The building found in the heart of the city was first used as the office of Mandaue's presidente or mayor since the Commonwealth era.

The Mandaue Presidencia was inaugurated on 12 September 1937 during the incumbency of Cebu Governor Sotero B. Cabahug.

Its construction begun two years earlier with an estimated cost at that time of Php 28,000.00.

During the second world war, the presidencia was used as a garrison by the Japanese Imperial forces.

An additional floor was also added from the main building connecting to the two new wings.