DOMINICAN Hill will be transformed into a venue for art and cultural exhibits, seminars, and similar events, but the building’s basic design will be preserved, following a plan by the Baguio City government to restore the famous landmark.
"We will be adoptive re-use in the context of historical preservation. We will retain most of the structure but strengthen the weak portions," City Environment and Parks Management Officer Coleen Lacsamana said.
The building’s baroque facade and exterior will be kept, Lacsamana said.
Built in 1913 as a retreat for Dominican priests, the building has gone through various transformations through the years.
For a while the Dominicans ran a school at the place. During World War II Dominican Hill served as a prisoner of war camp and a refugee center. Its last reincarnation was as the Diplomat Hotel.
After it closed, Dominican Hill developed a reputation as a haunted house.
"It was known as a fright and dark tourist destination but we're promoting it now as a wholesome place," Lacsamana said.
The city, which owns 3.24 hectares of the 17 hectare-property through a Deed of Conveyance issued by the Presidential Management Staff in 2004, made some minor improvements such as perimeter fencing, park lighting and landscaping, spending P60,769,360 for it.
After Dominican Hill was declared as a heritage site by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines on September 1, 2014, the pace of development stepped up. A steel case ladder leading to the rooftop was installed where visitors are treated to a sweeping view of the city below.
A flag staff was put up to symbolize the partnership with people from 10 countries that contributed to the establishment and operation of the building.
Earlier this week a “love lock” site was opened to lure more tourists.
This year, City Hall plans to build an aviary or a butterfly sanctuary within the building, revive Dominican Hill’s rain harvesting system and set up an eco-trail, among other developments.
But bigger things are in store for Dominican Hill.
A Technical Working Group from City Hall is looking at a development concept drawn by Architect Nicanor Latogan of the University of the Cordilleras.
Latogan wants to retain the building’s historical character while opening it to revenue-generating possibilities.
Cost estimates prepared in 2008 for the concept put the price tag at P98 million.
P20 million will go to renovating the building, P8 million to develop the parking area; P25 million for slope management, P30 million for greening and landscaping; P5 million for fencing; P5 million for the drainage system; and P5 million for the sewer lines.
rWork on Dominican Hill will be done in coordination with the National Commission for Culture and Arts and the National Historical Commission of the Philippines.