“Did you hear that?” A cat meows nearby. We are standing at Borgo di Cascina Gatti in Sesto San Giovanni. It is a stone’s throw from Milan. It is also near the Adriano district.
Cascina Gatta has a rich history. Let’s delve into its past. Once, it was a small group of houses. These homes clustered around a little church. The church looks medieval. But the Chiesa di Santa Maria Nascente was built in 1901.
However, the area’s origins are much older. It first appeared in an official document in 842. Back then, it was called “Sundro”. This Lombard term meant a large estate. It belonged to one person or a family. In the 1200s, it got its current name. The Gatta or Gatti family lived here.
Cascina Gatta was one of the few farms. Nearby were other farms and Falck steelworks. It resisted the industrial growth of Sesto and Milan. This area is undergoing transformation. New houses, shops and squares are being built. The old piazzetta of the Chiesa di S. Maria Nascente is being redeveloped. So is the section of Via Fratelli di Dio. Sadly, cultivated fields have almost disappeared.
The complex to the west is more imposing. But the group to the east is stranger. It has an unusual architectural design. Rounded edges and bright red terraces mark it. The commercial part on Via Fratelli di Dio is under construction. It will have a metal truss ceiling.
The new complex covers over 236,000 square meters. It is located in Sesto San Giovanni. Via F.lli Di Dio borders it to the north. The Manin sports center and Via G. Vittorio are to the east. Milan is to the south. Via Livorno lies to the west. A large green space will be at the center. Residential buildings will flank the sides.
The plan includes 19,000 square meters for primary urbanization. This includes parking and roads. Another 19,000 square meters are for secondary urbanization. Think of an urban park and green spaces. A vast 174,000 square meters are for an extensive park. It is part of the Parco della Media Valle del Lambro. Around 24,400 square meters are for buildings. Over 16,500 are for cooperative and municipal housing.
The housing complex has nine buildings. They vary in height from 4 to 11 floors. There are 257 energy-efficient apartments. They are class A. Plus, there are 279 parking spaces underground.
The project paid close attention to construction techniques. The finishes and apartment layouts are top-notch. This reflects the Cooperative’s 110 years of experience. Community services and green spaces define Residenza Univillage. It is a new district of Sesto San Giovanni. It blends into the urban fabric.
Community services include 400 square meters for childcare. There is a nursery for 28 children. It covers 200 square meters. A kindergarten serves 25 children on 105 square meters. Shared spaces for both cover 85 square meters. A clinic spans about 500 square meters. The Consorzio il Sole manages it. They run a similar clinic in Cinisello Balsamo. A semi-covered piazza offers 600 square meters. It hosts social activities. Shops face onto it. Finally, there are 174,000 square meters of the Parco della Media Valle del Lambro. Plus, 19,000 square meters for an urban park with paths.
In March 2016, work began on the Cascina Gatti park. It is located between Via Mulino Tuono, Livorno and Curie. The project cost almost one million euros. It was split into two lots covering 140,000 square meters. This is a significant environmental restoration. It connects to the Parco della Media Valle del Lambro.
The innovative project includes infrastructure and waterworks. It also focuses on green spaces. The infrastructure work involves creating two artificial lakes. Lago Tuono is in the north. Lago Bergamella is in the south near Milan. Hydraulic circuits and drainage systems maintain them.
The green space project completes the Bergamella gardens. It renovates existing woodlands and ditches. New ditches and plants are added. Large lawns form the park’s center. Irrigation systems are installed. The result? An urban park full of water features.
So, as we stand here at Cascina Gatta, consider its journey. From ancient origins to modern renewal. It is a blend of history and progress.