The Philippine National Railways company first announced its plan to lease 20 hectares (49 acres) of land surrounding the Tutuban station to private fims in 1988 in order to help promote the area as a center of business and trade.3] On August 23, 1989, a 25-year lease was inked between the railways company and Gotesco Investments Inc., the parent company of Ever Gotesco Malls. In the same year, the PNR moved its Operations Center to its Paco station and its Training Center to its Caloocan station to make way for its redevelopment as a shopping mall.[4] The lease rights were transferred a year later to Prime Orion Philippines Inc. under its subsidiary Tutuban Properties Inc. The company, a merger between First Lepanto Corp. and Guoco Group of Hong Kong, has since managed the site and, in 2009, secured another 25-year lease renewal beginning September 2014.[5]
The PNR relocated its Tutuban station some 500 metres (1,600 ft) north of Recto Avenue on Mayhaligue Street in 1991.[3] Prime Orion completed the redevelopment of the old station into the Tutuban Center Mall 1 in 1993.[2] On February 21, 1994, the replacement station on Mayhaligue was unveiled with President Fidel Ramos in attendance.[4] The company was renamed Guoco Holdings Philippines and the development subsequently expanded with the construction of new wings, buildings and parking facility until 1998. As of 2015, the shopping complex had a total of 1,083 retail units spread out over seven retail buildings, namely Center Mall 1 and 2, Cluster Building 1 and 2, Robinsons Department Store, Parking Tower and Prime Block.[2]
Tutuban Center launched the night market on a parking lot in 1998, which still operates today from 7pm to midnight.[3 In September 2012, Cluster Building 1 was gutted by fire that lasted for two days.[7] Five months later, another fire broke out in the same building and damaged parts of the second and third floors while still under renovation from the previous blaze.[8] The site of Cluster Building 1 was cleared and is presently being used as a parking area.[9]
In April 2015, Tutuban Properties entered into another lease agreement with the Philippine National Railways and the Department of Transportation for the North–South Commuter Railway terminal station to be hosted within the development.[10] In August 2015, Ayala Land acquired a majority stake in Prime Orion Properties, the lease holder and developer of Tutuban Center.[11] The company officially took over ownership and management of the development in February 2016.[12] The mall's management firm was renamed to Ayala Land Logistics Holdings Corp. in...
Read moreWonderful Experience at Tutuban: A Food Lover's Haven with Convenient Parking
Review: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I recently visited Tutuban and had an incredible experience there. This place is an absolute gem, especially for food enthusiasts. The variety of dining options available is truly remarkable. You can easily find something to satisfy any craving you may have. From local delicacies to international cuisine, Tutuban has it all!
One aspect that impressed me was the cleanliness of the facilities, especially the restrooms. They were well-maintained, spotless, and a testament to the commitment to hygiene in Tutuban. It was refreshing to see such attention to detail.
Additionally, the parking area at Tutuban is very convenient, and the presence of vigilant security guards made me feel safe leaving my motorbike there. Although there is a parking fee of 50 pesos, it is a small price to pay for the peace of mind it offers.
Moreover, Tutuban's proximity to the Divisoria Public Market is a significant advantage. It allows visitors to conveniently explore and purchase a wide variety of goods. Whether you're looking for clothing, accessories, or souvenirs, Divisoria has plenty to offer, and being close to it is definitely a plus.
In conclusion, my visit to Tutuban was an absolute delight. The abundance of dining options, the cleanliness of the facilities, and the secure parking area, coupled with its convenient location near Divisoria Public Market, make it a must-visit destination. I highly recommend Tutuban to anyone looking for an enjoyable and...
Read moreWhen I was young, the only mall we had nearby was Tutuban Mall (and of course Divisoria Mall; there was no SM Lazaro nor 168 back then).
It is massive. Sprawling from PNR or bus terminal, Moriones, Fiesta Night Market, Mayhaligue, up to the Bonifacio Monument in Recto.
It is made up of clusters or blocks.
Unlike SM or Ayala which are like branded, this is more bazaar type, small businesses. Not to say they don't house mainstream boutiques as well.
Since usually no price on display, use your haggling ability.
You can find clothes, shoes, jewelry, mini carnival, salons, cellphone and its accessories, banks and of course a lot of food selection. From foodcourt, fiesta hawker food stalls to popular mainstream fastfoods, they have a lot to choose from.
There is also a Mama Mary image you must visit.
In the evenings there is a side where there are many bats flying.
Over the years, many tenants have been replaced.
I think a Chinese owns this before, now Ayala has taken over.
There are pay toilets. There are free toilets but quite harder to find and during mall hours only.
Spacious parking and strict security they don't allow those entering just anywhere.
It is just sad to note that the popular National Bookstore that was once our regular stop, is now replaced with a Mr Diy.
This seems more lively in the evenings - it is the famous Night Market after all.
It also looks worn for the better, surely past its prime. But hey...
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