Cebu Landmasters breaks ground on mixed-use complex in Cebu’s heritage trail, reveals new 182-room international hotel

Leading developer in VisMin Cebu Landmasters, Inc. (CLI) announced today the groundbreaking of a new mixed-use development offering 21,000 sqm. of gross floor area and incorporating a 182-room international hotel at the heart of downtown 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. The balance will be taken up by Mercure Cebu Downtown set to open in 2024 to be operated by French multinational chain Accor, a world leading hospitality group.

 

A collaboration between Cebu Landmasters and the Archdiocese of Cebu, the mixed-use complex was masterplanned 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.

 

“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,” CLI chief executive officer Jose Soberano III highlighted.

 

With the approval of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) 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.

 

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. Its rooftop will also be a venue for al fresco events.

Mercure Cebu Downtown’s ballroom and meeting rooms will also host social and business gatherings. It will also have a restaurant, executive floor lounge, swimming pool and rooftop bar. It will be operated by Accor, the largest hospitality company in Europe and 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 also celebrate the 500^th year of Christianity in the Philippines.