REDEVELOPMENT. The National Historical Commission of the Philippines had given the go-signal to the Archdiocese of Cebu and Cebu Landmasters Inc. to proceed with the Patria de Cebu project. The Cebu property giant has committed to preserving the historic edifice of Patria de Cebu and will retain the main Patria building in the final design of the mixed-use development, with the hotel section to be managed under the hospitality brand, Mercure, by French hotel giant Accor. (Photo courtesy of CLI)
CEBU CITY – Cebu Landmasters Inc. (CLI) on Monday announced its partnership with French hotel giant Accor to bring the Mercure hotel brand to Cebu.
To be operated by the France-based hospitality chain, Mercure Cebu Downtown is set to open in 2024 at the soon-to-be redeveloped Patria de Cebu in the downtown area here.
CLI announced the groundbreaking on Monday of this new mixed-use development that will offer 21,000 square meters (sqm) of gross floor area and house the 182-room international hotel at the heart of Cebu City’s heritage trail.
Named after the historic Catholic recreation center that heavily influenced young professionals in the ‘50s, Patria de Cebu’s redevelopment will offer 4,320 sqm of food, dining, and entertainment spaces and 4,400 sqm of offices.
A collaboration between CLI and the Archdiocese of Cebu, the mixed-use complex was planned to revitalize this historic center of Cebu dominated by the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral established centuries ago.
Located in front of the cathedral with baroque influences, the new Patria de Cebu was envisioned by architect Jose Pedro Recio to “visually bridge the old and the new,” with the approval of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP).
“The final design of Patria de Cebu is a result of a collaboration between the Archdiocese of Cebu, CLI and key stakeholders. It is a celebration of Cebuano history and culture in today’s setting,” said CLI chief executive officer Jose Soberano III in a statement.
With the approval of the NGCP to retain the main Patria building in its final design, CLI and the Archdiocese of Cebu commit to preserve the historic edifice of Patria de Cebu —not just its frontage— thereby keeping its rich heritage intact.
The new practical structure will be integrated while preserving the heritage of the main Patria building that will have dining, entertainment, and office hub while showcasing a large central interior plaza for cultural and other gatherings.
Accor is also CLI’s partner in another landmark project at the Cebu Business Park, the five-star Sofitel Cebu City revealed earlier this year.
CLI’s collaboration with the Archdiocese of Cebu covers the development and operation of the mixed-use project for 40 years.
The groundbreaking of the complex was timed to celebrate the 500th year of Christianity in the Philippines. (PNA)
