DAVAO CITY — Homegrown real estate developer Escandor Development Corp. (EsDevCo) and sister firm The Royal Mandaya Hotel (TRMH) are developing an old inn into a mixed-use skyscraper.

The Escandor Group of Companies recently acquired the Royale House Travel Inn and Suites, previously owned by the Nograles, a known political clan.

The Royale Travel Inn, which used to be mainly a business traveller’s hotel, has been renamed Davao Royal Suites and Residences and now being managed by TRMH as a combined dormitory with 49 rooms, hotel with 71 rooms, a convenience store, laundry shop, coffee shop and a restaurant.

TRMH General Manager Benjie J. Banzon, Jr. said the Escandor Group plans to redevelop the 2,000-square meter (sq.m.) property in three years, converting it into a mixed-use complex with a hotel, condominium, and a commercial component. “As of the moment, we are more on the planning stage and it would take time as building a high-rise structure is not easy… We have to maximize the 2,001 sq.m.,” Mr. Banzon said.

Mr. Banzon added that they also aim to maximize the height limit in the area, which is in the center of the downtown district, and would build a structure of up to 35 floors if given permit by the city government.

Mr. Banzon said EsDevCo will lead the project development.  In the meantime, TRMH will be undertaking renovations and a redesign of the existing building.

Mr. Banzon said the Davao Royal Suites and Residences complements the operations of TRMH, also located in the city’s downtown area. “TRMH had been giving business to other hotels due to our over-bookings. We normally provide spillovers to nearby hotels,” he said. — Maya M. Padillo

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