Three different eras of Panama’s history come to life at Hotel La Compañía. Today we want to tell you about our experience executing a project in a historical area that is so important for Panama, the Casco Antiguo.

This iconic project has a special charm, an architectural mix throughout the center of the old city or Casco Antiguo as it is also known; which makes each story of its entire history emotional and that is because in this project you will find stories in every corner of the hotel, making the site a complete jewel.

Originally built as a Jesuit convent in 1688, the project showcases architectural styles such as Spanish, French, and American, thus divided into the hotel’s three wings. The buildings have been categorized according to their history and the restoration of each wing has been designed to rescue it with changes that do not disturb it and preserve the original structure.

The Casco Antiguo de Panamá is included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, so working on a project located in this area generates both challenges and learning. The most important thing when working on a project located in a site of historical heritage, in addition to having private regulations and statutes that meticulously govern the area, is the responsibility to protect and preserve the national identity, the feeling of belonging, and to take care of each detail.

Throughout the execution of the project, under the direction of Mar Azul, an important challenge was working in the central patio, since when the earthworks were carried out as a result of the project, there were finds of historical objects. Upon encountering these findings, Historical Heritage was notified. It was also a mandatory requirement to have an archaeologist endorsed by the managing entity in the project to assist in each finding that occurred. When a finding was presented, the work was stopped until what was found was studied, a survey was carried out, it was removed from the site, and after they gave us the order to restart the work. In each situation, the entities in the area were informed and registered by the responsible institutions. Among the main findings we can mention:

→ Finding of a colonial wall along the outskirts of the building (Central Patio), less than 1.50 m deep, dating from 1688. Assistance was immediately requested from the institution in charge, several archaeologists verified the discovery, and they asked us to cordon off and preserve said architectural element within the construction, which is why the design was adapted to maintain this wall and incorporate it into the final design.

→ The second important finding was a human skeleton, also found nearby the central patio. It is estimated that this space functioned as a cemetery at that time since it is located next to the Church of the Company of Jesus, which also functioned as a Catholic convent and university. This finding was transferred for further analysis and review by archaeologists and responsible entities.

For us, as the Mar Azulteam, having been part of the Hotel La Compañía Project has marked a milestone, being part of a seven-year restoration project that tells stories, imagined and designed by its owner detail by detail, and in which historians, artisans, architects, and engineers from all over the world came together to make it a palpable reality and create a worthy experience, being able to be part of history through the details. Hotel la Compañía is, without a doubt, a work of art in our region and we are proud and satisfied to have fulfilled and been part of this jewel of the Casco Antiguo.

Show project

Hospitality

La Compañía
Hotel

Project: Hotel
Location: Casco Antiguo, Panama
Construction period: 2019 – Present
Promoter: Shebandowan Holdings, S. A.
Project investment: USD 20 MM
Construction area: 9,000 m2

Visit project

Historic hotel project consisting of the complete restoration and reuse of the four buildings that made up a 17th century Jesuit mission, the Society of Jesus. An emblematic project for our city.

The hotel will have 88 unique rooms, five restaurants, a bar and, on the rooftop, a sky lounge, full spa, hairdresser, swimming pool and jacuzzi.

→ Management of contractors.

→ Quality control, budget and quantity calculation.

→ Project management.

→ Project technical inspection.

→ Management of progress invoices.

→ Final delivery.

Hospitality

La Compañía
Hotel

Project: Hotel
Location: Casco Antiguo, Panama
Construction period:
2019 – Present
Promoter: Shebandowan Holdings, S. A.
Project investment: USD 20 MM
Construction area: 9,000 m2

Visit project

Historic hotel project consisting of the complete restoration and reuse of the four buildings that made up a 17th century Jesuit mission, the Society of Jesus. An emblematic project for our city.

The hotel will have 88 unique rooms, five restaurants, a bar and, on the rooftop, a sky lounge, full spa, hairdresser, swimming pool and jacuzzi.

→ Management of contractors.

→ Quality control, budget and quantity calculation.

→ Project management.

→ Project technical inspection.

→ Management of progress invoices.

→ Final delivery.