BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – The Palafox Associates architectural firm, the winning bidder to prepare the Dominican Hill Heritage Site redevelopment plan, has finished and presented their output in a final public consultation held Jan. 20, 2026 at the Baguio Convention and Cultural Center.
The public consultation was open to the public, stakeholders, heritage advocates, professionals and other interested individuals while it was also broadcast via social media livestream to reach a wider audience ensuring an inclusive decision-making in the adaptive reuse of the 3.2-hectare city government’s property.
The Palafox team led by Heritage Conservation Specialist Architect Joel V. Rico have presented a comprehensive Conservation Management Plan (CMP) for the century-old Dominican Hill Heritage Site project focused on the preservation and adaptive reuse while promoting sustainable development aligned with the 2021 Guidelines for Cultural Properties.
Key features of the CMP include the retention of the original facade and the additional modern elements such as the following: Crystal Gazebo inspired by Fr. Roque Ruano’s original design – paying homage to the retreat house’s historical intent; Skylighted Portico – designed to enhance natural daylight and reducing the need for artificial lighting; Spiral Staircase replacing the semi-circular staircase while adding a Scenic Elevator for persons with disability accessibility; and a Patio and Garden in the Atrium. The design aims to enhance the structure’s aesthetic and functional appeal while integrating it into the surrounding landscape.
Adaptive reuse of the building prioritizes state-of-the art galleries to serve as a Creative Hub for local artists considering that Baguio City is a designated UNESCO Creative City for crafts and folk arts.
Multipurpose halls and a historical wall will also be integrated with an industrial design.
Additionally, a proposed restaurant will be incorporated serving as a commercial component to generate income for site maintenance and heritage conservation.
Outside the building, a hillside amphitheater will be weaved into the existing landscape; at least two Cantilever view decks will be integrated without cutting existing mature trees; a sound garden or meditation zone; a deck/frontage expansion; adaptive reuse restaurant; a picnic and botanical garden; adaptive reuse of the 10 commandments building; an outdoor gallery and donor’s wall; and pedestrianized pathways.
“The property offers only about 30% of its area as buildable land, due to slopes being less than 18%, which complicates the planning process. Furthermore, the buildable area is encircled by lush vegetation and mature trees, protected under the Baguio Environmental Code, preventing any tree removal,” the team stated.
To address the site’s parking requirements, the team identified a nearby open-space approximately 250 meters from the main gate – that currently functions as a ground parking area. Said space can be redeveloped into a mixed-use parking facility that includes a ticketing area, administration office, and commercial components.
The team recommends the implementation of a park and walk setting to minimize vehicular traffic and reduce carbon emissions within the property. Also, the inclusion of a Hop-On, Hop-Off shuttle service is proposed to facilitate seamless access for commuters and visitors.
For Persons with Disabilities, the team proposes the installation of a hill hiker system similar to a funicular. The system would transport PWDs from the base of the Dominican Hill to the property located at the top.
During the final public consultation, traffic and garbage management were pointed out, and the team assured that these are all part of the business plan component of the CMP.
In the study, a carrying capacity of 200 persons at a time inside the building was calculated, and 2,000 individuals outside.
The Dominican Hill Heritage Site, located in Barangay Dominican-Mirado,r is recognized as a Grade 2 level heritage property under the internal rules and regulations of RA10066, which covers Important Cultural Properties, Natural Properties of Cultural Significance, Declared Archeological Sites, Heritage Trees, Heritage Zones, Marked Structures, and Gabaldon School Buildings.
In 2022, the National Commission on Culture and the Arts (NCCA) secured a 15 million pesos national grant for the Detailed Architectural and Engineering Design Service (DEADS) and the development of the CMP.
Historical and cultural significance were the major considerations in the preparation of the CMP, as well as a series of technical workshops and consultations with stakeholders.
The team projected a probable project construction cost of more than P800 million to P1 billion for the conservation and adaptive reuse of the Dominican Hill Heritage Site, at par with Green Building Certification Standards. – Jessa Mardy Samidan
