An aerial view of the Senior Citizens Park and the Compania Maritima building (top left corner) in this July 15, 2015 file photo. (CDN FILE PHOTO)
Both Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña and the Cebu Ports Authority are considering to put up a resto-bar at the Compania Maritima building.
“He (Osmeña) wants to preserve the present look of the Compania Maritima. I have tapped architects (for the design). This will take time,” CPA general manager Edmund Tan said.
Tan said he first suggested to convert the building into a maritime museum but added that he is also okay with Osmeña’s plans.
Tan said there is no specific design yet for the resto-bar since they still have to present this to Osmeña for approval.
When asked about the income for the planned resto-bar, Tan said he still has to discuss it with Osmeña.
The paving of the lot area around the building will be continued by the CPA.
“Details on this will be presented to the mayor before the implementation,” Tan said.
During the time of former mayor Michael Rama, a court dispute ensued between City Hall and the CPA over ownership of the Compania Maritima building.
The CPA filed a complaint for injunction with quieting of title.
Named defendants were Rama and acting City Assessor Eustaquio Cesa. The CPA asked the court to determine the real owner of the Compania Maritima.
“He (Osmeña) is very cooperative with CPA and has told me we have no conflict regarding the area,” Tan said.
Tan said they can settle amicably in court after the new developments with the present administration.