Plaza San Luis Complex

Casa Manila is based on a residence originally in Binondo. It is a two-story house with a mezzanine that serves as a small residence and an office occupied by the owner's relative. It is a lifestyle museum displaying colonial furniture collected from different houses, including one from the Hidalgo house in Quiapo that was demolished during the Nagtahan flyover and road expansion.
Barrio San Luis was the place where colonial-inspired architecture was first seen. Many new constructions in Intramuros have been drawn from colonial architecture but are not always inspired, informed, and effective.

Named after an old town in Manila, the complex is composed of nine houses representing different eras of Filipino-Spanish Architecture. This mix represents the lifestyles of the Illustrados or the privileged citizens during the late 19th and early 20th century in the Philippines.

As a tribute to the Filipino people, Intramuros showcases Spanish culture, architecture, and arts. In 1970, Intramuros Administration established a historical area in Intramuros. It was named Barrio San Luis, after one of seven barsrios, or subsections, of Intramuros. Five houses Casa Manila and Los Hidalgos are the heart of this neighborhood, located along Gen. Luna Street.

They also stand beside San Agustin's monastery. These houses are all post-70s reconstructions from colonial homes and do not trace back to colonial times. The barrio will contain nine homes representing various periods of colonial architecture when it is complete. Casa Manila, the lead house is inspired by a Binondo residence.

The house is two-story and has a mezzanine (or entresuelo) between each floor. This serves both as an office or small residence. It's usually occupied by relatives of its owners. Casa Manila, a museum that displays colonial furniture from various houses, is now a lifestyle museum.

It was built during road expansions and construction of the Nagtahan Flyover. Casa Manila is joined by two houses. One house was built on the site of a former 1750s home on San Francisco Street. The other one has art noveau, and deco influences.

These houses have the upper floors used for a restaurant. On the ground floor, Casa Manila's office is located. There are also botique shops that sell books, antiques, and art. Functions such as wedding receptions can be held in the atrium of Casa Manila.

Casa Blanca is named for its whitewashed exterior. Casa Urdaneta (or El Hogar) are offices. Barrio San Luis is where colonial-inspired architecture first appeared. Intramuros has seen many new buildings that have been inspired by colonial architecture, but they are not all effective.

The Department of Labor and Employment DOLE, The Balay Chinoy Museum, The Knights of Columbus Headquarters, and The Colegio de Santa Rosa's reconstructed façade have all been given a colonial appearance. Copyright 2012.