Casa Martini Locarno

Martini House

The Project and its Implementation

This acquisition fits in seamlessly and coherently with a dynamic and innovative operational approach that has characterized the activities of the Locarno Men's Mutual Aid Society since its foundation in 1864. Suffice it to recall the creation in 1964 of the Colonia Vandoni (commissioned by its founder and donor Cordialino Vandoni), and the construction in 1989 of "Casa Margherita" in Via Peschiera 7, with 18 apartments available at moderate rents. The idea behind this new operation is to pursue its social goals, and in particular to create new housing opportunities for people in difficulty and in need of assistance who are residents of or come from the Locarno area.

 

Purchase of the property

The extraordinary meeting held on December 10, 2015 unanimously approved the proposal to purchase the Martini property located in Via Vallemaggia (location "In Selva") in Locarno, ratifying at the same time the notarial deed signed by the committee and accepting an initial loan for preliminary feasibility studies and work on the building.

The sale negotiations were conducted in the true spirit of mutual aid. In fact, the sellers, Luigina and Marzio Martini of Ascona, wanted to support the men's mutual aid society with particularly favorable sales conditions and, above all, by making a personal donation. This was a further demonstration of their esteem for the association's work and a tribute to Cordialino Vandoni, one of Locarno's most beloved benefactors.

As a sign of gratitude for this important gesture, the Committee has decided that the building will be named "Casa Martini."

Study group

In the meantime, a specific study group has been set up to assess the real needs at regional level and consequently define the content and strategies for the development of the project.

Building permit

In November 2016, the building application (Studio Aldo Cacchioli architectures sa) was submitted and the relevant license was granted in May 2017. It should be noted that there were no objections to the project.

Construction loan approved

the extraordinary meeting held on November 28, 2018 unanimously approved the loan of CHF 1,400,000 for the renovation of "Casa Martini" as per the estimate and related executive plans.

Start of renovation work

The construction site was opened in April 2019 and the work was completed at the end of February 2020.

Agreement with the Francesco Foundation for Social Aid

It was essential to find a partner who could ensure the competent and professional management of the future "Casa Martini" facility. We are convinced that the Francesco Foundation for Social Aid, directed by Fra Martino Dotta, is the ideal partner in this regard, and in December 2018, an agreement was signed between the parties that will regulate the management methods and respective responsibilities.