homes for each and every Filipino, and to create projects not only at par with the world’s best, but also those that can contribute to nation building.
Group Chairman Emeritus Dr. George S.K. Ty
In 1972, Federal Land began as Federal Homes, with its first project in Binondo, Manila – a residential condo called Soler Tower, which provided a home for those who want to live in this burgeoning business district. Fifty years later, it continues its same mission but on a larger scale and a wider reach. Today, as the property arm of GT Capital Holdings and backed by the Metrobank Group, Federal Land is a premier real estate developer, trusted by investors, business owners, and families.
First projects of Federal Land.
Aside from Federal Land, Inc., GT Capital Holdings’ investment holdings include Metropolitan Bank & Trust Company (Metrobank), Toyota Motor Philippines Corporation, Toyota Manila Bay Corporation, Toyota Financial Services Philippines Corporation, Sumisho Motor Finance Corporation, AXA Philippines, and Metro Pacific Investments Corporation.
“Through the years, Federal Land has contributed to many firsts in the Philippine real estate, redefining the landscape and skyline of the country. Today, we have the golden opportunity to elevate further the industry by building innovative and sustainable projects, setting a global standard that will benefit the future generations,” said Federal Land, Inc. Chairman Alfred V. Ty.
Looking Back
The Soler Tower was just the start of the rise of Ty’s company. With the initial success, this encouraged building of more projects in Binondo. In 1982, projects such as Tytana Plaza and Mandarin Mansion, considered to be Manila’s first high-rise office and residential building, catering to the needs of the Filipino-Chinese community. The company then expanded to other cities.
Federal Homes took on a new name – Federal Land, Inc. – in 2002 to signify its portfolio growth, which now included retail and commercial developments. The company saw great opportunity with the reclamation of Manila Bay by acquiring 36 hectares of land to start its first masterplanned community called Metro Park.
From left: The Grand Midori Makati, The Grand Midori Ortigas
Since then, the growth of the company continued marked year after year by landmark projects. There was no stopping Federal Land as it introduced during the first decade of the 21st century various prime real estate projects such as Bay Garden Club Residences, Oriental Garden Makati,
The Grand Midori Makati, Marco Polo Plaza Cebu, and the landmark GT Tower International, which rose 47 stories high with a distinct façade in the heart of the country’s main financial district of Makati.
Federal Land then partnered with Orix Corporation of Japan in 2012 to develop Grand Hyatt Manila and Grand Hyatt Manila Residences. Standing in BGC, Grand Hyatt Manila is the company’s first five-star hotel development. The hotel offers great views, exceptional dining, and luxurious rooms. On the other hand, Grand Hyatt Manila Residences carries the esteemed Grand Hyatt distinction, making the dream of a hotel-lifestyle a reality for a family with grand aspirations.
Grand Hyatt Manila
Moving Forward
Even with all the landmark projects tucked under its belt, Federal Land considers that it’s only as good as its last project. Thus, it further explores its potential and pushes the envelope by forging more partnerships and collaborations with world-class companies and ingenious brands here and abroad.
Proof of this is now rising in BGC, as the company is building The Seasons Residences together with two of Japan’s leading firms: Nomura Real Estate Development Co., Ltd. and Isetan Mitsukoshi Holdings Ltd. This mixed-used development will feature the merging of Japanese design sensibilities with Filipino ingenuity in the use of space. This development will also bring forth the country’s first-ever MITSUKOSHI, Japan’s largest and leading mall. It is set to open within the year.
In 2019, Federal Land launched The Estate Makati in partnership with SM Development Corporation. The project tapped world-renowned architecture firm Foster+Partners to design the ultra-luxurious condominium.
The Estate Makati
Federal Land’s partnership with Nomura Real Estate Development Co., Ltd. was further strengthened early 2022 with a strategic alliance with the formation of a new joint venture company called Federal Land NRE Global, Inc. It is envisioned to develop a new living experience that connects communities with endless possibilities through value creation and sustainable growth. Four locations with a total area of 250 hectares in Metro Manila, Cavite, and Cebu will serve as initial sites of the new company’s initial projects.
A perfect synergy with the combined strength of the two leading real estate companies is set to elevate experiences and deliver unparalleled excellence with Federal Land, Inc. and Nomura Real Estate Development Co., Ltd., forming the new company – Federal Land NRE Global Inc. (from left) Carmelo Bautista, GT Capital Holdings president; Thomas Mirasol, Federal Land president and COO; Alfred Ty, Federal Land chairman; Eiji Kutsukake, Nomura Real Estate Development chair; Atsushi Ogata, Nomura Real Estate Development executive officer; and Yusuke Hirano, Nomura Real Estate Development executive officer.
“We are delighted to bring our partnership with Nomura Real Estate, one of Japan’s top five developers, to greater heights.” said Mr. Ty. “We intend to provide relevant real estate solutions that increase value over time and leave a positive mark for generations by building sustainable communities with distinct Japanese style and infused with Filipino sensibility.”
The joint venture is expected to bring milestone developments that mix Japanese inspiration with Filipino sensibility. It differentiates itself from other developers with its push for smart cities, the presence of Japanese retail concepts, and its client-first mindset. Ultimately, it aims to create value in townships with sustainable growth.
“In 50 years, we have truly come a long way from our humble beginnings. Our late founder, Dr. George S.K. Ty’s love for architecture has molded the company to expand its portfolio into delivering large-scale and quality developments in strategic locations.” said Mr. Ty. “We continue to fulfill our mission to build a strong and safe home for the Filipinos. We continuously aim to deliver residential, office, retail and hospitality developments that meet the evolving needs of the times.
Facing the future with great optimism, Federal Land’s 50-year story is part of the fascinating history of the country’s growth and will continue to be the formidable foundation of future journeys to progress and economic development.