Fra Noi Embrace Your Inner Italian
A new day is dawning at Casa Italia as the village of Stone Park enters into negotiations with the Scalabrini Fathers to purchase the property bordered by Division Street and 39th, 37th and Soffel avenues. The Casa currently leases the property from the religious order.
Plans for the property include a park district-style facility with banquet rooms and offices, police station, and pro-size soccer field and event pavilion, but the Casa isn’t going anywhere.
The organization will consolidate operations in the building that houses the Italian Cultural Center. The oldest structure in Stone Park, the building will be brought up to code, with renovations including new restrooms and an elevator.
It will be business as usual for Casa Italia throughout the renovation and construction processes, with programs and events continuing while the property is under redevelopment.
Stone Park Mayor Ben Mazzulla has pledged to work closely with the Casa board to make the transition as seamless as possible, Casa Chairman Ron Onesti reports. The move will reduce insurance and maintenance costs significantly, allowing funds raised to be focused on cultural activities, Onesti notes.
“We couldn’t be more excited, and we are already booking 2024 events,” he says. “These upgrades will ensure a wonderful future for our camp and all of our concerts and festivals. Plus, there will be a police station on the grounds! What could be better than that?”
