Martini House

The Project and Implementation

This acquisition fits, linearly and consistently, into a dynamic and innovative operational will that, since its foundation (1864), has marked the activities of the Locarno Men's Mutual Aid Society. Suffice it to recall here the creation in 1964 of the Colonia Vandoni (desired by its founder and donor Cordialino Vandoni), and the construction in 1989 of "Casa Margherita" at 7 Peschiera Street with the provision of 18 apartments at moderate rents. The idea behind this new operation is to follow up on its social goals, and in particular to be able to create new housing opportunities for people in difficulty and in need of relief who are residents or 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 on Via Vallemaggia (location "In Selva") in Locarno, while ratifying the notarized deed signed by the committee and accepting an initial credit for preliminary feasibility and intervention studies on the building.

The sale and purchase negotiations were conducted in the most authentic mutualistic spirit. In fact, the sellers Messrs. Luigina and Marzio Martini of Ascona wished to favor the Men's Mutual Aid Society with particularly favorable terms of sale, but above all by also participating with a personal donation of their own. And this, as a further attestation of esteem for the activity carried out by the society, as well as in memory of the figure of Cordialino Vandoni, one of the most beloved benefactors of the Locarnese.

The Committee, as a sign of gratitude for this important gesture, has decided that the building will bear the name "Casa Martini".

Study group

In the meantime, a specific study group is formed for the purpose of assessing the real needs at the regional level and consequently defining its contents and strategies for the development of the project.

Construction license

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

Voted on the construction credit

The Extraordinary General Meeting held on November 28, 2018 unanimously approved the credit of CHF 1,400,000 for the renovation of "Casa Martini" as per the budget and related implementation plans.

Commencement of renovation work

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

Convention with the Francis Foundation for Social Aid 

Fundamental was the search for the partner who could ensure competent and professional management of the future "Casa Martini" facility. We are convinced that the Fondazione Francesco per l'aiuto sociale, headed by Brother Martino Dotta, is the ideal partner in this regard, and during December 2018, an agreement was signed between the parties that will regulate the management methods and respective competencies.