CLI to redevelop Patria de Cebu

Publicly-listed real estate developer, Cebu Landmasters Inc., (CLI) spends a billion pesos to revitalize the iconic Patria de Cebu property in the downtown area.

CLI, in partnership with property owner the Archdiocese of Cebu, will transform one of the oldest and affordable leisure and accommodation facilities in Cebu founded in 1956 into a modern mixed-used facility that will include a Rome-inspired public plaza, integrated shopping center, offices, food and beverage outlets.

CLI targets to initially open the commercial facilities, like the “instagrammable” courtyard, in three years.

“We want to attract millennials and bring them closer to downtown and to Cebu's rich heritage” said CLI chief operating officer (COO) Jose Franco Soberano.

CLI and Archdiocese of Cebu led by Cebu Archbishop Jose S. Palma signed the memorandum of agreement (MOA) for a 40-year lease of the close to 7,000 square meters Patria de Cebu property.

Aside from its business potential, the re-development of Patria de Cebu is also the company's way of contributing to the over-all re-building of the heritage-rich corridor in the downtown area.

“Cebu Landmasters operates on Christ-centered values and principles. The company sees the Patria redevelopment as a grace-filled opportunity to br of greater service to the Church and the people of Cebu,” added Soberano.

Based on the masterplan, the CLI will build a tower building, one 14-storey, and a 16-storey.

“The impact of this project will not only benefit the Archdiocese, but also every Cebuano. The new Patria de Cebu will uplift the downtown area that is need of a master-planned development that connects well to the city's history while creating new practical functions to serve the community,” added Soberano.

The joint project is expected to be completed by 2021 to serve as the centerpiece of the 500th year celebration of Christianity in Cebu. Groundbreaking is set in the first quarter of 2019.

From its origins as a youth recreation center, Patria de Cebu has been used as a convent for nuns, and finally as a budget-friendly hostel for city visitors needing clean, safe yet inexpensive accommodations.